The most beautiful places to take your family and pooch this Autumn around Cornwall.
Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of year to get outdoors in Cornwall. With an abundance of gardens, woodlands and wild heath land, we really are spoilt for choice.
Who doesn’t love the earthy smell as you step on mulched fallen leaves, the low golden sunlight which bathes the land creating long dramatic shadows, the promise of wholesome hearty stews, pies and feasts to be made from the abundant harvest? And who doesn’t love snapping these wonders and sharing their magnificence for the world to see?
So where’s the best, most insta-worthy spots to get the perfect Autumnal shot in Cornwall I hear you ask? Here’s a few of my faves to visit with the family and (of course) the pooch….
1 – TEHIDY COUNTRY PARK, NEAR REDRUTH / POOL / CAMBORNE
We always start our adventure at the North Cliffs Plantation entrance. Not only because we have a dog but also because we like to walk the less frequented pathways so we feel more like explorers! If you have never been then not only are you missing out on once of Cornwall’s largest areas of woodland you are truly missing out on one of Cornwall’s biggest natural treasures (over 250 acres). Think giant Pines, an army of Silver Birches as far as the eye can see and historic oaks. You can find a handy pocket guide to Tehidy here. Or the park map here.
2 – IDLESS WOODS, TRURO
On the outskirts of Truro lies this hidden gem. Giant Pine trees dominate the landscape, making you feel fully immersed in a magical forest that time forgot. This is the perfect place to collect pine cones for the coming season too!
www.forestryengland.uk/idless-woods
3 – PENROSE ESTATE, NEAR HELSTON
Woodland walks, a protected nature reserve and a beautiful beach – what ore could one ask for? There’s even a spot to grab a warm cuppa to warm your cockles at the Stables or why not bring along a picnic to enjoy on one of the many benches with wonderful views along the way?
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/penrose
4 – KENNALL VALE, NEAR FALMOUTH
Just on the edge of Falmouth lies our go-to woodland (pictured above) and home to my Spring and Autumn Mini Sessions! Streams, waterfalls, old buildings reclaimed by nature and even a disused quarry – this place has it all. My daughter (and crazy dog) loves splashing in the plethora of little streams whilst my hubby and I contemplate what working in the gunpowder factory must have been like all those years ago. It is spectacular to witness the Autumnal display of colour once the leaves have turned golden and carpeted the ground.
www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserves/kennall-vale
5 – TREBAH GARDENS, FALMOUTH
Trebah gardens near Falmouth is one of my favourite walks to take the family and dog anytime of year – especially in Autumn. You’ll find luscious gardens, a cute little beach at the bottom of the hill, a fabulous children’s adventure playground and scrumptious food at their restaurant. With it’s own micro climate you’ll discover surprising plant varieties thriving later in the year than other places across the UK. The mass collection of Hydrangeas put on a particularly beautiful show as their flower heads fade.
Plus they offer partner concessions so if you’re a member of The National Trust, Eden Project, RHS, Minack Theatre, National Maritime Museum, Pinetum Garden, The Lost Gardens of Heligan and Wheal Martin Clay Works then you could get discounted or free entry!