Cornwall has its very own autumnal feel: a hint of borrowed enchantment hangs in the air, as if the fairy-folk may whisk it away - at any time. The scenery is startlingly vivid, days are full of nature’s wonders and it’s quieter, but nothing’s hibernated.
What’s at its best?
Sea-swimming: bathe in the shallows with the Atlantic at its warmest. A dip as the tide comes in over sun-kissed sand is divine. The afterglow is unique and (we think) needs trying to be believed!
Scenery: high-horizon seascapes, wooded-valley mists and moorland vistas - the clarity of all is breath-taking. Viridescent landscapes run down to a blur of cobalt ocean and azure skies, festooned with puff-ball clouds.
Long days – we reckon North Cornwall holds an extra hour’s daylight each end of the day in comparison to most of England. That’s 2 more hours out and about.
Revel in the weather: one less layer required! Our rule of thumb is that Tom’s Cottage is a fortnight behind Exeter going into winter, and maybe a month behind other UK regions.
Nature’s bounty: pick wild blackberries (the flavour is in a class of its own), pluck a clump of hazelnuts from laden boughs and gather sloes or elderberries to preserve for festive tipples.
Wildlife bonanza - mass gatherings of swallows line up on telegraph cables, readying for their migratory flight; moorland dons a mauve blanket of flowering heather while the large dragonflies of early autumn dance by fresh water. Goldfinch charms feed on thistle seeds, osprey glide the cliffs and winter waders arrive on the estuary.
Top spots
The hidden beaches of Tregardock, Epphaven and Greenaway are only revealed at low tide and are accessible via the coastpath (just a moderate walk for the active). These secret havens are high contenders for fulfilling any private-beach dreams.
Fishing villages are less hectic too in early autumn, but are still very much open. Port Isaac can be soaked up without the summer crowds while boat trips and crab sandwiches are still on the menu; whereas Port Quin captures the essence of a bygone age without any commercialism. A September ferry ride (from Rock) over to Padstow gives a far more rounded outing with room to enjoy the harbour, town and everything beyond.
Heritage sites such as Tintagel Castle (plus Merlin’s Cave on the beach below at low tide), Lanhydrock House (including quince fruiting on the house wall) and Restormel Castle (the least busy) all hold a temporal autumnal glow.
For an even more isolated excursion, visit one of Cornwall’s most timeworn sites run by Cornwall Heritage Trust Free to explore but with no services, all have an ancient connection to what makes Cornwall mythical. The impetus to discover lesser-known areas, these adventures never fail in the wonder-vibe.
Cornwall Wildlife Trust reserves, local woodlands and The Great Gardens of Cornwall are all exceptional in their autumnal glory. For the more intimate open garden, the Cornish National Garden Scheme provides a true flavour of Cornwall’s private gardens.
None of our autumnal recommendations would be complete without mentioning the seasonal-standout here at Tom’s Cottage: the garden-room. Daylight verve and warmth from a flit-full sun are heaven-sent. Immersed in a cottage garden and flanked by countryside, the splendid seclusion oozes a harmonious rapport with nature.
September in Cornwall is about balmy days lit by Cornish clarity – the vitality that artists have loved for over a century. An acquaintance waiting to be embraced, before being magic’d away.
Local September events
- All Sept: Lanhydrock - Autumn Colour event (gardens) & the Inspired by Lanhydrock exhibition (both incl in ticket price)
- 2nd Padstow - Gorsedh Kernow, Prideaux Place
- 3rd Wadebridge - Great Cornish Market, Royal Cornwall Showground
- 7th Lanteglos Church - Endelientia Youth Ensemble performance, 3pm
- 8th/9th St Endellion Chrch - Endelientia Youth Ensemble performance, 7.30pm
- 13th Boscastle Geology walk, 10am-1pm
- 14th/21st Bodmin Railway Steam Shanty evenings with The Lemonaires
- 14th Port Isaac village hall quiz night, 7.30pm (teams of 4)
- 16th Lost Gardens Heligan - Awenek (creative) Festival with the Cornwall Heritage Trust
- 16th Pencarrow - Indian Summer Film & Feast (curry & outdoor film screening)
- 21st-24th St Endellion - North Cornwall Book Festival
- 30th Pencarrow - Elvis tribute, 7pm
- 30th Pengenna Manor - pop-up curry night, 6.30-11pm
