The winter months are a great time to visit Cornwall. The weather may be chillier (and possibly wetter), but the beaches and tourist hotspots will be quieter, many pubs will have roaring fires and the sea and coastline can be spectacular.
We recommend bringing a good set of waterproofs for exploring come rain or shine!
Mylor Yacht Harbour
A great spot on the south coast to visit. The beach is dog friendly all year round and there are two great places to stop for a drink and something to eat – Café Mylor and Castaways. For those looking for a longer walk, or the more adventurous, head onto the coast path to Flushing – where you’ll find another beach to explore and some fabulous views.
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Roskilly’s
A popular place to visit during the summer, but their delicious ice cream is available all year round! Breakfast and lunch are served in The Croust House. Afterwards explore the farm and paths through the Old Withy Woods for around a mile of easy walking - find the farm trail map here. The farm is dog friendly, but they must be kept on leads around the animals. They’re also welcome in the outside courtyard of the restaurant too.
Open Saturday and Sunday 9.30am – 5pm during January.
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Perranporth
Perranporth is one of the largest stretches of sand on the North Coast and is a brilliant place for children and dogs to run wild! Make sure to check the tide times before visiting (low tide is best). Dogs are allowed all year and during the winter there are no lead restrictions. The Watering Hole is a great spot to warm up after a blast on the beach!
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Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan are open throughout the winter months and are a must see when visiting Cornwall. The estate is still privately owned and was lost to brambles after WW1. Brought back to life in 1990, its 200 acres are now open to be explored. Dogs are welcome along with their owners to the gardens, and it’s one of the best places for families to visit in Cornwall – a natural playground!
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Lanhydrock
At almost 1,000 acres, the Lanhydrock estate is another great place to explore during the winter months. Although the house and formal gardens are closed until the beginning of March, there’s still plenty to see and do. Head off on one of the three circular walking routes around the estate (can you find the Victorian swimming pool?) and see if you can spot any of the abundant wildlife. Or try out one of the cycle trails. No bike? No problem – they’re available to hire. Find a map of all the different routes here.
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