Did you know you can walk direct from the front door of Rock Cottage to Padstow? It is between 2 to 3 miles across very quite country lanes, joining the Camel Trail at the very end before reaching Padstow.
The walk takes about 1 hour at a very leisurely pace.
My first tip is – ignore Google walking directions!! Google takes you on roads suitable for cars and takes much longer. My route uses a permitted footpath (on foot only, no bikes/bicycles) and is far more direct. There is an OS map to borrow in the cottage too but as there can be bullocks in the fields I would suggest sticking to the lanes unless you are an experienced rambler.
If you look at the OS Map you are basically heading to Tregonce.
Firstly, head out of the Cottage towards the Ring O Bells pub and down the lefthand side lane. Keep walking through the countryside until you come to a junction with some cottages. If you go left you will come to the Pickwick Inn. You need to turn right! (Alternatively you can walk through the village on the main road and turn left into Trevance – not as scenic!)
Keep walking and turn left. Then when you come to the Farm, turn left again. Look out for this road sign – you are going in the correct direction!
Follow the lovely country lane down to the Camel Trail, enjoy the view on the way. Turn left on the Camel Trail and walk on to Padstow.
It’s a great walk to get some miles under your belt with your dog. Our dogs enjoy swimming in the River Camel once they get down to the River too.
Padstow is extremely dog friendly and dogs are welcomed in most cafes and pubs.
Have an amazing time exploring Padstow and enjoy being car free! If you don’t fancy the walk back then you can catch the bus from the car park near the quay right back to the Ring O Bells in the village. The bus allows dogs too!
So you’ve secured the perfect cosy cottage to spend a lovely winter break at Rock Cottage (book here!) and now you’re looking for some amazing activities to really get you in the festive mood… look no further!
Winter in Cornwall is a magical time, there is nothing more wonderful than a long bracing walk on a beach or cliff top followed by a cosy meal in a Cornish Pub with a roaring fire or enjoy a glass of wine in front of the log burner at Rock Cottage.
But at Christmas you need some extra magic. I’ve set out below the top 10 things to do in Cornwall but watch this space as I’ll update this throughout the next couple of months as more events get released. Please do check with individual event organisers before making special journeys as some events are not taking place this year due to Covid safety concerns.
In particular, the Padstow Christmas Festival which takes place on the harbourside and is one of the highlights of any foodie’s social calendar, has already been cancelled for 2021. The good news is that dates for 2022 have already been provisionally agreed.
1. Christmas lights at Mousehole Harbour
Enjoy the amazing spectacle of thousands of tiny lights in the pretty fishing village of Mousehole forming amazing shapes both around the harbour and the narrow winding streets. The lights will be going up in stages this year and being illuminated gradually (usually they have a big switching on ceremony), it is expected that all the lights will be lit by mid-December.
More information can be found here: www.mouseholelights.org.uk and donations towards the running costs can be made online
Famous Mousehole Christmas Lights
2. Eden Project – Ice skating
Where else in the country can you experience the hot steamy tropical jungle in a biome one minute and then go ice skating the next?! From October 2021 to February 2022 the Eden Project has their fabulous skating rink open, so why not get in the festive mood by enjoying a skate and then a hot chocolate. Tickets must be purchased separately online to secure your spot. The Eden Project usually hosts a variety of different Christmas events during the festive period from carol singers to mulled wine & maybe even a visit from the big man himself. For more info on skating at the Eden Project, please click here.
Skating at Eden
3. The Enchanted Christmas Market
The Christmas market takes place just around the corner from Rock Cottage at the Royal Cornwall Events Centre between 9th-12th December and 16th-19th December 2021. The indoor event boasts real reindeers, a huge variety of local artisan producers of gifts and food, photo opportunities in a mini studio and meetings with Santa on stage. Stretch your skating legs on a synthetic ice rink and warm yourselves with mulled wine from one of the bars. The perfect place to buy presents and enjoy a jolly atmosphere! Tickets can be bought online here
mmmm Christmassy drinks at the Enchanted Christmas Market
4. Santa at Bodmin & Wenford Railway
He’s back!! Visitors to the station will be greeted by Santa’s elves, before boarding the steam train to Bodmin Parkway. Whilst aboard the train children will have the chance to write their list to Santa before returning back to Bodmin General.
