WINTER JUMPERS
Cliff jumping in Cornwall is the perfect winter getaway — and there’s loads to do in Newquay even when it’s chilly
HEADING to the blustery South West in the depths of winter doesn’t seem like the most enticing prospect at first glance.
The trick is to embrace the outside and make sure that when you’re sheltering from the storm, you do it in just the right place.
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After descending 133 steps to the private beach in Newquay, we were met by a roaring fire in our Lusty Glaze cottage and a welcome bottle of wine — both of which did plenty to drown out the winds outside.
There are two self-catering gems right on the beach, a two-bedroom cottage with a large living room and kitchen, and a slightly more modest chalet.
The views from both are incredible but the real selling point of the cottage is that both the living room and bedroom doors open up on to Lusty Glaze’s own private stretch of beach.
The almost deserted beach — bar the daily dog walkers — proved incredibly tranquil even on the most blustery of days.
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And the on-site bar and restaurant serve up some very impressive hot chocolates (eight different kinds to be precise) and some equally delicious cocktails.
Those with a taste for cider (and even those without) would do well to head to , a 15-minute drive from Newquay.
The family-run business is set on the site of an old farmhouse, and there are plenty of farm animals roaming about, from donkeys and kid goats to ferrets and even peacocks.
Kids are made to feel welcome too, with a separate “bar” (serving only juice) for them during the summer — and tractor rides through the area also an option.
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Our knowledgeable tour guide explained the ins and outs of cider production before an extensive tasting session featuring cider and cider wine warmed us up nicely.
Then we treated ourselves to afternoon tea in the on-site restaurant.
There’s plenty to delight any foodie in Newquay too.
Those with a taste for pan-Asian cuisine can indulge themselves at Kahuna, which served one of the most delicious beef rendang’s I’ve ever tasted — and the deep-fried ice-cream for dessert was an unusual but delicious treat.
Go: Cornwall
GETTING THERE: Flybe flies from Gatwick to Newquay from £22.99 one way. .
STAYING THERE: Lusty Glaze’s self-catering cottage and chalet are available year-round from £190 per night for up to six.
See .
WHAT TO DO: Healey’s Cyder Farm has tours and tastings, .
For personalised tours of Cornwall for up to eight, see .
For water sports, see .
FOR MORE: See or for a thorough guide to the area's culture and heritage, check out .
Fans of Jamaican fare will love the Colonial on Tolcarne Beach. Its jerk chicken and fresh cod gougons are a must — and the incredible view plus chilled-out reggae soundtrack is the perfect end to any explorer’s day.
But it’s not all R’n’R. The biggest challenge we faced when it came to the wintry elements was our Castaway experience with Newquay Activity Centre.
And it’s exactly what it sounds like. It is based on an incident in the town a century ago when coastguards rushing to a shipwreck were stranded and had to survive in a cave for three days and nights.
Luckily, our castaway session lasted just a morning, but it felt fairly challenging nonetheless.
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If you are feeling adventurous then cliff-jumping is an option but you do also have the option to decline. Braving choppy waters we coasteered and even had the option to cliff-jump (although I politely declined).
The excursion ended with us clambering across a cliff-face then swimming to the not-encouragingly named Dead Man’s Cove, where we were taught how to build a fire without matches.
Helpfully, there were some marshmallows stowed away for us to roast.
Those looking for a less daunting adventure can check out the surfing and kayaking sessions held at the centre year-round.
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MOST READ IN TRAVEL
Dead Man's Cove is an excursion trip that involves some cliff climbing and learning to build a fire without matches. The region boasts plenty of historical significance, and a trip out with Tim Uss of Tour Cornwall is a great way to experience more of the area in just a couple of hours.
On our afternoon excursion we visited the tin-mining town of St Agnes and the impressive surviving shaft engine houses at Wheal Coates, before spotting a swathe of seals frolicking on the beach at Godrevy.
It’s worth taking the 25-minute trip from there to see the famed port of St Ives, and treat yourself to a hot whiskey in Cornwall’s oldest bar, The Sloop Inn (est c.1312).
All in all, a winter getaway to Cornwall is the perfect way to unwind while still experiencing some great adventures.
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There are plenty of alternative activities — excellent horse-riding trails and spa facilities are also in abundance — for any age group, with plenty to do and see.
Lusty Glaze, like many accommodations in the area, is dog- friendly — as are many of the restaurants.
There’s certainly more to Cornwall than meets the eye and, at just an hour’s flight from London, there is no excuse not to head for the coast - whatever the weather.