5 Must-See Spots in Cornwall

Planning a Winter Road Trip

Taking to the road is something that many of us do for convenience rather than pleasure, but taking a road trip to enjoy some downtime can be a lot of fun.

Experts at Caruno.co.uk express that “people love driving because it represents freedom. Some may see cars as just something that gets you from point A to B, but it's not that straightforward. Driving can be a chance to unwind, be in our own space and refocus.” 

There’s certainly something romantic and adventurous about driving along the rugged Cornish coastline through the drizzling rain while benefiting from the comfort and warmth of your vehicle. 

One thing to remember when taking a road trip in winter is to prepare for all eventualities. Pack a torch, a blanket, and a hi-vis jacket in your car boot, along with supplies such as bottles of water, and non-perishable foods, like packets of biscuits or cereal bars. 

Cornwall’s Best Winter Spots

1. Beaches

You might not be tempted to take a dip in the chilly sea in winter, but the many beaches you’ll find along the Cornish coast are a must-see for any winter road trip in the region. While these beaches are crammed with visitors in the summer, they are mostly empty in winter, making them a great place to enjoy a moment of solitude while taking in the expanse of the ocean. The beaches have a moody, atmospheric feel in winter, which is a totally different experience from what you’ll get in exactly the same spot during the summer months. 

Stop off at Constantine Bay near Padstow to stretch your legs after a drive, and enjoy the uninterrupted views of crashing waves. Fistral Beach is also hugely popular with the surfing community in winter, while Gwithian Towans beach is a good choice for a long stroll since it is an extensive three miles long. 

2. The Eden Project

If the weather lets you down with rain or snow, then make a visit to the Eden Project on your road trip. The Eden Project is home to tropical gardens which are indoor rainforest enclosures replicating natural biomes. Spend a day enjoying the warm and humid climate while learning about environmental issues, and taking in the impressive variety of plants. 

During winter, the Eden Project also put on a number of different events, including ice skating, a Christmas market, Santa’s grotto, and a magical immersive music and light experience. 

3. Museum of Global Communications

If you’re on the lookout for something a little quirky to do in Cornwall on a cold and rainy day, then the Museum of Global Communications (previously known as the Porthcurno Telegraph Museum) is an absolute gem for explorers of any age. This is an award-winning museum which is also dog friendly. Here, you can try your hand at sending messages in morse code or take a look around a secret World War Two bunker. The museum combines science and technology with history, to take you on a journey through the ever-changing world of communications. 

4. Rick Stein’s Restaurants

If you’ve ever tried to get a reservation at a Rick Stein restaurant during summer then you’ll know these tables are like gold dust. However, in winter you can take advantage of the fact that the tourist season has mostly died down. The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow is Stein's flagship restaurant which opened in 1975, and it is here you can treat yourself to a gastronomic feast. For a more casual setting, try Stein’s Fish & Chips in Padstow, which offers both takeaway and informal dining options.

5. Mousehole Village

Mousehole village, pronounced ‘Mowzel’ by the locals, is the setting of the iconic children’s book ‘The Mousehole Cat’, written by Antonia Barber. This book is just one of the retellings of the legend of Tom Bawcock, the Cornish fisherman. Today, this beautiful and quaint village is brimming with old-world character, where you can see cute Cornish cottages dating back to the times when the spot was a thriving fishing village. It is a photographer's dream, with plenty of great opportunities for picturesque shots of the harbour walls and small boats.