When is the best time of year to visit Cornwall?

Cornwall is one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations, and with good reason. Its mild climate means temperatures are pleasant all year round and the scenery on offer is beautiful at any time of year.

Whether it’s spring, summer, autumn or winter you are planning to visit, we can tell you the best places to visit in Cornwall every season.

See our guide to the best time of year to visit Cornwall below…

Spring

Spring is a great time of year to visit Cornwall; flowers are in bloom, the days are getting lighter, the climate is a little warmer and you can get ahead of the peak summer crowds and enjoy a quieter holiday in the South West.

Visit… St Austell

Spring is a great time to see nature, and Cornwall has some beautiful greenery and gardens to amble through. St Austell is in a prime location for days out to the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan, both renowned Cornwall tourist attractions.

Just 30 minutes from Polperro’s Heritage Coast by car, you can enjoy a day exploring this charming fishing village and all it has to offer. Relatively unspoilt, you can really appreciate the beauty of Cornwall here; stroll along the spectacular coast, admire the quaint fishing port and the pretty cottages scattered about the village before stopping for a bite to eat at one of many wonderful restaurants in Polperro,

See our collection of cottages in St Austell.

Visit… Perranporth

This delightful seaside resort on Cornwall’s North Coast is beautiful in spring. The 3-mile-long sandy beach is lovely for long walks and has the benefit of being dog-friendly all year round. There are some wonderful picnic spots along the seafront to truly embrace the coastal views, and why not pay a visit to Ligger’s Point, where you can admire an abundance of wildlife?

Perranporth is in close proximity to St Agnes Heritage Coast, a designated World Heritage Site, tucked away amidst unspoilt coastline. Here you can learn about Cornwall’s rich mining heritage, access the stunning coast path for the most picturesque walks, enjoy first-class eateries and visit the Blue Flag-awarded beach at Porthowan. There’s plenty to see and do in Perranporth.

View all of our cottages in Perranporth.

Summer

The optimal season for good weather and tourism, enjoy Cornwall at its bustling best. Bask in sunshine at one of many seaside resorts and while away the hours discovering the best natural beauty, attractions and activities this region has to offer.

Visit… The Lizard Peninsula

For something a little less busy, why not pay a visit to the Lizard Peninsula for your summer holiday in Cornwall? There are so many activities and days out for all ages to enjoy. Head along the coastal path from Lizard to Kynance Cove to appreciate the stunning coastline and glorious, bustling beaches filled with holidaymakers looking to catch some sunshine.

Head to Lizard Point, the most southerly point in the UK, and be on the look out for lots of wildlife, plus you can visit the Lizard Lighthouse, the only lighthouse that can be climbed in Cornwall.

Lastly, no trip to this part of Cornwall is complete without a visit to Trebah Gardens, one of the region’s top attractions. Appreciate the sub-tropical climate and the various wild flowers and trees that flourish here. There are walking trails, playgrounds for children and it’s dog-friendly, so a great day out for the entire family.

See our selection of Lizard Peninsula cottages.

Visit… Newquay

One of the most popular spots for tourists in Cornwall, Newquay has all the ingredients for a perfect summer holiday. The beaches rival some of the best in the world, and are particularly great for water sports enthusiasts such as surfers looking to catch the perfect wave. The coastline is also spectacular, with more than 150 miles of designated heritage coast and 400 miles of cliffs, bays and coves to enjoy.

The South West Coast Path runs right through Newquay and is a great way to discover the impressive coastline, plus you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views along the way.

The food and drink scene in Newquay is also impressive, with a huge  selection of café’s, pubs, restaurants and bars to choose from. Enjoy the freshest fish and chips by the beach at Rick Stein’s renowned restaurant and enjoy a pint in one of many traditional English pubs that are scattered about the area.

Browse our range of cottages in Newquay. For more great days out and things to do in Newquay, take a look through our Newquay Travel Guide.

 Autumn

Autumn is such a wonderful time of year to visit Cornwall, particularly if you’re looking for a peaceful break away from big crowds. The kids are back at school but the weather can still be nearly as warm as the summer, so you can lie on the beach and not worry about big crowds of tourists. Surfing conditions are still excellent in the autumn and the water remains fairly warm.

