4 Night Cornwall Christmas & New Year Guided Walking Holiday
What could be merrier than the stunning Cornish coast in winter? Make this Christmas truly memorable by spending the festive season at Chy Morvah – our characterful country house in St Ives. You’ll be just a skip away from the town’s cobbled streets and cosy pubs, plus some of the best walking routes in Cornwall. We pull out all the stops at this time of year and welcome you with a sprinkling of festive cheer, seasonal food, and plenty of yuletide treats. So wrap up warm and step into Christmas with HF Holidays.
What you’ll love
- Getting into the festive spirit with a guided walking holiday
- A choice of winter walks with our experienced HF Holidays Leaders
- Discovering the stunning landscapes of Cornwall on foot
- Staying in the comfort of our charming country house in St Ives
- Enjoying festive fare and leaving all the organising to us
- A celebration dinner with all the trimmings on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve
What’s included
- Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house
- Cream tea on arrival day
- Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
- Daily packed lunches
- Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
- Guided walking with experienced HF Holidays Leaders
- Choice of up to three different-grade daily walks
- All transport to and from walks where necessary
- Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards.
Enjoy a complimentary Afternoon Tea on arrival.
Option 1 - Praa Sands to Porthleven
Distance: 4½ miles (7.5km)
Ascent: 1,025 feet (320m)
In summary: From the beautiful mile-long sandy beach of Praa Sands, we follow the South Cornwall Coast Path towards Rinsey Head and Trewavas Head before arriving at the historic fishing town of Porthleven.
Highlight: Enjoy magnificent open sea views towards the most southern end of the country!
Option 2 - Higher Kenneggy to Porthleven
Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)
Ascent: 1,250 feet (380m)
In summary: Starting in Higher Kenneggy we drop down to meet the coast path at Kenneggy Sand, we hug the Cornwall coastline passing through Sydney Cove and the mile-long sandy beach of Praa Sands, walking over the Rinsey East Cliff to Trewavas Head before arriving at Porthleven.
Highlight: Enjoy glorious sea views throughout as we walk through the rich flora of the South Cornwall coast.
Option 3 - Edge of Marazion to Porthleven
Distance: 10 miles (16 km)
Total ascent: 2,000 feet (600m)
In summary: From Marazion cemetary following the coastline, we will go through Perranuthnoe, Prussia Cove and Praa Sands towards Trewavas Head before reaching the picturesque fishing and one-time industrial harbour of Porthleven.
Highlight: Enjoy glorious sea views throughout as we walk through the rich flora of the South Cornwall coast.
Option 1 - Knills Monument, Carrack Gladden & Carbis Bay
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: 950 feet (300m)
In summary: A circular walk taking us from St Ives to Knill’s Monument and the promontory of Carrack Gladden, before following the South West Coast Path to Carbis Bay and back into St Ives.
Highlight: There's plenty of time to relax and enjoy the many delights of St Ives. Enjoy wandering through the narrow streets, perhaps visit the Tate Gallery, or take a boat trip to Seal Island.
To note when choosing your walk: There are steep, rocky sections on the coast path especially around Carrack Gladden.
Option 2 - Lelant & Carbis Bay
Distance: 7½ miles (12km)
Ascent: 1,200 feet (380m)
In summary: Head up to Knill’s Monument, then drop down to join the coast near Lelant church. We follow the coastal path back to St Ives, passing through the dunes beside Porthkidney Sands, Carrick Gladden and Carbis Bay.
Highlight: Enjoy glorious views over St Ives Bay from Knill's Monument. Look out for the Balking House, once used by Cornish pilchard fishermen.
Option 3 - Knills Monument, Lelant & Carbis Bay
Distance: 7½ miles (12km)
Ascent: 1,200 feet (360m)
In summary: Head up to Knill’s Monument, then drop down to join the coast near Lelant church. We follow the coastal path back to St Ives, passing through the dunes beside Porthkidney Sands, Carrack Gladden and Carbis Bay.
Highlight: Enjoy glorious views over St Ives Bay from Knill's Monument. Look out for the Baulking House, once used by Cornish pilchard fishermen.
To note when choosing your walk: There are steep, rocky sections on the coast path especially around Carrack Gladden.
Option 1 - St Just, Whitesand Bay to Land's End
Distance: 5½ miles (8.5km)
Ascent: 650 feet (200m)
In summary: Walk from the mining village of St Just across the fields and lanes of the Cot Valley, before joining the Coast Path to reach the old fishing village of Sennen Cove. The final section leads us over the granite cliffs to Land’s End.
