Welcome to
Christmas
There's nothing quite like that magical moment when all of the presents are wrapped and placed under the Christmas tree. It heralds a time when family and friends can gather to celebrate the season of gifting. Here in Cornwall, we have a host of incredible talented makers and creators. This means that your gifts will not only be unique, but you'll also be supporting local businesses. Whether you are looking for a special keepsake, ideas for the foodie in you life, or inspiration for an active gift, we've got it all wrapped up!
49 Sticky seasonal orecchiette
Roasted veggies with whole chillies – ideal for the season 50 Sparkling seasonal magic
Discover festive lights, trees and treats at Trevena Cross this Christmas
Night flight to the edge
Head to the Eden Project and experience the exhilaration of ziplining at night
Treasures of the tide Give a gift that holds the spirit of Cornwall
STEP INTO CORNWALL’S MOST HAUNTED ATTRACTION AND EXPERIENCE:
The Haunted Gallery – daily spooky walkthroughs for all the family
Ghost Walks – evening tours with real supernatural tales
After Dark Specials – immersive late-night experiences
All Souls Day Silent Disco – 18+
DARE
Festivenews
Seasonal, seaside glide at Watergate Bay
This winter, experience Skate by the Sea at Watergate Bay Hotel. From the 17th November to the 11th January, Cornwall’s first beachside ice rink comes to the Bay –360-square-metres of real ice set against the Atlantic with sea views, festive lights and crisp coastal air. It’s skating, reimagined right on the shoreline.
Winter in Cornwall means empty beaches to explore, consistent swells for surfing, and dramatic skies to enjoy winter by the sea. The ice rink offers another exhilarating way for all ages to enjoy the season – connecting with the elements and celebrating the festivities with friends and family. Sessions run daily, with options for families, adults-only groups and private hire. Younger skaters can find their balance with the help of penguin and polar bear aids, while friends
can book group sessions and round off the fun with wood-fired pizza, mulled wine and Extreme Hot Chocolates served rink side.
For a full après-skate experience, winter menus in The Beach Hut and Zacry’s will include a nod to the mountains – all with front-row ocean views.
For more information, visit www. watergatebay.co.uk/ice-skating-cornwall
Championing sustainable style
A Bodmin business is putting sustainability at the heart of fashion. Thrift Cornwall, owned by Gemma MacKenzie, is winning fans with its curated collection of pre-loved and vintage American clothing. Open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, the clothing store stocks everything from classic Levi’s to 90s and Y2K staples, catering to men and women who want originality without compromising the planet.
“I wanted to create a space where people can find quality fashion that’s sustainable
and affordable,” says Gemma. “There’s something really special about giving clothes a new life and seeing customers fall in love with them all over again.” With fresh stock arriving regularly, Thrift Cornwall is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for Cornwall’s style lovers. For daily newness, follow on Instagram @thrift_cornwall and see online for store directions.
For more information, visit www.thriftcornwall.co.uk
Father Christmas at the museum
Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery has released tickets for the much-loved Father Christmas at the Museum, promising a “magical storytelling and grotto experience inspired by Cornish nature.” This year the museum, which recently underwent a major transformation and aims to be a hub for the whole community, is offering a ‘pay it forward’ option to help spread the festive joy far and wide.
This December, Lowen the Elf will tell the tale of ‘A Chattering of Choughs,’ a flock of birds who come together to help the reindeer and save Christmas. At £8 a ticket, the museum says it wants to offer families a heart-warming festive outing which is fairly priced and accessible to as many people as possible. In addition, anyone who wants to is welcome to buy an extra ticket for a local child who wouldn’t otherwise be able to enjoy the experience. Dates run from 10th to 24th December.
For more information call 01872 723230 or visit www.cornwallmuseum.org
As another
YEAR CLOSES…
Having established itself as one of Falmouth’s most distinctive retail destinations, this celebration of the eclectic marries the practical with the quirky in the most delightful way. Another year passes, and its two establishments continue to charm customers with their ever-changing selection of affordable yet distinctive products that defy easy categorisation.
