Top things to do in Cornwall this Autumn

Views from Pentillie Castle across the Tamar Valley and Dartmoor. Photographed by Greydog Images.

Cornwall offers plenty of fantastic reasons to visit year round, and the autumn months of September, October and November are no exception. As most of the summer crowds disperse, you can experience a slower pace of life and the atmosphere of real Cornish living (and don’t worry, most of the attractions and ‘must see’ locations still remain open for you all to explore).

Whether you’re looking to gather with friends, planning an off-season family adventure or simply wanting to see the best of the South West, get inspired with our Autumn highlights…

Endless Walks

Savour those remaining summer rays while exploring the walking routes of Devon and Cornwall…

From rugged coastal clifftops to rolling country hills, you can discover the breath-taking vistas along the uncrowded South West Coast Path, or make your way inland to admire historical landmarks and weathered moorland terrain. On those blustery autumn days, there’s something quite satisfying about a walk along the foreshore, so wrap up warm, embrace the elements, and get out there!

Cosy Pubs

Think roaring log fires, local ciders, hearty ales, and community spirit…

Cornwall’s charming country pubs offer the perfect cosy atmosphere as the shorter days roll in. Most serve food and a delicious selection of Cornish gins and spirits, showcasing the very best of our local and seasonal produce. There’s sometimes live music too!

You’ll often find a pub (or even a beachside café) on one of the many walking routes across the county, allowing you to stop for a rewarding hot chocolate or a big bowl of chips. The Who’d Have Thought It Inn is a favourite local!

Beautiful Beaches

The spectacular Cornish coastline stretches 400 miles, the longest of any county in the UK…

As the summer months wind down, you can really appreciate the expanse of sand and shingle shores. What’s more, dogs are once again welcomed access! This not only makes travelling with your four-legged friend easier, but much more fun as they can roll in the sand and splash in the sea to their heart’s content.

If the idea of a sea swim isn’t quite your thing, but you still want to get your beach fix, why not try a spot of rock pooling? Look out for crabs, fish, starfish and even shark eggs!

Warmer Waters

Beautiful beaches, secluded coves and river estuaries all provide the perfect playground for eager adventure lovers...

With the water temperature at its warmest in September, and the waves more consistent, Autumn is a perfect time to get out and ride those waves! So why not give yourself a challenge and book a lesson with one of Cornwall’s excellent surf schools (our favourite is Adventure Bay).

For beginners and families, stand up paddle boarding offers the grownups a great physical workout, and kids the opportunity to look for fish, seals and even otters too! You can also explore the waters by kayak, canoe, or boat.

Quieter Tourist Attractions

Enjoy the tourist spots without the crowds the summer months bring…

Whether you’re interested in visiting The Eden Project, The National Marine Aquarium, or one of the quaint nearby fishing villages, there’s still plenty to see and do in September and beyond. The quieter season allows you to avoid the queues, find a parking space more easily and it’s often a much quicker journey.

Amazing Colours

We’re spoilt for choice with spectacular scenery year-round in Cornwall, and the autumn months are no exception...

As woodland leaves turn from a luscious green before transforming into rusty reds, we recommend a visit to one of the local National Trust sites to really appreciate the seasonal palette changes. The coastal pathways provide the perfect vantage point, overlooking shimmering sea mist atop the dark blue depths. And why not head to higher ground, and admire the golden hues of moorland bracken in this truly classic Cornish landscape.

Wild Edible Foraging

Create core memories amongst beautiful scenery as you gather berries, nuts, sloes, and crab apples before feasting on fabulous seasonal produce, bursting with flavour….

You could take part in a foraging course with Joanna from Incredible Edible, or head to one of the many “Pick Your Own” spots… (it might not be officially “foraging”, but we’re sure you’ll enjoy scoffing an assortment of edible goodies). If you’re picking sloes, why not give our Sloe Gin recipe a go!

And for those that partake in the Autumnal holiday of Halloween, there are some great pumpkin patches throughout Cornwall too. Including our neighbours at The Cornish Maize Maze.

Picturesque Cycling

Explore both coast and countryside on one of Devon and Cornwall’s many scenic rides, with bike hire available in most destinations...

The family-friendly Camel Trail begins in the seaside town of Padstow, following a disused railway line alongside the Camel Estuary to Wadebridge. It then joins the deep and beautifully wooded Camel Valley to Bodmin, where it winds its way inland to the moorland village of Blisland.

Another firm favourite runs through Plymbridge Woods, tracing the old Great Western Railway track through glorious oak woodland before emerging into open countryside. The trail leads past dramatic industrial remains, and across breath taking viaducts.

And so much more…

…. the extensive variety of local events in both Cornwall and neighbouring Plymouth, the endless amount of outdoor activity offerings (including archery, zipline, high ropes, rock climbing, abseiling, orienteering and mountain biking), and not forget, the incredible array of hotels, Bed and Breakfast’s and holiday homes.

If we’ve inspired you to take a well-deserved Cornish break this Autumn, we’d be delighted to welcome you… 

Our country castle offers the perfect home from home for your next adventure to the West Country. With 11 individually styled bedrooms (some of which are dog-friendly), we can accommodate up to 22 guests and up to 4 additional children. The extensive facilities, including our outdoor solar-heated swimming pool, will you be yours to enjoy exclusively, and you will also have access to our 55 acres of historic woodland gardens. So, if you are looking for a large holiday cottage (or castle), we would love to hear from you! Please get in touch.