AIBU?
To expect November in Cornwall to be mild
fightorflight1 · 13/10/2022 07:13
Looking to plan a weekend trip to west Cornwall in November. What is the weather like at this time of the year? I've never been and have always wanted to but prices pretty much quadruple anytime from March onwards - just not affordable for me.
I'm of course expecting it to be chilly and to wrap up but is this a stupid idea? Will it be absolutely freezing to the point it's not enjoyable? Google is saying it can be mild but thought I'd reach out to MN for real life experiences
TonightMatthewIamgoingtobecher · 13/10/2022 08:35
It does tend to be milder yes. I grew up in west Cornwall and visit family very regularly. What it will be though is most likely rainy, windy and blustery so it will feel bleak anyway! Take a decent waterproof as umbrellas won't work! Also take decent waterproof boots.
Winter walks on the beach are the best, have an amazing time.
fightorflight1 · 13/10/2022 08:49
Thanks all, you've all been really helpful. Some comments have actually made it sound quite idyllic I think I'll go anyway!
I'm thinking Penzance? Again no idea as never been as far west as this - the furthest I've been is Plymouth.
Hoping for nice walks along the beach, maybe some nature reserves, a couple of nice restaurants/pubs/coffee shops etc.
Frogsalad · 13/10/2022 08:58
Plus microclimates. I'm not an expert on Cornwall, but I expect that it's the kind of place where one coast can be quite nice and the other storms and massive waves. Or quite nice in the lower lying/coastal areas, but rainy and fog bound on the moors.
Came to say just this. You can drive 20 minutes down the road and the weather will be totally different to the place you've just been. Prepare for everything and do expect plenty of rain.
In terms of location, assuming you have a vehicle then I'd avoid basing yourself in Penzance and go somewhere a little more central. Each coast line has a lot to offer if you're keen on walks, etc and lots of NT places around. Penzance itself is a bit of a dump.
Luxurysleuth007 · 13/10/2022 09:22
Penzance is ok but it’s more of a day trip town (for me personally) and there’s not really any sense of rugged sea as you have the harbour and promenade. I recommend St Ives as there will still be places open and the beaches are fantastic when the sea is choppy plus you have the lovely art galleries and cafes to try out. You can take a drive to Penzance for the day. Falmouth is a great day out town too.
AngelsWithSilverWings · 13/10/2022 09:23
We spent a week in Cornwall at the end of October 2020 when travel was impossible ( even the a trip to Cornwall was touch and go in the end as another lockdown was looking )
We booked a cottage that had lovely sea views ( through simply sea views) and was close to a pub/restaurants so that if the weather was bad we could just cosy up and enjoy the views or go to the pub.
We had some gorgeous warm ( for the time of year) days and a couple of rainy ones. We managed four good days out exploring in decent weather and the other times we dodged the bad weather by staying in and enjoying the cottage and popping out for local walks when the rain stopped.
It was a really lovely break and I'd happily do it again.
Ihaventgottimeforthis · 13/10/2022 09:26
In a day it could be bright dry and sunny, then wild storms that take your breath away, or it could be grey and mizzly and you can't see your hand in front of your face, really it will be a bit of a lottery. Won't be cold cold though.
I'd not stay in Penzance - if you want far west, I'd look for anywhere somewhere else - Marazion, Hayle, St Buryan, Mousehole, even St Ives if you're lucky. Visit Penzance for a half day.
Walkng the coast, visiting the mining landscape, some museums and galleries, nice pubs - it'll be lovely.
Rafferty10 · 13/10/2022 10:18
I grew up in Cornwall and have lived for 12 years in Surrey, expect Cornwall to be 3/4 degrees colder but more importantly it rains double the amount, l could not get over how dry the South East is!
Have you thought of going to Sussex/Hampshire coast instead, less travelling and better weather! still stunning coastline.
TonightMatthewIamgoingtobecher · 13/10/2022 10:30
In all honesty Pz is pretty run down these days. St Michaels Mount and Marizion beach nearby worth a trip. If that end of Cornwall definitely recommend Cape Cornwall/St Just for rugged and wild walks on the coast. Also a walk from Lands End to Sennen Cove is lovely too. Just ignore Lands End itself which is more or less a themepark.
thedoofus · 13/10/2022 11:24
Cornwall resident here. Like everyone else has said - expect rain/wind, but it probably won't be freezing.
