Christmas Day has passed, the leftovers are in the fridge, and perhaps you have watched enough television for a while.  It is that lovely in-between week when there is no real need to rush anywhere — but it can be nice to get out of the house and do something different.  If you are spending the festive period in Cornwall, the days between Christmas and New Year are a wonderful opportunity to explore. The summer crowds have gone, the coastline feels wonderfully peaceful, and the quieter villages offer a different side of Cornish life.  Around Coverack and the Lizard Peninsula, you will find beautiful coastal walks, traditional fishing villages, dramatic sea views and plenty of places to enjoy a refreshing winter outing.

Whether you live locally, are visiting family for Christmas or are planning a future winter break, here are some of our favourite ideas for things to do in Cornwall between Christmas and New Year.

1. Enjoy a Winter Walk Along the Coast
2. Visit Coverack, a Traditional Cornish Fishing Village
3. Discover Lizard Point
4. Explore the Pretty Village of Cadgwith
5. Make Time for a Peaceful Beach Visit
6. Enjoy Cornwall's Festive Lights and Decorations
7. Explore the Helford River
8. Enjoy a Cosy Pub Lunch or a Local Treat
9. Take a Scenic Drive Around the Lizard Peninsula
10. Enjoy Some Family Time Without a Packed Schedule

1. Enjoy a Winter Walk Along The Coast

If there is one thing we would recommend doing in Cornwall between Christmas and New Year, it is getting outside for a coastal walk.  The South West Coast Path offers some spectacular scenery around the Lizard Peninsula.  Winter brings a different atmosphere to the coastline, with crashing waves, fresh sea air and far-reaching views across the Atlantic.  You do not need to tackle a long or challenging walk to enjoy it.  A short stroll with time to stop and admire the view can be just as rewarding.

Around Coverack, the coastline is particularly lovely for a bracing walk. Wrap up warmly, take a flask of something hot and enjoy a little fresh air before returning to the comfort of a warm home.

Our tip: Check the weather forecast before setting out, wear sturdy footwear and take extra care on exposed or slippery sections of the coast path. Winter conditions can change quickly.

If you enjoy exploring on foot, you might also like our guide to dog-friendly walks on the Lizard Peninsula for more ideas to enjoy with your four-legged companion.

2. Visit Coverack, A Traditional Cornish Fishing Village

Coverack is a lovely place to explore at any time of year, but winter gives the village a particularly peaceful feel.  This traditional fishing village sits on the eastern side of the Lizard Peninsula, with a picturesque harbour, a beach and colourful cottages looking out towards the sea.  Take a wander around the harbour, watch the waves and enjoy the views across the bay. On a calm winter day, the sea can look wonderfully clear, while a breezier day offers a reminder of the power of the Cornish coast.

Coverack is also a good place to slow down after the busyness of Christmas. There is no need for a packed itinerary; sometimes a simple walk beside the sea is all you need.

If you are visiting family in the area over the festive period, make time to explore the village rather than simply passing through.  You can discover more in our guide to Coverack and the Lizard Peninsula.

3.  Discover Lizard Point

For dramatic coastal scenery, head to Lizard Point, the most southerly point of mainland Britain.  The views are magnificent, with rugged cliffs, open sea and a real sense of standing at the edge of the country. On a clear winter day, it is a wonderful place to take photographs and enjoy the landscape.  The surrounding area has walking routes with different lengths and levels of difficulty, so you can choose a route that suits the weather and how energetic you are feeling.

You might spot seabirds riding the wind, waves breaking against the rocks or the changing colours of the sea beneath the cliffs.

Remember that winter winds can be strong here. Keep a safe distance from cliff edges, follow marked paths and check local conditions before setting out.

If you are looking for memorable places to visit in Cornwall in winter, Lizard Point is well worth adding to your list.

4.  Explore the Pretty Village of Cadgwith

Cadgwith is another traditional fishing village that makes a lovely winter outing.  Tucked into a sheltered valley on the Lizard Peninsula, the village is known for its fishing heritage, cottages and picturesque cove. It feels a world away from the busier tourist destinations, especially outside the main summer season.  Spend a little time exploring the village and taking in the coastal views. If conditions are suitable, you can also enjoy a walk in the surrounding countryside.

As with many small Cornish villages, winter opening hours for pubs, cafés and other businesses may vary, so check ahead if you are planning to stop for refreshments.

Cadgwith is a lovely choice if you want to see more of the Lizard Peninsula beyond the better-known attractions.

5.  Make Time for a Peaceful Beach Visit

You might not fancy swimming in the sea at the end of December, but that does not mean you should miss Cornwall's beaches.

In winter, beaches can feel completely different from their busy summer selves. There is more room to wander, the scenery is often dramatic, and even a short visit can be refreshing.  Coverack Beach is an obvious choice if you are exploring the village. Depending on the weather and tides, you may also want to discover other beaches around the Lizard Peninsula.

A winter beach walk is a great activity for families, couples and dog owners. Children can explore the shoreline, adults can enjoy the views, and dogs often love the chance to stretch their legs.

