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Welcome in the New Year the Cornish Way

Home The Greenbank Blog Welcome in the New Year the Cornish Way

New Year’s Eve may have been a night to celebrate, but the real magic often happens on New Year’s Day. In Cornwall, it’s not just a “recovery day” – it’s a chance to reconnect, reset, and embrace the wild, beautiful coast in all its winter glory. Here’s our guide to make the most of your New Year’s Day in Cornwall.

1. Brave the seas

If you really want to feel alive, start your first morning of the year with a dip in the Atlantic.

A New Year’s Day swim may be a slightly strange tradition for folk outside of Cornwall, but all of us Cornish lot love a good swim in the sea – especially when wetsuits are not allowed!

2. Warm up with a sauna session

After a refreshing sea dip or winter walk, there’s no better place to warm up than Escape to the Sauna’s new harbourside location. Open 10am until 6pm on New Year’s Day.

Perched on The Greenbank’s private quay, this Scandinavian-style sauna offers the ultimate relaxation experience, complete with sweeping sea views.

Book your sauna session

3. Take up paddleboarding

If swimming isn’t your thing (or too chilly), why not give paddleboarding a go? Launch from sheltered coves or private pontoons and glide across the water before warming up with something hot back on shore.

Picture a calm winter’s morning on the water, followed by a hot chocolate in The Working Boat pub to get yourself warm again. Pure bliss!

4. Take a Coastal Walk

Wrap up warm and head out for an adventure along the South West Coast Path. In winter, the Cornish coastline transforms into something wild, dramatic, and wonderfully crowd-free. Since daylight is limited, we recommend choosing a shorter section, such as Porthtowan to St Agnes, or Mylor to Flushing.

Winter walks bring out Cornwall’s raw beauty: wind-swept cliffs, crashing waves, and maybe even a few brave sea birds.

Cornish walks

5. Go storm watching

If there’s big weather coming in, find a sheltered vantage point (or a cosy pub) and watch the power of the Atlantic. Winter in Cornwall is perfect for storm-watching, with headlands like Trevose Head or quiet coastal corners offering dramatic skies and crashing waves.

Bring a flask of something hot to sip as the wind whips around you and the spray of the sea brushes your face.

6. Head to your local pub

Raise a glass to the new year in our below decks pub, The Working Boat! Nestled right on the harbour, this local favourite serves smooth brews and harbour views.

Whether you’re taking it easy or joining the buzz, a leisurely drink here is the perfect way to soak up the local atmosphere and welcome the New Year in true Cornish style.

Head below decks

7. Visit a local attraction

If you’re after something a bit gentler, Cornwall’s gardens and indoor attractions still have plenty of charm in January. The National Maritime Museum, Lost Gardens of Heligan, and Eden Project are all open New Year’s Day, providing fun for all the family.

Feeling adventurous? You can even lace up your skates and glide around Eden’s seasonal ice rink – it usually keeps the fun going well into February!

Book ice skating