Winter in South East Cornwall: Your 7-Day Festive Itinerary

Why the Tamar Valley makes the perfect Christmas base

Both parks sit right on the Cornwall–Devon border, so every day of this itinerary is a short, easy drive. Most stops are 15–40 minutes away.

Notter Bridge is our woodland and riverside park beside the River Lynher, just off the A38. It puts you closest to the coast: Looe, Polperro, Whitsand Bay and the Rame Peninsula are all under half an hour away. Choose from lodges, including Hazel Lodge with its private hot tub, or cosy glamping pods.

Tamar View looks out over the Tamar Valley, with hot tubs at most lodges and our cottage. It’s just minutes from Cotehele, and the quickest base for Tavistock and the edge of Dartmoor.

At both parks you’ll find:

• Peace and quiet, with no loud entertainment or arcades
• Dog-friendly stays, so the whole family comes along for festive fun
• Plymouth within around 20–30 minutes drive
• Cornwall’s harbour villages and woodlands on the other side

Come back after a frosty day out, flick the kettle on and sink into the hot tub under the stars. That’s the bit people remember.

Day 2: Mount Edgcumbe Christmas Fair and the twin villages

Head to the Rame Peninsula, Cornwall’s ‘forgotten corner’, for the Mount Edgcumbe Christmas Fair on the 12th or 13th December. Expect artisan food and gift stalls in a beautiful country park setting overlooking Plymouth Sound.

Afterwards, drive a few minutes on to Kingsand and Cawsand. These two fishing villages run into one another, with narrow lanes, pastel cottages and a sheltered little beach. Stretch your legs on the coast path towards Penlee Point, then warm up in a village pub.

Day 4: Underground sparkle and a woodland waterfall

Slow start, late breakfast. Then it’s off to Carnglaze Caverns near St Neot (opens on 28th November), where the lower cavern becomes an illuminated Winter Wonderland each December. The caverns stay around 10°C, so it’s a cosy choice whatever the weather. Please note dogs aren’t allowed inside the caves, apart from assistance dogs, but are welcome to be walked in the woods on site.

Then head a few minutes down the road to Golitha Falls, where an easy woodland trail follows the River Fowey to a run of tumbling cascades. It’s the perfect dog walk for the day.

Day 6: Coastal Walks followed by Christmas Shopping

Keep the morning gentle with a bracing clifftop stroll above Whitsand Bay, one of South East Cornwall’s great sweeps of sand. Wrap up warm and bring the camera to capture the panoramic views.

Royal William Yard’s Festive Good Food & Craft Market runs on Sunday & Wednesday evenings throughout December. More than 60 stalls fill the historic Melville building and courtyard, all under festoon lights. Pick up the last of your gifts, grab something hot to eat, and soak up the atmosphere. Check out other festive events to see what’s happening during your stay, there’s always something for the whole family at the yard.

Tips for a relaxed winter break

• Make the most of the light. December days are short, with sunset around 4pm. Plan walks for the morning or early afternoon and save towns and markets for dusk.
• Pack for every season. Waterproofs, layers, a woolly hat and sturdy boots. Coast paths and estate gardens can be muddy.
• Bring the dog’s towel. Most walks here are dog-friendly, but some indoor attractions aren’t, so check before you go.
• Check before you travel. Event times can change with the weather, so look at the organiser’s website on the day.
• Plan for the Tamar Bridge toll. Crossing into Cornwall is free, but a toll applies on the way over to Devon. (£3.00 per car)
• Go early on market days. Car parks fill quickly at Royal William Yard and Mount Edgcumbe.
• Make sure to book events ahead of time. Don’t miss out on events, most our ticketed with booking required ahead of time.