What To Do in Cornwall in Autumn

From scenic coastal walks to exploring the immense Eden Project, and of course staying in one of Rick Stein’s cosy shepherd huts, here’s our travel guide to what to do in Cornwall as we head into autumn.

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What To Do In Cornwall In Autumn

Celebrate Bonfire Night With SSAW Collective x Kudhva

If you’re wondering how best to celebrate Guy Fawkes night in Cornwall, go eco and head to Into The Woods, SSAW Collective x Kudhva‘s Bonfire Night Party. Situated in an ancient Cornish forest, guests can attend eye-opening talks on nature, adventure and regenerative work, chaired by Louise Middleton, founder of Kudhva, Cornwall’s cool, off-grid eco hideout. In the evening, SSAW Collective – founded by florists and flower growers Jess Geissendorfer and Olivia Wilson and professional chef Lulu Cox – will prepare a feast of a dinner with hyper-local Cornish produce. Then, dance the night away around the bonfire with cocktails and DJs, before settling down for the night in a geometric Kudhva treehouse. ssawcollective.com

 

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Stay in a Shepherd’s Hut in the Cornish Countryside

For those who love a cosy cabin the Rick Stein Shepherd’s Huts are for you. An idyllic retreat, explore the local Cornish countryside before settling in for a comforting meal at The Cornish Arms – the huts are located on the grounds of this Stein’s historic pub in St Merryn. Of course, it’s complete with oaring log fires for chilly autumn evenings. Each hut features a living and dining area, a double size bed, an ensuite shower room and kitchenette with underfloor heating. While you’re there, also check out their recently refurbished cookery school. rickstein.com

Explore the Eden Project

You can’t visit Cornwall without making a trip to the world-famous Eden Project. Home to biomes and 30-acre outdoor gardens, the project is located in a reclaimed china clay pit, close to St Blazey and St Austell. Highlights include the rainforest biome – it’s the largest in captivity, and you can trek through Southeast Asia, West Africa and South America. Then there’s the outside gardens, that host over 20 plant based exhibits and a permanent Invisible Worlds Exhibition in the core building dedicated to thrilling the senses.

Especially for October half term and Halloween 2022, there’s also an exciting line-up of events, including a magical torchlit trail, over 2000 pumpkins and squashes on display, a Day of the Dead celebration with hundreds of marigolds in bloom, web weaving workshops and a live puppet show. edenproject.com

Hunker Down at Tresanton Hotel

Olga Polizzi’s Tresanton Hotel is part of the St Mawes family – ‘Tre’ means homestead, while ‘santon’ refers to St Anthony’s head and lighthouse, which can be seen from all rooms. Once a club for original owner Jack Silley’s sailing buddies, the hotel still has a local membership who regularly meet. A white-washed facade nuzzling into the village rock face, staying here is like being a tortoise in a sightseeing race with the hare – you can pack it all in, but your pace can be wondrously slow. Take a ferry to Falmouth, wander around local gardens (Heligan, Lomorran and Trewithen are all close by) and visit Helford River, setting for Daphne Du Maurier’s Frenchman’s Creek, all secure in the knowledge that a cream tea, fire-side cocktail and top-notch supper await on your return. By Carole Annett. tresanton.com

Enjoy a Taste of Cornwall

For a taste of Cornwall, both of Michael Caines Cornish restaurants, The Cove at Maenporth and The Harbourside Refuge at Helson champion the very best Cornish produce and ingredients. As for dishes expect oysters, seabass, hake, mackerel, and scallops. thecovemaenporth.co.uk / theharboursiderefuge.co.uk

Learn How to Surf

Newquay is home of surfing, why not give it a go. The West Country Surf School have taught all ages, from 7 to 75, and people of varying swimming abilities, and confidence levels. There’s even yoga and surfing packages available. surfingschool.co.uk

Get a Wellness Boost

Calling all spa lovers, the luxury eco-hotel, Scarlet Hotel offers a day’s escape to the peaceful Cornish clifftops for ‘swim, soak, and supper’. The hotel itself is set within the rugged Cornish clifftops, and home to one the most renowned Ayurvedic eco spas in the UK featuring a bromine-filtered indoor swimming pool, outdoor natural reed pool, clifftop wooden sauna and restorative steam room. Once you’ve watched the sun set over the Atlantic ocean, tuck into a three-course dinner at the Scarlet restaurant. scarlethotel.co.uk

Take a Coastal Walk

There’s a whole host of scenic Cornish coast paths, and as the coast is largely rugged, expect the walking speed to be slower than the easier inland footpaths. Highlights include Park Head and Pentire Steps, a circular walk on Park Head, used as a filming location for Poldark and has spectacular views over Bedruthan Steps and the Trescore Islands. There’s also the West Pentire and Polly Joke walk that’ll take you through poppy fields. iwalkcornwall.co.uk

Visit a Castle

For history lovers head to the English Heritage site of Pendennis Castle and discover how the Tudor fortress defended Falmouth and its estuary for hundreds of years. There’s plenty of green space, a trail and a soft playroom near the café so there’s something for all the family. english-heritage.uk

Take Part in a Painting Class

Bedruthan Hotel, the Scandi-inspired retreat is perfect for creative travellers and families alike who are looking for a seaside escape. It has its own ‘Create’ school, where locals and guests can stop by for a class, from painting to block printing of pinch pots. There’s also a range of outdoor theatre productions this summer, unique wellness offerings thanks to the sensory spa garden, plus newly renovated rooms. bedruthan.com

Look at Some Art

Discover 100 years of art at the Tate St Ives as the gallery plays host to modern and contemporary British artists with links to St Ives and the wider county. Here, it celebrates how West Cornwall has welcomed and inspired artists, including Alfred Wallis, Marlow Moss, Barbara Hepworth, Partou Zia, and Bob Law. tate.org.uk

Featured Image: Robert Bye via Unsplash.