7 Night Cornwall Christmas & New Year Self-Guided Walking Holiday

Chy Morvah, St Ives

7 nights at an HF Country House

Availability Dec 2026, Dec 2027

One itinerary available

Full Board

Grades 1, 2, 3 & 4 details

142kg CO2 details

Non-members From

£1,339

pp

Members From

£1,309

pp

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
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.

Accommodation

HF Country House
This beautiful property is just steps from the centre of St Ives – the seaside town that has inspired generations of artists with its working harbour, proud fishing community, white-sand beaches, and stunning Cornish landscape. Enjoying an elevated position with sweeping views over St Ives Bay, Chy Morvah means ‘house by the sea’ in Cornish and you'll find four great beaches nearby - Porthmeor, Porthminster, Harbour, and Porthgwidden - plus plenty of walking routes along the Penwith peninsula. It’s also a short drive to St Michael’s Mount – the tidal island crowned by a medieval church and castle. Expect tough-but-rewarding walks, over undulating coastal terrain. With tricky stone stiles and rocky paths underfoot, fitness and agility will be challenged.
Chy Morvah exterior Aga Aug 25.jpg

Walking grades and options

Choose the pace to suit you! Get to know the area using our Discovery Point - the starting point for your outdoor adventure. You'll find:

  • Our recommended walking and cycling routes - detailed route notes for you to borrow
  • Comprehensive library of local maps and guidebooks
  • Ideas and contacts for more active options 
  • A daily weather forecast 

What You’ll Love

  • Getting into the festive spirit with a self-guided walking holiday 
  • Staying in the comfort of our charming country house in St Ives
  • Heading out on your choice of winter walks 
  • The easy-to-follow routes and maps available in our Discovery Point 
  • Discovering the stunning landscapes of Cornwall on foot 
  • A celebration dinner with all the trimmings on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve  

What's Included

  • 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  
  • Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information available in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently

Reviews


Gallery

Itinerary

Festive

Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.

These are a selection of longer walks on well-graded paths that allow you to discover local highlights and viewpoints. These routes are often further from the house but still offer walks that start and end on the doorstep of the property, plus options for guests travelling by public transport or car. The walks you’ll find in our Discovery Point at St Ives range from 5 to 6.5 miles and visit popular areas such as Knills Monument, Clodgy Point, and Lizard Point.

Our easiest selection means walking at a relaxed pace, often stopping and spending time at places of interest along the way. Some are circular walks that start and end on the doorstep of our country house; others make use of local transport whilst remaining close to the property. The walks you’ll find in our Discovery Point at St Ives range from 1 to 3 miles and visit popular areas such as Carbis Bay, St Ives, and Godrevy Point.

These walks are ideal for those with more stamina who can push themselves to go that extra mile. Some routes will start from the house, but some may require the use of a car. Public transport may not be possible for every route in this category due to remote locations. The walks you’ll find in our Discovery Point at St Ives range from 7 to 11 miles and visit popular areas such as Morvah and Zennor, as well as following sections of St Michael’s Way.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

Daily Walk Options

Grade 1 Grade 2

Easier Walks

Walk at a relaxed pace, often spending time at places of interest en-route. Walking experience isn’t necessary as distances are quite short and gradients generally easy.

Grade 3 Grade 4

Medium Walks

Walks follow well-defined paths, though often in hilly or upland areas, or along rugged coastal footpaths. These may be rough or steep in sections and will require reasonable fitness.

Accommodation

Chy Morvah, St Ives

This beautiful property is just steps from the centre of St Ives – the seaside town that has inspired generations of artists with its working harbour, proud fishing community, white-sand beaches, and stunning Cornish landscape. Enjoying an elevated position with sweeping views over St Ives Bay, Chy Morvah means ‘house by the sea’ in Cornish and you'll find four great beaches nearby - Porthmeor, Porthminster, Harbour, and Porthgwidden - plus plenty of walking routes along the Penwith peninsula. It’s also a short drive to St Michael’s Mount – the tidal island crowned by a medieval church and castle. Expect tough-but-rewarding walks, over undulating coastal terrain. With tricky stone stiles and rocky paths underfoot, fitness and agility will be challenged.

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, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.

Walks talks 
Our HF Holidays walk leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on guided walking holiday arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s guided walks (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.  

The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided 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. 

You are welcome to check in from 4pm at the earliest. HF Members can check in earlier, from 2pm. 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. Check out 10am.

 •  39 well-appointed guest rooms  •  Exclusive occupancy: 54 guests minimum  •  Check in from 4:00pm • For members check in from 2:00pm • Full-board (including cream tea on arrival)  •  Free Wi-Fi  •  Free limited on-site parking  •  Boot room and drying room  •  High chair  •  Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and information for self-guided walks  •  Books and games to borrow  •  Licensed bar  •  Lounge  •  Garden  •  Heated outdoor pool (open May to September*)  •  Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point • Local launderette available in town Visit England - Guest Accommodation

Seasonal dining, tailored for you

Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan  and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a  40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.

Welcome Cream Tea

What better way to start your stay than with a cream tea, served fresh on arrival to make you feel instantly at home.  A quintessentially English tradition, our scones are baked in-house and served with preserves and clotted cream, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow walkers.

