Where to book a honeymoon and minimoon in Cornwall

Romantic seaside settings and cosy countryside breaks

For many, planning a honeymoon is just as exciting as the wedding itself. From selecting your destination through to where to eat, what to do and what to see, it’s the perfect opportunity to rest and relax after your big day.

Cornwall remains one of the most sought-after places to holiday in the UK, so it's no wonder it's well-suited to romantic getaways and honeymooning couples. Step foot onto sunkissed sands, dine moments from the ocean and uncover hidden corners of the coast with endless walking routes and cycling trails nearby.

For those who’d prefer to retreat from everyday life and simply bask in a bubble of love with your other half, we have a handful of homes well-suited to just that. Think captivating views, hot tub dips and crackling wood burners for those cosier evenings.

Fowey, South Cornwall

© Perfect Stays, Appletons and Fowey Hall Hotel 

Where to stay: Little Polkerris

Nearby restaurants: Fowey’s 12 best restaurants, cafés and pubs

When it comes to staycationing in Cornwall, Fowey is up there with one of the most romantic places for couples and newlyweds. Sitting on the River Fowey, the town enjoys sparkling water views from nearly every corner and is known for its literary connections. Whether it’s a long weekend spent soaking up married life with great food and drink or a week nestled in rolling countryside on the outskirts of town, it's certainly one to consider for your special stay.

Lined with fantastic restaurants, quaint bakeries and delis, pick up lunch for a beach day at Readymoney or stock up on pastries for breakfasts in bed. For evening dining, we recommend booking a reservation at Fitzroy. Loved for its array of seasonal produce, the menus are comprised of delicious seafood dishes, hearty roasted meats and foraged veggies.

Their sister business, North Street Kitchen is also open during the day and is where you’ll find fresh oysters, crab rolls and dayboat mackerel. Another long-standing team favourite of ours is Appleton’s. Loved for its homemade pasta, decadent steak plates and extensive cocktail menu, you can ensure it’ll be well worth a visit.

Occupying a beautiful and relatively undisturbed stretch of coastline, Fowey is also suited to walkers. From easy-going routes past St Catherine’s Castle to longer stretches taking you over to Lantic Bay and Bodinnick, thanks to the famous Saint’s Way trail. The summertime also brings with it excellent opportunities for swimmers, kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders, as the river provides gentle conditions and shallow swell. You can rent boards, kayaks and boats from kiosks on the quay, so why not head out with your other half for an afternoon on the water.

You’ll also find the impeccable Fowey Hall Hotel nearby too, for spa days and extra-special afternoon teas. And the ancient capital of Cornwall, Lostwithiel sits a 15-minute drive away and is home to the Duchy of Cornwall Nursery, Restormel Castle and Gillyflower Golf Course.

Rock, North Cornwall

© Perfect Stays and St Moritz Hotel

Where to stay: The Nook

Nearby restaurants: Rock’s six best restaurants, pubs and cafés

Known countrywide for its prestigious setting on the Camel Estuary, fine dining restaurants and superb water sports scene, Rock combines luxury with pleasure. Having recently welcomed their very own Wild Spa into the mix, the St Moritz makes a lovely addition to any honeymoon break. Gaze up at star-studded skies as you clink glasses of fizz in the wood-fired hot tub or enjoy a dose of heat therapy with a cold plunge and sauna session.

Referred to as Cornwall’s Saint Tropez, it’s easy to see why with its long sandy beach and crystal-clear waters. Many arrive here by yacht, so the estuary is usually dotted with bobbing boats and colourful sails. The restaurants sit along the water’s edge and enjoy views over both. Most notably is Paul Ainsworth’s The Mariners, where couples can expect sublime food and champagne tipples. For those staying a few nights, be sure to make reservations at The Dining Room or hop on the ferry over to Padstow and choose from Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant or the Michelin Starred No.6.

The coveted Polzeath and Daymer Bay are also within easy reach thanks to the South West Coast Path. Taking you over sandy dunes and past hidden beaches, here's where you’ll relish sunny days with your other half. Find private swimming spots at Greenaway Beach, sample Moomaid’s ice cream from their truck on the headland and stop for drinks in The Atlantic as the sun sets over the horizon.

