From cyder to cold water swimming, seven reasons to visit Cornwall for a scenic winter staycation

WITH its sandy beaches, scenery to die for and rich history, Cornwall is the destination of choice for millions of people every summer.

However, during the winter the roads are quieter, the queues shorter and the weather milder.

Here local resident Natasha Harding, who lives on Cornwall’s north coast, chooses some places well worth visiting this winter.

HEALEYS CORNISH CYDER FARM

THE family-run farm is home to the delicious Rattler Cornish Cider.

You can wander around and check out the museum, production area and jam-making workshop, or book a tour if you want to learn even more about how the West Country’s favourite drink is made.

The farm is home to Shire horses, Shetland ponies, pygmy goats and Cornish black pigs.

A highlight for us was the tractor ride through the orchards, where we listened to audio explaining how the Cornish grow their apples.

Tickets cost from £6.40 per child and £13.60 per adult.

For more info, see

OCEAN SOUL SAUNA

THERE are many benefits of having a sauna, including pain relief, improvements in mental health and relaxation.

Situated by the sandy Crooklets Beach in Bude is a wood-fired sauna run by local Lorna Townsend.

Sessions are available five days a week and there is a mixture of a shared sauna or you can book it for a group of eight family and friends.