While Cornwall may be popular with those seeking a beachside escape, boasting breathtaking beaches, soft golden sands and sparkling aqua seas, there’s something enchanting about immersing in the Cornish coastal life with a stay in a picturesque harbour town.
Cornwall is bursting with quaint fishing villages, nestled amongst the rugged coastline, where traditional cottages dotted along the harbourside make way for cobbled lanes and quiet back streets. These hidden gems are a timeless reminder of Cornwall’s unique maritime past, where you’ll find nods to fishing, smugglers and pirates of times gone by! The laid-back way of life makes for the perfect Cornish retreat. Which of these alluring escapes calls to you?
Mevagissey
Located on the pretty south Cornwall coast, Mevagissey is best known for its thriving fishing industry. Stroll around the idyllic harbourside and pick up the freshest catch of the day from the hut on the harbour wall! Pop in the village aquarium, dine in one of the waterside bars and restaurants or take a wander along the coast path, exploring the nearby beaches. You can also take a ferry ride across to Fowey or visit the famous Lost Gardens of Heligan.
Stay at: The Sea Hoss, where salvaged planks from a shipwrecked German bark vessel in the 1800s and a porthole in the dining room shows the old Pilchard Press, where the catch of the day would be brought in.
Perfect for: relaxing in a roll top bath with a view!
Porthleven
A relaxed fishing village, that is perfect for a visit in all seasons! During summer the tranquil waters offer a serene holiday by the sea, whilst during winter it is a storm-watching hotspot where crashing waves reach over the iconic clock tower. Porthleven is also a bit of a foodie hotspot too, the harbour is lined with bars, cafes and restaurants serving the finest fresh fish, coffee and delectable cakes and hearty pub grub! There’s plenty to see and do nearby, with Marazion and St Michaels Mount not far away, along with some of Cornwall’s most scenic coastal spots including Gunwalloe, Polruan and Mullion Cove!
Stay at: 14 Bay View, tucked behind the clock tower with front row seats to all the action from the sea-facing patio.
Perfect for: watching the sun come up over the harbour and dining in some of Cornwall’s most popular eateries!
Mousehole
The fishing port of Mousehole dates back to the 13th century, all but 1 house was burned to the ground in 1595 and 100 years later it was a haven for pirates, before becoming the fishing village it is today in the 1800s. Home to an array of bistros and art galleries that sit along the picture perfect harbourside. Well-known for its magical Christmas light display that has been taking place throughout the village for over 40 years! At low tide the sandy beach is perfect for a paddle and for the more adventurous it’s also one of Cornwall’s most popular coasteering destinations!
Stay at: Fisherman’s Square, a stylish sanctuary with beautiful harbour views, rustic and colourful interiors and an enviable waterside courtyard garden.
Perfect for: dining al fresco whilst watching the tide come and go!
Newquay
Well known for its seven beautiful beaches and stunning coastline, Newquay is the ultimate seaside holiday destination, and in the heart of the town is its harbour! Nestled amongst the cliffs and framed by Harbour beach and Towan beach, this working harbour is a bustling hub that’s home to many local seals, who love to pop up and say hello when the catch of the day is brought in. There’s something for everyone in Newquay from shopping to watersports, family friendly attractions, plenty of places to eat and drink, stunning coastal walks and more!
Stay at: Sitting on the cliffs, overlooking Newquay’s harbour, Number 71 is a truly luxurious getaway. The Victorian townhouse commands mesmerising views from morning until night!
Perfect for: visiting at Christmas or New Year, where you’ll get a front row seat from the terrace for the harbour fireworks!
St Ives
Cornwall’s most well-known harbour, St Ives is a vibrant fishing town bursting with independent shops, cafes, galleries and restaurants. It has all you’d expect from a harbourside holiday; fishing boats coming and going; cobbled streets, rows of traditional cottages and an abundance of magnificent sea views.
Stay at: Boathouse Loft, a contemporary coastal retreat, where you can gaze across the harbour beach, taking in the picturesque view of Smeaton’s Pier and beyond.
St Mawes
A pretty fishing village, St Mawes is perched on the end of the Roseland peninsula and is surrounded by National Landscapes (formerly Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and looks across the ocean to Falmouth. A peaceful corner of Cornwall, there’s still plenty to see and do. Hop on a ferry, paddleboard around the rugged shoreline, or visit the magnificent St Mawes Castle.
Stay at: Tregwylan, a waterside retreat just a few minutes’ walk from the harbour.
Perfect for: waking up to sea views in bed!
Port Isaac
Known to most as the home of Doc Martin and Fisherman’s Friends, Port Isaac has become synonymous with Cornish fishing life. Located on the north coast of Cornwall, this quaint fishing village has become as popular as the characters portrayed on screen! In a National Landscape (formerly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) find yourself surrounded by breathtaking countryside and awe-inspiring seascapes. Dine harbourside in a Cornish inn or try the finest fish at Nathan Outlaw’s flagship restaurant. Centuries old cottages are dotted around the harbour, barely unchanged, where local fishermen still catch lobsters and crabs daily.
Stay at: Castle Cottage is an 18th century cottage that overlooks Port Isaac and the famous Doc’s house from the top floor!
Perfect for: a quintessential harbour holiday!
Padstow
On the banks of the River Camel on the north coast of Cornwall, Padstow welcomes holidaymakers all year round and is particularly popular with walkers and foodies! The working harbour is surrounded by shops, galleries and places to eat. Famous for being home to restaurants of both Rick Stein and Paul Ainsworth, you can tuck into everything from fresh cream cakes to locally-caught shellfish. With fantastic views across the estuary to Rock beach and meandering pathways that run alongside the waterside, captivating beauty awaits!
Stay at: Gull High, a modern waterside apartment, where floor to ceiling windows showcase the stunning estuary views.
Perfect for: watching spectacular summer sunrises over the water.
Charlestown
Step back in time to the historic port of Charlestown, home to an unspoilt, Grade II listed harbour where several impressive tallships reside. Steeped in history and Cornish culture, Charlestown featured as the home port for Ross Poldark in the BBC adaption of the books by Winston Graham, as well as Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. With beautiful views across the sea, a shingle beach and plenty of delectable places to eat, Charlestown is a relaxing escape from the everyday.
Stay at: Driftwood, a contemporary and spacious retreat, just a stone’s throw from the tall ships and harbourside eateries.
Perfect for: soaking up the coastal atmosphere!
About Aspect Holidays
Aspects Holidays is a Cornish holiday letting agency offering a wide range of properties, including sea-facing apartments, cosy romantic retreats, dog-friendly cottages and large family-friendly houses; there’s something for everyone. With holiday cottages across Cornwall and offices in Hayle, St Ives, Penzance, Porthleven, Mevagissey, Perranporth and Bude, they’re never far away if you need them!