Walking through either the original Falmouth location on the High Street or the newer Truro outpost in Pydar Mews, shoppers discover a mix of items that speak to both the pragmatic homemaker and the aesthetically adventurous.
Original cards sidle up to French fragrances, while high-quality soaps share space with carefully chosen homewares and kitchenware. Each item appears handpicked for those who appreciate the understated elegance of everyday objects lifted above the mundane.
This year brings particularly exciting additions to the collection. New terracotta kitchenware offers warmth and authenticity to modern cooking spaces, while stonewashed linens provide that coveted lived-in luxury. The illustrated tea towels deserve a mention, each one a small work of art that transforms the humble kitchen textile into something worth displaying.
Winter remains the shop’s favourite season, and for good reason. Cosy throws and luxury cushions transform any space into a refuge from Cornwall's dramatic weather. The Christmas selection is especially colourful this year featuring
The Grey Lurcher brings fresh and festive delights to the season.
recycled paper garlands that bring another dimension to traditional seasonal decorations. Simple garlands and wreaths offer alternatives to the traditional seasonal displays found elsewhere, whilst the carefully chosen decorations embrace a soft, muted palette of greys and blues rather than the predictable reds and golds.
And the candles! The candles deserve particular attention – selected not merely for their aesthetic appeal but for their ability to create atmosphere without overwhelming smaller spaces.
Both shops maintain a relaxed alternative to the usual opening hours, welcoming visitors from eleven o’clock Monday through Saturday in Falmouth, while the Truro shop operates Wednesday to Saturday. This schedule reflects an understanding that good shopping requires time and consideration rather than frantic rushing.
The Grey Lurcher succeeds because it recognises that the best retail experiences satisfy curiosity and need, offering customers the satisfaction of finding something unexpected that will add a certain piquancy to any home.
THE GREY LURCHER
20 High Street, Falmouth TR11 2AB 8 Pydar Mews, Truro TR1 2UX 01326 618240 thegreylurcher@gmail.com www.greylurcherfalmouth.com Find more like this: www.cornwall-living.co.uk
A Cornish CHRISTMAS
If you’re searching for a unique, bespoke gift to give this Christmas, then look no further than this delightful selection of inspired present ideas, all created with care and designed to be gifted with love. What’s more, any puchase will be supporting an independent local business.
TRENANCE CHOCOLATE
Handcrafted on the Lizard from the most luxurious Belgian couverture.
Unique ocean-inspired presents GEMMA LESSINGER
Are you looking for something different for the ocean lover in your life this Christmas? Then, seek out something from Gemma Lessinger, creator of unique and ocean-inspired gifts. From original textured paintings on canvas, surfboards, board fins and wood belly-boards to driftwood Christmas decorations and bespoke jewellery, you’re bound to find something that will fulfil your desire and your Christmas stocking. And if you can’t find exactly what you require, then she’s perfectly open to accepting commissions.
www.gemmalessinger.com
Memories from around the world, around your wrist. EL CAMINO BRACELETS
Travel isn’t just about the places you go – it’s about the moments that stay with you. El Camino is the original travel bracelet, turning every memory into something you can hold onto forever.
Handmade in the UK, each bracelet is built to last – just like the memories you collect along the way. Personalise yours with engraved Steps (their name for charms) to mark every country, city or landmark you’ve visited, or choose vibrant handmade glass Steps to celebrate those once-in-alifetime moments.
