10 romantic ideas for a couples' day out in Cornwall

Unique recommendations for honeymoons, holidays or milestone anniversaries

Cornwall is one of the most romantic places in the world. Inspired by its crystal-clear waters, magical sunsets and great restaurants, plus with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we’ve compiled the 10 best things to do as a couple…

1. At home wine tastings

A selection of fine fizz, perfectly paired nibbles and a sommelier at your fingertips – Cornish Wine Tasting are a must-try in 2024. Ideal for a double date if you’re visiting with friends, book a tasting from the comfort of your holiday home and sample your way through six wines over an immersive two hour session.

Your expert will talk you through intricate wine making techniques, adding tidbits behind each bottle’s history, location and producer. You’ll also have detailed tasting notes to take away. Stay up-to-date with Cornish Wine Tasting on Instagram and see our guests enjoying in-house tastings of their own.

© Kate McBurnie via Cornish Wine Tours

2. Oyster shucking masterclass 

Certainly one for seafood-lovers, Katy Davidson, otherwise known as The Oyster Lady, describes her unique culinary experience to be ‘like kissing the ocean on the lips’. Her oyster shucking parties and masterclasses are worth a try if you’re visiting North Cornwall, where the oysters are plentiful and fresh from the sea. Some of Katy’s classes are based on the beach at Porthilly near Rock, home to its own oyster farm.

As part of the masterclass, you’ll learn about the different oyster species and come away with simple recipe ideas to bring out your confidence in the kitchen at home. Meanwhile, classes like the half day ‘shellfish skills and feast’ and ‘lobster tail sashimi experience’ promise to convince even the fiercest seafood sceptics, with a handful of spots ready to book this month. 

3. 'The’ Gylly Beach hot chocolate 

Topped with cream, marshmallows and a generous chocolate dusting, this humble winter warmer has risen to fame in Cornwall and features in every ‘best hot chocolate’ guide there is.  

Open daily with a bakery on-site, you’ll find the café in question nestled onto the sand at Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth. Also serving an array of hot and cold food, pop in for eggs Florentine at breakfast or tapas plates at lunch – its seafront location makes it perfect to simply sit and watch the waves.

After warming up with something sweet, take to the deck with a blanket and your four-legged friend, or enjoy the 10 minute stroll into town to explore Falmouth’s independent shops.

4. Cookery workshop

Head to South Cornwall’s flagship cookery school and learn a new skill alongside someone special. Philleigh Way’s courses are spread throughout the year and promise food for every occasion. Pick up the basics with a ‘stocks and sauces’ masterclass, or take on something new like Middle Eastern dishes or delicate patisserie, run over Valentine’s weekend. 

Or, if you’re planning a wedding or honeymoon in Cornwall, Philleigh also provide bespoke menus and feast nights based on your requirements. From French classics to Cornish specials and even charcuterie served at midnight, get in touch to plan the perfect day.

© Mat Arney via Philleigh Way

5. Coffee at Lusty Glaze

Considered Cornwall’s most romantic venue and sought-after for its incredible beachside weddings, Lusty Glaze makes a lovely spot for coffee with a view. Open from 9:30am to 4pm, cosy up by the wood burner and watch the waves roll in. Dogs are always welcome, and often have their own bed and water bowl ready and waiting beside the table.

6. Treatments for two

Nothing says romance quite like a night beneath the stars. Add an outdoor pool and a cocktail or two, and you have the perfect date night at C Bay Spa. Based in Carbis Bay, their sundowner sessions include use of the hydro and swimming pools, garden sauna pod and relaxation lounge.

If that doesn’t tempt you, book the ‘beach hot tub and bubbles’ package for a private hot tub overlooking the bay, plus chilled champagne and strawberries for extra indulgence. Designed for two to enjoy throughout February, it’s just the tonic after busy days on the coast.

For couples holidaying elsewhere in the South West, here are some of our favourite day spas in Cornwall and Devon. 

7. The perfect picnic

A romantic guide to Cornwall wouldn’t be complete without Dine with Iris. Already a long-term favourite with our guests, chief picnicker Briony is here to make your special occasion dreams come true. Whether it’s outdoors on your favourite beach or cosied up inside with a grazing platter, stylish charcuterie is what she does best.

Mark a milestone anniversary with sweet treats from the Dusty Rose Dining package, or pop the question on a secluded clifftop, thanks to the Love Story Lunch. However you dine, your picnic will be beautifully finished with flowers, fresh food, place settings and a bespoke chalkboard message.

© Dine with Iris via Instagram

8. Paddle board at Polkerris

For those hoping to soak up a south coast sunset, we recommend hiring paddle boards at Polkerris Beach. Its sheltered cove makes it ideal for an evening’s paddle, and there’s local board hire right on the sand. Explore the surrounding coastline towards Menabilly, paddling through the secluded inlets, before dropping the boards and setting off on foot to the Gribbin Daymarker for a longer excursion.  

With the salt on your skin, seek refuge with dinner at Sam’s on the Beach. Once an RNLI lifeboat station, the sea-view restaurant is now loved for its fresh seafood and stone baked pizzas, plus an open kitchen that puts the food at the heart of it all. 

9. Port Isaac walking tour

Wander quaint Cornish streets as part of a guided walking tour. Headed up by Fisherman’s Friends member John Brown, Port Isaac Tours takes visitors through the hidden paths, historical buildings and rich history of their much-loved village. Follow in the footsteps of TV-famed Doc Martin as you head down towards the beach, stop for a pasty on the harbour wall, then curve back towards the streets lined with fisherman’s cottages. 

For a longer trip passing through Tintagel and Boscastle, there’s also a ‘driving tour’, perfect for seeing the sights without the stress of traffic and directions. Your driver will pass by Cornwall’s Iron Age forts and other historical landmarks, ready to explore on foot when you’d like. 

10. Weekend stay at in Cornwall

If you’re yet to book your trip to Cornwall, don't miss our favourite couples' escapes. With tempting long weekends throughout spring and summer, The Nook sits a stone’s throw from the beaches at Rock and Daymer Bay, complete with a wood burner and hot tub.

Meanwhile, Little Polkerris in Fowey promises total relaxation on the south coast. Soaking up views over coast and country, bubble away in the hot tub with a glass of fizz in hand.

What’s more, if you’re planning an engagement, honeymoon or anniversary stay, our in-house Concierge team can ensure the special surprises go off without a hitch. Think flowers on arrival, table reservations and in-house wine tastings to mark your time in Cornwall. 

Left: The Nook | Right: Little Polkerris

Image credits: Kate McBurnie via Cornish Wine Tours | Dine with Iris via Instagram | Mat Arney via Philleigh Way | All other images are our own.