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.
St Merryn is famous for its slogan “Seven Bays for Seven Days.” It is the gateway to some of the finest coastline in the UK, offering a different beach for every day of the week. From world-class golfing links to hidden coves perfect for rock pooling, it is an outdoor lover’s paradise.
St Merryn is the perfect strategic base for exploring the North Coast. Known as “Seven Bays,” it sits centrally among some of the best beaches in Cornwall. Accommodation here is less about grand hotels and more about high-end holiday parks, luxury lodges, and characterful pub rooms.
St Merryn is famously known as “Seven Bays” because of its location in the middle of seven stunning beaches. For a small village, the food scene is surprisingly dense, ranging from Rick Stein’s country pub to independent bistros run by chefs who learned their trade in London’s best kitchens.
St Agnes is the beating heart of Cornwall’s mining heritage. It sits on a rugged stretch of the north coast known as “Poldark Country,” where iconic engine houses cling to the cliff edges and the Atlantic swells roll into deep, rocky coves.
St Agnes offers a different feel to the tourist hotspots like Newquay or St Ives. It is a thriving, year-round community with a strong sense of identity. Accommodation here tends to be characterful—think converted mine captains’ houses, historic inns with low beams, and campsites with some of the best cliff-edge views in the country.