St Ives, West Cornwall

© Perfect Stays and Ugly Butterfly

Where to stay: Shun Lee

Nearby restaurants: the best 15 restaurants in St Ives  

For locals and visitors alike, St Ives is akin to European holiday destinations with its white sands, palm-lined streets and ocean-view restaurants. It’s a place where many retreat to for a change of scene and a buzzing ambience. Perfect for year-round getaways and romantic stays, it's where you’ll find some of our favourite seafood restaurants, wine bars and cafés, with the beaches among our most recommended for sunbathing, swimming and walking.

Also home to the Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden, it’s a haven for creatives. You really get a sense of its artistic influence as you wander through its narrow streets, with independent galleries and craft markets aplenty. You may even spot the odd artist here and there, sketching the harbour or painting a seascape.

To get involved with something crafty while on your honeymoon, we recommend a wheel-throwing experience with St Ives Pottery or a screen-printing class with Kiwi Studios. It’s always fun to try something new while on holiday and being able to take your very own keepsake home with you makes it all the more worthwhile.

Food and drinks wise, St Ives is brimming with recommendations. For laid back wining and dining, there’s Silco, Little Palais and One Fish Street. Think delicious freshly landed fish dishes, charcuterie boards and Japanese-inspired brunching. Meanwhile, the exquisite Ugly Butterfly awaits in neighbouring Carbis Bay. With a Michelin-star chef at the helm, their tasting menu warrants a special occasion and celebrates the very best of Cornwall’s seasonal produce. Read our Restaurant Diaries to find out a little bit more about the Ugly Butterfly dining experience.

Our beautiful property Shun Lee sits high above Porthminster Beach and enjoys beautiful ocean views from nearly every room. Sleeping 14 guests, it's great for post-wedding getaways with your nearest and dearest. Spend a week soaking up the scenery, clink champagne cocktails on the sea-view terrace and ask our Concierge team to organise a private chef for your celebratory stay too.

Padstow, North Cornwall

© Perfect Stays, Sabzi and Paul Ainsworth at No.6

Where to stay: Kilden Mor

Nearby restaurants: 10 of Padstow’s best restaurants, pubs and cafés

Padstow is always one of the most sought-after destinations for anyone holidaying in Cornwall and it's easy to see why. With a plethora of great restaurants, wine bars, beaches and coastal walks to choose from, a week spent here is simply idyllic. Sitting within walking distance of it all is Kilden Mor – with estuary views, spa-like interiors and a hot tub, it's well-suited to romantic stays and honeymooning couples.

Walking into town, you’ll discover a buzzing harbour with winding streets revealing traditional pubs, independent art galleries, tiny delis and artisan bakeries. It’s a real destination for foodies and many enjoy sampling the very best of Rick Stein and Paul Ainsworth while in the area. Indulge in No.6’s Michelin-starred tasting menu, tuck into Fruit de Mer at The Seafood Restaurant or order a selection of zesty small plates and stonebaked pizzas from Rojano’s.

If food is your love language, we also recommend picking up picnic supplies from Sabzi, Chough Bakery and Prideaux Walled Garden for those beach days and coastal walks.

With the South West Coast Path beginning again from North Quay, join the trail and make your way over to Harbour Cove for sunbathing, reading and stand-up paddle boarding. Alternatively, you can continue the route over the headlands, towards Trevone. Here’s where you’ll find a natural sea pool, perfect for sheltered sea swimming and rockpooling. Back on dry land, you can soak up the sunshine with traditional Cornish pasties from Trevone’s Beach Stores before retracing your steps back over Stepper Point and Hawker’s Cove.  

If you’d like to tick off a few more experiences during your honeymoon, we also recommend Padstow Sealife Safaris for dolphin watching, cycling the Camel Trail with tandem bike hire available from Bridge and a tasting tour with Padstow Brewing Co.

