If the rise in staycations has led you to avoid booking a summer trip, why not plan an autumn break in Cornwall this year? The temperature may be a little lower, and only the bravest head into the sea, but Cornwall has so much to offer in the cooler seasons, and often is less busy than the most popular summer months.

Find quaint fisherman’s cottages, fresh fish being hauled up onto the harbours, and brightly coloured fishing boats moored up; fishing villages are a great way to see some Cornish history, and admire the sea views away from the sand. These villages can be found throughout the county, on both the North and the South Coast, and they all have something different to offer; our favourites include Padstow (just a 20 minute drive from the Airport) and Mevagissey near St Austell. Many of them have fantastic restaurants and cafes to grab some lunch, try out Paul Ainsworth’s Caffe Rojano in Padstow for modern Italian cuisine, or taste a famous cream tea from Tea on the Quay in Mevagissey.

With less people sat on the beach and more room to explore, Autumn is the perfect time for a stroll along the long stretches of Cornish sand. Head down whilst the tide is going out to enjoy a larger area and keep your eyes peeled for freshly washed up beach treasures – shells, smoothed sea glass and pebbles can be found on most of our beaches. Why not grab a takeaway coffee and cake from one of the fabulous beach cafes to keep warm whilst you walk? We recommend Sea Spray at the South end of Fistral Beach in Newquay.

Cornwall is famed for its fresh fish and seafood, spend some time sampling these delights and much more in Cornwall’s array of fantastic restaurants. Try Rick Stein’s flagship Seafood Restaurant in Padstow,  Cove24 in Newquay, or Porthminster Beach Café in St Ives. If you’re just after a drink, head to The Watchful Mary on Watergate Bay or The Watering Hole on Perranporth Beach.

Whether you’re into gin, wine, cider or beer we’ve got you covered in Cornwall’s thriving drinks production industry. Try out a tasting at one of the many vineyards across the county including Camel Valley, Knightor Winery or Trevibban Mill; or head to Tarquin’s distillery for a tour, tasting, and even a go at waxing your own bottle of gin. For cider, pay a visit to Healeys Cyder Farm, and for beer try out the Padstow Brewing Company.

Fly to Cornwall Airport Newquay this Autumn with Eastern Airways from Leeds-Bradford Airport, and from Manchester, Newcastle, Aberdeen and Teesside with Loganair.

Please note, whilst we’ve done our best to ensure that the restaurants, cafes and other businesses featured in this blog are all open and operating, please make sure you check their websites before you head out.