Highlight: The cliff-top walk from Sennen Cove to Land's End is particularly impressive, with a real sense of achievement as you reach this iconic spot.
Option 2 - St Just, Carn Ballowall & Land's End
Distance: 7½ miles (12.5km)
Ascent: 1200 feet (440m)
In summary: We start at St Just before heading towards the coast and passing the chambered tomb at Ballowall Barrow. We then join the South West Coast Path and take the undulating coastal route until we reach Land's End.
Highlight: Fantastic views from the cliff edge looking over the Ballowall Chamber Tomb.
Option 3 - Botallack, Cape Cornwall and Land's End
Distance: 9 miles (14km)
Ascent: 1,850 feet (560m)
In summary: Follow the South West Coast Path from the famous Crown Mines at Botallack to Cape Cornwall. Then on past Ballowall Barrow, a Bronze Age burial chamber, to Sennen Cove and Land’s End.
Highlight: Discover Cornwall's rich history of tin mining, now recognised as a World Heritage Site. Look out for the abandoned engine houses perched just above the sea at Botallack.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Option 1 - St Just, Whitesand Bay to Land's End
Distance: 5½ miles (8.5km)
Ascent: 650 feet (200m)
In summary: Walk from the mining village of St Just across the fields and lanes of the Cot Valley, before joining the Coast Path to reach the old fishing village of Sennen Cove. The final section leads us over the granite cliffs to Land’s End.
Highlight: The cliff-top walk from Sennen Cove to Land's End is particularly impressive, with a real sense of achievement as you reach this iconic spot.
Option 2 - St Just, Carn Ballowall & Land's End
Distance: 7½ miles (12.5km)
Ascent: 1200 feet (440m)
In summary: We start at St Just before heading towards the coast and passing the chambered tomb at Ballowall Barrow. We then join the South West Coast Path and take the undulating coastal route until we reach Land's End.
Highlight: Fantastic views from the cliff edge looking over the Ballowall Chamber Tomb.
Option 3 - Botallack, Cape Cornwall and Land's End
Distance: 9 miles (14km)
Ascent: 1,850 feet (560m)
In summary: Follow the South West Coast Path from the famous Crown Mines at Botallack to Cape Cornwall. Then on past Ballowall Barrow, a Bronze Age burial chamber, to Sennen Cove and Land’s End.
Highlight: Discover Cornwall's rich history of tin mining, now recognised as a World Heritage Site. Look out for the abandoned engine houses perched just above the sea at Botallack.
Option 1 - Knills Monument, Carrack Gladden & Carbis Bay
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: 950 feet (300m)
In summary: A circular walk taking us from St Ives to Knill’s Monument and the promontory of Carrack Gladden, before following the South West Coast Path to Carbis Bay and back into St Ives.
Highlight: There's plenty of time to relax and enjoy the many delights of St Ives. Enjoy wandering through the narrow streets, perhaps visit the Tate Gallery, or take a boat trip to Seal Island.
To note when choosing your walk: There are steep, rocky sections on the coast path especially around Carrack Gladden.
Option 2 - Lelant & Carbis Bay
Distance: 7½ miles (12km)
Ascent: 1,200 feet (380m)
In summary: Head up to Knill’s Monument, then drop down to join the coast near Lelant church. We follow the coastal path back to St Ives, passing through the dunes beside Porthkidney Sands, Carrick Gladden and Carbis Bay.
Highlight: Enjoy glorious views over St Ives Bay from Knill's Monument. Look out for the Balking House, once used by Cornish pilchard fishermen.
Option 3 - Knills Monument, Lelant & Carbis Bay
Distance: 7½ miles (12km)
Ascent: 1,200 feet (360m)
In summary: Head up to Knill’s Monument, then drop down to join the coast near Lelant church. We follow the coastal path back to St Ives, passing through the dunes beside Porthkidney Sands, Carrack Gladden and Carbis Bay.
Highlight: Enjoy glorious views over St Ives Bay from Knill's Monument. Look out for the Baulking House, once used by Cornish pilchard fishermen.
To note when choosing your walk: There are steep, rocky sections on the coast path especially around Carrack Gladden.
Option 1 - Praa Sands to Porthleven
Distance: 4½ miles (7.5km)
Ascent: 1,025 feet (320m)
In summary: From the beautiful mile-long sandy beach of Praa Sands, we follow the South Cornwall Coast Path towards Rinsey Head and Trewavas Head before arriving at the historic fishing town of Porthleven.
Highlight: Enjoy magnificent open sea views towards the most southern end of the country!
