New Year’s Day in Cornwall

Who can imagine a better way to spend New Year’s Day than in the crisp sunny outdoor air in Cornwall?

Our guest blog writer Milly Bartlett is here to share some enjoyable and different ways to spend the first day of 2024 and help start the new year on the right foot.

Continue reading for further inspiration…

A visit to Newquay Zoo

 

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Check out the wildlife at Newquay Zoo, the only one in Cornwall. A hugely popular day out for all, come rain or shine. Everyone will enjoy their time here.

Following the different pathways takes you past the animal enclosures, where you will find over 130 species of animals, including lions, penguins and monkeys. You might choose to get lost in the Dragon Maze or take a trip through the Tarzan trail, perfect fun for adults and kids alike.

Enjoy a spot of lunch at the marvellous Cafe Lemur; or why not pick up a lunch box to takeaway, it’s not every day you have the possibility of a picnic with the lemurs! The Zoo also has a great gift shop for you to browse and pick up some animal themed souvenirs on your way out. 

On New Year’s Day the zoo is open from 10am until 4:30pm and tickets must be booked online, with the last available entry slot at 3:30pm.

Book tickets online here.

Ice skating at Eden in front of the magnificent biomes

 

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The Eden Project’s yearly skating rink is back this year and is here to stay until February 2024.

You can book a 40-minute ice skating session online, perfect for experienced and novices alike. For families with young children, you can hire a special skating assistant in the shape of a penguin to help you around the rink.

There’s much more going on at the Eden Project than just ice skating. You can explore the wonderful biomes, wander through the gardens and enjoy a delicious lunch in one of the many eateries; Canopy Cafe, Med Bar, Little Lunch Box and even the Ice Cream Parlour!

It is highly recommended to book in advance.

Discover The Lost Gardens of Heligan

 

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The Lost Gardens of Heligan has 200 acres of garden history which was lost in time since World War 1. After 22 years of hard work, it has been restored to its former glory.

New Years Day will see the Heligan Night Garden become an immersive lantern experience, with the vibrant landscape illuminated in colour. Follow the magical garden trail, discovering flora, fauna and towering woodland along the way.

Book your tickets ahead of time, with arrival times available between 16:30 – 20:00. Find out more here.

Swim in the UK’s only geothermally heated pool

 

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The lovely art deco outdoor Jubilee pool at Penzance has recently had an upgrade and now includes the UK’s only geothermal pool, as well as a fresh cold water one (brr!)! 

Opened to the public in September 2020, the geothermal pool is filled with fresh water and heated to 35 degrees by its very own geothermal well.

Do something different this New Year’s Day and relax in the warm outdoor pool in Penzance, while enjoying the fresh Cornish air. You will certainly feel invigorated afterwards!

All bookings must be made in advance. No walk in tickets will be available.

Tickets can be booked here or by calling 01736 369224.

Enjoy one of Cornwall’s many coastal footpaths!

 

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There are so many coastal footpaths to choose from along the South West Coast Path, and all of them have amazing views!

One of my favourite walks in West Cornwall is the walk around The Loe near Helston. A great walk to enjoy with family, friends and dogs!

The Loe, (in Cornish: Anlogh) and also known as Loe Pool, is the largest natural freshwater lake at 50 hectares (120 acres) in Cornwall. It sits between Gunwalloe and Porthleven and is close to Helston.

If you park in the free car park in Helston, you can walk around the lake enjoying the amazing views it gives, especially once near the coast.

If you prefer, you can take a detour, instead of walking around the Lake you can walk to Gunwalloe or Poldhu – where they have an amazing beachside cafe serving up delicious hot chocolates, or even take a trip to Porthleven to watch the waves as they roll in!

Whether you are looking for something outdoorsy for your New Year’s Day, or just an excuse to get out of the house and walk off some of your Christmas pudding, there is no better place to enjoy the outdoors and stretch your legs than Cornwall.

Take a look at our Day Out Guides for more ideas on how to spend your time in Cornwall.