Guidebook
Nearby towns
A pretty fishing town know for it’s harbour, cycle trail and Rickstine fish and chips. Padstow’s harbour is filled with pleasure boats of all descriptions. There is a regular ferry across the river to Rock (a.k.a. Little Chelsea!).
There are many attractive beaches and coves close to Padstow. One of these is Bedruthan Steps , said to be the stepping stones of an ancient giant. Constantine Bay is one of the best surfing beaches in the area. The sand dunes and rock pools are attractive to young families.
With regards to activities there are often boat trips available, there is a lobster hatchery that can be visited and The Camel Trail: a cycle track converted from a disused railway track, running for five miles beside the river from Padstow to Wadebridge .
436 habitants recommandent
Padstow
A pretty fishing town know for it’s harbour, cycle trail and Rickstine fish and chips. Padstow’s harbour is filled with pleasure boats of all descriptions. There is a regular ferry across the river to Rock (a.k.a. Little Chelsea!).
There are many attractive beaches and coves close to Padstow. One of these is Bedruthan Steps , said to be the stepping stones of an ancient giant. Constantine Bay is one of the best surfing beaches in the area. The sand dunes and rock pools are attractive to young families.
With regards to activities there are often boat trips available, there is a lobster hatchery that can be visited and The Camel Trail: a cycle track converted from a disused railway track, running for five miles beside the river from Padstow to Wadebridge .
A personal favourite!
Park at the car park at the top of the town (postcode PL23 1HA) to save driving through the town. There is also often a bus that takes you back to the car park if you don’t want to brave the hill on the way back!
Fowey is pretty, the restaurants are really good and you can get a ferry across the river to Polruan. In the summer cruse liners come up the river to dock.
Fowey isn’t about ‘attractions’ (that I know of) but it’s a nice chilled day out with plenty of shops, lunch spots and pretty views.
Next to the car park at the top of Fowey is Fowey hotel which is recommend for an afternoon cream tea or relaxed lunch.
241 habitants recommandent
Fowey
A personal favourite!
Park at the car park at the top of the town (postcode PL23 1HA) to save driving through the town. There is also often a bus that takes you back to the car park if you don’t want to brave the hill on the way back!
Fowey is pretty, the restaurants are really good and you can get a ferry across the river to Polruan. In the summer cruse liners come up the river to dock.
Fowey isn’t about ‘attractions’ (that I know of) but it’s a nice chilled day out with plenty of shops, lunch spots and pretty views.
Next to the car park at the top of Fowey is Fowey hotel which is recommend for an afternoon cream tea or relaxed lunch.
The seaside town of Looe keeps visitors entertained all year round whilst still retaining a working fishing port. Stand on the quayside in the evening and watch the boats return before dining on fresh fish in a local restaurant. The town prides itself on it's fresh fish, and be it award winning fish and chips near the river or gourmet menus in smart restaurants overlooking the harbour, you know you won't be disappointed.
To work all that food off, Looe is a great place for walking. The South West Coast Path passes through the town, plus there are countless walks in the beautiful countryside, or along the two rivers that flow inland.
Looe also has a small museum, a beautiful beach and you can take a trip to Looe Island. There is also a monkey sanctuary nearby!
209 habitants recommandent
Looe
The seaside town of Looe keeps visitors entertained all year round whilst still retaining a working fishing port. Stand on the quayside in the evening and watch the boats return before dining on fresh fish in a local restaurant. The town prides itself on it's fresh fish, and be it award winning fish and chips near the river or gourmet menus in smart restaurants overlooking the harbour, you know you won't be disappointed.
To work all that food off, Looe is a great place for walking. The South West Coast Path passes through the town, plus there are countless walks in the beautiful countryside, or along the two rivers that flow inland.
Looe also has a small museum, a beautiful beach and you can take a trip to Looe Island. There is also a monkey sanctuary nearby!
