Short Breaks - self-catering accommodation in Porthcurno, Sennen Cove, St. Just and Land's End, Cornwall

Short breaks are becoming increasingly popular and are generally available from November through to March but may be available at other times, so please just ask.

Out of season, isn't the county closed, bleak and cold? Well, no, people come for the art galleries, wonderful local food specialities and the marvellous walking along coasts and moors.

Cornish winters are often less about deep cold than dramatic storms that whip up the sea until it pounds the cliffs and beaches, something people travel miles to witness.

It's also cheaper to visit out of season - 2/3 nights is 70%, 4 nights 75%, 5 nights 80% and 6 nights 90% of the published price. The savings don't stop there - attractions and family days out often advertise special deals such as "two for one" entry outside the summer season. Watch out for coupons in The Cornishman newspaper.

Stay in a cosy cottage with a woodburner, with the chance to curl up on the sofa with a good book, venture out for a walk on the beach (the family dog can come too as dogs are allowed on beaches from October to May), sip hot chocolate in a cafe, eat home-made treacle tart with a blob of Cornish clotted cream melting into it, go out in the evening for a pint of real ale and maybe the best of that day's catch in a pub with a roaring log fire and you will go home feeling completely re-energised.

If you are here at Christmas you will have the chance to see the famous Mousehole Christmas lights and sample a portion of Stargazey pie. You can even take part in the Christmas Day swim on Sennen Cove beach.

As early as February Cornwall's gardens are spectacular. The first daffodils of the year splash the woods and fields with yellow long before anywhere else, while camellias and magnolias bloom in sheltered sub-tropical gardens.

Blowing away the cobwebs with a walk along the coastal path is also a must

Birdwatching is popular, particularly in the spring and autumn - you can always follow what is happening locally on the Sennen Cove website

Surfing is an all year round sport and there are two surf schools in Sennen Cove - Sennen Surfing Centre and Smart Surf. The gulf stream ensures that the sea temperature never drops below 10 degrees celsius and in late September/October it's at its warmest (about 17 degrees).

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