What's Cornwall like in December?

[thatmustbenigelwiththebrie]

Both DP and my work shut over Christmas so we'd like to go away.

I think that flights are probably going to beyond us financially so was wondering about Cornwall as it's quite literally the only bit of the UK I never been to.

I have never fancied it in summer because I've heard it's really busy, I don't really like going to the beach, and if I am going to spend hours and hours in the car I would rather go somewhere else like Skye.

However I wonder if I would like it more in winter as I hope it would be quieter and I could get some nice bike rides in and it would also have more daylight than where we live now (Northumberland).

Can anyone advise?

[verticality]

Wet.

Your best bet in the UK may be to head to the other coast on the south east- likely to be a bit drier than elsewhere.

Or you could embrace the wintry vibe and go somewhere like the Cairngorms where there will be snow.

You may be pleasantly surprised at how much a flight/Airbnb is in the off-season.

[thatmustbenigelwiththebrie]

Oh really? I just assumed down south = dry!

I don't think the SE is very picturesque though, is it? just sort of fields and little hills.

OK - perhaps back to the drawing board!

[lots33]

I love Cornwall in the winter. It is often wet, it is true, but just wear decent waterproofs. It can be wet and is also often windy and wild. I love the beach when the sea is wild and there is sea spray hitting your face. Lots would hate it but I love it!

[Xiaoxiong]

I love winter in Cornwall! Cosy cottages, wood fires, exhilarating walks on the beach, great food, plenty to do that is indoors. Last year we had lunch around Christmastime in the nice warm biomes of the Eden Project and then walked on the beach in the afternoon drinking hot chocolate and marvelling at the huge waves and spray, then home for Christmas crap TV in front of the fire. I don't know if I would like living there all winter but for a week, well wrapped up with wellies and waterproofs and planning ahead for really good food (like supper clubs and ticketed dinners as well as pubs and restaurants), it was fab!

[candycane222]

I think forests are beautiful in winter - full of lovely subtle colours, the birds are easier to spot too! Some have biking trails I think (don't know which though, you'd have to google them!). Maybe New Forest, Ashdown Forest, or Savernake, as they are all in the S/SE?

[candycane222]

SW England is often wet in winter - though not always. Definitely wetter than the east though.

[thatmustbenigelwiththebrie]

Thanks for all the suggestions! Definitely food for thought.

[verticality]

This is a secret, so don't tell anyone or they will all want to go, but the south-east is absolutely gorgeous. Check out Suffolk!

[Yearinyearout]

Someone was telling me that the Northumberland coast is good in winter! They said it tends to be cold and dry rather than grey and damp...
Wherever you go just take into consideration that the smaller tourist places won't have much open.

[candycane222]

Oooh verticality has just reminded me I went for an fantastic birdwatching holiday once on the N Norfolk cost. It was amazing. Freezing cold wind, but amazing.

[coffeeaddiction]

Very wet but it's beautiful when a storm comes in if your staying near a coast , a lot of the touristy places like st ives are like ghost towns that's not a bad thing !

[Parttimewasteoftime]

Cornwall is beautiful at Christmas 🎄 Lots of NT places dress the house for Christmas long walks cozy cottage sounds amazing. Perranporth has lovely lights and know Eden project have the ice rink set up.

[General0rgana]

Eden do the best meet Santa event ever. Definitely worth it if you've got kids (possibly even if you haven't!).

Mostly the SW is wet, and cold. But mostly wet. A lot of the emptier bits of Cornwall are just bleak.

But yes, the NT places go all out and have beautiful Christmas things on.

(I think the SW is a lot wetter than people realise! And heinously busy in the summer, but you probably knew that).

[Xiaoxiong]

Oh I forgot about the Mousehole lights as well, the kids loved it

[Ihaventgottimeforthis]

I would say if you don't like the beach and the wet mizzle then Cornwall in winter probably isn't for you.
It's definitely quiet, but you need to seize the opportunity of lovely crisp winter days to go along the coast path or up on the moors for a lovely walk or bike ride. But the sea is, for me, the best part of Cornwall.