Corners of Cornwall: A Winter Break in Cornwall

Crackling log fires, dreamy sunsets, bracing walks and footprint free beaches make Cornwall the perfect cosy winter destination. Jen, from Corners of Cornwall, shares her favourite Cornish places and top tips of what not to miss.

Sunset and storm watching – what are your top destinations?
Cornwall has to be the best place for both, right? Some of my favourite memories of sunsets include a spontaneous picnic sat on the cliff at Little Polzeath, watching the sun set perfectly between the rocks at Holywell and sipping a pint at The Wateringhole in Perranporth whilst watching the sunset surf. For storm watching, it has to be Porthleven. Nothing beats the image of crashing waves against the Porthleven pier. 

Cornwall’s not short of proper pubs. Where are your top five must-try pubs?
I love unique and creative food spots but sometimes all you want is a cosy and quintessentially British pub! My favourites are Punchbowl and Ladle in Penelewey for it’s beautiful, thatched building and cosy corners, Ferryboat Inn for the perfect riverside views, Gurnards Head for the rugged landscape and the daily wandering cows that pass by, Pandora Inn is so traditional and right on the water. Lastly, I’d go for St Kew Inn, it’s tucked in its own little valley and has a stream running at the bottom of the beer garden, just so lovely!
 

If you had to pick one, where’s your favourite place in Cornwall to visit during colder months? (Dec-Feb)
Living in Cornwall, you must grow to love the winter as much as the summer. I get asked a lot about things to do in the winter and honestly, just do what you’d normally do but with waterproofs on! I have to say, a recent stay in a gorgeous Cornish Gem (Trevanion Cottage) took me down to Coverack for a weekend just before Christmas. Being there in the off season meant you could really slow down and watch the locals go about their day. The fishermen, the cold-water morning swimmers and the general day to day life that occurs in those ‘holiday’ spots. I adored it and I’d love to make it an annual tradition. 

What are your favourite coastal walks?
My ‘I need some fresh air’ go-to is Daymer bay to Polzeath. Daymer Bay is my childhood favourite beach and a short stroll takes you over to its busier sister, Polzeath. A favourite from the summer was a walk from Hawkers Cove near Padstow to Butterhole, the circular walk takes you through a beautiful cove with calm water for a swim and a hidden cafe gem, Rest a While Tearoom, where you can get a cream tea with the most amazing view. 
 

Best spot to hideaway with a hot chocolate with all the works?
I have two, one North and one South coast. On the South coast, I love Slice of Cornwall. They’re hidden in a little spot in Constantine and do the amazing food plus a hot chocolate with the biggest homemade marshmallow you’ve seen! On the North coast, I love Seaspray in Fistral, you can cosy up inside and watch the waves and the surfers. 
 
Who makes the best pasty in Cornwall?!
That is the million-dollar question! I think everyone has their favourites. For me being based on Bodmin Moor, our famous pasty is Malcom Barnecutts but they have no stores further west. I recently tried Gear Farm and posted about them online, someone said they drove 150 miles for one so that’s a huge statement, it was very good!

 
Active adventures – what are the best places to get a slice of the action?
Cornwall is an outdoor paradise so there’s so much to do. If you like hiking, you have the coastal path or Bodmin Moor to climb Roughtor. Get on the water, I took a friend for surfing lessons at West Country Surf at Watergate which was great. In Padstow you can hop on a wildlife tour with Padstow Sealife Safaris, they take you out on a RIB and it’s so much fun, very family friendly too! 

What are your favourite foodie experiences?
Over the last year I’ve experienced some amazing feasts. They seem to be the new big thing and they’re great. Fresh delicious, cooked food served along a long table where you can chat and socialise with whoever you’ve been sat next to. We went to an amazing one in Padstow with Padstow Kitchen Garden, all the food is grown on the farm and cooked over fire – amazing! 

 
Tell us, what does your perfect winter’s day look like?
I had a perfect day out the other day! We headed to Newquay for brunch, enjoying some pancakes and French toast then headed down to the harbour. It was beautifully calm and peaceful so the perfect conditions for a cold-water dip and then as we headed home, we drove the coastal road and stopped off above Watergate to enjoy the beach in the winter sunshine. Generally, as long as the day includes food at a local business and a view of the sea, I’m happy!

Thank you, Jen, for sharing your top tips and favourite Cornish spots! If you’d like more Cornish inspiration, follow Jen on instagram @cornersofcornwall