St Mawes is the capital of the Roseland Peninsula and one of the warmest spots in the UK. Thanks to its unique position, it enjoys a microclimate that allows palm trees to thrive and creates a Riviera-like atmosphere. Life here revolves entirely around the water, whether you are sailing on it, swimming in it, or simply watching it from a castle rampart.
St Austell is the capital of the “Cornish Alps”—the surreal white peaks of the china clay industry that define the local skyline. While many visitors rush through on their way to the coast, the town itself is undergoing a revival, offering a mix of industrial heritage, sub-tropical gardens, and one of the most famous breweries in the UK.
Polruan is often described as the “sunny side” of the river, but it is also the steeper, wilder sibling of Fowey. It is a village built on a defensive heritage, where ancient blockhouses still guard the harbour mouth and the streets are so steep they almost feel vertical.
Polperro is a village defined by its geography. Tucked into a steep valley with a harbour that dries out at low tide, it is a place where history feels incredibly close. It is famous for its narrow, tangled streets that were designed to confuse tax men and hide contraband, making it the smuggling capital of Cornwall in the 18th century.
Polkerris is a tiny, west-facing cove that punches well above its weight. It is arguably the best spot in St Austell Bay for watersports, sunsets, and a relaxed, barefoot vibe. Because the entire hamlet is privately owned, it remains remarkably unspoilt, free from the arcade games and neon signs of larger resorts.
Par is the gritty, industrial heart of St Austell Bay that has transformed into a strategic hub for visitors. It is famous for its stark white “Cornish Alps” (china clay tips) that dominate the skyline and its vast, dune-backed beach that welcomes dogs all year round.
Mevagissey is a labyrinth of narrow streets and ancient buildings that tumble down to a twin harbour. It feels like a place that time forgot, where fishing boats still dictate the rhythm of the day and the history of smuggling is etched into the very stones of the quay.
Looe is the quintessential Cornish holiday town. It manages to balance being a busy working fishing port with being a classic family resort. The river cuts the town in two, creating a dynamic landscape where you can watch trawlers unload their catch on one side and build sandcastles on the other.
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.
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.