January In Cornwall

Would you like to escape after the hustle and bustle of Christmas and the New Year? Are you looking for an affordable holiday to take within the UK? Then consider the great value offered by the Camilla House Guest House in Penzance, Cornwall which is running special offers for both short breaks and longer stays through January 2012.

Cornwall has plenty to offer during January, the weather can be kind for outdoor activities (& even when stormy weather it can be spectacular to watch the Atlantic Ocean on our doorstep) and getting around either by public transport or under your own steam is often easier than in the summer. So why not treat yourself to an inexpensive break without sacrificing on quality and enjoy a stay at the Camilla House which provides friendly and warm accommodation in Penzance.

When staying at the Camilla House not only do you get award winning accommodation and food but you will enjoy friendly service from Susan and Simon who are more than happy to provide a full range of customised tour itineraries made for your specific requirements so as to get the most during your short break in Cornwall, or simply provide access to a comprehensive collection of maps, guide books and timetables if you prefer to do your own thing.

Suggestions for January

There are many things to do in January during a visit to Cornwall, we have put some starter suggestions below but also check our Facebook page to see more ideas as and when they appear. The National Trust properties are proving to be a good option this New Year with many sites providing behind the scenes type access.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust Activities & Lectures

The events that Cornwall Wildlife Trust organise are well worth attending, a full programme can be found at their web site but start the New Year off with a walk at Sennen Cove on the 7th January at 14.00 - Cornwall Wildlife Trust

Outdoor & Active

Cornwall has so much to offer at any time of the year for those who love the outdoors. If you are looking for some active pursuits in January then consider some of these:

South West Coast Path - Britain's longest National Trail runs along the promenade in front of the Camilla House. Spectacular walking to see Land's End, the Lizard Peninsula and the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape.
Public transport links to the start & end of various West Cornwall sections of the path are good and Susan & Simon can arrange drop-off and pick-up for those bits where the buses don't go. Packed lunches and maps are available at the Camilla House. Visit the following site for more information - South West Coast Path.

On Your Bike - The Camilla House has some bicycles available for loan to guests who wish to take advantage of the Cornish Way Cycle Route. There are easy routes from the Camilla House to St.Michael's Mount and Mousehole or why not have a leisurely day exploring the back lanes between Penzance and Land's End? Bikes are available in exchange for a charitable donation to the RNLI (supported by the Camilla House - see why at the RNLI).

There are real 'must see' places in Cornwall, many within easy traveling of the Camilla House - here are some suggestions for things to do in January:

St.Michael's Mount - although operating on a restricted opening basis in January there are still tours of the castle running each Tuesday and Friday at 11.00 and 14.00, weather permitting - check out the web site at St.Michael's Mount.

Minack Theatre - this magical cliff-top theatre and the Rowena Cade visitor centre are open daily throughout January (10.00 to 15.30) and provide an inspiring insight into the history of the Minack - as well as stunning view across Porthcurno Bay. See the web site at Minack Theatre for details.

National Maritime Museum Cornwall - No visit to Cornwall (surrounded by sea on three sides) would be complete without a look at some of the rich maritime connections, where better to start than at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth - easily reached from Penzance. See the web site at National Maritime Museum Cornwall.

Eden Project - a leading conservation tourist attraction and gardens which provides an excellent option for a stop off visit either on the way to, or returning home from the Camilla House in Penzance. see full details at the web site for the Eden Project.

Art Galleries

Whether it is traditional or modern, expensive or great value, whatever your taste in art may be there is plenty of choice to see in January while staying at the Camilla House. Some galleries that prove popular are:

Penlee House, until January 14th the exhibition is 'A Forgotten Prodigy' The paintings of Joan Manning Sanders who shot to fame as a child prodigy but gave up in adulthood. This is followed from the 21st of January with 'Through the Lens: Pictures from a Magic Lantern' - showing an important photographic record of the development of Penzance through the 19th and early 20th centuries -- find out more at the web site for Penlee House.

Newlyn Art Gallery and the Exchange, Newlyn is open with an exhibition of new works by Swiss artist John M Armleder (until January 3rd) and the Exchange in Penzance has a project that explores live art and performance's relationship with photography and documentation (until January 14rh) - full details can be seen at Newlyn and Exchange Galleries.

Tate St.Ives, showing 'The Indiscipline of Painting' - an exhibition of international abstraction from the 1960s to now - until January 3rd 2012. This is followed by an exhibition of Simon Fujiwara's work from the 18th of January - see their site at Tate St.Ives.

Geevor Tin Mine , yes, Geevor Tin Mine. They have an internationally renowned photographic exhibition (The Miners of Bolivia) where people can discover what mining means to people in the high Andes - on until the 6th of January - see their site at Geevor Tin Mine .

Gastronomic Delights

After a busy, or relaxing, day discovering what Penzance and Cornwall have to offer it is time to turn to thoughts of food. When staying at the Camilla House there are plenty of options for eating out in pubs and restaurants, we take plenty of time to listen to feedback from guests and the following are some suggestions to try -

Alverne - This restaurant and lounge provides modern British dishes and Tapas in a friendly and stylish setting - a real favourite of ours Alverne Restaurant and Lounge
Harris's Restaurant - Well established and critically acclaimed, this small restaurant provides a touch of class for eating out on good food in Penzance Harris's Restaurant
Untitled - new to Penzance is Robert Wright's 'Untitled' restaurant just a stone's throw from Camilla House near Chapel Street Untitled
The Turk's Head Pub - original and charming - if you like to eat great food for a good price in one of the oldest pubs in Cornwall then visit the web site for the Turk's Head
The Yacht Inn - our local friendly pub offering great value food and served with a smile - check what they have to offer at the Yacht Inn
The Bakehouse Restaurant - modern and contemporary offering wonderful Cornish produce with professional service, see more at the Bakehouse
The Boatshed - harbour side restaurant that provides a relaxed and friendly place to eat plenty of local seafood - see more at the Boatshed
The Navy Inn - relaxed and informal dining with plenty of seasonal fresh produce with a bias towards fish - discover more on the web for the Navy Inn
The Smuggler's - in nearby Newlyn, a real favourite with guests - great food and service in a delightful restaurant overlooking Newly Harbour - see what is on offer at the Smuggler's