Stormwatching in Cornwall: Top Tips and Where to Go
October 14, 2024Come autumn, Cornwall’s wilder side is unleashed. Surrounded by water on three sides, and jetting out into the untamed Celtic Sea, our little corner of the UK is exposed to some pretty heavy storms in the colder months. With huge waves, wild winds and intense, stormy scenes, we are granted an entirely different stormwatching experience in the off-season.
If you crave the sublime, to feel refreshed by the raw energy of nature, read on as we share our top recommendations for stormwatching in Cornwall, what to take with you, and how to stay safe in the elements.
How to Be an Expert Storm-Watcher
Firstly, let’s get the sensible stuff sorted. By being well prepared, it’s possible to enjoy nature’s moody turns whilst you stay safe, dry and warm. Here’s how to storm-watch like an expert:
Stay in-the-know
Keeping up to date with weather and tide conditions means that you’ll not only catch awesome scenes, but also stay safe, as you know what’s coming. For wind, wave, tide updates and live camera footage, visit surfline.com. Make sure you know where to safely view a storm, don’t go to close to the edge, and definitely stay out of the sea!
Stay Dry, Toasty and Together while Stormwatching
Nothing can ruin an exciting day out like soggy feet. It sounds simple but whether it’s wellies, or grippy boots for more rough terrain, it’s worth staying as dry as possible to enjoy dramatic scenes for longer.
As with all winter adventures in Cornwall, a Thermos of tea of hot chocolate is your best friend. A Chilly’s Bottle or Yeti Flask will warm you up while you witness nature’s show. Remember, always let someone know where you and where your group plan to go. Some storm-watchers like to wear something bright if it’s a bit foggy, too.
Find Treasures After the Storms
Storms churn up the ocean, stirring the seabed and bringing hidden sea glass to the shore. Treasures that might otherwise be buried beneath sand or rocks are revealed, making hunting for sea glass and other curios far more fruitful after a storm. Sea plastic is also churned up in the process, so if you’d like to help protect marine life on your holiday in Cornwall, winter is a great time to beach clean.
Where to Stormwatch in Cornwall
Perhaps you’ve a hunger for a wilder Cornwall, and the thrill of being as close to nature’s show as safely possible makes you feel alive. Or maybe, your idea of heaven is being snuggled up by a sea view window, watching a storm roll in from a luxury Cornish Gem? Whether you zip up your waterproof jacket and head out to the coast for a front row viewing, or stay indoors for the show, here are the best locations for storm-watching in Cornwall.
The Best Stormwatching locations in West Cornwall
Cape Cornwall
Exposed to the full force of the Atlantic Ocean, this headland is owned by the National Trust and is part of the UK’s most Westerly town – St Just. There’s a real ‘end of the earth’ feel here, making storms all the more exciting. The waves here can be some of the biggest in Cornwall. Our very own Scilly Stack is located just 500 yards from Cape Cornwall, and is a perfect bolthole for those wild winter weekends.
Godrevy
With sweeping views of the Atlantic and an iconic lighthouse on the offshore island, Godrevy is a scenic place to watch the drama of a storm unfold. Plus, in a less-than-30-minute-drive, wild scenes of Godrevy can be swapped for the sheltered harbour and warm, arty vibes of St Ives.
Penzance and Marazion
For a gothic ocean view, watch stormy skies gather over the famous St. Michael’s Mount, just off Marazion beach. Or venture towards nearby Penzance, Cornwall’s most Westerly major town, where the seafront is battered winter after winter by some very powerful waves (the largest being 50ft, recorded in 2008).
Where to Watch a Storm in North Cornwall
Bedruthan Steps
Also known by its Cornish name, Carnewas, Bedruthan Steps showcases rocky outcrops that endure the brunt of the pounding waves. Legend persists that a giant used the stacks as stepping stones as he travelled up and down the North Cornish Coastline. You can view the stormy spectacle from the cliff tops, keeping a safe distance from the edge. There’s a National Trust tea room near the car park too, should you be tempted to hunker down in the warmth.
Pentire
Overlooking Fistral Beach, Pentire and Towan Headland are wonderful storm-watching destinations. There have been reports of 40ft waves at Fistral beach. From the headland, watch the wind and waves barrel against the rocks below. We recommend popping into SeaSpray for their famous pancakes and breathtaking views above Cornwall’s most iconic surfing beach.
The Rumps, Polzeath
Located just off Pentire Point at Polzeath, you can watch stroms roll in and approach The Rumps, a twin headland home to picturesque farmland and an Iron Age hill fort. The island just off the rumps in known as Puffin Island, because it’s thought to be one of the last known breeding places for Atlantic Puffins on the coast.
