Christmas at Glynn Barton
Want a Christmas Break with a little difference? Whether its dipping your toes in the icy sea (yes it is a little chilly!) blowing away the cobwebs on the coastal path or melting a marshmallow on the campfire we have out together a few of our favourite things to do in Cornwall with the kids
1. Festive Swimming
A Christmas holiday in Cornwall would not be complete without a festive swim! If you’re feeling brave enough there are various locations to join in. As soon as times are confirmed we will pop them up on the Glynn Barton website but there will be swims all around the coast from North to South so there is no excuse…..
On a warmer note, there are lots of activities to take part in, lots of mulled wine and mince pies to be found. These are just a few ideas for inspiration….
2. Christmas Lights
Mousehole– The lights are back! Although they will not be doing the great big switch on ceremony due to Covid the harbour lights will be up for all to see from the middle of December.
3. It wouldn’t be Christmas without more lights….
The Tunnel of Lights– This is a sure fire way to get everyone in the Christmas spirit at the Shipwreck Museum in Charlestown. They are running from December 1st- January 9th but make sure to book as it’s always a sell out!
4. Christmas Markets
There are Christmas Markets happening all over Cornwall from mid November. Depending on when you plan a visit check out the below:
13-19th December- Healeys Cyder Farm
26th– 28th November- Fowey Christmas Market
9th-12th & 16th-19th December- The Enchanted Christmas Market at Wadebridge Showground.
5. Events
The Eden Project will have their ice skating ring up and running from October Half Term through to February. If however you have skating skills like me, make sure you hire a Poldark penguin or a Padstow Snowman to help the kids around!
The Lantern Trail at the Lost Gardens of Heligan– Heligan are renowned for their illuminations and this is another great way to explore the gardens lit by traditional paraffin lanterns. This is a ticketed event so make sure to book ahead so you don’t miss out!
Throughout December Lappa Valley will be running their steam train and visits with Father Christmas. This is a great way to combine a magical Christmas experience with something for everyone.
6.Where to see the Big Man Himself
Alternatively, the Bodmin & Wenford Railway will be running their Santa by Steam train specials which include a warm welcome by the elves, a ride on the steam train, Christmas activities and finished off with a visit to Father Christmas.
Breakfast with Father Christmas? Need an alternative style visit…. Dairyland are running Breakfast with Santa as well as visits to Santa and their usual day passes for all sorts of Christmas fun.
7. Christmas with the National Trust
This a great way to appeal to all members of the family, whether young or old! Trelissick House will be running their festive weekends in December where you can take part in Percy the Park Keepers Wander Trail, visit Father Christmas and explore all Trelissick has to offer. It’s a full day of fun.
Cotehele will be hosting their visits to not only Father Christmas but Mother Christmas too as well as their magical garland which will be on display in the great hall from the beginning of December. They start the process in January each year as flower seeds are sown and then cut in April to be dried in time for the big reveal.
It wouldn’t be Christmas without the tale of the Nutcracker. This year Saltram will be telling the story throughout the house with their festive decorations and treasured collection.
8. Christmas Theatre
The newly revamped Hall for Cornwall will be showing Cinderella from the 1st Dec- 2nd January
https://www.hallforcornwall.co.uk/playhouse-tickets-shows/cinderella/about-the-show
The man who wanted to be a penguin and Aladdin will be showing at the Plymouth Theatre Royal.
https://theatreroyal.com/whats-on/?date=22-Dec-2021
9. Make it Easy
Order your Christmas Hamper from the Cornish Food Box Company who can take care of everything for you. Whether its the full works or just a few bits you can swap in and out what you need- especially if you are bringing Granny’s Christmas pudding with you!
10. A Glynn Barton Christmas
Finally at Glynn Barton, join us for a festive break, a Christmas Campfire with mulled wine (adults!) Hot chocolates and melting marshmallows as well as Christmas treats for all our animals.
