From watching waders by the water to sampling seaweed on the shore, this suggested itinerary has been designed to bring you closer to nature. Because even in winter, there are still plenty of reasons to pull on your wellies and get out there.
One with nature
Penzance and Marazion
Take a moment to pause and enjoy the natural world with this wildlife-inspired itinerary.
- Activity level: Moderate
- Duration: 4-5 days
You can mix and match from the suggested activities to create a great day out during your stay. If you were to do all the activities on this itinerary, the estimated duration is given above.
Please note: You will need to contact the venue or experience provider directly to book.
Click on each individual experience and find out more about its accessibility and public transport connections, along with an eco tip.
Create your own inspiring itinerary
If you would like to build your own itinerary, head to the Experience page. You can add your favourite experiences to a bespoke itinerary, which can be downloaded or sent to your email address. Please note: This is for inspiration purposes only and does not create a booking. You will need to contact the venue or provider directly to book.
Things to do
Birdwatching
Pack your binoculars. In addition to the spectacular scenery, Marazion is home to an array of winged wildlife. You can spend hours wandering along the shore spotting gulls, oystercatchers and curlew, or head to Marazion Marsh Nature Reserve. If you’d like to know more, Cornwall Birdwatching Tours offers winter walks in West Cornwall and you can check the Cornwall Birdwatching & Preservation Society (CBPS) boards to find out what’s been spotted in the area.
Foraging feasts
As the seasons change, so does the forager’s menu. Make the most of nature’s larder with a private one-day course from Fat Hen Cookery. You’ll head out into wild West Cornwall to search for flowers, seaweed and wild herbs, before returning to your home or holiday let for an inspiring cookery class. The course includes a guide to foraging, refreshments, and preserves or pickles to take home. Find out more here.
Herbal medicine
Have you ever wanted to make your own herbal medicine? Book a sensory medicine workshop with the Apothecary Forager, AKA Ruth Weaver, and learn how to identify medicinal plants and prepare a specific medicine. This 2-hour workshop is held at the Newlyn Fermentary. Follow Ruth on Instagram for the latest workshop dates.
Beach clean
Do something good, feel even better. Explore the coast while taking part in a beach clean and help us to create a safer and more sustainable environment for our wildlife – all while enjoying the great outdoors and getting to meet some lovely people. Check the Sustainable Penzance Facebook page to see when they’re hosting the next beach clean at Longrock and keep an eye out for the silent disco events from Plastic Free Penzance.
Protecting nature
Cornwall Wildlife Trust is a charity dedicated to protecting Cornwall’s wildlife and natural environment. Within five miles of Penzance, you’ll find three of the many nature reserves that they look after, including a disused clay pit and a conifer plantation. The charity also offers talks and workshops in the great outdoors. Visit their website to see what’s happening during your stay.
Places to Eat
Clifftop golf club
You’ll find this scenic golf club on the clifftop at Cape Cornwall. Visitors are welcome to dine in the restaurant, enjoy the scenery and book a round of golf. You could refuel after a day out exploring the National Trust sites nearby or see if they are hosting one of their fine dining events during your stay.
Essential Information
Places to Stay
Retreat to a cosy self-catering cottage or book a stylish hotel in the heart of town. Discover the perfect seaside stay for your winter in Cornwall.
More inspiration?
Visit out of season and step into an adventure. Explore our entire collection of inspiring itineraries and plan a great day out.
Accessibility
Many of the activities in our itineraries are accessible. Click on each individual experience to find out more about its accessibility. We advise that you contact the venue or experience provider in advance to confirm. You can also find information about accessible venues through Access Cornwall.
Local knowledge
Enjoy updates from local experts and find information about upcoming events.
Getting around
Discover the many ways you can get out there and explore without relying on your car.
Positive impact
We’re hoping to make every stay as sustainable as possible. Find out more here.
Itinerary last updated on
This listing has been curated by the EXPERIENCE West Cornwall team and was correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We advise that you contact the venue or provider directly to confirm any seasonal opening details and to book the experience.