Garden and woodland walks are idyllic at this time of year, as the leaves turn shades of yellow and red and fall to the ground. Grab a pair of wellies and get outside to appreciate the beauty of autumn colours. Plus, due to its sub-tropical climate, Cornwall still enjoys flowers in bloom in the autumn, particularly in the south.

Visit… St Ives

St Ives has some of the best beaches in the UK, so unsurprisingly during peak summer season, they become pretty crowded. Enjoy walking along the golden sands of Porthmeor, Porthminster and Carbis Bay beaches during the calmer but just as beautiful autumn season.

St Ives has a lovely harbour which makes for the perfect spot to enjoy an alfresco lunch, taking in the coastal view. Fish and chips at the harbour is the perfect way to spend an afternoon during your St Ives holiday.

Walkers will enjoy the Land’s End Peninsula, an AONB that encompasses dramatic moorland, cliffs and views of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy a host of walking trails, including Land’s End to Porthcurno, where dogs on leads are welcome. A section of the South West Coast Path also runs along the Land’s End Peninsula. You’ll be spoilt for choice!

Browse our collection of St Ives cottages and find out more about things to do in St Ives with our handy travel guide.

Visit… Penzance

There are so many fantastic landmarks and points of interest to enjoy in Penzance in the autumn. St Michael’s Mount, a small island reached by boat or man-made causeway, contains a medieval church and castle, the oldest buildings of which date back to the 12th century. It’s a fascinating day out for enjoying fine architecture and discovering the legend of Jack the Giant Killer. You can also enjoy incredible views across the mainland.

Just a short distance from Penzance is Porthcurno, home to the Minack Theatre, an open-air granite outcrop perched on the cliffs above the Atlantic. This world-famous attraction offers panoramic views of Porthcurno Bay and is home to subtropical gardens filled with exotic plants in a host of vibrant colours. A day well spent with family, friends and loved ones alike.

View our range of Penzance holiday cottages, and for more things to see and do, take a look through our Penzance Travel Guide.

Winter

Out of peak season, most of Cornwall’s beaches are dog-friendly, so the whole family can enjoy a stroll along the sand in the mild winter’s air. The weather is pleasant and not as cold as the majority of the UK, so Cornwall is a great destination to escape the brisk UK winter weather.

Visit… Falmouth

Falmouth is a great place to be outdoors, admiring its range of attractions, beaches and picturesque scenery. Gyllyngvase is one of four beaches in Falmouth and is close to Pendennis Castle, one of Falmouth’s top attractions, originally built by Henry VIII during the 16th century. Both make for an enjoyable day put during any visit to Falmouth.

As previously mentioned, Trebah Garden is an excellent day out, as is Trelissick Garden, a National Trust-owned country house and garden set in the grounds  of a beautiful estate that offers everything from woodland walks to pretty coastal views, all set within Cornwall’s AONB.

And if the weather takes a turn for the worst, find shelter indoors at the National Maritime Museum, which holds exhibitions throughout Autumn, where you can learn more about Cornwall’s maritime history.

See all of our Falmouth Cottages and find some more holiday inspiration with our Falmouth Travel Guide.

Visit Mousehole

There’s no better place to see Christmastime in Cornwall than Mousehole. The Cornish village and fishing port has been hosting its Christmas lights event for more than 50 years and is the must-visit Christmas event in Cornwall. Expect to see an open-air Carolaire service by the Carolaire Choir, accompanied by the Pendeen Silver Band, as well as a spectacular floating lights display at the harbour. It’s the perfect winter getaway in Cornwall.

Other points of interest to enjoy on a holiday in Mousehole include walks along the harbour and many of its beaches, such as Mount’s Bay and Pedn Vounder. The iconic St Michael’s Mount and Minack Theatre are also in easy reach.

View our full collection of Mousehole Cottages.

Whenever you decide to visit Cornwall, we have a property for you. Browse our full range of cottages in Cornwall and find more things to do in Cornwall. 

Image credits: Christopher Hilton – CC BY SA 2.0; Nilfanion – CC BY SA 3.0; Bob Hall – CC BY SA 2.0; gnomonic – CC BY 2.0; Ted Rabbitts – CC BY 2.0;  Airwolfhound – CC BY SA 2.0;  Nilfanion – CC BY SA 4.0; Rod Allday – CC BY SA 2.0