1. Set the Mood With Softer Lighting

As the days grow shorter and the evenings draw in, lighting becomes one of the most important elements in creating a cosy home.

While overhead lighting is practical, it isn’t always the most inviting. Instead, think about introducing several smaller sources of light throughout your living spaces. Table lamps, floor lamps and warm-toned bulbs can completely transform the atmosphere of a room, creating a softer, more relaxed environment that’s perfect for autumn evenings.

Candles are another lovely addition. Place them on coffee tables, bookshelves or dining tables to introduce a gentle glow, and experiment with seasonal fragrances such as cedarwood, fig, amber or smoky vanilla.

Our tip: Rather than relying on one main light, create little pockets of warmth throughout your home. A beautifully positioned table lamp beside your favourite armchair can make even the simplest corner feel inviting.

2. Add Warmth Through Natural Textures

One of the easiest ways to make your home feel cosier for autumn is by introducing different textures. Think chunky knitted throws draped over sofas, wool blankets folded at the end of beds, and soft cushions in tactile fabrics such as bouclé, velvet and linen.

You don’t need to replace your existing furniture or invest in an entirely new colour scheme. A few carefully chosen accessories can make a surprising difference to how a room looks and feels.

For a timeless autumn palette, look to nature for inspiration. Warm oatmeal, soft taupe, chocolate brown, olive green and muted terracotta work beautifully alongside neutral interiors. Layering these colours and materials creates depth without overwhelming the space.

A textured rug beneath a coffee table, a beautiful wool throw across the sofa or a collection of cushions in complementary tones can help your home feel ready for the cooler months.

Our tip: Choose a few beautiful pieces that you’ll enjoy bringing out year after year. Autumn decorating is about adding warmth and character, rather than filling every corner with seasonal accessories.

3. Look Beyond the Pumpkins

When we think about autumn decorations, pumpkins are often the first thing that comes to mind. And while there’s certainly a place for a beautifully styled pumpkin or two, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate the season.

One of our favourite autumn interior design ideas is to bring a little of the outdoors inside. A collection of sculptural branches arranged in a ceramic vase can make a striking centrepiece, while dried seed heads, seasonal foliage and autumn flowers introduce natural colour and texture.

For something a little different, try filling a decorative bowl with apples or pears, displaying a collection of interesting seed pods, or introducing darker ceramics and rustic wooden accessories. Even something as simple as a few branches gathered during an autumn walk can make a beautiful addition to a dining table or kitchen island.

The key is to keep things understated, allowing natural shapes, colours and materials to take centre stage.

Our tip: Choose seasonal decorations that complement your existing interiors rather than compete with them. Sometimes the simplest arrangements make the biggest impression.

4. Make Your Bedroom an Autumn Sanctuary

There are few things more inviting on a chilly autumn evening than climbing into a beautifully made bed.

As the temperatures begin to fall, it’s the perfect opportunity to introduce a few extra layers to your bedroom. Start with soft, breathable bedding in neutral colours and add a heavier quilt, wool blanket or textured throw for additional warmth. Cushions in earthy autumn shades can introduce seasonal colour without requiring a complete bedroom makeover.

Lighting matters here too. Warm bedside lamps create a much more relaxing atmosphere than bright overhead lights, particularly when you’re winding down after a busy day.

And don’t underestimate the little details. A favourite book on the bedside table, fresh seasonal flowers or a beautifully scented candle can make your bedroom feel like a peaceful retreat. After all, autumn is the perfect excuse to enjoy a slower morning with a cup of coffee and nowhere particularly urgent to be.

5. Create Spaces You’ll Love Spending Time In

Perhaps the most important part of preparing your home for autumn isn’t how it looks, but how it feels. The darker evenings and occasional rainy Cornish days are a lovely reminder to make the most of the spaces we call home.

Think about the little rituals that make this season special.

A Sunday afternoon spent cooking something delicious. A cosy film night with the family. Friends gathered around the dining table for a long, leisurely supper. Or simply curling up on the sofa with a good book while the rain falls outside. Creating a home that supports these everyday moments is what makes it truly special.

You might introduce a comfortable reading corner, rearrange your living room to make it feel more sociable, or add a few thoughtful touches to your dining space ahead of autumn gatherings. It’s these small changes that help transform a house into somewhere you genuinely love spending time.

A Beautiful Place to Call Home, Whatever the Season

At West Carclaze Garden Village, we believe a home should be more than somewhere to live. It should be somewhere to enjoy life’s everyday moments, make memories and feel completely at home.

