Top Reasons to Visit Cornwall in Autumn

Explore Cornwall's beaches this autumn, when you'll have more of the soft golden sand to yourself. Sea temperatures are at their warmest in autumn, which will only serve to lure you in for an early morning dip.

Here at The Gannet, we are conveniently located near Carbis Bay Beach and know that a warm morning sea swim can provide one of the most refreshing starts to the day.

When it comes to walking in this area you have the choice of coastal walks with sweeping ocean views from rugged cliff tops and woodland trails filled with the golden colours of autumn.

There are hundreds of miles of footpaths to explore including the South West Coastal Path which you can join from Carbis Bay. Twin this with fewer people and you could have a stretch of coast path all to yourself.

Carbis Bay is rich in sea life and the quieter season (from September onwards) is the perfect time of the year to get out and head for the coast to marvel at seal sightings and delight in pods of dolphins frolicking in the surf.

To get a closer view, there are wildlife safaris which run from the Ocean Sports Centre located on Carbis Bay Beach or you may even find yourself swimming within a few feet of one in the waters at the bay!

Autumn is the best season to watch vivid sunsets in Cornwall.

From the cliffs to the coastline, Carbis Bay turns into a carnival of orange and red at this time of year. What is usually green or purple turns to fire and the whole landscape changes from lush to dramatic.

St Ives September Festival returns 13th-27th September 2025. Enjoy two weeks of music, art and poetry beside the sea. Take a break in one of our luxury seaside rooms, and join in the vast spectrum of art, literature, food and music produced right on our doorstep.