There’s something extra special about a coastal Christmas, so I asked all the team at Boutique Retreats HQ what are their favourite things to do.
Follow the twinkling lights.
“To really get into the spirit of things, my family and I pop in the car and do a little pilgrimage of all the Christmas lights in the area”, says Jeni from the Sales Team. “We stop en route for Fish and Chips too. It’s a real tradition for us and the children love it”.
Top stop off points for Jeni include the seaside village of Mousehole with over 7000 lights in and around the harbour in all shapes and sizes, from a sea monster and ships to a stargazey pie and the more traditional crackers and baubles. Angarrock, close to Hayle, may be a small little community but their display is fabulous, depicting the twelve days of Christmas. Further afield, the lights of Looe, Padstow and Fowey are lovely, although most Cornish villages have a lovely display and look stunning.
Go for a Boxing Day Dip
Sennen, in our Sales team, loves the tradition of running into the sea the day after Christmas. “It’s a freezing but really fun thing to do – much better than scoffing a tin of chocolates!” Those brave (or some might say mad) enough should be able to find a beach taking part nearby, but Sennen recommends Portreath or her namesake, Sennen Cove.
Sing ‘Little Donkey’ amongst real donkeys
Ellen from Sales is a real animal-lover and just adores visiting some of the local sanctuaries, like The Flicka Foundation, a rescue centre for donkeys not far from Falmouth. Ellen told me: “most years, a small crowd gathers to sing carols amongst the rescue donkeys in the big barn. It’s so lovely to be amongst them and the atmosphere is fantastic. Do have a look and book tickets early though as they sell out really quickly!”
An unconventional tradition
Stef in the Marketing department looks out for unusual and quirky things to do at Christmas. “Every year I dig out my top hat and head to Montol in Penzance. It’s on the 21st December each year to celebrate the midwinter solstice and is a great way to start the festive season”. Bringing alive a host of Cornish traditions, this event which has pre-Christian roots has everything: a lantern parade, masquerade, a ‘Lord of Misrule’ and a bonfire.
Christmas at Eden
“My children love the Eden Project and we’re definitely going to this year’s Christmas experience”, says Shane, Commercial Director at Boutique Retreats. From the viewing platform you can watch the dancing lights and listen to the music. Head down and in the Rainforest Biome you’ll experience a colour and light show plus a few festive stories. In the Mediterranean Biome there’ll be live music, a laser forest and an Antarctic garden. There's also an ice rink. The Christmas experience is usually on from December to January.
Feeling inspired? Explore more of our luxury cottages in Cornwall here.
