7 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 guided walks (on walking days)
- 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 - Higher Kenneggy to Marazion
Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)
Ascent: 800 feet (260m)
In summary: Starting from Higher Kenneggy, we take an undulating coastal path to Marazion, with views of St Michael's Mount.
Highlight: Walk along the Cornish coast and finish in the village Marazion where there will be views of the spectacular island of St Michael's Mount.
Option 2 - Higher Kenneggy to Perranuthnoe and Marazion
Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)
Ascent: 800ft (250m)
In summary: Option two begins a little further along the coastline, joining at Kenneggy Sand. We’ll pass Prussia Cove and Cudden Point, on our way to Perranuthnoe and Marazion.
Highlights: Great coastal views
Option 3 - Rinsey Head to Marazion
Distance: 9 miles (14km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: From the mine buildings of Wheal Prosper at Rinsey Head, we join the Coast Path to the mile long beach of Praa Sands, and then on to the historic town of Marazion via Prussia Cove and Perranuthnoe.
Highlight: Enjoy glorious sea views throughout as we walk through the rich flora of the South Cornwall coast.
Option 1 - Knills Monument, Carrack Gladden and on to 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 is a steep, slippery concrete path descending to Carbis Bay and also 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 Baulking House, once used by Cornish pilchard fishermen.
Option 3 - Trencrom Hill & Lelant
Distance: 10.5 miles (17km)
Ascent: 1,600 feet (485m)
In summary: We head up to Knill’s Monument, over fields to Trencrom Hill then onto Lelant church. We follow the coast path beside the Hayle Estuary and through dunes overlooking Porthkidney Sands and Carbis Bay before arriving back at St Ives.
Highlight: Stunning views from the top of the iron-age hill fort of Trencrom Hill, including the south coast and St Michael’s Mount.
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 - Church Cove to Kynance Cove
Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)
Ascent: 925ft (280m)
In summary: A stunning circuit around the southern tip of England. We'll head to Church Cove, then continue around the headlands passing Bass Point, the Lizard Point lighthouse and on to Kynance Cove.
Highlight: Kynance Cove is a real gem with its serpentine rock formations and stunning views from the beach cafe.
Option 2 - Mullion to the Lizard
Distance: 8 miles (12.75km)
Ascent: 1730 feet (5300m)
In summary: A breathtaking route from the picturesque harbour at Mullion along high cliffs, past hidden coves and headlands to the stunning Kynance Cove before reaching Lizard village along the top of a Cornish hedge....
Highlight: Look out for the iconic Cornish choughs on the cliffs at Predannick.
Option 3 - Cadgwith, Polpeor & Kynance Cove
Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 1,375ft (420m)
In summary: Starting in Lizard, the walk heads to Cadgwith before picking up the Coastal path round, passed Lizard Point, on to Kynance cove before heading back to Lizard.
Highlight: This is coastal walking at its best; an opportunity to stride out and soak up the sea views.
Option 1 - Rosewall Hill
Distance: 5½ miles (9km)
Ascent: 700 feet (220m)
In summary: We head up through the site of an old uranium mine before ascending Rosewall Hill, passing the remnants of an old tin mine on the way to the tor-like summit. We descend via Trevalgan Hill and return through fields and farms.
Highlight: Unmissable views of Hayle Estuary, Carbis Bay and the brooding moors further west.
Option 2 - Rosewall Hill & Towednack
Distance: 7.5 miles (12.5km)
Ascent: 850 feet (260m)
In summary: Our route takes us along quiet lanes and fields to Towednack before ascending Rosewall Hill. We walk along the tor-like rocky summit before descending over Trevalgan Hill and return through fields and farms.
Highlight: A taste of the moors plus the charming 13th century church at Towednack make this a walk to remember
Option 3 - Rosewall Hill & Zennor Hill
Distance: 12 miles (19km)
Ascent: 1,400 feet (440m)
In summary: We take a scenic route around Rosewall Hill then head further west passing Towednack church to reach more remote moorland. We pass Zennor Quoit before gaining the impressive rocky summit of Zennor Hill. We descend to Zennor village before following the field path back to St Ives.
Highlight: Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in atmospheric moorland with its intriguing Neolithic monuments a mere stone’s throw from the coast.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running
Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival, served from 4.30pm.
Option 1 - Church Cove to Kynance Cove
Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)
Ascent: 925ft (280m)
In summary: A stunning circuit around the southern tip of England. We'll head to Church Cove, then continue around the headlands passing Bass Point, the Lizard Point lighthouse and on to Kynance Cove.
Highlight: Kynance Cove is a real gem with its serpentine rock formations and stunning views from the beach cafe.
