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Foraging and feasting in Cornwall: Our autumn food guide

From hedgerows brimming with wild berries to the comforting aromas of a proper roast, autumn is the season to indulge in the wonderful produce grown around Cornwall.

It’s not just about our cosy pubs either; autumn in Cornwall is a great time to enjoy the region’s natural larder, too, with plenty to forage and lots of foodie experiences on offer.

Here, we’ve drafted our proper autumn food guide to Cornwall this autumn, with foraging finds and wholesome feasts that celebrate this beautiful landscape.

What to forage in Cornwall this autumn

You can forage in Cornwall year-round, but, through autumn, the Cornish countryside really does boast a treasure trove of wild ingredients, perfect for the curious forager. Here are just a few you might find on your adventures:

Blackberries – Found in abundance along country lanes and hedgerows across the UK, blackberries are perfect for jams, crumbles, or adding a sharp twist to savoury dishes. Plus, you can eat it straight off the stem.

Wild mushrooms – From chanterelles to penny buns, Cornwall’s woodlands are rich in fungi. If you know a thing or two about mushrooms, you’re in the right place. And if you don’t? Forage responsibly or join a guided walk!

Elderberries – Ideal for syrups, wines or infused vinegars, these little black berries are rich in vitamin C and flavour. Don’t eat them raw though, as the toxins need to be neutralised by cooking them first!

Sea beet – A leafy treat along the Cornish coast path, and often used in seafood dishes, this plant thrives in coastal habitats and is often compared to spinach – with a salty twist.

Guides and responsible foraging

If you’re new to foraging, join a local expert for a morning wander through coastal paths or woodlands, learning to identify edible plants, mushrooms, and herbs.

It’s a great way to connect with nature, enjoy the local landscape, and the best part? Some tours even finish with a cook-up over a fire or a tasting session! If you’ve ever wanted to feel more in tune with the world around us, doing it through your tastebuds is the perfect opportunity.

That said, responsible foraging is also incredibly important for our local habitats. Take too much, and plants might not recover. Often, berries are vital food for birds before winter hits, too, so make sure you leave enough for everyone.

If you’re not sure where to start, try exploring with Rachel Lambert on her Wild Walk courses, wander with Wild St Ives or join a tour with Cornish Foraging near Porthcurno.

Cornwall feast experiences

If you’re not a fan of foraging yourself, but still want to taste authentic Cornish flavours, there are plenty of foodie experiences to dive into.

Head to the Hidden Hut at Portcurnick Beach on the Roseland Peninsula for a truly social event on the sand (almost like a big picnic!), where shared food sits at the heart of the venue’s popular ‘feast nights’.

Likewise at Nancarrow Farm, enjoy locally-sourced food over candlelight and live music, as you gather round a communal table – all cooked in a woodfired kitchen.

And then, of course, there’s our cosy coaching inn, right here in Mitchell…

Roast and rest at The Plume

Autumn is one of our favourite times of year because it’s the season for the roast (and let’s be honest, it doesn’t always hit the same in summer!). Our seasonal Sunday roasts are a celebration of Cornish produce, from locally-reared beef to veggies bursting with flavour (and not forgetting our beautifully-rich gravy).

Once you’re stuffed and relaxed by the fire, there’s no better way to end the evening than with a cosy stay in one of our luxury rooms. Whether you’re here for a romantic getaway or a foodie adventure, our central Cornwall location makes us the ideal base for a truly memorable getaway.

Ready to plan your trip? Book your stay now for an unforgettable autumn staycation in Cornwall.