Winter Surf Trips in Cornwall

The surf season in Cornwall tends to be at its best between October and March and as such the winter really is the time to get the best waves the UK has to offer. Cornwall is well known for its consistent winter swells as storms in the Atlantic whip up the waves which are then perfectly channelled into the South-West.

Court Farm is ideally located for a surf trip in the winter, its North Cornwall setting being only a short distance from some of the best breaks in the UK. Spots like Widemouth Bay, Northcott Mouth and Polzeath are short drives from Court Farm and offer surf all winter long. There are also a few secret spots on this stretch of the coast (that I can’t even tell you the name of, but you may find a friendly local who will enlighten you!) that are considered to deliver world-class waves.

Surf trips in the winter in North Cornwall should only really be undertaken by experienced watermen and waterwomen as lifeguards are not on beaches and the conditions can be treacherous if you don’t know how to read the surf. If you are less experienced you can always book sessions with local surf schools during a summer break, these lessons will enable you to learn how to keep safe, advise you on how to read conditions and show you the best places, and ways, to learn.

Surfing is also a fantastic sport to spectate, especially in the winter, and is often a better option than putting on a damp 5mm wetsuit and braving the very cold sea temperatures at this time of the year!

However you spend your winter days on the Cornish coast, there’s no better way to wind down than warming your cockles by a wood burner with a glass of something strong. At Court Farm, we have a superb selection of cosy cottages, fabulous farmhouses and breathtaking barn conversions, that are perfect for post-surf, or post-surf spectating, recuperation.

Cold Weather Inspiration for Artists

If you prefer a slightly slower pace of life and like to get your creative juices flowing when you are enjoying a relaxing winter break, then North Cornwall can provide some superbly spectacular inspiration.

For centuries artists have been inspired by the Cornish coastline with its vast slate carapaces and waves that need to be seen to be believed. And with giants of the art world such as Barbara Hepworth, JMW Turner and Alfred Wallace, all citing it as the stimuli for creating some of their most well-known works, it’s no wonder so many creatives come to Cornwall to search out their next compositional catalyst.

Whether you are a budding photographer, a master potter or a part-time oil painter, there are so many stunning spots to set up and capture the beauty, and brutality, of our stunning coastline in the winter months.

We would also recommend visits to the Barbara Hepworth Gallery and The Tate, in St Ives, during your stay at Court Farm, as another great way to get inspired to create your own Cornish masterpieces.

Peace and Quiet on the Busiest Beaches

According to an article in TimeOut magazine last year, Cornwall has several of the best beaches in the land. However, many of these beautiful beaches can be packed with people and noise during the summer months and a bit of the enjoyment can be lost for those of us who prefer a more relaxing and peaceful time away.

The winter in Cornwall allows you to enjoy these amazing seaside spectacles without a soul around, and, as long as you are well prepared, you can take advantage and see these awesome oceanside locations in all their natural glory. As my mum used to say, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing choices”!