Nadelik Lowen – A Cornish Christmas
Between us, the team at Cornish Holiday Cottages have celebrated over 100 Cornish Christmases so we thought we'd share some of our best tips of what makes this time of year so special in the county. We’ve got some ideas for guests staying with us leading up to and over the festive period and some suggestions to welcome some Cornish flavour into your home even if you can’t stay with us this year.
What to eat and drink?
It’s not all pasties and cream teas (but, let’s face it, you can’t beat a good steak pasty after a coastal walk) Cornwall has a huge selection of top quality, local produce with tasty ingredients to make your Christmas the best ever!
Cornish Food Boxes have a simple aim to make it easy to for everyone to buy Cornish food and drink. Take a look at their website where they have a selection of delicious goodies available for your Christmas treats including Cornish turkeys, Baker Tom’s Christmas pudding and Berryman’s panettone. We were lucky enough to have a taster of Berryman’s panettone, mince pies and gingerbread in the office this earlier this week and we can confirm they are delicious.
If you fancy pushing the boat out with your festive tipple you can’t go wrong with Camel Valley, Cornwall’s biggest vineyard. We love their Pinot Noir Brut. It’s the perfect treat for this special occasion and you’ll be in good company, it was served at the Queens State banquet in July in honour of the King and Queen of Spain.
Cornish Orchards have a tantalizing selection of cider and apple juices. Their Wassail Cider is a delicious alternative to mulled wine. Serve it warm and enjoy the aromatic brew of cider and apple juice, infused with spices cosied up in front of the fire.
Bailey’s Country store in Penryn stock both Camel Valley and Cornish Orchards as well as products from over 60 local artisan produce.
Where to go?
Nothing says Christmas more than the warm glow of Christmas lights. Of course, Mousehole Christmas lights are probably the most famous and draw thousands of spectators every year. But the whole of the county seems to come alight at this time of year and all the towns and villages go all out.
The little village of Mawnan Smith near the Helford River, the home of our office, is looking really pretty this year and well worth an evening stroll if you are staying in the area.
Angarrack, near Hayle, is another small village with a big display. The whole community joins in to create an amazing display including seven swans a swimming on the river and a partridge in a pear tree.
The city of Truro also host a spectacular display. Make sure you visit the cathedral to see the shimmering tree outside. There are carol concerts planned at the cathedral throughout December – full details can be found on their what’s on page.
If you are in Cornwall next weekend, Saturday 16th – Sunday 17th December, then a trip to Pendennis Castle is a must. Fireside tales, music and dancing plus find your perfect present from the range of craft and gift stalls.
What to give?
Need to buy some last-minute gifts? Cream Cornwall have a fabulous shop in Falmouth. They specialise in luxury homewares inspired by the beauty of Cornwall. Cream Cornwall conjures up images of windswept moors and maritime, cliffs and coastline, cottages and clotted cream. They have stocking fillers and perfect presents under £20, as well as some very special gifts if you fancy a splurge.
Poppy Treffry products are all handmade in Cornwall offering something unique and beautifully made. We love the Christmas seagull dingly, dangly decoration.
Made for Life by Spiezia Organics produce organic skincare that nourishes your body both inside and out. They offer skincare for men, women and baby.
Wherever you are and whatever you do, we wish you a very Happy Christmas from us all at Cornish Holiday Cottages.
