For reservations or enquiries telephone:
Email us:
Parking and WiFi are provided at all of our properties. One travel cot and one highchair are also available at each property as a minimum.
Surrounded by ocean on three sides and rich in maritime heritage, Cornwall's coastline is dotted with some of the most picturesque harbours in the UK. Originally vital gateways for mining exports and home to vast fishing fleets, Cornwall’s harbours have now transitioned into quieter places, attracting visitors from across the world looking to explore these iconic landmarks and try nearby seafood restaurants, family-friendly museums and art galleries.
Join us as we share our favourite Cornish harbours for your next south west adventure…
St Ives has a rich artistic history and the captivating azure blue water and granite harbour wall have long been the muse for renowned artists such as Ben Nicholson and Barbara Hepworth.
Surrounded by dozens of eateries, ice cream parlours and independent shops, St Ives Harbour is a great starting point for any trip to the town. Make a base on the white sands before wandering along the harbour wall to gaze out at fishermen hard at work on the water, then meander back along the cobbled pavements of Wharf Road for a fish supper at family-friendly Harbour Fish and Chips. For the more adventurous, enjoy a sea safari on the Little Mermaid boat which departs from St Ives Harbour - you might just spot a pod of dolphins while out at sea!
Planning a visit to the harbour?
Dining options: Hub St Ives, Harbour Fish and Chips and the Sloop Inn are all on the harbourside and perfect for eating out with the whole family. Get more inspiration in our guide to the best restaurants in St Ives.
Things to do nearby: While in town, enjoy an arty excursion to The Tate St Ives, just a five to ten minute walk from the harbour and follow this up with a visit to the Barbara Hepworth Museum.
Parking: The Sloop car park (1 - 2 minute walk to the harbour).
Accommodation: Shun Lee
The harbour has long been the centre point of Padstow and it's first stone pier was built back in the 16th century. Although nowadays the town is known as a foodie hotspot with restaurants from famous chefs such as Rick Stein and Paul Ainsworth, it was once an important trading port for copper, tin and pilchards.
If you’re planning a visit, head straight to the waterfront and stop at locals-favourite Cherry Tree Coffee House for a slice of their cake while you watch the boats bob on the water. After you’ve refuelled, little ones will love sitting with parents on the harbour wall to try crabbing for the first time. Or wander slightly beyond the town centre to the National Lobster Hatchery to meet and adopt a baby lobster before its released into the ocean.
Dining options: Try Caffe Rojano by Paul Ainsworth for a range of family-friendly options or book a table at Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant, just moments from the harbour. For more ideas, see our guide to where to eat in Padstow.
Things to do nearby: Enjoy a boat trip with Wavehunters Sea Safari or hire a bike and cycle along the Camel Trail.
Parking: Padstow Harbour Car Park (1 - 2 minute walk to the harbour).
Accommodation: Kilden Mor or Harbour Walk
Popularised in recent years as a key filming location for the BBC adaptation of Poldark, step back in time as you wander along the impressive Georgian Harbour and past heritage sailing barges.
From April through to Autumn, the inner harbour opens up to the public and hosts a range of pop-up eateries and independent shops, including mouthwatering barbeque feasts from HarbourQ and fish tacos from Charlestown Fish Co. Just beyond the harbour wall you’ll find a small shingle beach which is a lovely spot to explore hidden caves at low tide and imagine how smugglers may have used them in days gone by. For something a little different, head up the hill to the Shipwreck Museum to immerse yourself in local history and hear stories from beneath the waves.
Dining options: Springtide, The Longstore and Harbour Q are all great spots for lunch or dinner.
Things to do nearby: Discover antiques and find a new vintage favourite at the Sail Loft Emporium or take on the circular walk from Charlestown to Porthpean.
Parking: Charlestown Car Park (1 minute walk to the harbour).
Accommodation: Serenity and Ria Reach
The UK’s most southernly port, Porthleven Harbour was created in the early 19th Century as a safe refuge for seafaring vessels during rough weather. The massive granite pier, breakwater and clocktower were impressive engineering feats in their day and are now an imposing backdrop as the waves crash on stormy winter days.
In recent years, Porthleven has become a foodie mecca, featuring Michelin-recommended Kota, The Mussel Shoal and storm watching favourite The Ship Inn. If you’re looking to purchase something to remember your trip, explore the recently opened Shipyard Indoor Market. Open from Tuesday to Sunday between April and October, purchase handmade gifts and artisan food and drink from the best local traders.
Dining options: Kota, The Mussel Shoal, Ship Inn and Amelies are all moments from the harbour. For more ideas read our guide to the best restaurants in Porthleven.
Things to do nearby: Wander the independent shops on the harbour front or venture just outside Porthleven to walk around Penrose, Cornwall’s largest natural lake.
Parking: Kittos Field Car Park (1 minute walk to the harbour).
Accommodation: Seathrift and Salt Spray
© Martina Jorden via Unsplash
A hidden gem on Cornwall’s south coast, Polperro Harbour is the beating heart of this enchanting fishing village. Transport yourself to a different time as you wander down the narrow streets past colourful cottages on almost every corner.
