The clocks have sprung forward and quite frankly we're ready for spring! Sure, we love winter, but we’ve had our fill of Netflix and hot chocolate for one year and we’re ready for those longer days and lighter, sunny evenings. With that in mind, here are seven activities you can do in Cornwall to make the most of Daylight Savings.
1. Get sweaty outside
Let’s start with something that will make you feel amazing – getting sweaty while out in mother nature! It’s a great way to get a hefty dose of vitamin D, which is responsible for everything from supporting healthy teeth and bones to facilitating immune system function. And we all know the benefits of getting enough exercise – from reducing the risk of disease to improving mood and sleep – so why not combine the two? You could use the lighter days to take an evening stroll along the coast path, enjoy a spot of wild swimming or go on a forest cycling adventure.
2. Take your dog to the beach
The evenings are lighter, the weather is warmer and Rover is still allowed on most Cornish beaches. Yes – it’s that glorious period of time between the clocks going forward and the start of seasonal dog bans! So make the most of it while you can. Take a wander around the charming town of Falmouth and play with your pup on Gyllyngvase Beach. Afterwards head to the dog-friendly veranda at Gylly Beach Cafe and warm up with a coffee and a slice of cake. Other top spots to explore now include Kynance Cove near the Lizard (which besides operating a dog ban, is heaving in the summer months) and the laidback surfers paradise of Polzeath. For more ideas of beaches to explore with your four-legged friend, check out this list of Cornish beaches that operate a seasonal dog ban and get in there quick!
3. Go to a festival
Many people think festival season in Cornwall is restricted to the summertime, but they couldn’t be further from the truth! There are a whole range of festivities and festivals running throughout the calendar year, but there is a notable surge once the clocks go forward. Check out camellias, magnolias and more at The West Cornwall Spring Show (which has been going for over 90 years), head to Perranporth for St Piran’s Day celebrations or get into the swing of spring at Falmouth Spring Festival. Failing that – the Gin and Cornish Drinks Festival sounds pretty tempting!
4. Relax with a spa evening
What better way to welcome in spring than with a spot of pampering? Cornwall is home to a number of incredible spas that offer wonderful treatments and scenic surrounds. Our top trick is to book an evening spa session; they’re often much less expensive and you can combine your relaxing pampering with an epic spring sunset to boot. One of our favourites? Bedruthan Spa – watch the sun set over the Atlantic from the huge jacuzzi. Plus, if you’re feeling brave, it’s home to an epic outdoor spa too!
5. Explore a Cornish garden
Cornwall is home to an array of truly spectacular gardens and from a traditional Japanese inspired garden to the world-renowned Eden Project, it’s safe to say there is a garden for everyone in the county! And once the clocks have gone forward, it’s the perfect time to head outdoors and check out the spring flowers in bloom. One of our favourites at this time? The huge collection of magnolias at Lanhydrock. You can read about more Cornish gardens worth exploring here.
6. Catch some live music
Why not keep the good vibes going with a spot of live music? For music with a side of views, you can’t beat the Sundowner Sessions at Lusty Glaze; grab a drink, get your toes sandy and watch an incredible array of talent perform in the natural amphitheatre that is Lusty Glaze beach. Alternatively, head to The Watering Hole and enjoy live music on Perranporth beach or go to Whiskers in Newquay for a seriously eclectic line-up.
7. Go for a sunset picnic or barbecue
And the best bit about the clock change? The sunset now coincides perfectly with dinnertime! Get together a delicious picnic or grab some barbecue supplies and head out to your favourite spot with a view for some al fresco dining. If the weather is still a touch too cold for such tomfoolery, book a table at your favourite restaurant instead. Try the creekside jetty at the Pandora Inn or for Fistral views nab a table at The Stable.
Get away while the weather's looking good with a stay in a Cornwall holiday cottage.
