Welcome to the latest instalment of our newsletter from Butterwell Farm
Autumn has wrapped its golden hues around us, and life here at Butterwell Farm is taking on a cosier, quieter pace. The leaves are falling, the log burners are crackling, and the crisp mornings are perfect for bracing walks along the riverbank and the Camel Trail. The weather has been mild for a while, but we’ve now had our first frost, which is good news for our salmon anglers. As I write we are having our first day of rain after a long dry spell which has brought the river up, and with it, hopefully some salmon.
We love this time of year, and we are excited to share what has been happening on the farm as well as tips for your winter visit to Cornwall.
What’s New on the Farm?
Preparing for Winter
Sam has been busy restocking the wood supply for our cottage log burners, ensuring our guests have plenty to for a cosy stay this winter. The hay bales from our paddocks are safely stored, ready to keep our sheep fed during the colder months.
We have had a recent restock of our slow-grown and delicious mutton. Available for sale on-site are: half legs, half shoulders, chops, mince and burgers. Mutton is from sheep over two years old. The extra age gives it a darker colour with a characteristic flavour that is richer than lamb. Our flock of Jacob sheep are free to roam our 40-acre estate on the banks of the River Camel helping us to manage our land with conservation and biodiversity in mind. Purely fed on natural pastures rich in wild grasses, flowers and herbs our meat is delicious, sustainable, local, small scale, free range and high welfare with very low food miles.
With our commitment to using the whole animal this means we will have another four sheepskins to sell in a few months’ time. The last batch sold out within days. If you would like us to get in touch when we receive them back then please just let us know. We can have them posted out for a small additional cost.
Autumn Adventures in Cornwall
This year has been extra special for us at Butterwell Farm, as we’ve celebrated not one but two significant milestones: ten incredible years at Butterwell Farm and our ten-year wedding anniversary. We marked the occasion with two memorable adventures, and we couldn’t resist sharing them with you.
Saunas by the Sea
To celebrate our anniversary, we headed to the stunning Saunas by the Sea at New Polzeath. It was one of those perfect crisp autumn mornings with the beach entirely to ourselves. Sitting in the warmth of the sauna, looking out over the Atlantic waves felt like pure magic.
Feeling brave, we ran straight into the cold sea for an exhilarating plunge – there’s something truly invigorating about the contrast between the heat of the sauna and the icy Atlantic waters. Saunas offer numerous health benefits, including improved circulation, muscle recovery, detoxification, stress reduction and better sleep. Pairing a sauna session with a cold-water plunge boosts circulation, strengthens the immune system, and leaves you feeling refreshed and invigorated. It’s a ritual we would highly recommend to anyone visiting Cornwall at this time of year.
After drying off, we wrapped up our morning with a leisurely breakfast at The Mowhay, just a short drive away. Their hearty full English breakfast and cosy atmosphere was the perfect way to say cheers to ten years!
A Tin Adventure in Cornwall
Traditional ten-year wedding gifts are made of tin, so I thought it fitting to surprise Sam with a Cornish tin mining adventure! He opted for the “extreme” version of the experience offered by Cornwall Underground Adventures, where he spent the day scrambling, climbing, and exploring the depths of an old Cornish mine. Cornwall Underground Adventures offer a range of mine tours including an entry level tour that is three hours and suitable from ages ten and up.
Sam returned buzzing with excitement, full of stories about navigating narrow tunnels, scaling old mining shafts, and learning about Cornwall’s rich mining heritage. Once again, a unique experience we would whole-heartedly recommend to our guests.
For more ideas on things to do on your next trip to Cornwall don’t forget to check out the dedicated page on our website ‘Things to Do‘.
Half Term
Half term brought a mix of excitement, adventure and classic Cornish fun for the whole family. We kicked off with a visit to the Eden Project, only 20 minutes from Butterwell Farm, where their Halloween special was in full swing. The children were captivated by Zoolab’s “Mini Beasts” experience, meeting all sorts of fascinating creatures up close, from tarantulas to stick insects.
