Some of our favourite ways to add magic to winter, and especially Christmas in the West Country

There's nothing quite like a steam train - and with Elves at the Station and Santa somewhere in his grotto the Santa Special is a wonderful way to experience the magic of the railway.  Tickets must be booked in advance - visit Bodmin Railway for full details and to book.

For something a bit more sophisticated, why not take a tour around the area's art galleries - there's often special exhibitons and of course the possibility of finding that elusive perfect present for someone special. Whitewater has two galleries in Polzeath and has a special exhibition for Christmas - well worth a visit to for their range of original art, prints and contemporary art. The Drang Gallery is in Padstow, Rock and Salcombe, featuring a spectacular array of modern and comtemporary work by renown artists. 

The nearby Eden Project has it's own special magic with the Ice Rink, Father Christmas in the Tipis, a twinkling Med Biome and a band playing all your seasonal favourites. Always a fun day out with all the family.

When the weather permits there's also the wonderful almost deserted beaches and rockpools to explore along with walks on the South West Coast Path, and if your wetsuit is up to it, you can take to the water too - but please take all precautions - why not check out the RNLI's site for advice - we found this article really helpful - it's quite old, but the messages haven't changed - Be a winter surfer

There's a host of independent shops in Wadebridge, Port Isaac , Padstow - and Salcombe too - also for gifts and plenty of opportunities to sample local food and drinks. Try Wadebridge Wines for your festive tipple which has a deli section as well; Fees Food in Rock has an array of special home cooked meals and also a deli with selected wines;  The Wadebridge Enchanted Christmas Market is on the 9th December at the Royal Cornwall Showground - tickets must be booked in advance via the link.

Nearby in Newquay is the family friendly Dairyland Farm Park - this year there's breakfast with Santa or visiting him in his Grotto, and a special Christmas lights and indoor play area - open each weekend in December.  Visit their website for full information and to book tickets.

It's so nice to plan Christmassy things again!

We hope you enjoy your winter break with West Country Beach Holidays.

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