Top Ten Reasons to Visit Cornwall in January
Cornwall is not just for summer. It’s a wonderful destination to visit at any time of year. But for peace and solitude, January is the perfect month to visit.
After the hectic Christmas and New Year period, Cornwall empties out and the atmosphere quietens down. It may be colder but it’s a spectacular time of year to visit for the following reasons.
1. Empty Beaches
During the summer, the beaches are heavy with holidaymakers. But in January you may well get a beach all to yourself. If the weather is fine, you can take a stroll along the sand at Harlyn, Constantine or Mawgan Porth beaches. To really get away from it all, head to a quiet cove at Porthcothan or Trevone.
2. Winter Walks
The walking possibilities in Cornwall seem endless. As well as the South West Coast Path, the county is crisscrossed with trails, footpaths and bridleways where you can enjoy long rambles through beautiful countryside. If it’s fine on the coast, take a cliff walk at Bedruthan Steps. Or head inland from Padstow on the Saints Way for glorious views of the Camel Estuary and surrounding hills.
3. Storm Watching
It’s inevitable that a few winter storms will pass through Cornwall during the winter months. There are some amazing places for storm watching around Cornwall, including Trevose Head where Atlantic breakers send sea spray over the headland and as high as the whitewashed lighthouse. For less exposed – but equally dramatic – storm watching, head for shelter at Watergate Bay where you can watch the waves from the warmth of the Beach Hut restaurant.
4. Beautiful Gardens
They may not be in full bloom, but Cornwall’s gardens are still spectacular during the winter months. The relatively mild weather of the south-west coast allows year-round colour at several top gardens, such as Trelissick, Lanhydrock and the Lost Gardens of Heligan. For sub-tropical splendour head to the jungle area at Heligan or venture further to Trebah Gardens overlooking the Helford River near Falmouth.
5. Quality Surf
Whether you want to jump in the water or simply watch, you’re likely to catch some spectacular surfing waves in January. Winter waves tend to be larger and more powerful than other seasons, providing quality conditions for Cornwall’s surfing elite. Depending on conditions on the day, surfing can be enjoyed or viewed at Harlyn, Constantine, Mawgan Porth and several ‘secret spots’ in between.
6. Quiet Restaurants
Padstow’s top restaurants are usually booked up well in advance. You can increase your chances of dining at Paul Ainsworth’s Number 6, Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant or Restaurant Nathan Outlaw if you visit in January when competition for tables is less fierce. As well as these big-name restaurants, you will have the pick of quality dining experiences if you come in the winter months.
7. Indoor Attractions and Activities
If the weather does close in and it’s looking grim outside, there are a number of indoor attractions and activities in the local area to keep you entertained during a January trip. As well as the warm biomes and covered ice skating at Eden Project, there are plenty of museums and galleries to visit. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try the new Tide Climbing Centre near St Issey.
8. Fireside Drinks
You can wrap up warm beside a roaring fire and enjoy each other’s company, whether in the comfort of your own holiday home or by the fireside in a local pub. Many of our holiday properties have wood-burning stoves, which take the chill off a cold winter’s evening. Or you can enjoy a drink or two around the fire at the London Inn, Shipwrights or The Old Ship in Padstow, and the Farmers Arms and Cornish Arms in St Merryn.
9. Quaint Villages
Cornwall’s picturesque villages are at their best during the quiet season when you’re likely to get the narrow lanes to yourself. Close to Padstow are the beautiful villages of Trevone, St Issey and Little Petherick. Take a trip round to the other side of the estuary and enjoy a peaceful Port Isaac, which can get overrun with tourists at other times of the year.
10. Wide Choice of Cottages
January is one of the quietest months for accommodation bookings, so you will have a wide range of properties to choose from for your winter getaway. From cliff-top houses and modern seaside retreats to harbourside apartments and quaint country cottages, you’ll be spoilt for choice of accommodation options at low-season rates.
Book Your January Break
We have a huge range of properties to choose from in and around Padstow in North Cornwall. Find the perfect holiday cottage for your January break by conducting a search on our property page.