Situated at the edge of Mullion, Trenance Chocolate crafts indulgent treats by hand, using the finest ingredients and a dash of Cornish spirit. Visitors can browse an irresistible array of handmade chocolates and choose their own selection to fill a box – available exclusively in the shop or online. Trenance’s regular products can also be found in local businesses across Cornwall. Open seven days a week from 10 am to 4pm, it’s a deliciously local experience worth savouring. Cornwall Living readers can enjoy 10% off all orders throughout November using code CLDEC2025. www.trenancechocolate.co.uk
PERRAN YARNS
Luxury yarn gifts for creatives
Indulge the knitter or crocheter in your life, this festive season, with a luxurious Perran Yarns kit. This lovely boxed set contains beautiful hand-dyed yarn, paired with an original pattern – all you have to do is wrap and pop it under the Christmas tree.
Just visit their website, where you’ll find a selection of kits alongside an extensive range of deluxe yarns, hand-dyed in stunning, wearable colourways, perfect for creating your own unique garments and accessories.
www.perranyarns.co.uk
Loved by over 78,000 travellers, it’s the perfect gift for the adventurer in your life. Available exclusively online.
www.elcaminobracelets.com
ALL THAT GLITTERS
Celebrate a Cornish Christmas, crafted in glass.
There’s something truly magical about Christmas in Cornwall, from the twinkling lights reflected on the water and the crisp sea air to the joy of choosing thoughtful gifts for loved ones. What makes this even more poignant is when those gifts are crafted with care right here in the Duchy. The Jo Downs Handmade Glass studio captures this spirit in every piece it creates, from handcrafted decorations to statement art that glows with the colours of the local coastline.
For those looking for something a little different this festive season, the studio’s handmade fused glass pieces make perfect Christmas gifts. Each creation is expertly designed and made by hand, ensuring it is as unique as the person who will receive it. From elegant tealight holders that cast a soft, warming glow, to shimmering wall art and festive decorations inspired by Cornwall’s atmospheric landscapes, their collections bring a touch of Cornish charm into every home.
The Giftware and Artisan ranges are ideal for those who appreciate the beauty of British craftsmanship. Shoppers can choose from striking centrepieces, delicate hanging ornaments or smaller keepsakes, each one a little treasure that will be cherished for
years to come. Whether buying for friends, family, or treating themselves, customers will find pieces designed to spread joy, capture memories and celebrate the season in style. With galleries in Fowey, Launceston, Padstow, St Ives, Tintagel and Truro as well as an online store, it’s never been easier to bring a piece of Jo Downs Handmade Glass into your life.
This year, Jo Downs Handmade Glass is also adding an extra sparkle with a very special Christmas competition. Two lucky winners will each receive an exclusive 12 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar. This stunning keepsake is filled with an assortment of handmade fused glass gifts and decorations and offers a delightful way to count down to Christmas, with a beautiful surprise in every luxury box. To enter, simply visit the studio’s website or call into one of its galleries before 26th November. It’s a wonderful opportunity to win a unique festive prize and discover the perfect Cornish gifts to make Christmas truly unforgettable
JO DOWNS
01566 779779
sales@jodowns.com www.jodowns.com
Find more like this: www.cornwall-living.co.uk
Timeless
ATREASURES
Discover gifts that bring the sparkle this Christmas.
s the festive season approaches, The Jewellery Workshop in Porthleven is proud to offer an extensive range of jewellery that truly caters to all tastes and budgets. From timeless, everyday silver and gold pieces starting at just £19, to a wide range of Zeppelin, Bauhaus and Lorus watches, there’s something for everyone on your Christmas list. Whether you’re looking for something bespoke to be worn and cherished for years to come, or a thoughtful stocking filler for Secret Santa at the office, you’ll find it in the shop in the beautiful harbour village of Porthleven.
THE JEWELLERY WORKSHOP
Porthleven TR13 9FB 01326 561511
porthlevenjewelleryworkshop@outlook.com www.porthlevenjewelleryworkshop.co.uk Find more like this: www.cornwall-living.co.uk
Ti2 Titanium jewellery –starting from £25
Cornwall based artist, Beth Richardson, reflects on spaces in her often large scale paintings. Exploring vessels and voids, she invites viewers to sink, float, and dive into unknown and ambiguous worlds somewhere between the real and the imagined. Shop a beautiful collection of Greeting Cards, Giclee Prints, and Original Artworks online:
www.bethrichardsonart.co.uk
TO SAVOURChristmas gifts
From miniature delights to festive hampers, there’s something for everyone.