Our contemporary new homes in Cornwall have been thoughtfully designed around modern living, with beautiful, light-filled interiors and welcoming spaces ready to make your own. And beyond your front door, there’s even more to enjoy. Surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, lakes, green spaces and walking trails, West Carclaze Garden Village offers the opportunity to embrace every season. From crisp autumn walks through the village to quiet evenings spent enjoying the comfort of home, it’s a place designed for living well.

Whether you’re looking for your first home, a little more space or a fresh start in Cornwall, we’d love to welcome you. Discover life at West Carclaze Garden Village. Explore our available homes and book a viewing to see for yourself.

Everyday tasks, made easier

The most useful technology is often the kind that solves the small, familiar problems of everyday life.

Did you remember to check what was in the fridge before leaving for the shops? Is the oven ready for dinner? Could the washing be run on a more energy-efficient cycle? With connected appliances managed through the SmartThings app, many of these routine tasks can be checked or controlled from your phone.

Meal planning can become simpler, with less chance of buying something you already have or overlooking food that needs to be used. The oven can be preheated before you arrive home, helping dinner fit more easily around a busy day. Laundry settings can be chosen with energy use in mind, without turning every wash into another decision to make.

Individually, these may feel like small conveniences. Together, they help create a home that works more naturally around the rhythm of real life.

One connected view of your home

A smart home should feel straightforward—not like another complicated system to learn.

Samsung SmartThings brings compatible appliances and home technology together in one place. Rather than switching between separate controls, residents can use a single app to keep an eye on their home, manage everyday routines and understand how energy is being used.

That connection can extend across cooking, laundry, dishwashing, heating, lighting and security. It creates a clearer picture of what is happening at home, whether you are relaxing in the living room, walking through the village or travelling further afield.

It is reassurance when you need it and simplicity when you do not.

Comfort that works quietly

Behind the everyday convenience is a carefully considered approach to energy and comfort.

West Carclaze homes combine Samsung ClimateHub technology and air source heat pumps with rooftop solar panels, home batteries and zonal underfloor heating. These systems are designed to work together, creating comfortable homes while making more thoughtful use of energy.

Solar panels capture renewable energy, while home batteries can store energy for use when it is needed. Air source heat pumps provide heating and hot water, and zonal controls allow the temperature of different spaces to be managed more precisely.

The technology is sophisticated, but the experience is intended to feel effortless: consistent warmth, intuitive control and a home that responds to the way you live.

A smarter way to use energy

Energy efficiency is not only about the technology installed in a home. It is also about making it easier for people to see, understand and adjust how they use energy day to day.

SmartThings can help residents monitor energy consumption and use intelligent appliance settings designed to reduce unnecessary usage. When information is clearer and controls are easier to access, more efficient choices can become part of an ordinary routine rather than an extra household job.

Every home at West Carclaze Garden Village is designed to achieve an EPC A rating. Together with renewable-energy technology and connected appliances, this forms part of a wider ambition to create homes that are efficient to run, ready for the future and kinder to the environment.

More time for life beyond the front door

Of course, the real value of a smart home is not found on a screen. It is found in what the technology allows you to do away from one.

It is finishing work and heading out for a walk rather than rushing home to start dinner. It is spending longer by the lake, knowing you can check in on your home when you need to. It is enjoying time with family while everyday systems quietly take care of themselves.

At West Carclaze Garden Village, that sense of freedom extends beyond each home. With green space, walking routes and a growing community on the doorstep, life here has been planned around wellbeing, connection and time spent outdoors.

The smartest thing a home can offer is not another feature. It is more space in your day for the things that matter.

Designed for today, ready for tomorrow

Our routines, priorities and technologies will continue to change. Homes need to be able to change with them.

The SmartThings ecosystem can connect with hundreds of compatible brands and devices, allowing residents to adapt their home over time. That makes smart living at West Carclaze more than a collection of features included on moving day. It is a flexible foundation for the future.

Because a well-designed home should not tell you how to live. It should make the way you choose to live feel easier.

That is smart living at West Carclaze Garden Village: thoughtful technology, energy-efficient homes and more freedom to enjoy life uninterrupted.

Curious about what smart-home living really feels like? Explore our smart homes or book a visit to experience a West Carclaze home for yourself.

