Few places rival Cornwall when it comes to elopements and micro-weddings. Here, towering coastal cliffs, idyllic beaches and sweeping ocean vistas provide a naturally romantic backdrop for your special day. There’s also a feeling of tranquility that sweeps across the region which makes it the perfect setting for intimate celebrations.

Autumn is in full swing, which makes for one of the most beautiful seasons in Cornwall. Long gone are the summer crowds, but Cornwall’s mild climate means there’s still a little warmth in the air and the hedgerows and trees around our holiday cottage are full of autumn colour.

Whilst Cornwall is dog-friendly year round, autumn is one of the best times to visit with your pooch. Seasonal dog restrictions are lifted, the beaches and coastal paths are quieter and so are the pubs and restaurants.

In October, Cornwall sees less footfall, making it the ideal time to enjoy a more peaceful side of the county. Crisp autumnal days make for perfect hiking weather with fewer people on the South West Coast Path, and wide, empty beaches provide plenty of space for dog walks and swimming. 

In many ways, October is one of the best times to get outdoors in Cornwall – it’s a great time to forage, waves return to the coast, and the water is at its warmest. There are plenty of events and family friendly days out to enjoy during the half term, and it’s a wonderful time for wildlife watching. 

The kids may be back to school, but that doesn’t mean summer is over. In fact, with less visitors and the lingering warmth of summer, September is one of the best months to visit Cornwall. 

August in Cornwall is summer at its peak. Golden beaches fill with laughter, the South West Coast Path is brimming with colour and wildlife, and the sea turns a warm, inviting turquoise – perfect for a refreshing swim. With the coastline at its most dazzling and the countryside full of verdancy, it’s a glorious time to explore.

At The Cornish Place, we want to help visitors discover the relaxing Cornish escape they’re looking for – and the good news is that when Cornwall’s most popular attractions are getting really busy there are plenty of other amazing places to visit. From lesser-known beaches to towns that avoid the summer gridlock, and hidden foodie spots, we’ve got plenty of recommendations.

So if you’re looking to uncover the slightly quieter corners of the county, soak up stunning scenery, and enjoy your holiday at a more relaxed pace, here are our favourite alternatives to beat the crowds in Cornwall. 

Cornwall has long been a favourite destination for summer holidays, offering plenty to enjoy for the whole family. With its slower pace of life, beautiful scenery and wide-open spaces, it’s an ideal spot to unwind. But while relaxation is easy to find, there’s also no shortage of things to do. Sunny days are for beach adventures and sea swims, while cooler days invite exploration through coastal towns, flourishing gardens and historic landmarks.

In this blog, we include our suggestions for the best days out in Cornwall during summer, plus a list of events to enjoy during the first week of the summer holidays. 

At The Cornish Place, we believe Cornwall should be enjoyed by everyone, no matter your pace or how you get around. Whether you're pushing a pram, using a wheelchair, or simply prefer smoother paths and gentler gradients, there's no shortage of beautiful, accessible experiences to enjoy. 

From beach days with sand-friendly wheelchairs to scenic gardens and coastal strolls with buggy-friendly trails, Cornwall has plenty to offer for all ages and mobility.

With summer holidays just around the corner, June is one of the best times to experience Cornwall. Long, light-filled days stretch late into the evening, the sea glows in brilliant shades of blue, and this month often brings the best weather of the year. 

From scenic walks and wildlife watching to music festivals and outdoor plays, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy Cornwall. Highlights this month include the Royal Cornwall Show, pop-up food events, and peaceful beach days before the summer crowds arrive.

When you picture Cornwall, chances are it’s a dramatic stretch of coastline that comes to mind – perhaps the craggy cliffs and sweeping bays of the north coast, the tranquil inlets of the Cornish Riviera, or the unforgettable silhouette of St Michael’s Mount rising above Marazion. These landscapes are undeniably breathtaking – but what makes them even more remarkable is that they’re all connected by one spectacular walking route: the South West Coast Path.

May is when Cornwall truly comes to life. Cornwall’s spring gardens burst into colour, the days grow longer and sunnier, and the sea starts calling with the start of the bathing season. It’s also the start of Cornwall’s festival calendar, with food events and spring celebrations popping up across the county – all before the summer crowds arrive.

Known for its creativity and coastline, Cornwall is also home to one of the UK’s most exciting and eclectic music scenes. Whether you’re listening to international headliners on the cliffs at Watergate Bay, soaking up Ibiza beats on the sand, or enjoying family-friendly global rhythms in the countryside, Cornwall’s music festivals offer diversity.

For foodies planning a holiday in Cornwall, there’s no better way to experience the region’s culinary culture than by attending one of the best food and drink events in Cornwall. From fresh seafood caught straight from the Atlantic, to locally brewed ciders and award-winning sparkling wine, Cornwall is home to some of the best artisan produce in the UK. Thanks to its mild climate and abundant coastline, the county boasts a natural larder that rivals anywhere in Europe.

After the success of our pumpkin patch last year, The Cornish Place is introducing a brand-new ‘seed to plate’ initiative, where you – our guests – can help grow your own food while staying in our luxury holiday cottages in Cornwall. Starting from Easter 2025, join us for a family-friendly seed planting experience and come back later in the year to enjoy the harvest.

Easter is a magical time to visit Cornwall. The woodlands come alive with carpets of bluebells, the beaches remain blissfully quiet, and the seasonal dog bans haven’t yet come into effect – meaning the whole family, including four-legged friends, can explore together. With Cornwall’s typically milder spring temperatures, it’s the perfect time for a refreshing countryside escape.

 Discover the best small wedding venue in Cornwall perfect for a Cornwall elopement, intimate weddings or small wedding ceremony. 

Discover the benefits of an elopement wedding over a traditional wedding and why we are one of the best small wedding venues for a Cornwall elopement. 

St Ives, one of Cornwall’s most beloved destinations, offers a Cornish experience that is simply unmissable. Here, the charming, whitewashed fisherman's cottages tumble down towards a picturesque harbour, which was once the heart of Cornwall’s pilchard industry. The town is set against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty, where the Atlantic waves crash onto perfect white sands, making it one of the best places for soaking up the magic of the Cornish coast. 

Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to charming towns to visit in Cornwall, but a trip to Falmouth has to be near the top of your list for many reasons. Falmouth is unlike any other place, with its combination of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, a lively highstreet, plus a fantastic range of pubs and eateries – all steeped in a unique, fascinating history.