Winter might be thought of as the low season but here at Pengelly Retreat we have been busy with lovely guests all year round. And some might say that it’s the guests in the know that visit Cornwall in the winter months as you get the most amazing places pretty much all to yourself. Yes the weather can be stormy but we do get our share of gorgeous crisp sunny winter’s days here. And you can be sure of blowing away the cobwebs if you visit at this time of year too!
So to celebrate the winter months and those intrepid visitors who aren’t put off by cold and frosty mornings, here’s some of our favourite things to do in Cornwall in the winter months:
Winter welly walk on the beach – Cornwall boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Bold statement, but I don’t think anyone would disagree! And while the summer months draw the big crowds, the winter months are the best time for getting these beautiful expanses of sand, sea and fresh air to yourself. We love that we can be on a beautiful north or south coast beach within 15 minutes’ – being in the middle has it’s benefits! So pull on those wellies and get a lung full of fresh air. We are big fans of Gwithian & Godrevy on the north coast and Praa Sands and Poldhu on the south.
Cold water swimming – open air swimming is all the rage at the moment with a list of health benefit as long as your arm. Amongst other things, plunging into cold water can help relieve anxiety and depression – and help you sleep better too (although best to check with your GP before taking the plunge). Now I’m going to be completely honest here, there is no way I’m going to leap into cold water in the middle of winter. However Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Jim both swear by it. So you can’t argue with that. And where better to test it out than a beautiful Cornish beach – or the even more freezing at this time of year wild swimming lake at Pengelly Retreat!
Chilling out in a cosy pub or restaurant – if you’ve had enough of the bracing fresh air, then how about spending some time in one of Cornwall’s lovely pubs or restaurants with some hearty food to keep you toasty warm. We really like Sunday lunches at Kota Kai in Porthleven, Trengilly Wartha near Constantine, Heron Inn at Malpas and Pandora Inn at Restronguet. Porthleven is one of our favourite places if we’re wanting to pop out for a meal, it’s only 10 minutes’ drive from us and there’s a whole range of cafes, restaurants and pubs to choose from. Also a great spot to watch the intrepid surfers catching the waves by the pier, even on the chilliest winter day.
Hang out in St Ives, without the crowds – we do love beautiful St Ives and it’s only 20 minutes’ or so drive from Pengelly Retreat. But for us it’s a bit of a no-go zone in the summer months as it gets so busy. In the winter it’s a fab place to visit, parking is easy-peasy (something you won’t be saying in the summer) and there are lots of independent shops and galleries to browse around in the charming cobbled streets. The Tate St Ives is a always a winner on a rainy day, potter round the exhibits, enjoy the views of Porthmeor Beach out of the windows and head up to the cafe for a well-earned cup of tea and a scone.
Catch a movie at the artsy Newlyn Filmhouse – Newlyn is a one to watch on the up and coming lists. Traditionally a bustling fishing port there’s been a recent burgeoning of eating places, shops and galleries here. The Newlyn Filmhouse is a great place to head off to on a winter’s afternoon or evening for a meal at the restaurant/cafe. After refuelling, head into one of the plush cinema rooms to curl up on a very comfortable chair (or sofa!) and watch a movie. It’s so posh, they even have a no-rustle policy with only drinks and ice cream allowed in to the cinema rooms. Ideal for those of us who get a bit annoyed by someone crunching through a large portion of popcorn during the crucial bits of the film…
We hope that’s given you some winter inspiration for your next Cornwall visit. If you fancy a winter – or indeed a spring, summer, autumn – stay in one of our lovely lakeside houses, then head to our availability calendars now to check out which dates are still free. We’re booking up fast for 2020 so you need to get in there to get the dates of your choice! Look forward to seeing you soon and look out for the next Postcard from Pengelly.