A hearty breakfast to start the day

Start the day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast  and a wide choice from our continental buffet, including  hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Our team offer a quick  and friendly service, leaving you fuelled and ready for your day’s adventures.

Our famous picnic lunch

Our personalised picnic lunches are perfect for a day out walking, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes. Choose from a large selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, freshly baked cakes and snacks, including the ever-popular Freddos chocolate bar! Everything is designed to fit neatly into your rucksack, and all of the packaging we provide is recyclable or compostable.

3-course evening meals

Our à la carte evening menus feature a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, made with seasonal ingredients and, wherever possible, herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Shared around sociable tables, dinners are relaxed occasions, with drinks available to order at the table or from the bar, and a traditional Sunday roast to round off the week.

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.

Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. 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.

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. 

Room supplements

Superior Premium single Premium double/twin Choose your room
£25 pppn £20 pppn £20 pppn £30 per room

 

*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location 

*Please note, pool opening hours are: 07:00am – 09:00am and 16:00pm – 18:30pm

For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Chy Morvah

Getting here

Address

Chy Morvah
Bishops Road
St. Ives
Cornwall TR26 2DB

Tel: +44 (0)1736 796314

By train

The nearest rail station is St Ives. Chy Morvah is a short 10-minute walk uphill from the station. Exit the station, turn left and walk through St Ives Station car park, take the walkway on your left to Terrace Road A3074. Turn left, cross the road and continue uphill on a No Entry road to reach Pendolver Terrace. Turn left on Pendolver Terrace and follow the road around uphill to the right. Chy Morvah is signposted ahead.  

An alternative to St Ives rail station is St Erth, which is connected to many mainline services. Please check National Rail for train times and route planning.

By taxi

St. Ives station is only half a mile away, but it’s a steep uphill walk.  

St. Erth is four miles away and the journey takes just over 10 minutes.  

Harbour Cars or A1 Taxis
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, Harbour or A1 Taxis Cars. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance by contacting:

Harbour Cars: 01736797688

A1 Taxis: 07736797700

A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at Chy Morvah.

 

By car

Head to Cornwall via the A30 then take the A3074 signposted to St. Ives. At the next two small roundabouts, go straight across the first and take a right at the second towards Lelant. Pass through Lelant and Carbis Bay on the same road. 

As you approach St. Ives keep left at the fork, which heads slightly uphill, following signs to visitor parking and the leisure centre. Follow the road and turn left up the steep hill. Almost immediately the road turns left again, but instead of following the road, turn off and head directly up the hill on Porthminster Terrace. 

Chy Morvah is at the top of the hill. To reach the car park you’ll need to drive left past the front of Chy Morvah and turn immediately right behind the back of the building. The car park is on the right 15 yards along Bishop's Road. Space is limited. If the car park is full, we recommend parking at St Ives Trenwith Car Park, TR26 1DD. This is a charged local long stay car park, approximately 5 minutes walk from Chy Morvah.  

By air

The nearest airport is London Heathrow Airport. 

First take the train to London Paddington station from where you’ll find direct trains to St. Erth, and a short train journey to St. Ives.  

A morning arrival into Heathrow would be best as you’ll need around 6.5 hours to complete the journey. 

The airports at Bristol and Newquay are also nearby, but there aren’t as many flight options. 

Check National Rail for routes and train times.  

More Information

Packing list - UK Guided Walking

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 
  • Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)  
  • Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
  • Waterproof overtrousers  
  • Gloves and a warm hat  
  • Rucksack with waterproof liner 
  • Flask for hot drinks   
  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)  
  • Sunscreen  
  • UV sunglasses  

For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:

  • spare warm clothing
  • spare high energy food
  • head torch and spare batteries
  • please note for the October to March season your waterproof jacket needs to offer a high level of waterproofing and wind resistance, and a hood. Look for a waterproof jacket with sealed/taped seams and a minimum HH (hyrodstatic head - this is the rating given on waterproof jackets) of 10,000mm+

Recommended  

  • Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)  
  • Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters  
  • First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent and tick remover tool
  • Sit mat   
  • Waterproof pouch for valuables  
  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)  
  • Wallet/purse  
  • Camera
  • Walking poles

Carbon Footprint - 142kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

Reviews

Code: STV07-PXA03

Share

Dates & availability

7 Night Cornwall Christmas & New Year Self-Guided Walking Holiday

Members save an additional £30 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. You can join during booking process. Read more about membership

2026

23 Dec - 30 Dec 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,489

pp

Members

£1,459

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

27 Dec 2026 - 3 Jan 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,359

pp

Members

£1,329

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

2027

23 Dec - 30 Dec 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,529

pp

Members

£1,499

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,599

pp

£1,569

pp

27 Dec 2027 - 3 Jan 2028

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,339

pp

Members

£1,309

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,409

pp

£1,379

pp
Image

Trusted British co-operative

We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

Image

Flexible choice of guided walks

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

Image

Book early with confidence

Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent & group bookings).

Image

Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

Image

Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

Image

HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

Your Wishlist
No Wishlist Items

Start your next adventure.

Click the heart icon on the search or holiday pages to save a holiday to your wishlist.