I guess where you base yourself depends on what you want to do. St Ives is gorgeous in all weathers and has lots of restaurants/cafes/nice shops and the Tate. I don't know Penzance very well, but it's certainly well situation for exploring west Cornwall. We're very fond of St Just - couple of nice pubs, great ice cream shop, easy access to the coast path - but it might be a bit bleak/quiet in November depending what you're looking for.
Less far-west, Falmouth isn't as spectacular as St Ives, but is more of a year-round town with loads of shops/cafes etc etc, nice local beaches and some lovely walking locally.
TheTeaFairy · 13/10/2022 11:36
As a PZ resident who loves the town, I'm trying not to be offended by these comments: 'Penzance is a bit of a dump'; 'Pz is pretty run down these days'...
Do either of you live here? Seems unlikely because if you did, you'd be aware of all the positive stuff, from the geothermal pool to 45 Queen Street (a fantastic cafe/restaurant), Newlyn Filmhouse, a super-friendly outdoor swimming community and the newly renovated promenade. Chapel Street and Causeway Head are full of interesting independent shops; recently opened/about to open are a funky new hairdresser, gin bar, several cafes and delis, plus there are galleries aplenty...
Nearby are Mousehole and Marazion (St Michael's Mount), plus some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the world.
Like any town, Penzance has its problems but there are lots of organisations and individuals working to improve life for those who are struggling.
HTH 😊
fightorflight1 · 13/10/2022 11:45
MinglingFlamingo · 13/10/2022 11:15
Sorry if I've missed it but how are you planning on getting here op? Are you driving or getting a train???
Planning to drive so happy to explore nearby places! I have only preliminary looked and found what seems to be some nice places in Penzance to stay that seem to be close to many amenities and not far from the promenade however I am definitely open to suggestions of other places to stay? ☺️
Thanks again to all who have responded and some of your great suggestions thus far
fightorflight1 · 13/10/2022 11:52
Rafferty10 · 13/10/2022 10:18
I grew up in Cornwall and have lived for 12 years in Surrey, expect Cornwall to be 3/4 degrees colder but more importantly it rains double the amount, l could not get over how dry the South East is!
Have you thought of going to Sussex/Hampshire coast instead, less travelling and better weather! still stunning coastline.
Thank you. Yes I've thought of Sussex and Hampshire but I suppose as I have been to those counties before I was looking elsewhere and to somewhere on my list
MinglingFlamingo · 13/10/2022 11:52
TheTeaFairy · 13/10/2022 11:36
As a PZ resident who loves the town, I'm trying not to be offended by these comments: 'Penzance is a bit of a dump'; 'Pz is pretty run down these days'...
Do either of you live here? Seems unlikely because if you did, you'd be aware of all the positive stuff, from the geothermal pool to 45 Queen Street (a fantastic cafe/restaurant), Newlyn Filmhouse, a super-friendly outdoor swimming community and the newly renovated promenade. Chapel Street and Causeway Head are full of interesting independent shops; recently opened/about to open are a funky new hairdresser, gin bar, several cafes and delis, plus there are galleries aplenty...
Nearby are Mousehole and Marazion (St Michael's Mount), plus some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the world.
Like any town, Penzance has its problems but there are lots of organisations and individuals working to improve life for those who are struggling.
HTH 😊
I'm not understanding the PZ hate either. It has a lot going for it. Had a world do there a few months ago and it was a great evening.
Op- have you looked at Porthleven or the lizard? If you're wanting to explore. Had a lovely time at the Mullion Cove the other day and the Polurian is supposed to be nice too.
fightorflight1 · 13/10/2022 11:53
AngelsWithSilverWings · 13/10/2022 09:23
We spent a week in Cornwall at the end of October 2020 when travel was impossible ( even the a trip to Cornwall was touch and go in the end as another lockdown was looking )
We booked a cottage that had lovely sea views ( through simply sea views) and was close to a pub/restaurants so that if the weather was bad we could just cosy up and enjoy the views or go to the pub.
We had some gorgeous warm ( for the time of year) days and a couple of rainy ones. We managed four good days out exploring in decent weather and the other times we dodged the bad weather by staying in and enjoying the cottage and popping out for local walks when the rain stopped.
It was a really lovely break and I'd happily do it again.
Thank you. Out of interest where did you stay?
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