The nights are dark early and the chill of winter is creeping in, but there’s still loads of events and activities to light your fire in Cornwall this season. Each month we pick 10 things that will get you moving, inspire you, make you feel good and ensure you’re making the most of Cornwall. Here’s our top picks for November
Throughout November (pictured above)
This month-long festival celebrates Newquay’s unique, creative vibe and maritime heritage with a heady line-up of theatre, music, exhibitions and workshops. A series of murals have been unveiled across town in honour of the event, which kicks off with Groundswell’s Cream of Cornish Weekender, including a candle-lit concert, movie matinee, theatre shows and comedy performances.
“We are bringing events to the town that wouldn’t necessarily happen in a standard November. There is some remarkable creative talent in Cornwall (and Newquay specifically) and it’s brilliant to be able to give some of these a platform to showcase their work. It is going to be vibrant and entertaining, with so much not-to-be-missed activity.”
Creative director, Dicky Souray
2 November, Fistral Beach, Newquay
Stretch into the final Silent Disco Yoga session of the year with your toes in the sand on Fistral Beach. Suitably spooky tunes will accompany this Halloween beach yoga event. Fancy dress is optional but very much welcomed, and the sun is set to shine. £14 per person, under 12’s half price.
5 November, Falmouth
Remember remember the 5th of November. Eyes to the skies for one of the biggest fireworks displays in the region, when Falmouth’s fireworks light up the harbour town for this family-friendly extravaganza with a bonfire, music and food stalls.
7-10 November, St Ives
If you’re a surfer, or interested in surfing, you’ll know that this time of year brings the best swells and empty line-ups for wave riding. So why not take your surfing to another level and take some time out to reset on a restorative surfing week at the luxurious Una St Ives? The four-day programme, run by top-level personal trainer Andrew Blake, incorporates yoga, breath training, movement and surfing, in a truly inspirational setting.
Hemmed by the woodland and dunes of the Penrose Estate, Cornwall’s largest natural lake, Loe Pool, is a delight for walkers when the wild weather and waves lash the coast at nearby Porthleven. Enjoy a serene ramble beside glassy waters, and if you want to feel the contrast of the blustery beaches, follow the circular loop via Loe Bar, a sand and shingle strip that protects the lakeland landscape from the brunt of the Atlantic storms.
15 November – 4 January
Don’t wait for Christmas to experience the spectacular Heligan Night Garden. From mid-November you can light up the dark nights with a twirl around Heligan under magical illuminations, glittering tunnels of light and larger-than-life wildlife lanterns celebrating the gardens and estate. Along the way pause to roast marshmallows on the fire, sip mulled wine and hot chocolate, and visit the farm animals.
1-30 November, The Poly, Falmouth
Back for its 23rd year, the Cornwall Film Festival hosts a collection of over 50 films and immersive experiences that celebrate bringing global stories to local screens. This year’s films include The Severed Sun, Hard Truths and Timestalker, alongside director Q&As, and a chance to see films you won’t find anywhere else in Cornwall.
22-23 November, St Ives
If you thought the darker days of November toned down the festivities in Cornwall, think again. At the St Ives Shanty Shout around 30 local shanty groups come together to belt out seafaring songs in venues across St Ives, warming up winter’s nights on the sea shore.
Rum and Crab Shack, St Ives
Get ready to sink a few rums and sing your heart out. The popular Rum and Crab Shack in St Ives has just opened Cornwall’s first dedicated karaoke bar in association with Dead Man’s Fingers rum. Decked out with high-tech audio and visual equipment and adorned with old bottles, neon signs, and fluorescent murals, there’s space for up to ten people to belt out some tunes – in a fully soundproofed venue where cocktails are brought to the table, too.
30 November, St Austell
Whet your whistle with cask ales, stouts and craft beers, along with a side order of food and music at St Austell Brewery’s Celtic Beer Festival. Cornwall’s biggest event for beer lovers, you can sample over 100 brews, tuck into delicious Cornish food and get merry to live music from local artists. £30 on the door, including four half pint tokens, and all profits are donated to the St Austell Brewery Charitable Trust to support vital projects in the South West.
Don’t forget to tag us on @cool.cornwall while you’re out about in Cornwall in November. And Let us know about any other events in the comments or contact us.
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