As Christmas approaches, Rock Distillery becomes a hive of activity, with its team working at full pace to meet the rush of orders. Bottling, labelling and packing intensify, while staff ensure customers receive carefully chosen gifts that arrive on time and ready to love.
For those seeking stocking fillers or smaller presents, the distillery’s miniature fourbottle gift packs offer an accessible taste of its extensive range, from gin and rum to whiskies, vodkas and brandies. These sets sit alongside two standout collections, Cornish Folklore and Camelot, which provide a distinctly Cornish touch.
Rock Distillery also has some drink-inspired giftware all made exclusively to complement the vast amount of Rock drinks on offer. These include several different hip flasks, Cooling Stones, Cocktail Compendiums, Jiggers and decorative bottle openers.
The festive specials remain the star attraction, with Rock Peanut Whiskey, Dark Spiced Pineapple Rum and Brandy Snap capturing the flavours of Christmas in liquid form. For those who prefer something lighter, Lemongino and Orangino provide bright, citrus-led options ideal as aperitifs.
Customers can browse in person at shops in Wadebridge, Bude, Tintagel, Padstow, Corsham or Dartmouth, or explore the full range online. A dedicated team is also on hand by phone to advise on selections and help with orders, ensuring gifts are tailored to suit both the occasion and the recipient. Rock Distillery’s approach to Christmas gifting is straightforward: offer drinks and accessories that are both distinctive and practical, with an emphasis on quality and presentation. Whether choosing a miniature set, an elegant glass or a carefully packed hamper, customers can expect a present that feels thoughtful, festive and ready to be enjoyed.
CORNISH ROCK GIN
Distillery and Shop, Unit 34-38 Clear Space, Dunveth Business Park, Wadebridge PL27 7FE 07486 536220
RockGinCornwall cornishrockgin info@rockgincornish.com www.rockgincornish.com Find more like this: www.cornwall-living.co.uk
We create handmade Cornish seaglass and ethically sourced gemstone jewellery. Come and see us at the Krowji Christmas Open Studios (28th–30th November) and Porthleven Christmas Market (5th–7th December) to explore our unique, one-off designs.
ulajewellery ulajewellery
www.ulajewellery.com
Photographer hancfisher
SERVES 4
INGREDIENTS
Orecchiette
1 aubergine
2 courgette
1 red onion
750g new potatoes, halved, cut on an angle
8 large garlic cloves
2-3 Padron chillies from Cornish Chillies
2-3 Friggitelli chillies from Cornish Chillies
1 tbsp paprika
400ml tinned tomatoes
2 tbs balsamic vinegar
1 cup of fresh oregano, fresh rosemary sprigs, extra for serving
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
Recipe by Sarah Richelle Home Cook sararcooks
STICKY SEASONAL ORECCHIETTE
Roasted veggies with whole chillies. Sweet, rich, scrumptious – ideal for the season.
Sunshine spills across the plate in this heart-warming pasta dish, where tender orecchiette meets a riot of roasted vegetables and whole chillies. New potatoes, courgette, aubergine, red onion and garlic are roasted with fresh oregano, rosemary and a splash of balsamic, while sweet, smoky Padron and Friggitelli peppers from Cornish Chillies bring the
METHOD
1 First, roast the potatoes, courgette, aubergine and red onion in olive or vegetable oil for about 20 minutes at 180°C, until just beginning to colour.
2 Add the remaining vegetables and fresh herbs. Yes, the herbs will become charred sticks, but this doesn’t matter – you can add some fresh, vibrant ones at the end; we’re after flavour here.
