Looe is, first and foremost, a working fishing port. The town is famous for its day boats, which land some of the highest quality fish in the UK. As a result, the dining scene here is dominated by seafood that was likely swimming in the bay just hours before it hit your plate.
Fowey is a town defined by the river. It is a haven for sailors, a muse for authors like Daphne du Maurier, and a maze of narrow medieval streets that tumble down to the water. Life here moves at the pace of the tides, with days spent pottering on boats or walking the steep cliffs that guard the estuary entrance.
Fowey is a town of two halves: the bustling, historic waterfront and the grand merchant houses perched high on the hills. Accommodation here ranges from luxury hotels that inspired The Wind in the Willows to cosy pubs where the river laps against the wall while you sleep.
Fowey (pronounced ‘Foy’ as in ‘Joy’) is one of Cornwall’s most chic sailing towns. The food scene here mirrors its atmosphere: stylish, slightly exclusive, but deeply connected to the river. You will find tiny seafood bars housed in converted boat garages, high-end Italian dining, and historic pubs with terraces that hang right over the water.
Charlestown is a living museum. It is the last open 18th-century Georgian harbour in the UK and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking along the quay feels like walking onto a film set—which is fitting, given it is the primary shooting location for Poldark, Doctor Who, and countless other period dramas.
Charlestown is one of the most atmospheric places to stay in Cornwall. Because the harbour is unspoilt and devoid of modern development, staying here feels like stepping back into the 18th century—especially when the tall ships are moored up and the sun is setting over the bay.
Charlestown is famous for its resident Tall Ships and its starring role in Poldark, but in recent years, it has transformed into a serious foodie destination. The harbour is now lined with restaurants that rival the best in the county, offering everything from dry-aged steaks in converted sail lofts to fresh seafood served right on the quay.
Tintagel is the home of the King Arthur legend, but don’t let the souvenir shops fool you—this is also one of the most rugged and beautiful stretches of the North Cornwall coast. From walking across a suspension bridge 190 feet above the waves to discovering hidden waterfalls in temperate rainforests, the landscape here is just as dramatic as the mythology.
Tintagel is a village dominated by legend. Staying here means you can experience the castle ruins without the daytime crowds, watching the sun set over the statue of King Arthur from the cliffs. The accommodation ranges from grand Victorian hotels to cosy inns that have been serving travellers for centuries.
Tintagel is dominated by its history, but its food scene has quietly evolved beyond just tourist cafes. While you can still find plenty of cream teas and pasties (some of the best in the county, in fact), there are now intimate Italian bistros and modern plant-based spots nestled among the souvenir shops.