Staying in St Mawes is about embracing the water. Most accommodation is oriented towards the harbour, offering views of the Fal Estuary that change with the tide. It is a peaceful, sophisticated base, perfect for those who want to escape the crowds of the north coast but still enjoy world-class hospitality. From celebrity-owned hotels with […]
St Austell is often overlooked by foodies rushing to the coast, but this old market town has quietly built a solid dining scene. It serves as the hub for the “Clay Country,” meaning you will find hearty, unpretentious food that caters to locals rather than just tourists. From family-run bistros in Carlyon Bay to authentic Nepalese curries on the high street, there are plenty of hidden gems here.
Polruan is the quiet, brooding sibling to Fowey across the water. It is a village built on an incredibly steep hill, where cottages seem to stack on top of one another to get a glimpse of the river. Staying here offers a completely different vibe to Fowey: it is peaceful, residential, and catches the sun late into the evening.
Polperro is a village frozen in time. Because cars are banned from the centre, staying here is a uniquely peaceful experience—once you have navigated your luggage down the hill! Accommodation is almost entirely historic, ranging from 17th-century fishermen’s cottages with low beams to boutique hotels tucked away in the steep valley sides.
Polkerris is one of the most exclusive places to stay in Cornwall, simply because it is so small. The hamlet consists of just a handful of buildings huddled around the harbour. Staying here means waking up to the sound of waves lapping against the wall and having the beach entirely to yourself before the day-trippers arrive.
Par is one of the most practical and strategic bases in Cornwall. With a mainline train station, a huge dog-friendly beach, and the Eden Project practically in its backyard, it offers incredible convenience. Accommodation here leans towards high-quality holiday parks and historic inns in the neighbouring village of Tywardreath.
Staying in Mevagissey is an immersion in Cornish village life. Because the village is built into a steep valley, many properties offer stunning views looking down over the harbour lights. It is a romantic, bustling base, perfect for those who want to leave the car behind and explore the coast path. From Art Deco hotels […]
Looe is a town of two halves, separated by a river and connected by a Victorian bridge. East Looe is the bustling hub with the beach and narrow streets, while West Looe is quieter, offering incredible views looking back across the harbour. Accommodation here ranges from grand hotels on the headland to fishermen’s cottages tucked into the hillside.
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.
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.