I’ll never forget the drive down to Cornwall last autumn – the leaves turning that gorgeous coppery gold along the A30, but oh, what a faff when we hit a cheeky diversion just past Bodmin. Sat nav went into meltdown, and there we were, me and the family, crawling along narrow lanes with hedges brushing the wing mirrors, wondering if we’d ever make it before dark. Still, that anticipation built up nicely; I could almost taste the pasties we’d grab once we arrived.

Pulling up just as the sun dipped low, casting this warm, hazy glow over everything, we got our first proper look at the cottage. It’s one of those cosy farm-adjacent spots, right next to Camel Creek Adventure Park – perfect for little ones, with free rides and animals during opening hours (check their site for details). Surrounded by rolling Cornish farmland, it felt like stepping into a postcard, especially in October when the air’s crisp but the days still stretch out lazily.

First impressions? Magic. The autumn light made the whole place shimmer – dew on the grass like fairy dust, and that faint woodsmoke scent wafting from nearby chimneys. We dumped the bags and headed straight out for a gentle wander. Padstow’s only six miles off, so we nipped over for fish and chips by the harbour, watching the boats bob in the fading light. The town was buzzing but not overrun, galleries glowing invitingly as the evenings drew in early. Sat outside a café with steaming mugs of tea, jackets on against the chill, it was pure bliss – that seasonal shift making every bite taste better, every view more vivid.

Next day, we embraced the autumn vibes fully. Camel Creek was a riot; the kids whooped on the rides under overcast skies that threatened rain but held off, leaves crunching underfoot as we fed the animals. It’s brilliant for all ages, that mix of thrills and chill-out spots, and in October, no summer crowds meant we had queues to ourselves. Back at the cottage, we lit the fire (bliss after a blustery walk) and rustled up a stew with local spuds and pasties from the farm shop down the lane. The farmland views from the garden were stunning at dusk – mist rolling in from the coast, turning the fields ethereal.

We explored the nearby coastline too, those rugged cliffs and secluded coves transformed by the season. Treatheryn Bay, just a short drive, had waves crashing dramatically against ochre rocks, wind whipping up foam while blackberries riper than summer lined the paths. Clambering down to a pebbly beach, pockets stuffed with foraged treats, I had one of those quiet moments – you know, reflecting on how fast the kids are growing, how these golden, fleeting autumn days remind you to savour the simple stuff. No scorching heatwaves or peak-season scrambles; just us, the turning tides, and that earthy Cornish magic.

A week flew by in hearty walks, cream teas that hit different when the air’s bracing, and evenings toasting marshmallows under starry skies (rarer in summer). Autumn shaped it all – cooler temps for proper exploring, fewer tourists for that authentic feel, and nature putting on its own fireworks show with rustling woods and dramatic sunsets. If you’re after a holiday that wraps you up warm and feeds the soul, Cornwall in October’s the ticket. We’re already plotting a return.