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Why autumn is our favourite season in Cornwall

With its rugged coastline, charming villages and sweeping landscapes, the Duchy is stunning no matter the season. But why is autumn in Cornwall particularly special?

As the busy crowds of summer give way to a slower pace of life for locals and visitors alike, there’s something magical about the tranquility of the landscape when September comes.

Here, we’ve outlined why we think seeing autumn in Cornwall is a must-do on the travel bucket list, and how you can make the most of it.

Late season wanders

With its relatively mild climate, there’s never a bad time to hit the trails in Cornwall (as long as you’re not heading straight into a winter storm!). But, post-summer, you’ll find the popular South West Coast Path calms down a bit (a lot) as the holidays end and many people head back to work.

Throughout September and October, there are still plenty of warm, sunny days to be enjoyed, so making the most of the quieter stretches on this renowned hiking trail is a great way to switch off from the hustle and bustle of every-day life, and fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Cornwall – no interruptions.

Our favourite way to end a long, heart-pumping stroll? With a well-deserved pint at the local! Check out some of our favourites, including walks you won’t want to miss.

Empty beaches

And it’s not just walks on the coast path you can make the most of! As crowds disperse, there’s more space than ever to explore Cornwall’s numerous beauty spots and sandy beaches.

Whether it’s enjoying the view with a quiet beach picnic, or re-invigorating the senses with a skin-tingling dip in the ocean, you’ll never struggle to find a secluded spot (or a space in the car park).

From Kynance Cove to St Michael’s Mount, our sister venue, The Plume, has all the information you need about the best beauty spots to visit in Cornwall this autumn.

Wildlife watching

There’s still time to see some incredible wildlife in Cornwall throughout the autumn months, before the harsh winter storms roll in.

With a diverse range of habitats across the county, including forest, coast and moorland, you’ll see varying species of birds, both native and migratory, as well as countless interesting insects. So, don’t forget the binoculars!

What’s more magical, however, is this time is also the beginning of the grey seal pup season. Throughout the autumn and winter months, pups will be born around the Cornish coastline, and can often be visible from the coast path resting on beaches and rocks. Just make sure to keep your distance and follow these tips to avoid wildlife disturbance.

You can also find reputable wildlife watching tours, where you could even spot whales, dolphins and more on your visit through calmer spells.

Events and attractions

Just because the summer is over, doesn’t mean the fun is! Cornwall’s autumn calendar is jam-packed with events to make your visit even more special.

For book-lovers, don’t miss the North Cornwall Book Festival in Port Isaac, while the St Ives September Festival kicks off for another year from 14 September. Later, October brings the celebrated Falmouth Oyster Festival; perfect for all of our seafoodies out there!

It’s also a great time to explore Cornwall’s most-loved attractions and cultural sites crowd-free. Whether you’re interested in finding out more about the region’s historic mining heritage, or looking to visit the world-famous Eden Project, there’s something for everyone. Plus, don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for autumn deals and discounts.

Book your stay

Make the most of autumn in Cornwall here at Lewinnick Lodge. With a cliff-side terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows in our restaurant, you can soak in those late season sunsets with a crisp white wine, or cosy up in front of the log burner when the air turns cool.

Our rooms are the epitome of a luxury coastal retreat, with off-the-beaten-track vibes and unrivalled ocean views for the perfect autumn escape. Don’t forget to check out our latest deals, and discover Cornwall in a whole new way.