Escape to Cornwall for a Valentine’s Day Break

Why celebrate Valentine’s Day when you could celebrate Valentine’s Weekend? This year, make the occasion truly special with a romantic short break – and because Valentine’s Day 2025 falls on a Friday, it’s super-easy to sneak away for a couple of nights.

With its beautiful scenery and charming little villages, Cornwall is the perfect destination for your Valentine’s Day short break. The coastal county is especially idyllic at this time of year when you can easily have the whole beach to yourselves, and there’s always a cosy table free in the pub.

So, with Valentine’s Day almost upon us, here’s the Cornish Escapes’ guide to planning your romantic getaway.



Choose your Cornish Destination

Where in Cornwall would you like to go? St Ives and Padstow offer year-round dining and lively pubs, while more remote destinations in the far west and along the north coast are perfect for romantic retreats.

To be honest, you’re never too far from anywhere in Cornwall, especially in the west. Your Cornish short break can easily be a blend of beautifully secluded beaches and busy seaside towns. Wherever you stay, you’ll return home from your romantic break feeling refreshed and reconnected – and ready for your next Cornish holiday…

 


Find your Short Break Cottage 

Once you’ve pinned down your preferred places, you can start searching for that perfect romantic holiday cottage. Here at Cornish Escapes, we have a wide selection of holiday cottages for short breaks, which are just what you need for your Valentine’s weekend break.

Choose from chic contemporary apartments with magnificent picture windows and old fisherman’s cottages in cobbled courtyards. There are charming cottages and cabins for two in the Cornish countryside, and if you want to be spoiled, look out for accommodation on estates where you’ll have access to hotel facilities such as swimming pools and beauty spas. Features such as hot tubs, ocean views and cosy wood burners add to the romantic ambience.

 


Book a Romantic Meal

Even though Cornwall is much quieter in February, restaurants still book up quickly for Valentine’s Day meals. We love Cintra and The Loft in St Ives (read our guide to St Ives restaurants to find out more) and The Bakehouse in Penzance. 

Pretty little Mousehole has a generous amount of restaurants per capita, and it’s a lovely romantic setting for your meal. Try Mousehole Deli and Kitchen or 2 Fore Street. Padstow is Cornwall’s foodie capital, with a choice of restaurants from Paul Ainsworth and Rick Stein (and some excellent pubs if that’s closer to your budget).

You don’t have to book a table in a restaurant to enjoy a romantic Valentine’s Day meal. Cornwall has some of the finest home-grown produce in the country, and there are farm shops, delis and food stalls in even the smallest villages. Enjoy shopping for local food and drink, followed by preparing it in your holiday cottage kitchen.

 


Plan your Days Out

There are fewer visitor attractions open in February than there are during the main holiday season. However, amazing places like the Eden Project and Tate St Ives are open, along with the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth and the behind-the-scenes tour of the Minack Theatre.

Our advice would be to make the most of this quieter period by enjoying the Cornish coast and countryside. There’s something so romantic about a walk across an empty beach, wrapped up against the February chill. If you’ve brought your dog (a perfectly acceptable third wheel for a Valentine’s holiday), they’ll be able to join you on most of Cornwall’s beaches at this time of year. Check out our Dog Friendly Holiday Cottages.

Where are the most romantic coastal spots in Cornwall? We love the sweep of sand at Sennen and the pure blue waters of Porthcurno. Porthkidney near Hayle is absolutely stunning (and brilliant for dogs) or you might prefer the wilder coast near St Agnes for that dramatic Poldark vibe. From exploring secluded coves to sharing ice cream on a harbour wall, the Cornish coast is simply made for romantic days out.

There are also lots of lovely inland footpaths in beautiful spots like Bodmin Moor and Cardinham Woods. Pack walking boots, wellies and waterproofs so you’re ready for any weather. Reward yourselves for your efforts with a warm pasty.

 


Book your Valentine’s Day Short Break in Cornwall

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, but it’s not too late to book your Cornish escape. Take a look at our collection of romantic holiday cottages in Cornwall, and make this St Valentine’s Day a truly memorable one.


Bamaluz Beach

Bamaluz Beach, Wheal Dream, Saint Ives, UK

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Great Western Beach

Great Western Beach, Newquay, UK

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Gwenver Beach

Gwenver Beach, Penzance, UK

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Hannafore Beach

Hannafore Beach, Marine Drive, West Looe, Looe, Cornwall, UK

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Harlyn Bay

Harlyn Bay, United Kingdom

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Hawkers Cove

Hawker’s Cove, Padstow, South West Coast Path, Padstow, UK

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Hemmick Beach

Hemmick Beach, Saint Austell, UK

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Lantic Bay

National Trust – Lantic Bay, Polruan, Fowey, UK

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Longrock

Longrock Beach, Penzance, UK

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Mexico Towans

Mexico Towans Beach, Hayle, UK

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Millook Haven

Millook Haven, United Kingdom

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Nanjizal

Nanjizal Beach; Song Of The Sea Cave, Saint Just, Penzance, UK

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Par Sands Beach

Par Sands Beach, South West Coast Path, Par, UK

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Portheras Cove

Portheras Cove, Pendeen, Penzance, UK

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Porthkidney Beach

Porthkidney Beach, Hayle, UK

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Prussia Cove

Prussia Cove, Penzance, UK

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Sandymouth Beach

Sandymouth Bay Beach – National Trust, Stibb, Bude, UK

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Towan Beach

Towan Beach, Newquay, UK

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Watergate Bay

Watergate Bay, Newquay, UK

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Widemouth Bay

Widemouth Bay, Bude, UK

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Bamaluz Beach

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Great Western Beach

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Gwenver Beach

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Hannafore Beach

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Harlyn Bay

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Hawkers Cove

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Hemmick Beach

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Lantic Bay

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Mexico Towans

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Millook Haven

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Par Sands Beach

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Portheras Cove

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Porthkidney Beach

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Prussia Cove

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Sandymouth Beach

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Towan Beach

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Watergate Bay

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Widemouth Bay

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