Surely there's nothing better than wrapping up warm and taking a bracing winter walk along a stunning beach in Cornwall?
With waves crashing in the distance and a crisp chill in the air, it's a great way to blow away the cobwebs and bring a healthy glow to the cheeks.
That's one of the many reasons we love to take a winter break at Widemouth Bay on the north Cornwall coast.
Gwelmor holiday cottage is just four minutes walk from the Blue Flag beach of Widemouth Bay, a mile-long stretch of sand and rocky outcrops, which at high tide become two separate beaches.
And, if you're a dog owner, winter is a particularly great time to holiday here as the beaches are almost deserted and there's an abundance of places to stretch those furry legs right on dog-friendly Gwelmor's doorstep.
At this time of year you can take advantage of the seasonal dog bans being lifted. At low tide on the northern end of Widemouth Bay, the beach closest to Gwelmor, rock pools appear providing a source of exploration and crab spotting.
The southern end is called 'Black Rock' and is dog-friendly all year round. Turning left at the bottom of Madeira Drive, it takes about 10 to 15 minutes to walk there from Gwelmor, along the coast path behind Widemouth Cafe - a great place to grab a coffee-on-the-go or for a hearty breakfast on your way back.
Other nearby beaches worth exploring at any time of the year Northcott Mouth, Sandymouth, Millook and Duckpool as these are also dog-friendly all year round.
Bude is just under three miles from Widemouth Bay and is a cute little town to explore with an array of independent shops, galleries and eateries to pop into and browse whilst you warm up from the winter chill.
Just off the town centre you'll find Summerleaze and Crooklets, two great family beaches which allow dogs to roam free in the winter months.
If you'd prefer to go further afield on your winter break with us, there's a map in Gwelmor's garage highlighting places to venture nearby such as Boscastle, Tintagel, Port Isaac to the south and Hartland and the picturesque harbour village of Clovelly to the north.
Oh and there's always the South West Coast Path which provides miles and miles of stunning coastal walks to tire out the whole family, two or four legged!
Other walks we'd recommend are The Whalesborough Trail, a five-mile route which takes in The Weir restaurant for coffee or lunch pit-stop, and the eight mile circular walk from Gwelmor along the rugged coastline into Bude and back to GWelmor via the town's historic canal.
If you fancy a getaway this winter to break up the dreary days, why not pack up your wellies and winter warmers and book your getaway today?
Multi-award-winning Dog Friendly Holiday Cottage
Just four minutes’ walk from the beach at Widemouth Bay, north Cornwall, Gwelmor is a luxurious, self-catering holiday cottage which sleeps six (plus travel cot).
Our property warmly welcomes three dogs and has a host of provisions to make your dog's stay as relaxing as yours.
Gwelmor was named the South West’s Best Dog Friendly Business of the Year 2021/2022 and won Gold at the Cornwall Tourism Awards 2021/2022.
Step inside and take our virtual tour.
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