Option 2 - Mullion to the Lizard
Distance: 8 miles (12.75km)
Ascent: 1730 feet (5300m)
In summary: A breathtaking route from the picturesque harbour at Mullion along high cliffs, past hidden coves and headlands to the stunning Kynance Cove before reaching Lizard village along the top of a Cornish hedge....
Highlight: Look out for the iconic Cornish choughs on the cliffs at Predannick.
Option 3 - Cadgwith, Polpeor & Kynance Cove
Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 1,375ft (420m)
In summary: Starting in Lizard, the walk heads to Cadgwith before picking up the Coastal path round, passed Lizard Point, on to Kynance cove before heading back to Lizard.
Highlight: This is coastal walking at its best; an opportunity to stride out and soak up the sea views.
Option 1 - Rosewall Hill
Distance: 5½ miles (9km)
Ascent: 700 feet (220m)
In summary: We head up through the site of an old uranium mine before ascending Rosewall Hill, passing the remnants of an old tin mine on the way to the tor-like summit. We descend via Trevalgan Hill and return through fields and farms.
Highlight: Unmissable views of Hayle Estuary, Carbis Bay and the brooding moors further west.
Option 2 - Rosewall Hill & Towednack
Distance: 7.5 miles (12.5km)
Ascent: 850 feet (260m)
In summary: Our route takes us along quiet lanes and fields to Towednack before ascending Rosewall Hill. We walk along the tor-like rocky summit before descending over Trevalgan Hill and return through fields and farms.
Highlight: A taste of the moors plus the charming 13th century church at Towednack make this a walk to remember
Option 3 - Rosewall Hill & Zennor Hill
Distance: 12 miles (19km)
Ascent: 1,400 feet (440m)
In summary: We take a scenic route around Rosewall Hill then head further west passing Towednack church to reach more remote moorland. We pass Zennor Quoit before gaining the impressive rocky summit of Zennor Hill. We descend to Zennor village before following the field path back to St Ives.
Highlight: Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in atmospheric moorland with its intriguing Neolithic monuments a mere stone’s throw from the coast.
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 and on to 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 is a steep, slippery concrete path descending to Carbis Bay and also 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 Baulking House, once used by Cornish pilchard fishermen.
Option 3 - Trencrom Hill & Lelant
Distance: 10.5 miles (17km)
Ascent: 1,600 feet (485m)
In summary: We head up to Knill’s Monument, over fields to Trencrom Hill then onto Lelant church. We follow the coast path beside the Hayle Estuary and through dunes overlooking Porthkidney Sands and Carbis Bay before arriving back at St Ives.
Highlight: Stunning views from the top of the iron-age hill fort of Trencrom Hill, including the south coast and St Michael’s Mount.
Option 1 - Higher Kenneggy to Marazion
Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)
Ascent: 800 feet (260m)
In summary: Starting from Higher Kenneggy, we take an undulating coastal path to Marazion, with views of St Michael's Mount.
Highlight: Walk along the Cornish coast and finish in the village Marazion where there will be views of the spectacular island of St Michael's Mount.
Option 2 - Higher Kenneggy to Perranuthnoe and Marazion
Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)
Ascent: 800ft (250m)
In summary: Option two begins a little further along the coastline, joining at Kenneggy Sand. We’ll pass Prussia Cove and Cudden Point, on our way to Perranuthnoe and Marazion.
Highlights: Great coastal views
Option 3 - Rinsey Head to Marazion
Distance: 9 miles (14km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: From the mine buildings of Wheal Prosper at Rinsey Head, we join the Coast Path to the mile long beach of Praa Sands, and then on to the historic town of Marazion via Prussia Cove and Perranuthnoe.
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 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, 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 |
*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location
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 InformationAddress
Chy Morvah
Bishops Road
St. Ives
Cornwall TR26 2DB
What3words reference: flipper.pulled.shepherdess
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.
For pricing, please contact Ace Cars directly.
Ace Cars
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, Ace Cars*. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance by contacting:
Tel: +44 (0)1736 797799
Email: acecars2@aol.com
A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at Chy Morvah.
*Ace Cars is not owned or managed by HF Holidays.
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.
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.
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
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
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
- Camera
- First-aid kit
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||||||||
|
23 Dec - 30 Dec 2024 7 nights |
Christmas Single from £1,459 Double from £1,459 pp |
from £1,459 pp |
from £1,459 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
27 Dec 2024 - 03 Jan 2025 7 nights |
New Year
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,325 pp |
from £1,325 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
| 2025 | ||||||||
|
23 Dec - 30 Dec 2025 7 nights |
Christmas Single from £1,529 Double from £1,529 pp |
from £1,529 pp |
from £1,529 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
27 Dec 2025 - 03 Jan 2026 7 nights |
New Year Single from £1,389 Double from £1,389 pp |
from £1,389 pp |
from £1,389 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
161Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
