WHAT’S ON
SU CARROLL rounds up the very best activities to do and things to see close to the coastline this month
1 IN THE NIGHT GARDEN
Journey through the magical garden trail, exploring woodlands and gardens beautifully lit with installations and lanterns at Heligan Garden in Cornwall, overlooking the River Fowey.
Arts organisation The Lantern Company will mix magic and nature with illuminated installations -from badgers to fungi, bees to butterflies, and a joyful family of cheeky Tamworth pigs. The seasonal trail creates a treasure-filled space for families and friends to discover these beautiful indigenous species.
Take a mile-long, one-way trip around the garden. Admire the glittering oak trees, toast marshmallows and enjoy seasonal warming refreshments. The route is suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs, but dress for the Cornish winter! The Heligan Shop will be open selling festive treats, local produce, and a variety of beautiful gift ideas and there are lantern making workshops for children (pre-booking essential).
Ends January 2. heligan.com Mevagissey is still a working harbour, but visitors can enjoy the pretty picture postcard village with its narrow streets, shops and galleries and a chance to enjoy the local catch of the day in restaurants, pubs and cafes. The village dates back to at least the early 14th century and its heyday was in the 1800s when it prospered due to the abundance of pilchards in the local waters. An aquarium is housed in an old lifeboat station. Entry is free but donations go towards conservation work. Seasonal opening. mevagisseyharbour.co.uk
2 LIGHT FANTASTIC
It’s 60 years since the tiny Cornish fishing village of Mousehole first created a Christmas lights display. Since then it’s grown into a magnificent festival of lights that attracts thousands of visitors.
A new display will be unveiled for this year, but all the old favourites are there – the sea serpent, the whale and the Celtic cross. In a more low-key way, the lights will be gradually switched on from December 11, but will continue until January 3.
On December 23, Tom Bawcock’s Eve, the traditional Stargazy Pie is made where pilchards peek out from under the pastry, their heads pointed heavenwards. The lights will be illuminated daily from 5pm to 10pm.
On December 19, the community remembers the Penlee Lifeboat Disaster in 1981 when the eight-strong crew of the lifeboat Solomon Browne were lost, 2 along with eight people they were trying to rescue from a stricken vessel. Lights are dimmed until the following night. mouseholelights.org.uk
Just three miles along the coast is Penzance, where they celebrate midwinter traditions with the colourful Montol Festival, climaxing on December 21 – the Winter Solstice. It revels in Cornwall’s cultural past – folklore, myth and legend with a