Withiel, North Cornwall

© Perfect Stays, Trevibban Mill and Onda

Where to stay: The Watermill

Nearby restaurants: Onda, Barnaby’s and The Mowhay

Sitting in rural North Cornwall, Withiel makes an idyllic spot for honeymoon staycationing. If you and your other half prefer a slower pace of life, relish riverside walks and countryside ambles from our beautiful cottage, The Watermill. Surrounded by enchanting woodland, trickling streams and its very own tennis courts, it's easy to while away a long weekend here without needing the car. Begin each day with fresh egg breakfasts before lacing up your walking boots for a walk around the picturesque Ruthern Valley.

If a beach day is on the cards, Polzeath, Harlyn, Mawgan Porth and Watergate all sit within a 30 minute drive, so it's easy to explore the best of the coast from here too. Board rental is available from all four beaches, and you can opt for body, surf or paddle depending on what you fancy. For those who are tempted by a sauna session and sea swim too (a new favourite Cornish tradition) there’s Sauna Society, Olla Hiki and Saunas By The Sea dotted along the aforementioned beaches, and come highly recommended by our team.

Food and drink wise, there are plenty of options close by too. Onda in Wadebridge is a beautifully romantic setting for elevated Italian dishes and perfect wine pairings, while The Mowhay in Daymer Bay is a little more laid back but is loved for its hearty steak and seafood plates.

Barnaby’s is also worth a visit while in the area. Set amongst Trevibban Mill’s picturesque vineyard, this is where you’ll find Middle Eastern-inspired menus, delicious cocktails and even better views. Order a few small plates to share, our favourites include roasted figs with harissa, muhammara crab toast and za’atar chicken with garlic yoghurt. Upstairs, Trevibban Mill is open for wine tastings, tours and deliciously paired cheese boards. Sample some of the best Cornish wines and clink glasses to a honeymoon well-spent.

Mawgan Porth, North Cornwall

© Perfect Stays, Scarlet and Newquay Adventure Centre

Where to stay: The Lookout

Nearby restaurants: Dining in and around Mawgan Porth

Instantly recognisable for its golden sands, excellent surf and clifftop homes, Mawgan Porth is loved by couples thanks to the Scarlet’s impeccable eco spa. Offering a completely unique spa experience for newlyweds, expect a bathing ritual, guided meditation, synchronised massage, full use of the facilities and lunch served in their ocean-view restaurant. Alternatively, find solace in Bedruthan’s Sensory Spa Garden. Delve into the world of Finnish tradition with hot tub bathing and wave-watching from the sauna, all before afternoon tea for two in the Bakery at Bedruthan.

Also suited to dog-friendly staycations, the beach welcomes four-legged friends all year round with the coast path stretching over to Watergate Bay in one direction and Carnewas in the other. A longer route takes you over to Porth and the beaches of Newquay, where watersports, nightlife and well-being activities can be found in abundance. Try an oyster shucking masterclass with Katy Davidson, a couple’s coasteering tour with Newquay Adventure Centre or stay for live music with one of Lusty Glaze’s sundowner sessions.

For something extra luxurious, arrange a picnic with Dine with Iris. Loved for her beautiful set-ups and delicious platters, this is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Select a spot on Mawgan Porth’s headland to enjoy views out to sea and let Briony from Dine with Iris take care of the rest. While the food itself is certainly special, with colourful charcuterie and decadent cheese boards, the dressing is simply stunning. Expect fresh florals, boho décor and blue-sky playlists to ease you into married life wonderfully.

With many of our Mawgan Porth properties enjoying incredible ocean vistas, hot tubs and decadent master suites, it would be our pleasure to help find your dream honeymoon home. And with our Concierge service included with every booking, we’ll help take care of those finer details and curate bespoke itineraries for your stay. Find out more about our Inclusive Concierge Service here.

Charlestown, South Cornwall

© Perfect Stays, Eden Project, The Longstore, HarbourQ and Knightor

Where to stay: Serenity in nearby Carlyon Bay

Nearby restaurants: Charlestown’s best cafés, pubs and restaurants

Steeped in maritime history thanks to its ancient harbour and ever-present tall ships, Charlestown earns its place as one of Cornwall’s most romantic destinations. Cobbled streets wind down to a small port and onto a pebbled beach, which is loved for its crystal-clear waters and gentle waves. Onshore, you’ll find a selection of restaurants serving excellent seafood dishes with our favourites The Longstore, Springtide and Rebellion among the best.

