Why this is the year to enjoy a luxury off-season Cornish staycation 

As anyone will know who’s picked up a paper or switched on the news, this summer has been a busy one for the British staycation.

Cornwall has been no exception. Indeed, we’ve enjoyed one of our busiest seasons in recent years, albeit with a much later start than would normally be the case. But we’re going to let you in on a little secret…autumn and winter are amongst the very best times to be in Cornwall.

There are fewer people, naturally, but it’s not just that. The sunrises are exceptional (and you don’t have to get up at 5 am to see them); the sunsets somehow manage to save the best for the shorter days too. The car parks are quiet (even free in many cases), the beaches empty and wide open for blustery walks. Then, what’s better than sitting down to a well-earned Sunday roast beside a roaring fire?

There’s no denying that, whatever it has in store, this winter is going to be a little different. But why not plan an escape to our coastal idyll, with the following recommendations for making the most of it. 

Take a distillery tour

If you’ve sampled our Talland Bay No. 1 Gin, you’ll enjoy a visit to the nearby distillery where it’s crafted. Not only is Colwith Farm Distillerythe first in the region to follow a single estate method – where everything is made from scratch on one site – but the visitor centre will be open throughout the winter months, carefully following all guidelines to maintain safe social distancing for visitors and staff. Here you can learn how potatoes grown on the family farm are turned into award-winning spirits including Aval Dor Vodka and Stafford’s Dry Gin, as well as tasting the goods.

Visit the Lost Gardens

The Lost Gardens of Heliganis another Cornish attraction that is open to visitors throughout the autumn and winter.  A new system of pre-booked timed tickets is in place, enabling staggered visits throughout the day. Now’s a singular time to visit…Golden leaves give way to show the bare bones of the garden, which is no less striking. Visit off-season to marvel at the clever structure of the Productive Gardens, with the walled exterior providing a cocoon against winter winds and to hear the birdsong at its clearest. It's also a chance to see the team at work with final harvests and the first batch of next season’s veg being sown.

Stroll around Looe and Polperro

While some Cornish seaside towns seem to shut down for the winter, Looe retains a pleasantly lively vibe thanks to the working fishing port and vibrant local community. Uncrowded streets and welcoming establishments make it one of our favouriteplaces in the calmer months. A walk from Talland Bay to Polperro comes high on our list of recommendations too, followed by a pint at the Three Pilchards.

Soak in a sea view from the tub

This may not be the year to head abroad for a ski holiday, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on fresh air, après ski and a soak in a hot tub. Spend the day hiking the South West Coast Path in Raynor Winn’s footsteps, then return to Talland Bay Hotel for a tasty tipple. Our new Premiere Sea View Suite comes with private access, a private balcony and hot tub looking out over the gardens towards the ocean. 

Indulge with the finest seasonal fare

Now’s the best time to indulge in one of our themed afternoon teas, which include a Spooktacular Halloween affair (being served throughout October) and a festive take on this most popular Cornish staple. Anyone who witnessed Nick and Paul on Bake Off: the Professionals won’t be surprised by the creativity and talent that goes into each element of these very special teatime treats.

The superlative Talland Bay Hotel Sunday roast is back on the menu too, featuring the finest Westcountry farm-reared prime cuts of meat or the freshest fish and seasonal veg.

The perfect pick me up for this time of year is our three-night gourmet break, including accommodation in one of our lovely bedrooms, delicious cooked breakfast each morning, dinner with canapes and petit fours each evening, afternoon tea on arrival and a Talland Bay No. 1 Gin and tonic.