Candlelit churches are in their seasonal decor of the holly and the ivy and the halls of quaint villages are decked for markets, festivals and fetes. It is a wonderful time to shop for unusual gifts and antiques. The whole country turns into a stained glass window as Christmas lights reflect off the wet, bustling streets. Carols fill the churches and Cathedrals and rosy cheeked school children giggle and laugh as they skip down the ancient street on their way home to Christmas cake and tea. The mornings are crisp and clear and the days are cool making for brisk walks ending at ancient inns by cozy fires where hot soups, crusty bread and cider mulling since the 14th century appear before you.
Early winter can be both gentle and dramatic, but always beautiful.
Great storms rage off the Atlantic sending spectacular waves crashing into brilliant sun drenched cliffs. One will find themselves wonderfully swept away by the headland winds at Tintagel and later the same day picking daffodils in the warm sun of Penzance.