Autumn in Cornwall.
I’m not sure if I should bring this up, but there is definite chill in the evening air that suggests autumn is on the way. Instead of focussing on the non-so-fun parts of the seasonal change, we have decided to think positive, and highlight some of the amazing things that happen in Cornwall during this magical season. It might be time to stow the bikini away for another year but check out the list below and get excited about some of the fun that can be had in beautiful autumn.
Walking, cycling and swimming.
Take advantage of the quieter hiking and cycling paths and get out in the fresh air! This stretch of North Cornwall is famous for its dramatic coastline, which can be experienced in all its glory by walking the Southwest Coast path, the UK’s longest National Trail. The path is well signposted from most beaches and will lead you along the coast, offering breath-taking scenery at every turn. A walk around Trevose Head is a must, and if you are lucky, you might see the RNLI lifeboat launch from its station at Mother Ivey’s Bay. For those with strong legs (and the right shoes!), follow the path as it winds towards Padstow, where you can reward yourself with a pint and pasty on the harbour. For those on two wheels, the Camel Trail is a flat (ish!) cycle trail that starts in Padstow and meanders alongside the estuary to Wadebridge, where you can stop for a well-earned slice of cake before carrying on to Bodmin. The trail goes through some gorgeous countryside, and there are plenty of things to see and do along the way. Continuing on the active theme, the sea is at its warmest at this time of year, so zip yourself into that wetsuit and chuck yourself in the ocean! Whether its booking that surf lesson you’ve been meaning to have for ages, or just having a gentle dip in a sea pool, now is the best time to give yourself a big dose of vitamin sea before the winter chill arrives.
https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk
https://www.wavessurfschool.co.uk
A spot of culture.
If all that activity has tired you out, why not connect with your inner culture-vulture and get arty? This beautiful part of the world has inspired renowned creatives for centuries, and there are lots of local experts who are keen to share their knowledge and drag that inner artist out of you! How about an Art and Wine Workshop, where you can sip and splash to your hearts content, or a guided photography walk, exploring the local areas in their autumnal shades, and learning how to get the most out of your camera? Should your creativity flourish in the kitchen, we have plenty of artisan producers and chefs who are waiting to show off their incredible seasonal produce, all while you learn how to make tasty things. Learn to cook over flames at Padstow Kitchen Garden, or book yourself into Rick Steins Cookery School for a masterclass in all thing’s seafood, and most importantly, take those skills home and impress the heck out of your friends and family! For a cultural moment that is hard to beat, head to The Minack Theatre to experience true drama, coming from both the backdrop and the stage. As the evenings draw in, and with the sun setting on the ocean, this is really the most breath-taking venue. Just don’t forget your blanket and something to sit on, those stone steps can get a little chilly…..
https://www.artandwinecornwall.com
https://www.katewhisphotography.co.uk/guided-photography-walks
https://rickstein.com/the-rick-steins-cookery-school/
https://www.padstowkitchengarden.co.uk
https://www.minack.com/whats-on
Only in autumn………
You can’t have an autumn without pumpkins. That’s a fact. Trevathen Farm Nr St Endellion has a patch of beauties year upon year and is the site of many a squabble over who gets the warty one. If you find yourself further down the county, then Lobbs Farm Shop has a stunning array of seasonal produce, as well as pumpkins galore, and you might even get yourself a hayride if you’re lucky.
Cornwall is host to a wealth of autumnal festivals, and like all good things in life, they mostly centre around food and drink. Whether you like a good old dance and a few ciders or a belly full of seafood, we have the festival for you. Healy’s Cider Farm is the venue for the Little Orchard Cider Festival, where gallons upon gallons are sampled and swigged over the course of the weekend, all with a backdrop of music and yummy street food. Head to Falmouth for their annual Oyster Festival to celebrate all things crustacean, and enjoy chef demos, sample dishes and a few sea shanties to boot. Tying up the season is the Cornish Winter Fair, where food and farming are celebrated in a two-day extravaganza that features more than 150 stalls manned by producers of arts, crafts and food from all over Cornwall.
https://falmouthoysterfestival.co.uk