Cornwall off-season: Why Spring is the Best Time to Visit

Two weeks ago, my partner, our four-legged shadow Milos, and I finally returned to my favourite part of England: Cornwall. This visit was long overdue, as the last time we went was over a decade ago. And what better time to make the trip than during a sunny spell? It was an absolute blessing to have enjoyed such good weather at the beginning of April, because exploring this region under the sun makes all the difference. The coastal towns, trails, and walks become much more enjoyable, particularly before the holiday season kicks in.

The idea behind this trip was to escape the hustle and bustle of London after a long-winterous months in the city, to unplug, treat ourselves, and of course, eat tons of seafood. And Cornwall is known for its unique and protected origin products, as well as locally sourced ingredients that make it a dream for foodies, especially when it comes to seafood. Who said Cornish crab?

However, travelling from London to Cornwall takes time, so you really need to plan for at least a few nights to make the journey worthwhile. We stayed fours nights which felt a bit short considering the long drive all the way down - a six-plus hours journey to get there. You can also take a train, but you’ll need to rent a car when you arrive. I mean, it's essential to have a car because it gives you the chance to explore remote areas and enjoy the freedom of choosing your own schedule.

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For this trip, we decided to split our time between two nights in Devon, right on the south coast, and then head to the northern part of Cornwall, near the Camel Trail and within easy reach of several must-visit coastal spots like famous Padstow.

As I mentioned earlier, we treated ourselves because we really needed that calm reconnection with nature (with a bit of pampering), and the place we chose catered perfectly to that need: Gara Rock. Located above a dramatic cliffside and surrounded by absolutely stunning scenery, this hotel and spa was a total treat. Mostly, it’s a well-known spot for its breath-taking views, access to a private beach, their food and luxurious rooms that overlook the sea. And, we got incredibly lucky as we were upgraded to their unique Secret Suite. Honestly, words can’t do it justice, so here’s a little video to give you a better idea. I doubt we would have spent that kind of money for two nights otherwise, but hey, luck was on our side and we ended up with the best room in the hotel.

Gara Rock is just a few minutes away from the charming and picturesque seaside town of Salcombe. With its turquoise waters, stunning scenery, range of water activities, and vibrant culinary scene, Salcombe is an unmissable stop. However, to get there from our hotel, we had to take a taxi boat, as there’s no road or bridge connecting both sides.

For lunch, I managed to book us a table at The Crab Shed, a no frills restaurant which turned out to be one of the best seafood restaurants I’ve been to in a long time. We sat outside on the terrace, soaking up the sun, and ordered everything crab, including a whole Cornish crab, which was an absolute delight.

This town is also known for its ice creams, and honestly, I had a delicious cherry flavoured that was out of this world. And top things off, Salcombe also has two famous gin distilleries: Salcombe Gin and Tarquin, adding to the town’s charm. Naturally, we brought back a few bottles with us to London.

However, we kind of did a mistake because we should have stayed an additional night on this side. It felt a little rushed, and an extra day would have allowed us to truly settle in and take it all in at a slower pace.

For the final two nights, we stayed near Wadebridge, in the middle of a farm at a lovely Airbnb. Wadebridge is a charming little town, great for culinary discoveries and also the starting point of the famous Camel Trail, which leads all the way to the coastal town of Padstow. This place hardly needs an introduction as it’s a famous hotspot that blends natural beauty with a top food scene, including Rick Stein’s iconic seafood restaurant.

There are loads of great options around, including the original Prawn on the Lawn, but since we often visit the London branch, we wanted to try something different which is why we tried Rick Stein’s Café, offering Asian-inspired dishes. Every dish we had at the café was a hit, combining sea flavours with Asian and Indian touches in perfect harmony.

But there's much more to it in the area, and the surrounding villages like Harlyn and Polzeath also offer endless culinary gems and beautiful coastal trails, making this area another unmissable part of Cornwall. One place we were hoping to visit was The Pig at Harlyn Bay, but it’s so popular that we couldn’t get a table on short notice.

That said, it doesn’t really matter where you stay in Cornwall. Whether you’re looking to explore the more rural, farming areas or the stunning beaches and coastal trails, there’s something for everyone, and you’re guaranteed a fabulous time. And when it comes to food? You’ll always find worthy places, from upscale restaurants to beachside shacks serving incredible dishes.

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On this trip we only scratched the surface of Cornwall though. Next time, we’ll head further west to places like Penzance, St Ives, and the Lizard Peninsula, which I’ve heard offer a whole new experience. But for that kind of trip, you’d need a solid week to avoid feeling rushed.

It's important to note that Cornwall is best explored off-season. During summer, traffic on those narrow roads and the insane number of tourists can bring the area to a standstill, making the experience far from enjoyable.

With the first and last May bank holidays just around the corner, this might be the perfect time to plan a visit before the crowds descend and the magic gets lost in the chaos.

So, if you’re craving a long escape to recharge, breathe in fresh sea air, and eat delicious seafood, Cornwall truly delivers. It’s a corner of the UK that surprises you with its stunning beaches, dramatic coastlines, and peaceful countryside. From the cliffs of Bedruthan Steps to the tropical biomes of the Eden Project and the various National Trust sites, Cornwall is packed with endless sights.

This is a reminder that you don’t always need to jump on a plane to find "paradise". Whether you’re in it for the food, the views, or just some well-deserved rest, this region gives you the reset your body, mind and soul didn’t know they needed.