February half term is often the first opportunity of the year to get away with the whole family. We might not be able to promise 10 hours of sunshine each day, but the wild and rugged coastline can often look its best in the winter months. We’ve put together our top tips of things to do around Highcliffe, and further afield in Cornwall, to help you make the most of your half term break.
This stunning coast path may be 630 miles long, but there are shorter segments that can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace. From Highcliffe, it’s easy to join the path at Daymer Bay which can take you to Rock or Polzeath.
Heading to Rock, you can walk across Daymer Bay and round to Rock Beach, or venture across St Enodoc golf course and up Brea Hill. Both routes offer views of the famous Doom Bar. Choosing to walk east to Polzeath, you’ll walk over the cliff-top and have continuous views of the sea and coastline. Setting off mid-morning means you’ll time it perfectly to grab a spot of lunch in the Mariners (Rock) or the Oystercatcher (Polzeath).
Cornwall is much quieter in February than the summer months, so you’ll have plenty of space to enjoy the water. Take a walk down the hill to Polzeath Beach and you’ll find Wavehunters giving lessons on paddleboarding and surfing. If you’d prefer to go at your own pace but didn’t bring your equipment, simply hire a board and wetsuit from them and make your way to the water. The sea may only be a crisp 9°c but don’t let that stop you!
Of course, we are biased and think our little pocket of North Cornwall is the best, but we cannot deny the sheer beauty of the whole Cornish coastline!
Heading up the coast, you’ll come across Port Isaac. A charming village with plenty of restaurants (one even has two Michelin stars), a thriving fishing community and scenery that’s no stranger to a film crew.
The next village along is Tintagel, known for its castle and the legend of King Arthur. Further in land, you’ll find St Nectan’s Glen, a waterfall set in striking woodland.
If you’re looking for a more traditional half term activity to keep the family entertained or need a break from the February chill, there are plenty of indoor attractions to enjoy nearby.
The Tide is a climbing centre on the other side of the estuary in St Issey, offering different styles of wall climbing, as well as taster sessions for beginners and one-to-one coaching sessions to help build a skillset. They also have an onsite café serving fresh paninis and pizzas.
The Keep offers an immersive learning experience of Cornwall’s regimental past, set on the site of the former Victoria Barracks in Bodmin, steeped in history. In addition to the mindfully curated museum and regular guest installations, the experienced volunteers also run engaging and practical workshops and re-enactments. They are offering free tickets every day throughout half term, although these must be pre-booked. They are also dog-friendly.
The Eden Project almost needs no introduction, but it’s always worth checking out the latest exhibitions and installations. The current Invisible Worlds exhibition offers an insight into the biodiversity and lifeforms that we rely on without realising. For younger children, the half term Moomin exhibition is sure to entertain. Thrill-seekers may want to visit simply to try out the Hangloose zip wire and aerial assault course!
We have limited availability for half term (21-27 February) - visit our Cottages page to book your Highcliffe holiday.