Carlyon Bay: for long, leisurely beach days

With its wide sweep of sand and clear water, Carlyon Bay is one of the closest and most versatile beaches to West Carclaze. The bay comprises three adjoining stretches – Crinnis, Shorthorn and Polgaver, creating plenty of space for walking, paddling and settling in for the day.

The relatively sheltered south-coast setting makes Carlyon Bay popular with swimmers, while its generous shoreline gives children room to play and explore. Food and drink are available close to the beach during the main season, making spontaneous summer visits particularly easy.

Beyond the warmer months, Carlyon Bay is equally rewarding for a bracing morning walk or a quiet hour beside the sea.

Best for: Spacious family beach days, sea swimming and year-round walks.

Porthpean Beach: for sheltered swims and rock pooling

Tucked into the coastline just beyond Charlestown, Porthpean is a traditional sandy cove with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Sheltered by the surrounding headlands, it is a popular place for swimming, kayaking and snorkelling when conditions allow.

At low tide, rock pools appear around the edges of the beach, ready to be explored by curious younger visitors. Seasonal facilities, parking and its manageable size make Porthpean an easy choice when you want a straightforward day beside the water without travelling far.

For a longer outing, follow part of the South West Coast Path towards Charlestown. The route offers glimpses of Duporth Beach and Polmear Island before arriving at the village’s historic harbour. The wider circular walk between Carlyon Bay, Charlestown and Porthpean is approximately 4.5 miles. The South West Coast Path describes it as an easy route!

Best for: Sheltered swimming, rock pooling and a beach-and-coast-walk combination.

Pentewan Sands: for an easy family day out

Set between St Austell and Mevagissey, Pentewan Sands offers a broad expanse of sand with plenty of room for buckets, spades and beach games. Its south-facing position and gently shelving shoreline make it a popular choice for families, while the surrounding village adds to its easy-going holiday feel.

Bring a picnic and spend the day by the water, or combine your beach visit with a walk or cycle along the nearby Pentewan Valley Trail. Following the route of a former railway, the trail runs through woodland and countryside towards St Austell, offering a gentler alternative to the more undulating coast path.

Best for: Families, picnics and combining the coast with a cycle or countryside walk.

Polkerris Beach: for watersports and lunch by the sea

Hidden below a winding lane between St Austell and Fowey, Polkerris feels like a small coastal escape. The sandy beach shelves gently and is sheltered by its harbour wall, helping to create a welcoming setting for family days beside the sea.

Those looking for a little more adventure can try activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking or sailing, with equipment hire and tuition available locally. There are also places to eat and drink overlooking the water, so a morning on the beach can easily drift into a leisurely lunch or an early evening watching the sun sink across St Austell Bay.

Facilities include toilets, a café, pub and watersports centre, although visitors should note that the main car park is uphill from the beach. Dogs are seasonally restricted, so check the latest guidance before setting out.

Best for: Watersports, family adventures and sunset suppers.

Readymoney Cove: for calm-water charm

On the edge of Fowey, Readymoney Cove is a small, sheltered beach framed by woodland and historic buildings. Its gently shelving sand and protected position make it particularly inviting on calmer days, whether you are planning a paddle with younger children or an invigorating dip.

The cove can be enjoyed as part of a wider day in Fowey, with its independent shops, galleries and waterside places to eat. Alternatively, continue on foot towards St Catherine’s Castle or join the coast path for elevated views across the entrance to the Fowey Estuary.

Its compact size means Readymoney can become busy during the summer holidays, but arrive early or visit outside the main season and it retains a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere.

Best for: Calm swims, younger families and a beach visit combined with time in Fowey.

Gorran Haven: for a traditional Cornish cove

Gorran Haven’s sandy beach sits beside a small harbour in one of south Cornwall’s most picturesque coastal villages. Sheltered from the prevailing winds, the beach is a favourite with families and swimmers, while the village offers refreshments and useful facilities within walking distance.

There is a timeless quality to Gorran Haven: fishing boats pulled close to shore, cottages gathered around the hillside and coast paths leading away in either direction. It is just as suited to an unhurried winter walk as it is to a full summer beach day.

Best for: Traditional seaside charm, family paddling and coastal scenery.

Lantic Bay: for a quieter coastal adventure

Hidden along the coastline between Fowey and Polperro, Lantic Bay is one of Cornwall’s most striking secluded beaches. Backed by steep green headlands and reached on foot, its pale sand and turquoise water feel wonderfully removed from everyday life.

