Autumn in Cornwall can be quite dramatic and often inspiring. Here by the Helford we watch the trees that line the river change colour from green to shades of gold and brown, there’s a wild beauty to be found in stormy skies and waves that crash along the coastline. The sunsets can be spectacular, and the weather’s not that cold so it’s a great time to pull on those hiking boots and explore the coastal footpath.

Here are some of our suggestions for things do on an autumn break here at Budock Vean.

Porthleven Arts Festival is back for its second year from 24th September to 2nd October, ten days of exhibitions, workshops, performance, participation and most importantly celebration of art in all its forms.

Check out Falmouth’s newest arts festival – ‘Form’ from the 30th September to the 2nd October. A celebration of Cornish visual arts including a large exhibition, workshops, pop-ups, and a great creative atmosphere.

Falmouth Oyster Festival is back once again on the 13th – 16th October. Devoted to the mighty mollusc, this is one of Cornwall’s biggest and most-loved specialist food events. Celebrate the native Fal Oyster and diversity of Cornish seafood with four days of feasting and festivities.

Falmouth Book Festival takes place from the 17th – 23rd October with a line-up of nationally renowned and local authors, events for children at the weekend and workshops on creative writing, poetry, illustration, the Cornish language, and more.

Lowender Peran is a celebration of Cornwall’s cultural heritage and it’s Celtic connections and takes place from 26th – 30th October at venues in and around Redruth.

Explore the Helford River with Koru Kayaking and Helford River Cruises. Guided tours by boat, kayak and paddleboard run from Monday to Saturday from the cove at the bottom of our garden until the end of October. A great way to spot wildlife and see the area from a different perspective.

Pedal power is an fantastic way to explore the local area, but our good old Cornish hills can be off-putting for some. Well fear not, we now have two electric bikes for hire at the hotel with our partners at Ebike Cornwall which will give you the extra ooomph you need as you tackle the circular route via the coast and beaches to Falmouth and back.

Visit a garden – there’s still plenty to see in the autumn time. Our neighbouring garden at Trebah is open all year, and the National Trust’s Glendurgan Garden (also just up the road from us) with it’s amazing maze is open until the end of October.

Bring your strudy boots and take a walk along the coastal footpath or some in the inland routes that give wonderful circular hikes from the hotel. Just ask at Reception for a map, or get an OS map to the area which will help highlight many other points of interest.

* Plan ahead ….. the spectacular sight of the Tall Ships Festival returns to Falmouth for the first time in 9 years on the 15th – 18th August 2023 – you can book your room online now.