Next, we headed to Padstow for a mackerel fishing trip aboard the Emma Kate boat. Everyone loved the thrill of being out on the open water, spotting seabirds, and learning how to spot fish on the fish finder. Unfortunately it was a little choppy and quite late in the season to catch mackerel but we would definitely like to try our luck again next summer.
Finally, we braved the chilly Atlantic waters for a cold surf session at Constantine Bay. It was a beautiful sunny evening along the dramatic coastline, and the children enjoyed exploring the dunes as well as riding the waves. There’s a unique joy in surfing at this time of year, with fewer crowds and a real sense of connection to nature.
Cornwall in autumn truly has something for everyone, and this half term was no exception—a mix of learning, adventure, and plenty of family memories made along the way.
Autumn Nature Notes – Woodland Walks and Wildlife
Wildlife
This autumn, Butterwell Farm was the stage for a truly magical wildlife encounter: we spotted an osprey landing right across the river, perfectly visible from the cottages. It was an unforgettable moment as the bird swooped low over the gardens before perching on a tree branch. Ospreys, often referred to as “fish hawks,” are remarkable birds of prey known for their skilful fishing and impressive wingspans of up to 1.8 metres. They migrate to the UK in spring and summer to breed, before returning to Africa for the winter, so catching a glimpse of one during its migration is incredibly special. Moments like this remind us just how vibrant and unique our corner of Cornwall truly is. To read more about birdlife at Butterwell Farm visit our bird watching page.
Exploring the Estate
The ancient woodland on our estate is stunning at this time of year, with a carpet of crunchy leaves and the faint mist of autumn mornings. During half term, we hosted friends who couldn’t wait to explore every inch of Butterwell Farm. From wandering through the woods and discovering hidden corners to feeding the chickens and gathering fresh eggs, there was plenty to keep everyone busy.
A highlight for our guests was learning to fly fish with Sam. They practiced casting lines along the riverbank and learning new techniques.
Autumn at Butterwell Farm is a feast for the senses—a time for adventure, discovery, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Looking Ahead: Christmas at Butterwell Farm
Christmas at Butterwell Farm is magical, with real Christmas trees in every cottage, roaring fires, and frosty morning walks.
We still have availability in Apple Tree Cottage and Kingfisher Cabin for a 4-night minimum stay starting from December 23rd—perfect for creating your own idyllic Christmas escape.
Our charming Buzzard Barn is the last remaining option for a New Year’s getaway, so don’t wait too long to secure your stay.
Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy Cornish Christmas or a peaceful place to celebrate the start of 2025, Butterwell Farm is ready to welcome you.
Christmas Gifts and Vouchers from Butterwell Farm
Looking for the perfect gift for a loved one? Butterwell Farm has something for everyone this Christmas!
We offer vouchers for any amount, redeemable towards a stay in 2025 – an ideal present for someone dreaming of a Cornish getaway.
For fishing enthusiasts, why not gift a voucher for sea-trout or salmon fishing, giving them a chance to experience the unique beauty of our private river beats?
For regular guests or those who hold fond memories of Butterwell Farm, we have branded gifts – t-shirts and enamel mugs. These make wonderful keepsakes or thoughtful gifts for someone who cherishes their time here. Items can be posted for a small additional cost, so you can share a piece of Butterwell no matter where you are.
Eating Out
September saw us celebrating a friend’s birthday at The Lobster Shed at The Pig Hotel in Harlyn, just outside Padstow. It was the perfect opportunity to enjoy their fresh seafood menu before their seasonal closure for winter. The relaxed atmosphere, coupled with locally caught lobster made it a truly memorable meal. We can’t wait to return when they reopen next year!
As the temperatures have dropped, we’ve sought out the warm embrace of cosy pubs with roaring fires. Two of our favourites, St Kew Inn and The Mariners in Rock, have provided both comfort and incredible dining experiences, all within easy reach of Butterwell Farm. Whether you’re after a hearty meal or just a pint by the fire, both venues never fail to deliver.