The walk down is part of the experience, with sweeping views opening across the bay as you descend. However, the route is steep and the climb back can be challenging, so sturdy footwear is essential and it may not suit very young children or anyone with limited mobility.

With no facilities on the beach, visitors should bring water, food and everything needed for the day. The bay is exposed and there is no lifeguard cover, so take particular care around the water and check the weather and sea conditions before visiting. For many, Lantic Bay is best enjoyed as a scenic walking destination, with a picnic on the sand and time spent absorbing its wild beauty.

Best for: Peaceful picnics, dramatic coastal scenery and adventurous walks.

Coastal living, close to home

Living at West Carclaze means Cornwall’s coast can become part of an ordinary week rather than something saved for holidays. A swim before supper, an afternoon of rock pooling after school or a Sunday walk above the sea can all be enjoyed within easy reach of home.

Whichever beach you choose, check tide times, seasonal dog restrictions, parking information and current sea conditions before travelling. Swim at lifeguarded beaches wherever possible and always follow local safety guidance.

At West Carclaze Garden Village, life is shaped by the landscape, with room to explore, space to breathe and some of Cornwall’s most beautiful coastline close by.

June Events in Cornwall

Royal Cornwall Show

Location: Wadebridge
Dates: 4 to 6 June 2026

One of Cornwall’s biggest annual events, the Royal Cornwall Show brings together the best of the county’s rural life, food, farming and family entertainment. Expect livestock displays, local producers, fairground rides, shopping, live demonstrations and plenty for children to see and do. It’s a brilliant full-day outing and a proper celebration of Cornwall’s countryside.

 

Tunes in the Dunes

Location: Perranporth Beach
Dates: 5 to 7 June 2026

Set directly on the sand at Perranporth, Tunes in the Dunes brings live music, sea air and festival atmosphere to one of Cornwall’s most recognisable beaches. It’s a great choice for families with older children, groups of friends or anyone looking for a summer weekend that feels a little more lively, with beach views built into the experience.

 

Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival

Location: Falmouth
Dates: 12 to 14 June 2026

For a summer weekend with real Cornish character, Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival is hard to beat. The town fills with music, harbour atmosphere and performances across pubs, streets and waterfront spaces. It’s family-friendly, full of energy and a lovely way to experience Cornwall’s maritime culture in one of its most vibrant coastal towns.

 

Mevagissey Feast Week

Location: Mevagissey
Dates: 28 June to 4 July 2026

Close to St Austell, Mevagissey Feast Week is a brilliant local addition to the summer calendar. The harbour village comes alive with music, parades, traditional dancing, food, children’s activities, raft races and fireworks. It’s ideal for families and visiting guests, offering that classic Cornish harbour atmosphere without needing to travel far from home.

July Events in Cornwall

Newquay Sessions

Location: The Killacourt, Newquay
Dates: Starts 4 July 2026

Overlooking the sea in the heart of Newquay, Newquay Sessions brings free live music and summer atmosphere to the Killacourt. It’s a good option for a relaxed evening out, especially if you want to pair music with food, a beach walk or a wander through town. Easygoing, coastal and full of summer energy.

 

Newquay Food Festival

Location: The Killacourt, Newquay
Dates: 9 to 12 July 2026

Newquay Food Festival is one for food-loving families, couples and visiting friends. Expect independent traders, local producers, drinks, live music and sea views from the Killacourt. It’s a good way to enjoy Cornwall’s food scene in an accessible, relaxed setting — and easy to combine with time on the beach or a walk around town.

 

Rock Oyster Festival

Location: Dinham House, near Rock and Wadebridge
Dates: 23 to 26 July 2026

Rock Oyster blends food, music and family entertainment beside the Camel Estuary. With chef demonstrations, live performances, children’s activities and plenty of places to eat and explore, it’s a strong choice for families who want a festival that feels as much about food and place as it does about music. A proper summer weekend event.

 

Charlestown Regatta Week

Location: Charlestown
Dates: 25 to 31 July 2026

Just down the road from West Carclaze, Charlestown Regatta Week is one of the easiest summer events to enjoy close to home. The historic harbour becomes the backdrop for boat races, live music, children’s activities, raft races, a carnival procession and community celebrations. It’s local, lively and full of St Austell Bay character.

 

Lusty Glaze Sundowner Sessions

Location: Lusty Glaze Beach, Newquay
Dates: Selected dates throughout summer 2026

Lusty Glaze Sundowner Sessions bring live music, beach views and a relaxed evening atmosphere to one of Newquay’s most beautiful coves. It’s a lovely option for a summer evening when you want something informal but memorable — toes in the sand, music in the air and sunset over the Atlantic.

