Ten Reasons Why Cornwall is Fantastic in the Autumn

If you thought Cornwall was purely a summer holiday destination then think again. All four seasons have their own unique characteristics and offer many distinct reasons to visit. The autumn is a particularly special time when Cornwall is quieter and returns to a more natural pace of life after the high summer season. But there’s still plenty to do and see as nature puts on a a show of its own and the weather can often stay warm right up until the end of October.

So why should you visit Cornwall in the autumn? We give you 10 reasons to visit.

1. Enjoy a Quieter Cornwall

It’s lovely in Cornwall in the summer, but let’s face it - it can be pretty hectic. Packed beaches and queues at attractions are just some of the downsides of visiting Cornwall in the school summer holiday. But as soon as school starts again, the crowds disappear leaving a much more peaceful Cornwall for you to enjoy in the autumn. There is more space to to enjoy the tranquil nature of this stunning destination. Take a stroll along the beach, across the cliff-tops or through the streets and have a relaxing break free from the stresses of daily life.

2. Find Cheaper Accommodation

Finding the perfect accommodation in the summer requires early planning as the best properties are in high demand and command high prices. But if you look outside the main summer season, you will be amazed at the choice of accommodation in Cornwall at rather reasonable prices. Autumn is one of these shoulder periods when it’s just as enjoyable to visit Cornwall but you don’t have to break the bank to stay. To find accommodation for an autumn break, check out the collection of first class properties at Carbis Bay Holidays.

3. Enjoy Autumn Colours

Cornwall is particularly beautiful in the autumn when the trees glow brown, red and gold. Throughout the county, there are wooded valleys, parks and gardens where you can see a display of colour which contrast perfectly against the rugged moors and beaches. Some great places to catch an autumnal display include Anne’s Wood near Lelant, Golitha Falls near Bodmin or any of the National Trust gardens such as Glendurgan, Trelissick and Lanhydrock.

4. Ride Bigger Waves

After the summer flat spell, the first swells of autumn are warmly welcomed by Cornwall’s community of surfers. This is generally the season when well-groomed swells generated on the other side of the Atlantic push into the coast and create fun, wave-riding conditions on the beaches. While the bigger waves are best left to the professionals, it is still possible to learn to surf at some of the more sheltered beaches in Cornwall. And if you’re not up for the challenge yourself, you can always watch the acrobatic performances of seasoned surfers on beaches all along the coast.

5. Bathe in the Warm Sea

Having been warmed by the sun all summer, the sea remains warm well into autumn making it a great time to paddle or swim in the sea. If you pick a sheltered cove or choose a day when the waves are not too big, you can immerse yourself in the ocean and bathe in the beautiful surroundings. Carbis Bay is an idyllic spot for a swim, so is Battery Rocks in Penzance which is generally sheltered from prevailing wind and waves. There are also some natural bathing pools and man made tidal pools scattered along the coast, including large rock pools at Portreath, Cape Cornwall and Mousehole.

6. Reserve a Restaurant

Another reason to visit Cornwall in the autumn is the ability to dine at popular restaurants, at short notice, which have often been booked up for months. There are plenty of options for fine dining in Cornwall and you will have the pick of the crop in autumn. If you’re in the St Ives area, check out Seagrass or the Porthminster Cafe. If you’re into food and want to explore further afield, The Driftwood in Portscatho, Nathan Outlaw’s Restaurant in St Enodoc and Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen at Watergate Bay are well worth the journey.

7. Travel Without Delay

There’s nothing worse that spending your holiday time snarled up in traffic. Luckily traffic jams are rare in Cornwall and limited to peak holiday periods. But anyone who knows Cornwall will tell you that the small roads to villages and remote beaches can be slow going in the summer. In the autumn it’s much easier to get from A to B and explore everything that Cornwall has to offer.

8. Enjoy Some Spectacular Events

Just because the summer is over, doesn’t mean Cornwall shuts up shop during the autumn. There is still a packed schedule of events and entertainment at this time of year. Chief among these is the St Ives September Festival, Harvest Festival at the Eden Project, the Fal River Walking Festival and the Cornwall Food and Drink Festival in Truro. See the VisitCornwall’s What’s On pages for more information.

9. Explore Wilderness Areas

While we all hope that we get an Indian Summer, it’s not always warm enough to sit on the beach for long periods in the autumn months. But it is a fantastic time to set off on foot to explore some of Cornwall’s ‘wilderness’ areas including secluded coves, remote stretches of the coast, rugged moors or simply park up and watch the waves crashing against headlands. Such natural attractions include Cape Cornwall, the Land’s End coastline, as well as Golitha Falls and Rough Tor up on Bodmin Moor.

10. Chill Out in Style

Above all autumn is a great time to sit back, relax and admire the spectacular Cornish scenery. This can be done from the comfort of your own seaview holiday accommodation (see www.carbisbayholidays.co.uk) or a cosy coastal cafe or pub. For deeper relaxation, you could treat yourself to spa treatments at plush hotels and day spas throughout Cornwall.