Narrow streets and steep valley sides lead down to the centre of the old Mevagisse. In typical picture postcard style, pubs, cafes, galleries and shops cluster around the harbour walls and line the pretty streets. In Mevagissey you’ll fine a small Aquarium and a Model Railway. Nearby are The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Gorran Haven beach and Polmassick Vineyard where you can take a wine tasting tour. There is also a ferry that will take you to Fowey and a 5 mile round cycle or walk trail nearby at Pentewan which will take you to neighbouring town St Austell. The trail runs along the bed of an old narrow gauge railway which once took clay and tin ore to the harbour at Pentewan until it silted up and the railway ceased operation in 1916. Bikes can be hired at Pentewan
196 habitants recommandent
Mevagissey
Narrow streets and steep valley sides lead down to the centre of the old Mevagisse. In typical picture postcard style, pubs, cafes, galleries and shops cluster around the harbour walls and line the pretty streets. In Mevagissey you’ll fine a small Aquarium and a Model Railway. Nearby are The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Gorran Haven beach and Polmassick Vineyard where you can take a wine tasting tour. There is also a ferry that will take you to Fowey and a 5 mile round cycle or walk trail nearby at Pentewan which will take you to neighbouring town St Austell. The trail runs along the bed of an old narrow gauge railway which once took clay and tin ore to the harbour at Pentewan until it silted up and the railway ceased operation in 1916. Bikes can be hired at Pentewan
A much larger town – similar to Newquay in size, maybe bigger.
This town has a laid back feel to it with lots of independent shops and cafes. They also have boat trips from the pier during busy periods and a very large Maritime Museu’ so might be worth bearing in mind for a rainy day! They also have a swimming pool/leisure centre called Ships and Castles which has an indoor slide and a wave machine.
If you go to Falmouth consider visiting the Greenbank Hotel for tea, coffee, afternoon tea or food (especially their ‘high tea’!). The view is incredible rain or shine and it’s done out beautifully inside.
Also consider visiting Gyllyngvase Beach while you are in Falmouth. It’s a pretty beach with another impressive beach front bar. The sea is often flat so is great for paddle boarding! Just up the road is St Micheals Hotel and Spa – another nice place with a nice view if you want an A La Cart style meal.
Foodwise there are LOADS of restaurants to choose from, most are really nice. Personal favourites include The Brig (you’d have to book) and Bookoos (best burgers in Cornwall).
303 habitants recommandent
Falmouth
A much larger town – similar to Newquay in size, maybe bigger.
This town has a laid back feel to it with lots of independent shops and cafes. They also have boat trips from the pier during busy periods and a very large Maritime Museu’ so might be worth bearing in mind for a rainy day! They also have a swimming pool/leisure centre called Ships and Castles which has an indoor slide and a wave machine.
If you go to Falmouth consider visiting the Greenbank Hotel for tea, coffee, afternoon tea or food (especially their ‘high tea’!). The view is incredible rain or shine and it’s done out beautifully inside.
Also consider visiting Gyllyngvase Beach while you are in Falmouth. It’s a pretty beach with another impressive beach front bar. The sea is often flat so is great for paddle boarding! Just up the road is St Micheals Hotel and Spa – another nice place with a nice view if you want an A La Cart style meal.
Foodwise there are LOADS of restaurants to choose from, most are really nice. Personal favourites include The Brig (you’d have to book) and Bookoos (best burgers in Cornwall).
In my opinion unmissable (but I’m bias)
Marazion is a very small town that has a stunning Castle off its coast.
With stunning views toward the Lizard Peninsula and Land's End and its location opposite the fairy-tale castle perched on St Michael’s Mount, Marazion is a justifiably popular destination. The town claims to be the oldest town in Britain and was called Ictis by the Romans which goes someway to indicate that the area was a trading post for tin in ancient times.
The ancient market town of Marazion is a great place to visit at any time of the year. The safe, sandy beach is lapped by the clear, turquoise waters of Mount's Bay and guarded by the island fortress of St Michael's Mount.
When the tide is in, St Micheal’s Mount is its own island in the sea, when the tide is out you can walk across on a path! In peck season boat carry passengers across when the tide comes in so it is always accessible. Every day you can explore the harbour area and everyday apart from Saturdays (check if out of season) you can pay to go up and explore the castle and grounds.
If you fancy a long beautiful walk you can join the coastal path at Marazion and head to Perranuthnoe (and beyond!) the path is normally not very busy but very beautiful. Google the ‘South West Costal Path Marazion’ for more information.