In the summertime, foodie pop-ups line the harbourside. From fish tacos and frozen margaritas at HarbourQ to stonebaked pizzas and spiced rum cocktails at The Rum Sailor, it becomes the perfect setting for laid back dining as the setting sun turns the sky pink.

You’ll also find a selection of beachside pops-ups for al fresco dining in the neighbouring Carlyon Bay. Spend days soaking up the sunshine on the three-mile-long stretch of sand, fuelled by the Mussel Shoal’s famous moules mariniere and crispy squid. Come evening, the beach fills with live music thanks to Shoreside Bar, so you’d be forgiven for thinking you had landed on faraway lands as mojitos are poured and the sunset is devoured.

Activities-wise, there’s plenty to keep you and your other half busy. The South West Coast Path weaves its way over the harbour, with Carlyon Bay in one direction and Porthpean in the other. The botanical gardens of Heligan, Eden and Pinetum are also close by for those laid back sunny afternoon strolls. And to really celebrate becoming newlyweds, we recommend a spa day at The Carlyon Bay Hotel. Take a moment to cheers champagne cocktails on the sea-view terrace before indulging in a couples’ massage and full use of both the indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hot tub, sauna and steam room.

For those wishing to fill a week with plans, add Knightor Winery to your list. Explore the beautiful vineyards, sample Cornish wines or even make your own botanical blend for your honeymoon keepsake. For our full list of local recommendations, read our local's guide to Carlyon Bay.

Falmouth, South Cornwall

© Perfect Stays, Star & Garter and St Michael's Spa

Where to stay: Cornerways in nearby St Mawes

Nearby restaurants: Culture, Mine and Star & Garter

Vibrant, arty and sitting on the edge of sparkling seas, Falmouth is one for those seeking a fuller itinerary for their romantic getaway. With an array of independent restaurants, bars and pubs, it's certainly a great place to soak up a buzzing atmosphere. We recommend making a reservation at Culture, having been awarded a Michelin Green Star in 2023 it's well worth a visit for its eight-course tasting menu and wine flight. For something a little less formal, be sure to visit Star and Garter for their Sunday lunch or call by Mine for classic Cornish dishes.

Known for its excellent nightlife, there’s usually live music, comedy and theatre to be found at the local pubs and venues. Or opt for an evening of wine and cider tasting instead. The Orgia is one of our favourite recommendations for post-dinner drinks, thanks to its ambient vibe and extensive wine list. Meanwhile, The Stable offers cider tasting, perfect for those wishing to sample a selection of Cornwall’s finest.

Surrounded by picture-perfect bays, Falmouth also makes a great destination for couples who love to sea swim, stand-up paddle board or sail. Swanpool Beach likens paradise with its white sands and turquoise waters, while Gyllyangvase Beach is a golden crescent of sand enjoying views across to Pendennis Castle and St Mawes.

From here, you can also book a boat trip which will take you along the estuary, past Flushing and Malpas. A real once-in-a-lifetime experience, expect to see seals, dolphins and seabirds as you cruise along the waters, guided by the knowledgeable crew. Or simply, hop on the ferry across to St Mawes and enjoy a day wandering its quintessential Cornish streets in search of cinnamon buns and lunch with a view.

Back in Falmouth, St Michael’s Spa awaits for those wishing to switch off and reconnect. Their couples’ spa days include a two-hour thermal experience, a rhassoul treatment and full body massage. A great way to round off your honeymoon or minimoon staycation, a day spent at St Micheal’s will leave you feeling truly pampered.

For more inspiration, read our guide to Cornwall’s most beautiful wedding venues or speak to our Property Advisors on 01208 895 570 to begin planning your couples getaway.

Image credits: Appletons, Fowey Hall Hotel, St Moritz Hotel, Ugly Butterfly, Sabzi, Paul Ainsworth's No.6, Trevibban Mill, Onda, Star & Garter and St Michael's Spa. The Longstore, HarbourQ and Trevibban Mill via Instagram. All other images are our own.