August Events in Cornwall

Padstow Carnival

Location: Padstow
Date: 1 August 2026

Padstow Carnival offers a more traditional seaside summer experience, with a community feel, parades, music and family-friendly entertainment. It’s a lovely reason to spend the day in Padstow, combining the carnival atmosphere with harbour walks, local shops, ice creams and fish and chips by the water.

 

Fistral Beach Bar Terrace Parties

Location: Fistral Beach, Newquay
Dates: Selected dates from 1 August 2026

For a more grown-up summer evening, Fistral Beach Bar’s terrace parties bring DJs, sea views and sunset energy to one of Cornwall’s most famous surf beaches. It’s less of a full family day out and more of a relaxed evening plan — ideal for couples, friends or visiting guests who want a lively beachside atmosphere.

 

Boardmasters

Location: Newquay and Watergate Bay
Dates: 5 to 9 August 2026

Boardmasters is one of Cornwall’s biggest summer events, bringing together live music, surfing and beach culture across Newquay and Watergate Bay. It’s a major festival, so it needs more planning than a casual day out, but for music lovers, surf fans and older families, it is one of the county’s headline summer experiences.

 

Falmouth Week

Location: Falmouth
Dates: 7 to 16 August 2026

Falmouth Week combines sailing, shoreside entertainment, live music, markets, family activities and a busy town-wide atmosphere. It’s one of the best August events for a full day out, with plenty to do even if you’re not watching the racing. Add lunch by the harbour or time in Falmouth’s independent shops, and it becomes a classic Cornish summer day.

 

Fowey Royal Regatta

Location: Fowey
Dates: 16 to 22 August 2026

Fowey Royal Regatta is one of Cornwall’s most established summer events, with sailing, live music, fireworks, a carnival procession, crab-catching and family entertainment around the harbour. Close enough for an easy day trip from West Carclaze, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy one of Cornwall’s most picturesque riverside towns at its most lively.

Summer Living Near West Carclaze

One weekend might mean a harbour regatta in Charlestown or Fowey. The next could be live music in Falmouth, a food festival in Newquay or a traditional village celebration by the sea. That is part of the beauty of life in Cornwall: summer is not just one place or one event, but a whole season of reasons to get outside, explore and make the most of where you live.

At West Carclaze Garden Village, you are close to the everyday calm of St Austell Bay, but well placed for the wider rhythm of Cornish life too. From local community celebrations to some of the county’s biggest festivals, summer here can be as lively, relaxed, family-focused or quietly coastal as you want it to be.

 

Please note: Dates are correct at the time of writing, but it is always worth checking directly with event organisers before making plans.

1. We’re wired for close-knit, real-life communities

Anthropological research suggests humans evolved to live in smaller, socially connected groups where relationships are consistent and familiar.

Modern life has expanded our networks, but reduced the depth of those connections.

So it’s no surprise we’re starting to seek it out again.

2. Despite how connected we are, loneliness is rising

Studies show increasing levels of loneliness despite social media and constant communication. It turns out proximity, shared spaces, and regular face-to-face interaction matter more than we thought.

The kind of connection village life is built around.

3. Our environment shapes our wellbeing (more than we know)

Research links access to green space, walkable areas, and community interaction with lower stress, better mental health, and higher life satisfaction. Which is why places like West Carclaze Garden Village are built with this in mind.

It’s not just where you live, but how it’s designed.

4. The way we live and work has changed

We’re no longer tied to cities in the same way. With flexible working on the rise, work can happen from almost anywhere. But with that freedom comes more isolation.

So, people are starting to seek out communities in rural locations that offer the perfect work-life balance.

At West Carclaze Garden Village, community, green space and everyday life are designed around connection and balance. A modern take on village living, built for the needs of today.

Book a viewing to see for yourself.

Gardens, History & Woodland Walks

A winter visit to The Lost Gardens of Heligan is a must during half term. With fewer visitors and a quieter atmosphere, it’s the perfect time to explore the Jungle, spot early snowdrops and let children roam along winding woodland paths and rope bridges. There’s plenty of space to explore at your own pace, followed by a warming lunch in the café.

For a deeper dive into Cornwall’s landscape and heritage, Wheal Martyn Clay Works is a brilliant half-term choice. Hands-on exhibits, trails through former clay pits and plenty of space outdoors make this an engaging day out for curious minds.

