Things to Do this Autumn

With its golden leaves, tranquil atmosphere and enchanting ambiance, there are plenty of things to do this autumn that lend a sense of magic to Cornish adventures. The perfect time of year to head out and explore before cosying up and unwinding by a crackling fire, it brings the best of all worlds for those looking for exploration and relaxation in equal doses.

If you can’t wait to get out and about and relish days of autumn goodness, we’ve put together a guide to some of the best things to do this autumn. From the best activities and attractions to unmissable local events, here’s what you need to know.

Foodie Treats

If there is one thing at the top of our list of things to do this autumn, it must be foodie treats. From mouth-watering meals in our beautiful restaurant to picking up the tastiest treats-to-go in town, there is something for everyone in our harbourside town. Venture out and about for a day of exploring some of the many west coast highlights before booking a table at one of the best restaurants in Penzance and treating yourself to the finest flavours to refuel and revive. On the menus, you can look forward to the highest quality seasonal fare plucked from land and sea, including farm-fresh Cornish produce and straight-from-the-boat seafood. Try things to do this autumn with a unique twist, why not add a different dimension to your foodie discovery by visiting local food festivals too, including the annual Falmouth Oyster Festival which takes place each October and presents workshops, chef demonstrations and, of course, the chance to try lots of food.

Autumn Walks

Often blessed with blue skies, warm sunshine and crisp air, autumn is the perfect time of year to get outside in Cornwall. Making the most of these peaceful conditions and the amazing colours on display, one of our top things to do this autumn is the simple act of walking. Be it along rolling country trails fringed with copper-coloured leaves or salt-kissed coastal paths overlooking sapphire seas, there are a huge number of routes to choose from for spellbinding moments. That said, some of our favourites include slow, leisurely walks along the Instagrammable Penzance harbour and seafront, and the relatively short but breath-taking hike from Sennen to Land’s End. For walks with the best autumn colours, we particularly recommend heading to nearby Trengwainton Garden, as well as Trelissick Estate, Glendurgan Gardens and Tehidy Country Park.

Beach Days

Beach days are often associated with summer in Cornwall, but autumn is still a wonderful time of year to go to the beach and soak up the rejuvenating sea air. Things to do this autumn include everything from sea dips on calm days, to cosy picnics wrapped up in blankets, to invigorating walks along the sand, there is no end to the natural inspiration provided by the coast. Some of our favourite beaches for long walks in Cornwall include nearby Long Rock beach, Gwithian beach in Hayle and Perranporth beach. Meanwhile, for more things to do this autumn, head to West Cornwall’s Sennen beach for the surf, Porthcurno for the views, and Porthmeor beach for the proximity to charming shops and eateries for even more autumn treats.

Cold Water Swims

g of beach days, one of the top things to do this autumn for the brave is cold water swimming. An increasingly popular pastime that sees hardy swimmers take to chilly waters from pools to lakes to the sea, cold water swimming is becoming more and more recognised for its health-boosting properties. Fortunately, there are a number of places to choose from in Cornwall that afford sheltered swimming conditions throughout the autumn months – with some of the best places for wild swimming in Cornwall being found within easy reach of our sea-view hotel. A particularly popular spot, the nearby Jubilee Pool is an outdoor seawater lido that remains open during select hours in autumn, making it perfect for safe swims for all. Meanwhile the magical Golitha Falls offers unforgettable outdoor swims under auburn leaves. Before you go swimming anywhere, just remember to check out the conditions and seek local advice before taking the plunge.

Rainy Day Activities

Okay, so we confess, it has been known to rain in autumn in Cornwall from time to time. However, the weather needn’t put a dampener on your retreat. Offering a wide variety of things to do this autumn in Cornwall, there are lots of rainy day activities that await to capture your attention. For a dose of artistic inspiration in the dry, you can visit Penlee House Gallery and Museum on Morrab Road and The Exchange Gallery on Princes Street in Penzance. You can also spend an infinite amount of time dipping in and out of all the different shops in Penzance and nearby Newlyn, as well as exploring nearby highlights such as Polgoon Vineyard and Newlyn Filmhouse.

Hotel Penzance

Can’t wait for a Cornish retreat this autumn? If you are planning a dreamy autumnal escape and are looking for somewhere special to base yourself, then look no further than our welcoming sea-view hotel in Penzance. Perched on the West Coast of Cornwall overlooking the sea, our elegant Edwardian townhouse is perfectly placed for enjoying all the many things to do this autumn. Choose from our collection of sea-view rooms, wine and dine in our acclaimed bar and restaurant, and discover the many things to do nearby, relishing an idyllic seasonal sojourn in the lap of the Atlantic Ocean.