There’s so much more to midwinter than hibernating. It’s a season to savour in its own right – crisp evening air, striking landscapes and vigorous contrasts: between outdoor vitality and inside comfort. But when festive feasting becomes monotonous, what’s to do? We’ve drawn together some Tom’s Cottage inspiration that’ll rally the most dedicated sofa-ites.
Starling murmurations – a truly amazing sight and one of nature’s winter gifts. These migratory birds flock together as they gather to roost for the night, like a huge swarm. Their en masse manoeuvres at dusk are like an acrobatic shoal of fish. Spot locally along the Roughtor road or in the Davidstow plantation area.
The night sky – stay up on Bodmin Moor after dark to savour the International Dark Sky Landscape. It’s startlingly beautiful; even when viewed by just the naked eye. The air is as fresh as it comes, and if you’ve some constellation knowledge and a telescope: it’s a real wow!
Sunrise – the sun may be going to bed early in winter, but it’s also a late riser: making it easier to catch in the mornings. Check sunrise times (and weather forecast) and give it a go. Winter positioning in the sky provides breath-taking horizonal hues. Amazing from any rural, coastal or moorland vantage point.
Walk – a Cornish beach or coastpath, open moorland or rural countryside: they’re all so compelling in midwinter. With a starker vibe, somehow more refreshing; and quieter. Uninterrupted views, unparalleled space.
Bird watching – along the Camel Estuary, Bodmin Moor and North Cornish coast; spot winter visitors of the avian world. They’ll be feeding on mudflats, sheltering in grassland and perched on rocky outcrops. Majestical.
Winter picnic – all of the above lend themselves to warm sausages wrapped in foil and flasks of hot chocolate. A warm pasty is heaven at any time of day. Something damp proof to sit on is worth its weight in gold.
Heritage – indoors or outside! For standing stones visit a Cornish Heritage site, or the cliffside ruins of Tintagel Castle or the splendour of Lanhydrock House. Head to our local museums: in Wadebridge town (local history), Bodmin Jail (Victorian jail), Bodmin Keep (military museum) and Jamaica Inn (smuggling history).
Alpaca trekking Cornwall - take alpacas on a trek, meet meerkats on the moor and have a sheep experience: nothing touches some animal magic. A real endorphin boost and connection with nature.
Pop into a pub – preferably a country inn with a live fire! Fresh air builds an appetite (and a thirst) like no other. Choose something that isn’t a regular at home – it’ll taste all the better for making a change, and be a treat.
Bake off – always fancied trying your hand in the kitchen but not got round to it? A dark afternoon is waiting. Really impress with some Mary Berry shortbread or Delia Smith’s Uncle Billy’s toffee (both pretty fool proof) or check out BBC banana bread recipes. Don’t stop there: the joy of a stew or soup lies in is its deliciousness, and hearty simplicity. Gather family or friends to share – everyone’s spirits will be lifted!
Game on – remember those pre-digital games? Dig out a board game, find a pack of cards or go rogue with your own house rules of charades or who-am-I (sticky notes on foreheads). Hilarious. Some Tom favourites include Scrabble – be prepared to check outlandish spellings, Monopoly – no cheating please, and Uno – where fortunes change in a flash! Old school solitaire (card or board version) and jigsaws also make a great solo game; while chess and back gammon make for terrific duels.
Read a book – when did you last get lost in a ripping yarn? Whatever genre captures your imagination, a good book takes you places otherwise never visited. Best read in your own voice we believe, for full immersion! Although talking books, a radio play or a podcast are great alternatives when hands are busy.
Cinema sensation – the pictures aren’t just about latest film releases: live streaming of top performances (from ballet to orchestral concerts and musical shows) are a regular feature. The big screen and adept audio bring a certain vibrancy lost on domestic devices (and it’s an actual outing!)
Join a club – palates, art, gardening or rambling; wild swimming, chess or bridge: there’s a weekly meeting for every interest. There’ll be speakers, a summer trip and Christmas party; perhaps even an annual exhibition or offshoot volunteering group.
Whether indoors or out, the winter vibe brings its own essence to revolving seasons, and we love it! A little buffeting by the elements makes cosying-up by the fire a real privilege. Exhilaration and comfort, in quick succession.
British midwinter falls on the 21st December so come mid-January there’ll be a small, but noticeable, difference in daylight hours. When the snowdrops are in their prime. Don’t miss embracing midwinter – come twelfth night there won’t be much of it left!
