Why Cornwall is the Perfect Place for Some Alone Time

The holiday season is wonderful: there’s certainly a lot of comfort and truth in the words ‘peace on earth, goodwill towards men’. Even people who ignore one another for the rest of the year somehow feel the need to connect and spend time together during the holidays. However, as fun as partying can be, having time alone to reflect on the true meaning of the season (not to mention recuperate from all the merrymaking) can be just as important. Cottages in Cornwall, just a few hours by train from London, are the perfect place to rest and recover from Christmas and New Year overload. This scenic peninsula has a magnificent coastline stretching for nearly 300 miles that includes picturesque fishing harbours, spectacular beaches and an endless expanse of blue Atlantic waters. Further inland you can find lush woodlands, moorlands, and estuaries, making it one of the most dramatic and captivating areas in England. Whether you opt for somewhere secluded deep in the countryside or a charming seaside town, cottages in Cornwall offer the perfect mix of privacy, comfort and points of interest - after all, alone time doesn’t mean being bored to death cooped indoors.

What to do

For the perfect downtime activity, try your hand at fishing--the area has both saltwater and freshwater fishing opportunities available. You get to relax, bask in the beautiful Cornish scenery and then enjoy the fruits of your ‘labour’ - perhaps even as a stargazy pie, a traditional Cornish dish made from pilchards. You may have had your fill of holiday fare, but trust us, your appetite will spring back to life once you’ve tasted local delicacies such as the famous Cornish pastries and cream teas. As a bonus, many beaches, pubs, and other establishments (including cottages) in Cornwall are dog-friendly, so even if you’re eschewing the company of humans for a few days, you don’t have to be apart from man’s best friend.

Recuperating from too much holiday spirit isn’t the only reason spending a few quiet days in one of the charming cottages in Cornwall is an appealing idea – even in winter time. Its breathtaking natural beauty has served as inspiration for artists and storytellers throughout the centuries, which means it’s a great place to work on personal projects, such as writing your novel or painting that masterpiece. Not only do many famous writers such as Nobel Laureate William Golding, Rosamund Pilcher, and Winston Graham hail from the region, but it has also been the setting of many great works, including novels, songs, and stories.

The area also retains strong ties to its Celtic heritage, so if you’re interested in tales about the supernatural, head to the nearest pub to listen to a few creepy fairy tales from the locals. For something more sinister, pay a visit to to Boscatle to check out the Museum of Witchcraft, which houses the largest collection of witchcraft-related artefacts in the world. Be warned, this collection is not for the faint of heart!

Katie Chown is a Property Consultant for Classic Cottages. We have a selection of spectacular holiday cottages in Cornwall as well as cottages in Devon, Somerset and Dorset. Whether you're looking for a stunning rural retreat or a luxury cottage on the coast, we have the perfect holiday home for you to fall in love with.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.