3 Roast for a further 40–45 minutes, turning halfway through.
occasional whisper of heat. Stirred through the tray, the pasta soaks up the rich, flavourful juices, creating a sweet fusion of Italian comfort and Spanish flair. It’s effortless, seasonal cooking that feels as vibrant on the table as it does on the palate – and entirely adaptable if heat, garlic and sweetness are not your thing; you can replace them with standard red peppers.
4 Remove from the oven and take out the charred chilli peppers (they’ll be added again when serving). Add the paprika, tomatoes and balsamic vinegar, stir through, and pop back in the oven for about 15 minutes.
5 Season to taste, then stir through the pre-cooked orecchiette to soak up all those juices.
CORNISH CHILLIES
07576 252664 www.cornishchillies.com
Find more like this: www.cornwall-living.co.uk
Sparkling
SEASONAL MAGIC
Discover festive lights, trees and treats at Trevena Cross this Christmas.
In October, Trevena Cross undergoes a magical seasonal transformation, with beautiful lights and decorations ready to tantalise your festive senses, alongside an eclectic range of gifts to kick-start your Christmas shopping.
From mid to late November, a huge selection of UK-cut and pot-grown Christmas trees will arrive, including the ever-popular £30 non-drop Nordmann fir (up to six feet tall!), ensuring every space and budget is catered for.
This December, the garden centre has grand plans to delight visitors with show-stopping festive displays and enchanting photo opportunities, perfect for capturing special moments and lasting memories. Garden centre manager, Nick Hann, comments: “This year we’re excited to share our Christmas displays with everyone who comes through those gates. Whether they’re here to pick up a Christmas tree, grab some lunch, do a spot of shopping or simply soak up the festive atmosphere, it will be free for all; with no obligation to spend a penny – come and enjoy, take some photos and get into the Christmas spirit with us!”
Adding to the magic, walkabout characters, live music and even snowfall will set the scene, while an undercover 30-stall food
and craft market runs across four weekends from 22nd November, showcasing delicious produce alongside locally made traditional and contemporary gifts. You may even spot Father Christmas for a quick photo opportunity! (Please note: there won’t be formal one-to-one grotto visits this year.)
The Palm Tree Bistro will be serving up its hearty winter menu and lighter bites from the outdoor, undercover Tiki Hut. Using fresh, local produce – some even grown on-site –the cake counter will also tempt visitors with irresistible homemade festive treats.
With plenty of free parking, good disabled access throughout the site, and dogs with responsible owners also welcome, Trevena Cross offers the perfect festive outing for the whole family. For the latest seasonal updates, follow Trevena Cross on Facebook or Instagram.
TREVENA CROSS
Breage, Helston TR13 9ND 01736 763880
TrevenaCross trevenacross sales@trevenacross.co.uk www.trevenacross.co.uk
Find more like this: www.cornwall-living.co.uk
BARK, THE HAIRY ANGELS SING…
Southpaw has everything to add extra festive, furry fun this Christmas. Choose from a wide range of products from UK independent businesses, many of which are handmade, eco-friendly and some are made right here in Cornwall! All our food and treats are completely natural and our grooming range is made from essential oils and smell delicious. Anything not sourced in the UK is, in our opinion, the best on the market. We are the largest supplier of Ruffwear gear in the South West.
Come to see us in the heart of Falmouth and sniff out a few paw-some prezzies for your pooch.
southpawdogstore • hello@southpawdogstore.com 48 Church Street, Falmouth TR11 3EA
Locally Sourced Farmshop & CAFé
From home reared award winning beef, homemade sausages, burgers, pasties, to homemade pies and cakes, you can find them all and so much more in our Farm shop & Café. We believe in ‘Food from around the corner and not around the world’, so our shelves are stocked full of delicious things from specialty and artisan fine-food producers, sourced as locally as possible.
Night flight
TO THE EDGE
Head to the Eden Project this winter and experience the exhilaration of ziplining at night.
