Best Towns and Villages to Visit in Cornwall
There are so many lovely towns and villages to visit in Cornwall that it is hard to know where to start! Where are the best places in Cornwall to stay or to spend the day when you are on holiday?
We have chosen Cornish towns and villages that we personally know well and we have some lovely holiday cottages in all of them. Here are a few of our favourite towns and villages to visit in Cornwall.
St Ives
St Ives is famous for its winding little streets, its picturesque harbour and of course, its stunning sandy beaches. The unique light that enhances the always-blue waters and pale-golden sands has drawn artists to the town for generations, and St Ives remains a hub for all kinds of visual arts. It is also the place to come if you love good food and there are some wonderful little independent shops and cafes to discover among the cobbled streets. We are so lucky to call this little town our home!
Find out more about staying in St Ives, which has a selection of luxury holiday properties such as beautiful four-storey townhouse Penhaven.
Carbis Bay
Carbis Bay is St Ives’ next-door neighbour, a quieter option with everything you need. It is just over a mile into town via a paved stretch of the famous South West Coast Path, or you can catch the regular branch line service. You are also close to some lovely inland walks, such as up to the vantage point at Knill’s Monument. The beach at Carbis Bay has a real Mediterranean feel and is the perfect place for swimming or watersports.
Here is a bit more about a holiday in Carbis Bay, which has some beautifully designed holiday properties like Heatherleigh, with its glorious ocean views.
Lelant
A bit further up the coast again, you will come to Lelant, a pretty village with a medieval church and a links golf course in the most spectacular setting. Again, you can easily get into St Ives via the scenic branch line, or enjoy the walk along this glorious stretch of coast path. Lelant has a choice of places to eat including a couple of friendly pubs. If it were up to your dog, you would definitely visit Lelant, because it is home to one of West Cornwall’s best dog-friendly beaches, Porthkidney.
Read our short guide to Lelant and take a look at the holiday cottages in the village, such as charming Ivy Mount.
Hayle
Across the estuary from Lelant, Hayle is a welcoming seaside town, whose boast of “three miles of golden sands” is no exaggeration: the sweep of beach here really is quite extraordinary. There is a great choice of places to eat and drink in Hayle, from beachside bars to traditional pubs and we love exploring the independent shops here. In the summer, Hayle outdoor swimming pool is the perfect spot to cool down or enjoy a sunbathe. Walk around the town and harbour to catch glimpses into Hayle’s fascinating industrial heritage.
Discover more about what Hayle has to offer. Our appealing holiday cottage 14 An Garth is just outside the town.
Padstow
We are heading further up the coast now, to lovely Padstow with its bustling harbour and world-famous restaurants. The beaches here are outstanding and we love exploring the warren of little streets that climb up the hillside to elegant Prideaux Place. Take the ferry across the estuary to Rock or hire bikes and take to the Camel Trail. The popular little town is a lively place to be; however, just a short walk and you are out in the countryside or on an almost-empty beach.
Take a look at our guide to Padstow, and discover welcoming holiday properties like Number Four – Piran View.
Port Isaac
Last but not least, we arrive at Port Isaac, best-known for being the home of the shanty group Fisherman’s Friends and for playing the part of Port Wenn in ITV’s Doc Martin. There is a lot to love about this pretty place with its whitewashed lanes and historic harbour area. The coast around Port Isaac is also lovely, with rocky cliffs and coves to discover. Come here for water activities like coasteering as well as excellent local restaurants, gorgeous sea views and sandy beaches.
Find out more about Port Isaac and our quaint holiday cottage, The Shambles.
The Mermaid Seafood Restaurant
Mermaid Seafood Restaurant, Fish Street, Saint Ives, UK