If you’re keen to stretch your legs, the Clay Trails offer family-friendly walking and cycling routes through Cornwall’s historic china-clay country. These flat, traffic-free trails are ideal for bikes, scooters or an easy afternoon walk surrounded by wide skies and peaceful scenery.

Coastal Villages, Scenic Drives & Winter Beaches

A short drive from West Carclaze takes you to the historic harbour village of Charlestown, where tall ships, pebble beaches and Georgian architecture make for a relaxed wander. From here, continue along the coast towards Mevagissey – the scenic drive between the two offers some of the best sea views in Cornwall, particularly striking in winter light.

February is an ideal time for beach walks and shoreline exploring. Sheltered coves such as Gorran Haven are perfect for rock pooling, beachcombing and sea-air strolls. Winter seas can be dramatic and with a bit of luck, you may even spot seals along the coastline – binoculars recommended.

Cold weather never stops Cornish adventures; it just makes the hot chocolate afterwards taste even better.

Big Outdoor Adventures

For a classic Cornish family day out, the Camel Trail is well worth the drive. This flat, traffic-free route winds along The River Camel and is ideal for cycling or walking. Wrap up warm and enjoy a picnic on route or a café stop at the end.

If you have older children who love high-energy days, Adrenalin Quarry offers an unforgettable experience. From zip wires to giant swings, it’s a great way to burn off energy while spending time outdoors in a spectacular quarry setting.

For younger children, Camel Creek Adventure Park combines outdoor rides, animals and indoor play areas making it a reliable half-term favourite regardless of the weather.

Creative, Educational & Rainy-Day Wins

For something imaginative and immersive, The Story of Emily is a fantastic new attraction. Combining storytelling, history and creative technology, it’s engaging for children while still feeling thoughtful and memorable.

If the weather turns, Kidzworld Adventure Play in nearby Par is ideal for under-10s needing space to climb, run and play. It’s a great option to keep in mind as a flexible half-term backup.

Just minutes from West Carclaze, the Eden Project is always a strong contender. The warm biomes are a welcome contrast to winter weather, and half-term activities make it easy to spend a full day exploring. They’ve even extended their Ice Skating rink until 22 February, and Half Term brings even more bags of fun with special appearances from characters from Julia Donaldson’s The Scarecrows Wedding.

Cosy Stops: Pubs & Coffee Along the Way

Half-term adventures are best balanced with somewhere warm and welcoming to refuel. Around St Austell and the south coast, there are plenty of relaxed spots worth building into your plans:

The Longstore, Charlestown – harbour-side dining with generous, comforting dishes.

The Sharks Fin, Mevagissey – a proper Cornish pub with outstanding seafood and harbour views.

Polgooth Inn, St Austell – perfect after a long walk, with a family-friendly atmosphere.

Slowing Down, Cornwall Style

February half term is a wonderful time to explore this corner of Cornwall. Quieter paths, dramatic coastlines and space to enjoy the outdoors at your own pace. We hope this guide inspires a few fresh-air adventures and easy days out close to home.

For more seasonal ideas, local recommendations and slow-living inspiration, take a look through the rest of our journal – and if you’re out exploring, we’d love to see where you end up. Share your half-term adventures with us by tagging @west_carclaze_garden_village.

Happy February half-terming!

Ingredients

Serves 4
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 sweet potato
  • 1 beetroot
  • 1 potato
  • 1 parsnip
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 tbsp plain flour
  • 1 sprig of rosemary
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • 2 tbsp vegan truffle mayonnaise

Method

  1. Peel and thinly slice all of your vegetables. Keep the peelings to one side to cook later. Place all of your sliced root vegetables on a baking tray and dust lightly with plain flour.
  2. Preheat oil to 180˚C and deep fry your vegetables in small batches. Cook for 4-5 minutes until golden and crisp and then with a slotted spoon, lift out of the hot oil and onto a sheet of kitchen towel to soak up excess oil. 
  3. Repeat until you’ve cooked all of the vegetables and then cook your peelings too. The peel will take less time to cook so reduce the frying time to 2-3 minutes. Season all crisps with sea salt and some chopped sprigs of rosemary.
  4. Serve with a vegan truffle mayonnaise as a luxurious dip for these zero waste snacks.