This winter, experience England’s fastest zipline in a completely new way with Hangloose Night Flights – an after-dark adventure that’s become a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike.
As the sun sets over Cornwall, the iconic Eden Project biomes come alive with colour. Their glowing lights create a striking backdrop for an unforgettable zipline flight across one of the county’s most famous landmarks. Soar high above the illuminated domes, feel the rush of cool night air, and take in a view that’s unlike anything else in the UK. It’s an experience that combines adrenaline and the atmospheric pull of a Cornish night.
Night Flights run from November through January, offering a limited chance to see the Eden Project from an entirely new perspective. It’s the perfect way to kick off the festive season – whether you’re looking to try something new, plan an early Christmas celebration, or treat someone special to an adventure they won’t forget. The lights, the landscape and the thrill of
flying through the night make it a one-of-akind winter highlight.
While Night Flights are available for a short time this winter, Hangloose also offers limited sessions throughout the year, giving you more opportunities to experience England’s fastest zipline in different seasons and settings. But spots for these exclusive evening flights always go quickly, so booking early is highly recommended.
To make the experience even better, Hangloose is offering a two for £60 deal using the code CORNWALL60 – perfect for couples, friends, or anyone ready to leap together.
If you’re ready to see Cornwall in a whole new way, take flight into the night and start your Christmas celebrations with an unforgettable adventure.
HANGLOOSE
ADVENTURE (EDEN)
Eden Project, Bodelva, Par PL24 2SG ///closer.hills.tram 01726 812724
www.hanglooseadventure.com Find more like this: www.cornwall-living.co.uk
LEFT
Aqua Shores Necklace – £395
THE TIDETreasures of
GRIGHT
Tidal Rock Pools Ring – £79
Inspired by naturally formed rock pools, this ring combines three shimmering pools of turquoise and mother-of-pearl, beautifully encased in sterling silver. So simple, it’s perfect for everyday wear, adding a delicate splash of colour to any outfit.
The Aqua Shores collection celebrates the beauty of the Cornish coast. This elegant necklace pairs a contemporary sterling silver paperclip chain with a faceted, water-drop aquamarine gemstone. The birthstone of March, aquamarine is revered as the “breath stone”, said to enhance meditation while bringing calm, clarity and serenity.
ive a gift that holds the spirit of Cornwall with a timeless piece from Silver Origins. From elegant hoop earrings to finely crafted necklaces, each design draws inspiration from the ocean’s waves, its wildlife and the rugged beauty of the coastline, offering the wearer a lasting reminder of the sea.
With more than fifty years of craftsmanship behind every creation, Silver Origins jewellery is far more than an accessory. Each piece carries the heritage of its makers, capturing the artistry and story of Cornwall in designs that will be cherished for years to come.
SILVER ORIGINS
Market Place, Marazion TR17 0AR
No 1 Fore Street, St Ives TR26 1AB sales@silverorigins.com www.silverorigins.com
Find more like this: www.cornwall-living.co.uk
ABOVE
Ocean Odyssey Bracelet – from £285
Handmade using sterling silver, this chunky bracelet features heavy, organically shaped chain links with a naturally textured surface and a unique and trending T-bar fastening. This bracelet design is a true classic, crafted to last lifetimes.
ABOVE
Island Starfish Studs – £48
Handmade using sterling silver, these petite and detailed stud earrings feature a starfish design inspired by Cornwall's mesmerising sea-life, with an ocean blue topaz stone centred within its middle.
RIGHT
Petite Leaf Heart Earrings – £32
These contemporary earrings feature a mini leaf design in the shape of an elongated heart. Handcrafted in sterling silver, these elegant earrings have been created for Cornish jewellery designer brand, Silver Origins®, taking inspiration from the organic forms of nature. The earrings perfectly depict the brand’s love of natural form and would be a delightful gift for any nature lover.
