The hustle and bustle of summer has now passed but, as we head into the quieter season, it’s the perfect time to start planning your couples Christmas getaway in Cornwall.

But what is Christmas really like in Cornwall? While we no longer have long, hot days on the sand or our myriad of summer festivals, there’s still plenty to see and do at this time of year – and it’s a truly magical experience.

Just picture quaint village streets bedecked in twinkling lights, nights spent sipping red wine by a cosy fire in the local pub and soul-refreshing walks on stunning, empty beaches. With a packed calendar of community events, from pagan festivals to illuminated night gardens, winter in Cornwall is the perfect romantic escape.

Here, we’ve highlighted some of the best things to do with your significant other during this special season.

Christmas lights

Cornwall is well-known for its community love of Christmas lights, where quaint villages light up the darker nights with iconic scenes of olde. One of the best spots to experience the magic is in Mousehole, where the Christmas lights draw thousands every year to its famous cobbled streets and historic harbour to marvel at one of the UK’s best lighting displays.

However, it’s not the only must-see lighting event – just a few miles up the road, you can enjoy a quieter, yet no less dazzling, experience in the small village of Angarrack, where the community pays homage to the Twelve Days of Christmas.

In bigger towns across Cornwall, including Newquay and Truro, switch-on events include live music, market stalls and more to get you into the festive spirit.

Winter festivals

From November onwards, Cornwall becomes a hive of winter festivals, from classically festive community events to more nature-inspired pagan celebrations.

In St Ives, discover the St Ives in December festival – a month-long schedule of Christmas-inspired events, with competitions, late night shopping, fireworks and more (the perfect chance to stock up on those special Christmas gifts!).

Elsewhere, Padstow offers a merry experience for the foodie lovers with its coveted Padstow Christmas Festival over the first weekend of December. With talks from celebrity chefs, cooking demos, live music and Christmas stalls, it’s one of the most anticipated events on the winter calendar… and booking tickets is highly encouraged.

For those looking for something a little different, though, Montol in Penzance celebrates Winter Solstice and traditions associated with Old Christmas. Expect fire performers, obby osses (hobby horses), guise beasts and musicians throughout the day and night, with torch-lit parades, dancers and a plethora of stall holders for a winter experience like no other.

Landmarks and attractions

Festivals and lights aren’t the only Christmas-inspired events happening around Cornwall. At some of the county’s most celebrated attractions and landmarks, Christmas comes to life in a whole new way.

For example, at the world-famous Eden Project, their much-loved ice rink returns for another season, while, at the Lost Garden of Heligan, you can enjoy an enchanting night-time experience (think gardens by lantern light and roasting marshmallows over fire bowls).

Almost every attraction in Cornwall offers a different programme of events, so keep your eyes peeled – there’s something to suit every taste.

The outdoors

There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. Winter in Cornwall is an incredible time to experience nature, and the chance to see some of our most beloved beauty spots without the overcrowded car parks is just one reason to get the walking boots on and get outside at this time of year.

Pack a flask of warm tea, throw on your comfy coats and wander breath-taking beaches together. The sprawling dunes of Holywell Beach are just as stunning in winter as they are in summer, and you won’t regret it. It’s also the height of seal pup season, so you’ll no doubt see some of our marine friends on your sandy excursions.

If you love watching the waves roll in with a mulled wine in hand, though, head to our sister venue Lewinnick Lodge. Here, you can watch the stormy seas crash against the craggy rocks of Pentire Headland from the comfort of ocean-facing bar, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows and a cliff-side terrace.

A romantic weekend to remember

Making the most of your romantic stay in Cornwall starts with picking the right base for your festive adventures – and The Plume of Feathers is perfectly-located to help you explore all corners of the Duchy.

Our 16th Century dining pub boasts luxury rooms with rural charm in the quiet Cornish countryside. Sit by the fire with a good book or fine wine as you relax after a day on the road, and tuck into a hearty menu that echoes the flavours found on our doorstep. The Plume is your home-away-from-home and the perfect couples’ escape from the busyness of everyday life.

To book your stay, click here.

A couples’ guide to the perfect Cornish Christmas getaway

A couples’ guide to the perfect Cornish Christmas getaway 