On the last evening of October, I had the rare treat of dining at Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant in Padstow—a place I hadn’t visited since we celebrated taking over Butterwell Farm more than ten years ago! We enjoyed a fabulous and indulgent evening in the atmospheric Padstow Harbour including a pre-dinner drink at Bin Two wine bar. The Seafood Restaurant is a great venue for a special occasion, and I especially enjoy it when it’s lit up on a cold winter’s evening. A big thanks to Sam for holding down the fort at home, looking after our combined six children and their Halloween sweets haul!
For more recommendations, don’t forget to check out our bespoke restaurant guide on the Butterwell Farm website. There’s something for every taste and occasion!
Celebrate the Start of a New Year with a Trip to Cornwall
January is always one of my favourite months at Butterwell Farm – with all the promise of a brand-new year and new opportunities. As a keen gardener I love to see the first snowdrops and daffodils emerging as the first signs that spring is on its way.
January and February are quiet months which is the perfect time to explore Cornwall and get a great deal on accommodation too! Our prices are already at their lowest at that time of year, and to our regular subscribers and followers we are offering an additional 10% off those prices. Use the code newyear10 for any dates in January and February. Code expires 31st December 2024.
Thank You for Your Reviews!
A huge thank you to all our guests who have left reviews this year. Your kind words mean the world to us and help keep our small family business thriving. This month, we’re featuring a review from Emily, who stayed in Buzzard Barn with her family:
“Five stars – Cornish Gem with Stunning Views. Our stay in Buzzard Barn was exceptional. The hosts were incredibly responsive, ensuring a smooth arrival and stay. We were impressed by the property’s immaculate cleanliness. The fully equipped kitchen felt like a home away from home. The views across Camel Valley were breathtaking, providing a perfect backdrop for relaxation and playtime for the children. Families will appreciate the thoughtful touches, including swings for children. The spacious layout allowed everyone to spread out comfortably. This property offers a perfect blend of comfort, views, and family-friendly features. We cannot wait to return. Highly recommended for anyone exploring this beautiful part of Cornwall.”
Want to leave a review? Please just search for Butterwell Farm on Google – we’d love to hear from you!
Fishing
This month’s fishing report from the River Camel in Cornwall from @butterwell_sam written for Trout & Salmon magazine:
“Butterwell has had a fairly dry October and early November after the rains in late September and is now running very clear at 30cm on the gauge. A good fishing height for summer sea-trout. Unfortunately not for salmon, although at Butterwell fresh salmon often sneak into the stretch on low water in the autumn.
High pressure in the North Atlantic has been blocking the fronts which have been such an Autumn feature at Butterwell in recent years, when there has often been too much water. Butterwell has been lightly fished during the period but those who have fished have generally had some action. Chris Jefford had a successful visit, landing a brace of hen fish of 14lb and a very bright 7lb from Burrows and Oak Tree. He also lost another fish. Andy Norton also landed a 8lb hen from Burrows. Hugh Taylor turned a couple of salmon but unfortunately they didn’t stick.
The first frost arrived a couple of days ago and the forecast suggests colder weather is on the way.
Visitors were recently treated to a great spectacle of an osprey diving low over Butterwell taking great interest in resident salmon and sea-trout. Fortunately it was soon on its way South.
Rods are still available until the close on 15 December. To book fishing and accommodation call Sam on 07766224258 or email info@butterwellfarm.com”
Stay in Touch
Thank you for taking the time to read this autumn update from Butterwell Farm and our adventures in Cornwall. I hope it’s given you a glimpse of the magic this season brings and perhaps sparked some inspiration for your next holiday with us.
For more updates, stories, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of life at Butterwell Farm, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook. @butterwellfarm and @butterwell_sam
If you’d like to receive our newsletter straight to your inbox, you can subscribe via our website—it’s the best way to stay in the loop!
Wishing you a warm and cosy winter,
Rachel and Sam x
Butterwell Farm, Cornwall
