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7 Reasons to Visit Cornwall in Autumn

7 Reasons to Visit Cornwall in Autumn
General

Cornwall is well known as the premier destination in the UK during the summer months. But don’t make the mistake of thinking that Cornwall is all about the summer. Autumn is in many ways the perfect time to plan your visit, and here are seven excellent reasons why.

food festival

1. The Festivals

There are lots of festivals to visit in Cornwall during the autumn, many of which are food festivals. Most of these festivals take place during September and October, and while some of these have been and gone this year, they are annual events that you can plan for next year.
 
The Falmouth Oyster Festival is one of the most popular festivals of the lot. Held in Events Square in Falmouth, the five-day festival is a celebration of the start of the oyster season. It has been going for over 20 years, and it gets better every year.
 
Oktoberfest is another popular festival. Held in Truro, this annual celebration of beer is the place to go for music, entertainment, Bavarian food and, yes, lots of beer.
 
Beer fans should also check out Falmouth Beer Festival. Held in early October, this is another great way to celebrate beer and enjoy some top entertainment at the same time.
 
Looe Music Festival is held in September every year, and for three days the whole town is taken over by music, arts, celebrations and great food and drink.
 
And the Newquay Fish Festival in September is another one for the calendar. Come along to celebrate fish in all its glory, watch top chefs cooking up incredible dishes, and enjoy great food, drink and music.

surfing in cornwall

2. Great Surfing

If you like surfing, autumn is arguably the best time to visit Cornwall’s famous surfing spots. Cornwall may well be known as a summer surf spot, but the truth is, the summer surf is smaller.
 
Spring is a good time to surf because of the bigger waves, but the water is colder. Autumn is the right combo—the waves are big and the water is warmer, the perfect time to catch a wave. At the same time, with fewer people in the water it’ll be easier to position yourself—ready to carve the swell.

padstow

3. Fewer Tourists

Visit Cornwall in the autumn, and you’ll more space almost everywhere you go. That means you can explore beautiful towns like St Ives, Port Isaac and Padstow in relative quiet. 
 
There is still lots to see and do, with plenty of shops and cafes staying open for business, and you can enjoy it all without the worry of being crowded out.
 
Also, you can enjoy the best beaches for yourself. Cornwall boasts some of the most spectacular beaches in the whole of the UK, and you will find that you have more space to appreciate them.

coastal walks

4. Stunning Walks

Cornwall boasts some spectacular scenery for walking at any time of year, and autumn is a particularly magical time to explore. Whether that’s along the coast or inland, there is plenty to enjoy.
 
Walk the South West Coast Path to discover the dramatic coastline and watch the waves crashing against the cliffs. But don’t miss the beautiful woodland, which is spectacular at this time of year with beautiful colours everywhere you turn.

foraging season

5. Foraging Season

It’s also the perfect time of year for foraging. Go to any woods in Cornwall and you’ll be able to forage for natural goodies to take home with you. Search for wild garlic, burdock and more, which are plentiful in autumn. You could even go on a course at one of the many foraging schools and then use your new skills to find natural ingredients for your own dishes.

halloween ball

6. The Masked Ball

The Masked Ball is one of the best events of the year and the ultimate way to celebrate Halloween in Cornwall. Held at Los Flambardos, a theme park near Helstone, it’s one of the biggest parties in Europe.
 
Go along to see the incredible costumes on display and soak up a real party atmosphere. There are lots of dancefloors, different rooms, and hidden bars, making it the ideal event for those that like a real shindig. In 2019, it’s held on November 2nd, lasting from dusk ‘til dawn.

cosy pub nights

7. Cosy Pub Nights

For anyone who prefers something a bit calmer, Cornwall’s pubs provide the perfect setting for a relaxing evening. Autumn is also the storm season, which makes it the perfect time to sit by the fire in a warm pub looking out at the stormy sea while enjoying a local cider and great atmosphere.

driftwood hotel

Pay Us a Visit Too

These are some of the many reasons to visit Cornwall during the autumn, and don’t forget to pay us a visit at the Driftwood. For sublime locations, we are hard to beat, and you’ll find us in the perfect setting to enjoy the best of the autumn days.
 
You can also enjoy food prepared by our new chef, Olly Pierrepont, a passionate and talented chef. Our restaurant has a reputation for excellence, so come and experience it for yourself.

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