Things To Do in Cornwall in January (When You’d Rather Be in Bed)

If you live near us you'll know that January by the coast can feel slow, very slow. 

Our surf shop is based between the beaches of Newquay and Perranporth, which are often quiet at this time of year.

But quiet doesn’t have to be dull. In fact, there’s a certain magic to this time of year, especially by the sea. It’s the perfect excuse to slow down, wrap up warm, and enjoy the little coastal rituals that make living here so special — even if the waves aren’t great.

If you’re local, visiting, or just dreaming of a coastal reset – here are our favourite ways to soak up Cornwall in January.

1. Watch the Winter Swell Roll In

The stormy waves might not be surf-able. But you can wrap up in your Dryrobe or biggest coat, grab a hot drink and head to your favourite headland or promenade.

Watching winter seas hit the cliffs is therapy you don’t have to pay for.

Best spots:
• Perranporth dunes & Watering Hole end.
• Newquay Harbour wall (on calmer days - otherwise you will get swept away!)
• Fistral headland viewpoints - or the Headland Hotel, if you're able to bag a window seat and one of their "The Works" hot chocolates.

2. Cold Water Dip (Then Warm Up Like a Champion)

If you haven’t tried it yet, January is the month cold water swimming either converts you… or traumatises you.

Pick a calm morning, go with a mate, and keep it short. It will leave you feeling energised and glowing. 

If the beaches aren't safe for a dip, there are plenty of spots that offer ice bath facilities and saunas. If you haven't established this already, saunas are pretty in right now and we would highly recommend Saunassa, a Nordic spa based in the heart of Newquay.

Top tip: For wild swimming, a flask of something hot waiting in the car  = non-negotiable.

3. Cosy Café Crawls

Summer Cornwall is about beach hopping.
January Cornwall is about finding the cosiest coffee spots.

After your winter walk, warm up at one of these local favourites:

Perranporth
• Crib – small, friendly and perfect for a quiet reset.
• Perran Mor – great coffee, relaxed vibe and ideal post-beach fuel.
• Swell Cafe and Takeaway – solid post-beach walk coffee and warm bites.

Newquay
• Gorse Bakery – fresh pastries, great coffee, and next door to your favourite surf shop.
• Box & Barber – big mugs, hearty food and somewhere you’ll end up staying longer than planned.
• House of Glass – beautiful space, great coffee and not far to surf check Towan.

4. Walk the Coast When It’s Totally Empty

No crowds. No noise. Just you, the wind and the sea.

January walks hit different – especially at golden hour when the light goes all cinematic and you forget you were sad about your work emails.

5. Declutter Your Surf Life

Winter is the perfect time to:

• Organise your board rack.
• Clean your wetsuits properly.
• Fix dings you’ve been ignoring.
• Finally throw away that broken fin you’re emotionally attached to

Your future summer self will be grateful.

6. Book Something To Look Forward To

Nothing cures January like future plans.

Book a spring surf lesson, surf trip or staycation.  Even having it in your calendar helps the brain stay motivated.

7. Just… Do Less

Cornwall in January isn’t meant to be productive.

It isn’t about smashing goals, or re-inventing yourself because the year changed.

It’s about listening to your body when it asks for more sleep. About slow mornings that roll gently into the day, not rushed alarms and packed schedules. About noticing how early the sun disappears behind the headlands and letting yourself wind down with it instead of fighting it.

It’s soup or casserole for dinner because it’s cold and dark and that’s exactly what you need. It’s salty hair from a five-minute paddle, rosy cheeks from a blustery walk, and breathing in sea air that somehow makes everything feel a bit lighter.

This time of year isn’t about “new year, new me”.
It’s about being kind to the version of you that made it through last year.

And honestly? That gentle, quiet reset is kind of the dream.

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If you're dipping into Newquay or Perranporth and fancy a chat, you know where to find us. We are always happy to help with any surf gear enquiries.