Once back at the main station children will have the opportunity to do some Christmas themed activities before they go and visit Santa in his unique Victorian coach. Each child will receive an age-appropriate gift and the opportunity to have their photo taken with Santa.
Santa Specials will be running on 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, and 17th-24th December. Special Christmas train tickets can be booked here.
Meet Santa on the heritage steam railway
5. Lost Gardens of Heligan – An enchanting lantern experience
Follow an extended 1.5km one-way journey around the accessible Gardens to discover nature in a celebration of the wildlife that make Heligan their home all year round in the form of beautiful illuminated paraffin lanterns. Explore at your own pace, stop to take in the smells, toast marshmallows and chestnuts by the stunning fire bowls, meet the donkeys, be wowed by the glittering oak tree, and enjoy seasonal warming take away refreshments amid a truly festive backdrop for your evening. Tickets need to be booked online .
6. All wrapped up at Camel Creek Adventure Park
If you’ve got little ones then you have probably already noticed the close proximity of Rock Cottage to Camel Creek (only a couple of miles) but have you seen the details of their “All wrapped up” Christmas events? Camel Creek is an adventure park aimed at children aged approximately 2 to 10, with a mixture of animals to meet and greet, soft play and gentle theme park rides.
From 27th November to 23rd December, Camel Creek are bringing a whole host of extra Christmas themed activities to keep everyone entertained. Christmas adds extra twinkle for little ones (and grown-ups too!) and they will be delighted to see the Swampy and Dina Land transformed into Christmas Land. This is all on top of the Park’s usual fun and excitement, including the indoor play area at Creeky’s Playhouse, the Carousel and Wave Rider swings. Animal lovers have the chance to explore The Stables, Reptile House, Meerkat Enclosure and Pony Express.
Say hello to Father Christmas in his grotto and receive a little gift before exploring the enchanted tree forest with a hot chocolate or mulled wine. Why not join the elves in the workshop for some festive arts and crafts.
More information and how to book (including tickets for Father Christmas) can be found here.
Christmas at Camel Creek
7. Nadelik Lowen Padstow
Literally meaning “Merry Christmas” in Cornish, the festival of Nadelik Lowen Padstow will take place this year on 4th December. Come and join the celebration of lighting the Christmas tree, enjoy a festive drink or two and embrace Cornish culture. Make an evening of it and enjoy a meal out in the town at one of the many superb eateries. Why not catch the bus from just outside Rock Cottage so you don’t have to worry about parking (& can have a drink! mulled wine or mulled cider?) or put on your walking boots and stretch your legs.
Nadelik Lowen Padstow
8. All aboard at Lappa Steam Railway
Come and enjoy the wonder and magic of Christmas at Lappa Valley just outside Newquay and meet Father Christmas in his grotto. Take a nostalgic steam train ride through the wooded valley and find lots of festive fun.
Available on selected dates throughout December 2021 – book online.
All aboard at Lappa Valley
9. Festive food in Padstow
I mentioned above that the amazing Christmas Food Festival in Padstow has been cancelled for 2021 but dates are already published for 2022. The food festival takes place in a huge marquee on the carpark right next to the Harbour in Padstow featuring the very best of Cornish producers from gin, cheese, beer, blankets, crafts, clothes and charcuterie – there is something for everyone. The dates for 2022 are Thursday 1st December to Sunday 4th December. If you are planning to stay at Rock Cottage then please book early as these dates sell out really quickly every year. More info about the festival can be found on their Facebook Page and bookings for Rock Cottage can be made here.
This year between 5th December and 8th December 2021 a smaller festive market will be taking place at Memorial Hall in Padstow.
Please do make reservations for meals during the festive season well in advance. Bookings for the most popular restaurants are often made up to 6 months in advance.
10. Wreath Making Workshop – bring Cornwall home!
Why not join the wreath making workshop at Bedruthan Christmas Fayre run by the fabulously talented Kate from Beach House Flowers, using sustainably sourced materials you can make a wonderful wreath which will last the whole of the festive season. The perfect Christmas souvenir from your November break at Rock Cottage. Take a little piece of Cornwall home with you!
You will need to book your space at the workshop online, the price includes entry to the Fayre and all the materials required to make your show stopper wreath. Please take a look here.
Cornish perfection
With so much to see and do, I just know you’ll have the perfect winter break at Rock Cottage and head home rested and full of festive spirit ready to enjoy the Christmas season.
