The Best Autumn Holiday Escapes in Cornwall

The Best Autumn Holiday Escapes in Cornwall

From food festivals to wildlife spotting, Autumn in Cornwall is all about enjoying the landscape without the summer holiday crowds. The county’s glorious gardens put on a splendid seasonal display and the consistent swell and quieter waves make it a good time to hit the surf.

Check into one of the following hotels and resorts to take advantage of the best of the Autumn holidays in the southwest.

Hotel Meudon near Falmouth

Set on the south coast close to the vibrant harbour town of Falmouth, Hotel Meudon is the only hotel set in nine acres of Cornish sub-tropical gardens, a hidden valley that is awash with greenery all year long. The incredible hydrangea collection can be enjoyed right through to March, and from October, the deciduous trees start to show their fabulous autumn colour, turning the valley gold and crimson. 

Step out on the South West Coast Path which runs along the bottom of the Hotel Meudon gardens.  A four-mile circular walk to Rosemullion Head and the Helford Estuary is perfect for birdwatching at this time of year when flocks of seabirds pass offshore. Visitors can also immerse themselves in local heritage and great food at the Falmouth Oyster Festival (13th - 16th October), which marks the start of the oyster dredging season; or the joy of storytelling at the Falmouth Book Festival (17th - 23rd October).

Rooms cost from £189 per night based on two people sharing, including a three-course dinner and breakfast, www.meudon.co.uk  

Polurrian on the Lizard

Home to mainland Britain's most southerly point, dramatic cliffs shaped by the Atlantic and bracing scenic walks, the Lizard peninsula is one of the best spots for embracing the golden season in Cornwall. Perched above the crashing waves near the village of Mullion, Polurrian on the Lizard makes for the ideal base, with a south-westerly outlook providing a ringside seat for spectacular autumn sunsets. 

The Lizard peninsula is one of the southwest’s largest nature reserves. Head to the Lizard Point Wildlife Watchpoint, run by the National Trust, open daily until the end of October. It's one of the best places to see seabirds travelling through the English Channel as well as the Cornish chough. Dragonflies and butterflies can be spotted well into November, and look out for grey seals too, who give birth to pups in the autumn. Join Lizard Adventure for a sea kayaking tour, where you’ll learn more about local wildlife and natural history and seals are a common sight. 

Rooms cost from £149 per night based on two people sharing, including breakfast and £20 credit per adult for dinner, www.polurrianhotel.com 

Una St Ives

Autumn is a fantastic time to visit vibrant St Ives with its quieter streets and peaceful beaches. Dip into the region’s world-class art credentials with a visit to Tate St Ives and browse independent shops, enticing eateries and cosy pubs. 

It's a great season for walking too. Stroll across miles of sandy beach at Hayle and Gwithian Towans or walk around Godrevy Head for fantastic views across St Ives Bay and out to the lighthouse on Godrevy Island. Look out for migrating seabirds including kittiwakes and storm petrels. Or take advantage of the quieter waves and warm waters to book a surf lesson with St Ives Surf School.

Round off the day back at Una St Ives self-catering resort, set on the fringes of St Ives and Carbis Bay. Enjoy a home from home in one of the luxury lodges, with fully equipped kitchens with spacious dining and living areas plus hot tubs and wood burners for cooler nights. Located at the heart of the resort, the Spa at Una is the place to unwind after hiking and surfing. The experience is rounded off at Una Kitchen, with award-winning Cornish chef Glenn Gatland serving up Mediterranean-inspired dishes cooked over an open flame and made with the finest locally sourced ingredients.

Four nights for the price of three: A four-night autumn break at Una St Ives costs from £330 (based on two adults sharing a one-bedroom lodge, from 1st October until 22nd December) including unlimited use of the leisure and spa facilities, www.unastives.co.uk