Ingredients

Serves 4

1 butternut squash
1 litre vegetable stock
100 ml double cream [optional]
12 sage leaves
2 shallots, halved
4 cloves of garlic
1 tbsp truffle oil
1 tsp ground paprika
1 tsp smoked garlic powder
1 tsp chopped thyme
½ tsp smoked chilli flakes
½ tsp cumin seeds
For the toasted seeds:
2 tbsp cleaned squash seeds
2 tsp rapeseed oil
2-4 cloves of black garlic, sliced
Pinch of sea salt and cracked black pepper

Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 200˚C and start by preparing your squash or pumpkin.

  2. Slice in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Keep them to one side to clean and cook later.

  3. Hasselback the squash by slicing down through the skin in parallel cuts without going all the way through. This increases the surface area and allows room for the oil to drizzle down into the squash. Stuff some sage leaves in the gaps for extra flavour.

  4. Drizzle with truffle oil and rub in your herbs and spices. Throw in some garlic cloves and shallots and roast on a tray in the oven for 45 minutes.

  5. Clean the pulp from your squash seeds, dry on kitchen roll and toast in a frying pan for 4-5 minutes with oil, black garlic and sea salt. Cook until crispy and crunchy.

  6. Remove the skin from your roasted squash, keeping a few slices back to use as a garnish in the bowl and blitz all the vegetables with stock and a little double cream until smooth. Season to taste and serve with the remaining chilli oil from the roasting tray, a slice of roasted squash and your zero waste, umami-packed toasted seeds.

Heligan Night Garden

Best for: A night-time experience like no other. Get lost amongst beautiful lanterns 

When: Saturday 15th November – Saturday 3rd January 

Where: Lost Gardens of Heligan 

Price: Adult £22.50 | Child (age 3 – 16) £13.50 | Child (aged 0 – 2) Free

Lost Gardens of Heligan have once again teamed up with the Liverpool Lantern Company to create a magical winter garden trail exploring woodlands and gardens beautifully lit with lanterns. Discover tunnels of light, trees lit from within and enchanting wildlife instillations. Gather round fire-pits to toast marshmallows and warm up with hot food and warming drinks.

Here, there’s magic everywhere.

Find Out More

Ice-skating at Watergate Bay

Best for: A winter wonderland experience beside the sea

When: Monday 17th November – Sunday 11th January

Where: Watergate Bay (just outside of Newquay)

Price: £20 per adult | £15 per child (age 4 – 17) | Skate & pizza £30 per person

New for 2025 and one of the most unique ice-rinks in the UK because it’s metres from the sea, this is skating in style. Whether you’re something of a pro or you’re eager to learn, this is Cornwall’s largest ice rink so there’s plenty of space. Post skate, rest weary ankles in the Beach Hut or grab a boozy hot chocolate in the Living Space. Whatever your skill level, round up loved ones and make a day of it at Watergate Bay.

Find Out More

Christmas Fair at Eden Project

Best for: Christmas shopping and entry into Eden

When: Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th November 

Where: Eden Project

Price: £32 pp for the evening or £20 pp for the day – all proceeds go to Cornwall Community Foundation

Celebrate the beginning of the season at the Cornwall Christmas Fair at the Eden Project. Pick up Christmas cakes and indulgent foodie treats whilst sipping a hot chocolate before chatting to dozens of artisan producers. Both the evening and day events include food and drink as well as entry into Eden.

This is your chance to tick off Christmas gifting before December even starts. And the best bit, you’ll be helping to support Cornwall’s most vulnerable communities.

Find Out More

Truro Christmas Market

Best for: Christmas shopping to tick everything off the list

When: Friday 21st November – Wednesday 24th December

Where: Lemon Quay, Truro

Price: Free entry

As our biggest city and the place for Christmas shopping, Truro, also welcomes the Christmas Market. Once again, Lemon Quay will be transformed into a bustling market with lines of wooden huts as well as a large marquee – think mulled wine, juicy bratwurst sausages, fairground rides and hot chocolates that scent the city air. This is a great spot to pick up trinkets and unique-gifts as well as take in the beautiful Christmas lights that line the historic streets. This is Cornwall’s prettiest Christmas market and it also happens to be a treasure trove of goodies. This is THE place to go for Christmas presents.

