The Pretty Seaside Resorts of Cornwall
Cornwall is a fairly small count at the tip of southwest England, and surprisingly one of its less affluent as one of the only incomes these days is tourism. This has led to an influx of empty second-homes. It does however have some smashing resorts.
Out walking? Follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe. Keep dogs away from steep banks, mushrooms (and other toxic plants/trees) and on leads during nesting season (and near barnyard friends and wild ponies).
For such a small county, Cornwall has many seaside resorts (though many have seasonal dog bans, and Mousehole Harbour does not allow dogs). At the coast, keep away from nesting birds and never walk on sand dunes. Learn how to keep dogs safe by the seaside.
Join the campaign to ban flying rings, to help local seals.
Harbour views and lots of boats!
St Ives looks more like a Mediterranean resort, with sandy beaches and palm trees, and is popular with painters due to the light and surfers. It is a bit touristy and very expensive!
Padstow is one of those towns that’s actually nicer when you arrive, instead of the other way around. Known for being where chef Rick Stein owns a lot of places, even if you don’t eat fish, this is a pretty town with a lovely waterfront, and you can walk towards the Camel Estuary.
Fowey (pronounced ‘foy’) is a pretty affluent sailing resort that sits above the river, even a short wander includes views of sailboats and shifting light. It’s quite busy, as many people have discovered how lovely it is!
Polperro is more traditional, all tight lanes and a tiny harbour, with cottages stacked so close together, they likely help with each other’s heating bills! Plenty of coastal walks here, but again streets clog in peak season.
Quieter charm and pretty lanes
Mousehole (pronounced ‘mowzel’ is compact and very pretty, with a tiny harbour. There are steep cobbles, so bring sturdy footwear, then head to the harbour’s edge for nice views.
Port Isaac has narrow streets that drop towards the water, with sudden glimpses of sea between buildings. The hills are steep, so take your time and avoid for mobility issues.
Mevagissey still feels like a working harbour, with boats, ropes, and a lived-in feel. This is popular in winter, when it’s quiet and mostly locals are only around, rather than heaps of tourists.
Big beaches and classic seaside
Newquay is another popular surfing destination, with several bays. Apparently man-kinis are banned here, so don’t bring yours if you have one!
Perranporth has wide sandy beaches, backed by dunes. It’s good for long walks, although it can be windy. You’ll need a hot drink at one of the many little tea shops afterwards.
Bude mixes beaches with a low-key town feel, and and is popular for the beaches. Again it’s good for short coastal walks and relaxed meandering around indie shops, before stopping at a café for a long lunch.
Calmer gentler beach days
St Mawes is a lovely place, sheltered and unhurried, with a softer pace than most of the bigger surf towns. You could spend a good day here: by the beach, lunch in the village, then a short waterfront stroll.
Carlyon Bay sits near St Austell and again is an unfussy place. Some parts look very different at high tide and low tide, so check times before you commit to a long beach sit.
Rame Head (Abi Imagine