Option 2 - Higher Kenneggy to Porthleven
Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)
Ascent: 1,250 feet (380m)
In summary: Starting in Higher Kenneggy we drop down to meet the coast path at Kenneggy Sand, we hug the Cornwall coastline passing through Sydney Cove and the mile-long sandy beach of Praa Sands, walking over the Rinsey East Cliff to Trewavas Head before arriving at Porthleven.
Highlight: Enjoy glorious sea views throughout as we walk through the rich flora of the South Cornwall coast.
Option 3 - Edge of Marazion to Porthleven
Distance: 10 miles (16 km)
Total ascent: 2,000 feet (600m)
In summary: From Marazion cemetary following the coastline, we will go through Perranuthnoe, Prussia Cove and Praa Sands towards Trewavas Head before reaching the picturesque fishing and one-time industrial harbour of Porthleven.
Highlight: Enjoy glorious sea views throughout as we walk through the rich flora of the South Cornwall coast.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
Chy Morvah
The Penwith peninsula takes centre stage at this beautiful property in St Ives – the seaside hub that has inspired generations of artists for its working harbour, historic fishing communities, white-sand beaches, and surrounding Cornish landscape. The setting couldn’t be more idyllic; just a skip away from the town’s cobbled streets and within walking distance of four great beaches: Porthmeor, Porthminster, Harbour, and Porthgwidden. It’s also a short drive to St Michael’s Mount – the tidal island crowned by a medieval church and castle. The National Trust has owned most of the island since 1954 and while they ensure its preservation and conservation, it’s been the cherished home of the St Aubyn family since the 17th century.
Rooms
Designed with your comfort in mind, Chy Morvah has 39 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior.
Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV.
Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.
Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surrounds. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.
We love: The guest rooms that make the most of the sea views are easily the best.
The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply.
Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4:00pm at the earliest. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team.
On the day of departure, we kindly ask all guests to check out by 10:00am. You’ll be asked to settle your bill prior to leaving. You may, of course, make a charitable donation to our HF Holidays Pathways Fund if you wish. Please note that we only accept card payments.
Room supplements
| Superior | Premium single | Premium double/twin | Choose your room |
| £25 pppn | £20 pppn | £20 pppn | £30 per room |
About your stay
A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out).
Evening entertainment
While evening entertainment varies from house to house, the HF Holidays Big Pub Quiz held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays Leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided walking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays Leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s walking delights (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.
Food & drink
Led by experienced chefs, we serve a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. We always aim to source the best produce available and use home-grown herbs and vegetables from our own gardens whenever possible. Additionally, we have a licensed bar with beers, soft drinks, and a superb selection of spirits. Full-board comes as standard and includes a cream tea on arrival and a hearty breakfast on departure day.
HF Holidays understands the importance of managing allergens effectively to ensure food is safe for guests with food allergies. Whilst we are always able to confidently inform guests which allergens are present in our ingredients and dishes, we are unable to guarantee absolute freedom from the 14 main allergens in our kitchens. Vegetarian and vegan menu choices are available. If you have allergies, food intolerances, or any special dietary requirements, please inform our reservation team at the time of booking.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Chy Morvah
Getting to Chy Morvah
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationEssential information
The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next. To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip
- Waterproof and windproof jacket, preferably insulated
- Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Gloves and a warm hat (or sunhat)
- Rucksack
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- A small torch
- Sunscreen
- Mobile phone and portable charger
- Watch
- UV sunglasses
Recommended
- Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)
- Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters
- First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent
- Sit mat
- Spare pair of socks
- Energy snacks
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
Optional extras
- Walking poles, useful for descents
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Gaiters
- Blister kit
- Waterproof rucksack liner
- Head torch
- GPS device
Chy Morvah Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Holiday prices
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | ||||||||
|
23 Dec - 27 Dec 2023 4 nights |
Christmas
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £985 pp |
from £985 pp |
Call to Enquire | Trip Notes | Book Now | |||
|
30 Dec 2023 - 03 Jan 2024 4 nights |
New Year Single from £795 Double from £895 pp |
from £895 pp |
from £795 |
Trip Notes | Book Now | |||
| 2024 | ||||||||
|
23 Dec - 27 Dec 2024 4 nights |
Christmas Single from £1,055 Double from £1,055 pp |
from £1,055 pp |
from £1,055 |
Trip Notes | Book Now | |||
|
30 Dec 2024 - 03 Jan 2025 4 nights |
New Year Single from £959 Double from £959 pp |
from £959 pp |
from £959 |
Trip Notes | Book Now | |||
