The Christmas holidays will soon be upon us and whether you are with us here at Treworgey for a week including the traditional Christmas Day and Boxing Day festivities or enjoying the “twixmas” time leading into and including New Year celebrations, we wish all our guests the most amazing time. To help your stay along the way, we’ve put together a few ideas below for the odd trip out and about not too far from home.
21st and 22nd December - Santa by Steam, Bodmin Steam Railway, PL31 1AQ (35 mins)
Santa and his elves will board the train at Bodmin General station and ride all the way to Bodmin Parkway and back with you. Listen to his bells as he walks through the coach jingling away, chatting, eating mince pies and gifting presents. The departure times are 10:00, 11:30, 13:00 and 14:30 and tickets will include a single line steam train trip to Bodmin Parkway and back. Each child ticket will include a Christmas related soft toy gift. Sorry, no dogs allowed over the festive period.
Plus …
29th December - Winter Steam Up
The ‘twixmas’ period offers a fun family outing at Bodmin Railway. Expect to see three steam locomotives in steam, hauling a clay train set and a service train. Trains will be running from 09:45 to 16:00.
For more information and tickets - Buy Santa Specials 2023 Tickets online - Bodmin Railway (digitickets.co.uk)
28th - 30th December - The Festival of Light, St Just in Roseland Church, TR2 5JD (1 hr 15 mins) near St Mawes
Not particularly local but worthy of a mention in case you are in that area. This year will be extra special because it is high tide in the beautiful St Just Creek and the lighting will take maximum advantage of the stunning reflections across the water. As well as the ever-popular community carols, mulled wine and mince pies, there will also be themed photo booths for children to dress up and pose to take their own photos. Entry is free but donations much appreciated. 5 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. on the three nights.
St Just Festival of Light (visitcornwall.com)
18th November to 7th January - Christmas at Cotehele, Christmas Garland within the Great Hall and Cotehele Mill, Saltash, PL12 6TA (40 mins)
For over 65 years the garden team have continued the tradition to create a 60-ft long Christmas garland using thousands of flowers grown on the estate. Follow the festive lights along the stream to discover Cotehele Mill dressed for a Victorian family Christmas. Open 10.30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Cotehele | Cornwall | National Trust
From now until 2nd January - Night Gardens at the Lost Gardens of Heligan, PL26 6EN (1 hour)
Journey through the magical garden trail, exploring woodlands and gardens beautifully lit with installations and lanterns. Discover breath-taking displays of fauna and flora and celebrate the characters of our community, all illuminated within Heligan’s much-loved and iconic locations. This is the perfect event for friends and family who are looking for an unforgettable evening this winter and Christmas. Their online booking system is below with times starting from 4.30 p.m.
Heligan Night Garden - a magical Christmas light show event
From now until February - Ice Skating at The Eden Project, PL24 2SG (45 mins)
A great family activity including parent and toddler sessions, family fun as well as general skate times. Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day only. Ice skating is an additional charge and must be booked in advance. See their website below for opening times and booking.
31st December New Year’s Eve - Looe Firework Celebrations at the beach, PL13 1BX
At Midnight, watch the spectacular New Year’s Eve Fireworks display light up the sky from Banjo Pier whilst you sip bubbles and beer on the seafront in full fancy dress, of course, and dance the night away in the streets. A special display will take place for children at 6 p.m. The beach is closed from 10 a.m. for preparations.
And, of course, our beaches …..
Our beautiful beaches aren’t just to be enjoyed in the summer – they look just as stunning on a bracing winter’s day. For those enjoying the festivities with their four-legged family members, there are few restrictions on beaches at this time of year so great fun for everyone. Perhaps even consider joining in one of the Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year’s Day swims - remember your fancy dress!!
Open All the Time - The Camel Trail - The Camel Trail links Padstow, Wadebridge and Bodmin as well incorporating a beautiful branchline up to Wenford Bridge next to the foothills of Bodmin MoorThe Camel Trail is totally free to use and is open at all times. If you haven't got your own bike, you can still walk the trail or alternatively, there are bike hire services who will rent you a bike for the day or a few hours.
Camel Trail Guide - All About Cornwall's Most Famous Bike Trail