Just remember to check local dog restrictions, which can vary by beach and season. Keep an eye on the tide, avoid rough water and be particularly cautious around rocks when the sea is unsettled.

Sometimes, the simplest things to do in Cornwall over the Christmas holidays are the best.

6.  Enjoy Cornwall's Festive Lights and Decorations

The days between Christmas and New Year are also a lovely time to enjoy the festive atmosphere around Cornwall.  In Coverack and the surrounding area, local Christmas lights and decorations can add a little extra magic to an evening out. A drive through nearby villages to see festive displays can be a simple but memorable way to spend time with family.

Displays and events change from year to year, so look out for local announcements and check details before travelling.  If you are visiting relatives in the area, ask them which displays are worth seeing this year. Local recommendations are often the best way to discover something you might otherwise miss.

For more ideas, read our guide to the best Christmas lights around Coverack and the Lizard Peninsula.

7.  Explore the Helford River

If you fancy a change from the open coastline, the Helford area offers a different kind of Cornish scenery.  Here, wooded valleys, quiet creeks and winding lanes create a more sheltered landscape. It is especially attractive if you enjoy gentle countryside walks and discovering places at a slower pace.

Depending on the weather, you could explore a local footpath, enjoy views over the water or take a scenic drive through the surrounding villages.  The Helford area is beautiful throughout the year, and winter can be a particularly peaceful time to appreciate it.

As always, check conditions and local opening times before setting off, especially around the Christmas and New Year holidays.

8.  Enjoy a Cosy Pub Lunch or a Local Treat

Not every festive outing needs to involve a long walk.  After a morning exploring the coast, finding somewhere warm for lunch or a hot drink can be one of the best parts of the day.  The Lizard Peninsula and surrounding villages have places to stop for food and refreshments, although opening hours can be different during the Christmas period. Some businesses close for a short break, while others operate reduced hours.  It is worth checking in advance rather than assuming somewhere will be open.

If you are visiting family, this is also a good opportunity to try somewhere local that you have not visited before. Ask for recommendations and support the independent businesses that help give Cornwall its character.

9.  Take a Scenic Drive Around the Lizard Peninsula

If the weather is changeable, a scenic drive can be a good way to explore without committing to a long walk.  The Lizard Peninsula has plenty of quiet lanes, coastal viewpoints and small villages to discover. You could combine a visit to Coverack with stops at Cadgwith, Lizard Point and other places that catch your eye.  Allow plenty of time and avoid trying to fit too much into one day. The lanes can be narrow, and winter weather may make driving slower.

It is also worth checking parking arrangements and any seasonal access information before visiting popular spots.

One of the joys of exploring this part of Cornwall is that you can find beautiful scenery without needing to travel far.

10.  Enjoy Some Family Time Without a Packed Schedule

Between Christmas and New Year, there can be pressure to fill every day with activities. But a visit to Cornwall does not have to be busy to be memorable.

Perhaps you will take the children to the beach, go for a walk with the dog, visit a village you have never explored or simply spend an afternoon enjoying the coastal views.

If you are visiting family in Coverack, the quieter festive week is a lovely opportunity to spend time together and discover more of the area.

And if the weather turns wet, there is no harm in taking things slowly. Choose a shorter outing, find somewhere cosy to stop or save a longer walk for another day.

The beauty of the Lizard Peninsula is that there is plenty to enjoy without needing to plan every minute.

Is Cornwall Worth Visiting Between Christmas and New Year?

Yes — Cornwall can be a wonderful place to visit between Christmas and New Year if you enjoy peaceful scenery, coastal walks and exploring local villages.

The main attractions are the quieter beaches, dramatic winter coastline, traditional fishing villages and opportunity to enjoy the area at a slower pace.

There are a few things to bear in mind:

• Check opening times: Attractions, cafés, pubs and shops may have reduced hours or close for the festive period.
• Plan around the weather: Winter weather can change quickly, so keep plans flexible.
• Allow time for travel: Narrow country lanes and poor weather can make journeys slower.
• Book ahead where needed: If you plan to eat out or visit a particular attraction, check whether booking is necessary.
• Dress for the coast: Warm layers, waterproofs and sturdy footwear will make winter exploring more comfortable.

With a little planning, the week between Christmas and New Year can be a lovely time to discover a quieter side of Cornwall.

Planning a Visit to Coverack and the Lizard Peninsula?

At Little Trevothan Camping & Caravan Park, just outside Coverack, we love helping visitors discover this beautiful corner of Cornwall.  Our park offers camping, touring pitches and static holiday caravans during the open season, making it a base for exploring Coverack, the Lizard Peninsula and the surrounding Cornish coastline.

Please note that touring at Little Trevothan Camping and Caravan Park ends on 31st October, but our lovely warm holiday caravans are available up to 1st January. If you are visiting family or friends over the festive period we would love to welcome you.

You can find out more about the park and plan a future stay here: Little Trevothan Camping & Caravan Park, Coverack.

For more inspiration, explore our other guides to the best family days out near Coverack, the Lizard Peninsula for first-time visitors and dog-friendly holidays on the Lizard Peninsula.