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10 Reasons to Visit Cornwall this Autumn

Haven’t had your 2021 holiday yet? Not to worry you haven’t missed out – there’s still time to come and stay with us this year in Cornwall, with some great special offers on this autumn.

Autumn is a brilliant time to visit Cornwall and here is why…

1. Less cash, less crowds

All of that Cornish beauty is still here, but the crowds aren’t and off-peak it costs less to stay in Cornwall, and there’s nothing not to love about that!
Autumn is a time when you can have a much more relaxed break, with clearer roads, less crowded beaches and fishing towns and villages. You can park your car and visit the best places in Cornwall in without the hassle that comes with crowds.

Crantock beach, Cornwall2. Better Weather

Often, and we don’t want to jinx it, the weather is balmy and pleasant in September and October. Sometimes we have even been lucky enough to have an Indian summer too! And there are still enough daytime hours to enjoy all that Cornwall has to offer before dark.

3. Cosy pubs

If the weather isn’t as warm as you would have hoped, or you are having so much fun that it gets dark before you realise the time, there is the pub. Cornwall has some great pubs in some beautiful locations, our favourites include The Lewinnick Lodge, which overlooks Fistral, The Bowgie that overlooks Crantock, along with The Smuggler’s Den near Cubert, nestled in the Cornish countryside: this 16th century thatched inn is the definition of cosy.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan, jungle bridge, Cornwall 4. Bloomed gardens

The leaves may be falling, but many of the gardens in Cornwall remain in bloom, with some wonderful summer colours to see as well as those well-loved autumn reds, browns and yellows.

You are spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful gardens here in Cornwall. One of the most famous being The Lost Gardens of Heligan, which has acres of garden to explore, from traditional, to its very own jungle – it won’t disappoint.

Trebah is a real treat, with a colourful garden that leads to its own private beach on the Helford River.

Trelissick, in Feock, also combines lush and leafy with water and Trelissick offers fantastic maritime views.

Then there is Pinetum gardens, which has much to explore, just outside of St Austell with some terrific tea rooms too.

5. Beautiful beachesView of Porth Island

Of course, they are always beautiful, but in autumn when the crowds of summer have gone, they feel more peaceful and beautiful than ever. A calm falls over Cornwall as the season begins to change, and the beaches definitely reflect this. Enjoy the beaches and the coast paths surrounding them.

6. Good surf

The water has had all summer to warm up, and the surfing conditions are often better at this time of year.
It is a good time to get in the water with less crowds and often still lifeguarded beaches, though do check the RNLI website for information on where is lifeguarded and where is not.

7. A great time for ForagingBlackberries

Blackberries are out at the beginning to mid-September, and you can pick them across Cornwall, maybe combining blackberry picking with a coastal walk. There is nothing more satisfying than a blackberry crumble, with a huge dollop of Cornish Clotted Cream of course!

Nettles, yes stinging nettles! Don’t worry though they do not sting if they are boiled and you can have them with a roast or whip them up in a smoothie with vitamins A, C and K, potassium, iron and calcium – all great for fighting off those winter bugs!

Sloes can be foraged in autumn – collect these and make Sloe gin. They must soak for at least three months in gin so if you do it in September it will be ready for Christmas!

8. A friendly time for your four-legged family member

Dogs will also enjoy Cornwall in autumn, dogs love the crisper air and cooler weather. Many of the seasonal dog bans on the beaches are also lifted, so your dog can have a good run on the beach and you can explore more of Cornwall with every family member. Read about dog-friendly holidays here.

9. Woodland Walks

There is nothing more autumnal than crunching through some leaves in the woods. Cornwall has some wonderful woodland to explore, including the vast Tehidy – the largest woodland in Cornwall. Enjoy the varied flora and fauna, explore around the lake and enjoy the café. Tehidy is located in West Cornwall.
Or try Cardinham near Bodmin, great for a woodland adventure. Cyclists will love it here, as it has trails.

Beach Sunset Newquay

10. Stunning Sunsets

Any local will tell you that autumn is the best time to watch the sunset, with rich colours, such as orange, pink and purple making the sunsets extra special. Be sure to take a photo to remember it by.