Inspiration

Best towns and villages with places to stay in Cornwall

5 min read

Cornwall isn’t just about golden beaches and surfers chasing the perfect wave, though there’s plenty of that too. It’s also a land of ancient fishing villages, subtropical gardens, creative communities and a thriving independent food scene. Whether you’re after a slow-paced escape or a base for exploring the South West Coast Path, these are six of our favourite towns and villages to visit, plus our best places to stay for a perfect Cornish getaway.

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Looe

Split by a river into East and West Looe, this lively harbour town mixes beautiful scenery with excellent food. There’s fresh fish everywhere, from fishmongers on the quay to elevated dishes at The Sardine Factory.

Crabbing off the bridge, exploring the independent shops and taking a boat trip to Looe Island on a glass bottom boat all make this a great place to base yourself at. It’s also the start of a particularly scenic stretch of the South West Coast Path, winding west to Polperro.

Stay at: The Farmhouse at Treworgey, a lovely old farmhouse for a large group hiding in the countryside. Walks from the door are through fields and woodland and there are pocket maps to guide you or stay on site and spend your days doing laps in the pool.

Browse all our places to stay near Looe >

Mousehole

Once described by Dylan Thomas as “the loveliest village in England”, Mousehole (pronounced “Mow-zul”) is one of Cornwall’s prettiest harbours. Here it’s all narrow alleys, flower-filled cottages and golden light.

Grab a window seat at 2 Fore Street for an elegant lunch of local seafood or pick up a picnic from Mousehole Deli & Kitchen before walking the coast path to Lamorna Cove. In winter, the harbour glows with its famous Christmas light display, a real bucket-list sight.

Stay at: Fallen Angel, an incredible stay tucked into a row of tightly woven old cottages designed by Studio West Architects to maximise the views over Mounts Bay and St Michael’s Mount.

Browse all our places to stay near Mousehole >

Padstow

Sat on the north coast of Cornwall on the Camel Estuary, Padstow’s been a working fishing port for centuries, and you can feel the history in the narrow lanes, old inns, and the bustling harbour. The Padstow Museum offers a glimpse into the town’s seafaring past, or you can just soak up the atmosphere by watching boats come and go. It has that laid-back vibe that instantly makes you feel like you’re on holiday.

The town’s become something of a culinary hotspot, largely thanks to celebrity chef Rick Stein, who put the town on the map with his seafood restaurants and bistros. But Stein can’t take all the credit. The town is packed with local eateries serving fresh-off-the-boat seafood, Cornish pasties, and artisan ice creams.

Stay at: Pentonwarra, a magical family house with its toes in the water, a beach either side and Padstow’s pretty harbour and restaurants down the road.

Browse all our places to stay near Padstow >

Newquay

It’s famous for surf and sandy beaches, but Newquay has grown into a hotspot for foodies and culture lovers too. Beyond the waves, there’s a thriving scene of beachside cafés, contemporary art, and some of the best sunsets in Cornwall.

Don’t miss Fistral Beach, with its lineup of street food and surf shops, or The Fish House for high-end seafood metres from the shore. Box and Barber is great for coffee and breakfast, and Sprout Health Foods offers a brilliant lunch for plant-based eaters.

Stay at: Watergate Bay Hotel, a chilled, family-friendly hotel on a sandy surfing beach with huge views and a sensational pool with sustainability at its heart.

Browse all our places to stay near Newquay >

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Lostwithiel

Often overlooked in favour of its glamorous neighbour, Fowey (just 20 minutes away), Lostwithiel is a hidden gem full of charm. A medieval stannary town turned antiques hub, it’s the kind of place where you can sip local wine in a bistro after a morning browsing vintage shops.

The Duchy Nursery is a must for brunch and botanical shopping, and the ruins of Restormel Castle sit just above the town, its remarkable circular structure offering views over the valley. For a day trip, head to Fowey for harbourside walks and seafood lunches, or explore the surrounding beaches of southeast Cornwall, then retreat to peaceful Lostwithiel for the night.

Stay at: the Groom’s House at Boconnoc, a tastefully restored old stone stable on a gloriously rural estate with woodland gardens, lake and a deer park.

Browse all our places to stay near Lostwithiel >

St Ives

A fishing village turned artistic haven, St Ives is a riot of colour and creativity. With its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and a special quality of light, it’s not hard to see why generations of painters fell for this place, and why some never left.

Wander from the Barbara Hepworth Museum to the Tate St Ives before tucking into fish tacos at Porthminster Beach Café or an artisan pasty from St Ives Bakery. The town’s lanes are packed with galleries, boutiques and ancient pubs with live music that make it equally fun in sunshine or rain.

Stay at: The Gurnard’s Head. This quirky pub is one of our best – the sort of place a hiker hopes to stumble upon. Their comfortable, cosy bedrooms have views over the Atlantic or the moors.

Browse all our places to stay in St Ives >

Launceston

Tucked near the Devon border, Launceston is a small town with a big history. Its medieval castle, cobbled streets and mix of indie cafés and galleries make it a great inland escape for those wanting to explore a quieter, greener Cornwall.

Start your day with coffee at Liberty Coffee, hop on a day cruise through Launceston’s riverfront precinct, and end the day a pint at Eliot Arms. The surrounding Tamar Valley is perfect for walking and wildlife spotting or head up to Bodmin Moor for wide skies and solitude.

Stay at: Coombeshead Farm – The Farmhouse & Grain Store, a hotel on a working farm with delicious organic food, an on-site sourdough bakery and crisp bedrooms in a pretty farmhouse.

Browse all our places to stay near Launceston >

Penzance

Often just the jumping off point for the Isles of Scilly, Penzance deserves time in its own right. There’s a burgeoning arts and food scene here, with galleries, gardens and innovative restaurants hidden in its Georgian streets.

The Jubilee Pool is the UK’s largest seawater lido and is a standout, especially with its geothermal section for year-round swims. Eat at Argoe in Newlyn for small plates with a view in a converted net loft or sip coffee at The Terrace Café before exploring the tidal island of St. Michael’s Mount.

Stay at: Venton Vean, a stylish Bed and Breakfast and an absolute foodie haven.

Browse all our places to stay in Penzance >

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Beth Tingle

Beth is our Marketing & Content Coordinator, who uses her experience in all things content to get to the heart of the stories and people behind our places and paint an authentic picture of what makes them truly special. She then helps the SEO team to ensure that content reaches as many people as possible. Raised in the small seaside town of Clevedon, she then studied English at Falmouth University and is happiest when swimming in the sea. A huge foodie, she enjoys travel that involves finding the best local markets and cooking up the produce in a self-catered stay.

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