Thanks to its southerly position, Cornwall’s winter days are just that bit longer than those in northern climes, and the climate in spring is milder than the rest of the country, so there’s no need to limit Cornish breaks to the summer months. Read on to see if camping in Cornwall out of season might work for you.
Year-round accommodation in Cornwall
There’s no shortage of caravan sites, tent pitches and holiday homes – as well as a range of Cornwall glamping sites – that stay open all year around, so you should be able to find something that suits your requirements, even if you’re camping over the winter months.
Why travel off-season? Cornish camping sites are quieter outside the summer months, especially if you can travel outside the school holidays. Family-friendly options with playgrounds are handy if you’re holidaying with pre-school kids, while couples or groups of pals in search of a peaceful rural pick-me-up will find plenty of options for adults-only time in Cornish hideaways.
As the temperature goes down, so does the price of pitches – another incentive to travel off peak. To make sure you all stay warm, look for Cornwall sites that allow campfires, or book a campsite with an indoor pool in case of rainy days. And if your canine pals need a break too, there are plenty of dog-friendly Cornish options out there as well.
Where to go in Cornwall off-season?
Foodie finds
Cornwall has some of the best restaurants in the country – fact. And although they may operate shorter hours outside peak times, most don’t close over winter. With visitor numbers down, here’s a chance to sneak in a Michelin-starred feast at destination dining rooms in Padstow, Port Isaac or Charlestown. Look for a campsite close by so you can leave the car behind.
Learn to surf like a local
Cornwall’s Atlantic waves are at their best in winter, with big swells bringing local surfers out to play. Some surf schools stay open all year around and offer one-to-one instruction and cheaper prices than in high season (over summer). Bag a site where you can warm up around a campfire close to Newquay or St Ives, pack a wetsuit and hone your skills out on the water.
Find solitude on the South West Coast Path
Spring may well be the best time for a long-distance hike around Cornwall’s dramatic coastline. Clifftop wildflowers burst into bloom, and you won’t encounter fellow walkers every few minutes. Whether you choose to base yourself at one site or carry your gear with you from place to place, you should be able to find a coastal campsite to rest weary bones in overnight.
Visit those big-hitting attractions
Keen to visit The Eden Project but not so big on the crowds? Go off season and although you won’t have the place to yourselves, it’ll certainly be much less crowded. Or visit Cornwall in spring to witness the bluebell carpet at the Lost Gardens of Heligan. You’ll have lots of choice as far as campsites go – whether you’re looking for something family friendly or strictly adults only.