64 habitants recommandent
Marazion
In my opinion unmissable (but I’m bias)
Marazion is a very small town that has a stunning Castle off its coast.
With stunning views toward the Lizard Peninsula and Land's End and its location opposite the fairy-tale castle perched on St Michael’s Mount, Marazion is a justifiably popular destination. The town claims to be the oldest town in Britain and was called Ictis by the Romans which goes someway to indicate that the area was a trading post for tin in ancient times.
The ancient market town of Marazion is a great place to visit at any time of the year. The safe, sandy beach is lapped by the clear, turquoise waters of Mount's Bay and guarded by the island fortress of St Michael's Mount.
When the tide is in, St Micheal’s Mount is its own island in the sea, when the tide is out you can walk across on a path! In peck season boat carry passengers across when the tide comes in so it is always accessible. Every day you can explore the harbour area and everyday apart from Saturdays (check if out of season) you can pay to go up and explore the castle and grounds.
If you fancy a long beautiful walk you can join the coastal path at Marazion and head to Perranuthnoe (and beyond!) the path is normally not very busy but very beautiful. Google the ‘South West Costal Path Marazion’ for more information.
St Ives itself is a picture seaside town with a fishing harbour and cobbled streets, fish restaurants and superb beaches the scenic fishing town is just down the road. This is a popular tourism hotspot and its street is lined with shops, deli, galleries and restaurants. It is both quaint and cosmopolitan with Cornish Charm – well worth a visit! The Tate is a fantastic are gallery and is worth a visit for its collection of Cornish art and special exhibitions. En-route is Carbis Bay and Lelant. In high season (or if you fancy a train ride) consider using the park and ride from Letant to St Ives to avoid the busy car parks. If your feeling energetic you can walk one way or both!
610 habitants recommandent
St Ives
St Ives itself is a picture seaside town with a fishing harbour and cobbled streets, fish restaurants and superb beaches the scenic fishing town is just down the road. This is a popular tourism hotspot and its street is lined with shops, deli, galleries and restaurants. It is both quaint and cosmopolitan with Cornish Charm – well worth a visit! The Tate is a fantastic are gallery and is worth a visit for its collection of Cornish art and special exhibitions. En-route is Carbis Bay and Lelant. In high season (or if you fancy a train ride) consider using the park and ride from Letant to St Ives to avoid the busy car parks. If your feeling energetic you can walk one way or both!
Beaches
Fistral Beach
Towan Beach
Lusty Glaze Beach
Lusty Glaze RoadGreat Western Beach
Tolcarne Beach
NarrowcliffPorth Beach
Holywell
Watergate Beach
Watergate BayOur favourite brunch places
Fore Street Cafe Bar
38 Fore StA lovely place for brunch!
Box & Barber Coffeehouse
72-74 Fore StLunch spots
Gusto Newquay
A health food shop that also sells health take away lunches! vegetarian and vegans catered for.
37 habitants recommandent
Sprout Health Foods
A health food shop that also sells health take away lunches! vegetarian and vegans catered for.
Nile Bakery
42 Bank StHot rolls from 3.50
Really good sausage rolls!
The Potting Shed
Garden WayA lovely café within a garden centre
Food scene
Senor Dick's Mexican Restaurant
East StreetMexican food!
A lovely fish restaurant of grilled fish, fish curries, and fish linguine
118 habitants recommandent
The Fish House Fistral
Headland RoadA lovely fish restaurant of grilled fish, fish curries, and fish linguine
Lewinnick Lodge
Pentire headlandLovely food and lovely views
The Fistral Stable
Headland RoadPizza, pies and cider sharing platters
Our top picks
TR7 2SX
The wings and the YARD STRIPS are unmissable!!
TAKE AWAY BREAKFAST - soon to be a café attached to a skate park. Run by the nicest men. Insta thenewquayhotbox
Quintdown Business Park
West RoadTAKE AWAY BREAKFAST - soon to be a café attached to a skate park. Run by the nicest men. Insta thenewquayhotbox
Take aways
Pavilion Bakery
37 Fore StFor lunch but also evening pizzas