The town and harbour is famed for its smuggling history in the 18th and 19th centuries with many nooks, caves and tunnels still visible today. Budding historians in your group should head straight to Polperro’s Heritage Museum on the harbourside, with an extensive photographic collection, look back at the town’s history and impressive fishing heritage. After exploring the town, visit the dog-friendly Three Pilchards pub and enjoy one of their many lunch options – a popular choice is their famous fish pie with chive and mozzarella mash.
Dining options: Excellent options include Clements & Hope, Three Pilchards and The Kitchen. For afternoon tea on a sunny day, look no further than The Plantation Tea Rooms.
Things to do nearby: Explore Polperro Model Village or try one of the many craft and art classes at Coffee, Cake, Create.
Parking: Polperro Public Car Park – note this car park is at the entrance to the village as parking is not permitted in the town itself. It’s advisable to arrive early in summer months as spaces fill up quickly.
Accommodation: Eden and Sea Edge
Situated in West Cornwall, just a short drive from Penzance, Mousehole is often ranked as one of Cornwall’s prettiest villages due to its beautiful harbour, sandy beaches and historic buildings. This idyllic spot has long been an important fishing port and is still home to a small fleet of day boats. On a sunny summer day, arrive early to explore before it gets too busy and then enjoy lunch al fresco perched on the harbour wall with a crab sandwich as you gaze out at the Atlantic waves.
If you’re visiting in December, make sure you venture into the village as the sun sets to marvel at the glistening Christmas lights along the harbour walls. For more details read our guide to the Mousehole Lights.
Dining options: 2 Fore Street and Mousehole Deli & Kitchen are both lovely options for breakfast, lunch or dinner. For more ideas read our guide on the best places to eat in Mousehole.
Things to do nearby: Visit Mousehole’s tidal pool for a cold water dip or take a trip to nearby St Michael’s Mount.
Parking: North Quay car park is directly on the harbour.
Accommodation: Porth Enys House
For more ideas to inspire your next trip to Cornwall, take a look at our guide to where to stay in Cornwall or visit our Cornwall property page to discover your perfect holiday home.
Image credits: Martina Jorden | All other images are our own.
Loved by Women's Health and featured in The Telegraph as the ultimate party house, Shun Lee is a magnificent property with unparalleled views across St Ives Bay. Nestled within beautiful landscaped gardens and a short walk from several sandy beaches, it boasts bespoke interiors and prestigious entertaining spaces, including a private cinema. The house is a breath-taking setting for holidays and celebrations.
Per week from
Short breaks from
With a relaxing spa-like feel and sensational ocean views spanning Cornwall’s south coast, Sea Edge is a stunning, contemporary home sitting just a moment’s walk from the beaches at Seaton and Downderry. With a Mediterranean-inspired garden, cosy window seat and glass-fronted terrace, it’s a tranquil hideaway come rain or shine.
Tucked away in an enviable position just moments from Padstow's much-loved fishing harbour, Harbour Walk is an idyllic retreat for families, couples and groups of friends. Dog-friendly and newly renovated to a high specification, this four bedroom home perfectly pairs stylish interiors with charming character features. The sociable open plan kitchen, dining and living area offers the perfect space to enjoy time together in front of the wood burner, while children will love movie nights in the mezzanine snug.
With its striking architecture and idyllic Cornish location, this high-spec home enjoys sparkling views over Padstow and the Camel Estuary. Three beautifully finished bedrooms, a modern kitchen and secluded garden complete with a hot tub make it a tempting retreat for families and groups of friends.
An architectural masterpiece, Eden in Downderry is home to sparkling ocean views and an outdoor pool. Finished to an impeccably high standard, its bespoke interiors are reminiscent of a tropical beach house, where gentle tides are a short walk away. Sleeping six guests and welcoming dogs, it becomes an idyllic sea-view hideaway for those wishing to switch off on the south coast.
Having started life as two fisherman’s cottages on the edge of the Porthleven, Salt Spray is now one striking ocean-view home designed by local architects at RA Design. Sleeping up to eight guests across two spacious floors, the innovative reverse design makes the most of its incredible coastal backdrop, with modern facilities and eco-friendly features peppered throughout. Sitting on the South West Coast Path, be on the beach within moments or head for the iconic Porthleven Harbour in search of fantastic restaurants, bars and delis.
A tranquil retreat for five guests, this home enjoys incredible ocean views over Charlestown and St Austell Bay. There are three ground-floor bedrooms, making it easily accessible with all three featuring French doors opening up directly onto the terrace. Situated on the South West Coast Path, it's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with Carlyon Bay Golf Club and Porthpean Beach within walking distance.
Set above the River Fowey in South Cornwall, Ria Reach offers breath-taking views over the water and neighbouring Polruan. Its reverse living design features four ground floor en-suite bedrooms, while the upstairs is perfect for socialising and soaking up the river vista through the apex windows. Sleeping eight guests and welcoming dogs, it’s an idyllic retreat for those wishing to explore Fowey’s bustling streets within a 10-minute walk.