 

Late night shopping: 26th November – 22nd December (every Wednesday) 

Padstow Christmas Fayre

Best for: This is a foodie hot spot not to be missed

When: Thursday 4th – Sunday 7th December

Where: Padstow

Price: Free entry (some chef demonstrations and masterclasses are ticketed)

Quite possibly one of Cornwall’s most iconic and well-known harbours will once again be transformed into an array of twinkling lights and festive merriment. With a large Christmas market at the heart and pop-up tents playing host to some of the UK’s most talented chefs including live demonstrations and masterclasses by Rick Stein, Paul Ainsworth, Yusuf Scarr – from The Pig at Harlyn and Emily Scott as well as many, many others – this is set to be a celebration of Cornwall’s incredible food and drink scene.

A place to enjoy the spirit of Christmas, meet the makers and even up-skill from some of the country’s best chefs ahead of cooking your own Christmas feast.

As fayre line-ups go, this has to be one of the very best.

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Carbis Bay Coastal Christmas Market

Best for: Supporting Cornwall Air Ambulance 

When: Saturday 6th – Sunday 7th and Saturday 13th – Sunday 14th December

Where: Carlyon Bay Beach Promenade 

Price: Free entry

Carlyon Bay is a wonderful place to be at any time but during December, it’s even more wonderful than usual. With two weekends of seasonal cheer all in aid of the Cornwall Air Ambulance, the bay becomes quite the destination.

Expect more than 40 crafty creatives selling their wares plus there’s a woodland themed Santa’s grotto and live musical performances.

This is just moments from our village – see you there!

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Cornwall Christmas Market

Best for: A festive family fun day out and great for picking up last-minute gifts 

When: Friday 12th – Sunday 14th December

Where: Royal Cornwall Show Ground, Wadebridge 

Price: Adults: £7 (+ booking fee) | Children £4 (+ booking fee) | Babies are free

Family Ticket: £18 (+ booking fee) 2 Adults & 2 Children

In December, our favourite Show Ground undergoes quite the seasonal makeover. Over 120 traders arrive to set up their stalls. For just three days, you can buy gifts such as hand-poured candles, unique statement jewellery, candied nuts, knitted beanies, locally made rum, crafted homeware and more. This is Cornwall’s largest Christmas Market so even Santa and his real life reindeer will be here – children can even post their letters from here to the North Pole.

Between shopping, enjoy sipping mulled cider or fill up at one of the several food stalls – indulgent waffles drizzled with chocolate await. Choirs sing Christmas carols throughout the long weekend so make sure you stop to squeeze in a show or two. If Christmas Gifting is still on your list, this is not a weekend to be missed.

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Mousehole Harbour Lights

Best for: A village atmosphere, sea shanties and incredible lights

When: Thursday 11th December – early January 

Where: Mousehole, Cornwall 

Price: Free entry but donations are welcome

For a seaside Christmas moment straight from the pages of a travel magazine, head to Mousehole. Its harbour, strung with one of the most famous light displays in the UK, becomes a glowing tapestry of colour reflected in the still evening water. The experience feels nostalgic and quietly magical – a gentle antidote to the rush of the season.

 

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The glow of lanterns, harbours and winter skies, Christmas in Cornwall becomes something unforgettable. An enchanting season that unfolds beautifully from your doorstep at West Carclaze Garden Village.

Sky Primary & Eden Project Nursery

For the past three years, this pioneering school has been operating from a temporary space at the Eden Project and now, they begin an exciting new chapter in a purpose-built, carbon-zero in operation building built by modular construction specialists Reds10.

This is an exciting addition to the village because it’s not your average school. What truly sets Sky Primary apart is its ground-breaking curriculum delivered by Kernow Learning. Never trailed in the UK before, the curriculum blends the core subjects with learning in harmony with nature and sustainability. Children are not only mastering maths, literacy, and science, they are growing as global citizens, developing a deep respect for the planet and the principles of sustainability that will guide them for life.

For families moving to West Carclaze Garden Village, this is more than a school on the doorstep, it’s a daily reminder that their children are growing up wiser, greener, and more connected to the world around them.

Built For The Future

The new school has been thoughtfully created to provide a modern, welcoming, and inspiring environment for pupils. From light-filled classrooms to outdoor learning spaces that connect with nature, every detail encourages curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning.

At the Heart of the Village

For families living here, having a school within the village means more than just convenience. It’s about being part of a community where children can safely walk or cycle to school, make friends who live nearby, and feel a real sense of belonging.

A Place to Grow Together

The opening of the school is another step in shaping West Carclaze into a vibrant, connected, and sustainable place to live. It strengthens the community spirit that residents already enjoy, while providing a foundation for future generations to flourish.

We’re proud to welcome the first pupils and families through the gates, and we can’t wait to see how this new chapter unfolds.

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