Port Isaac
the The Golden Lion pub, perched above Port Isaac’s harbor, has it all: cozy woodwork, a roaring fire and a good beer. Winter is a great time to visit this fishing village – the gift shops may be closed, but the village will not be overwhelmed by the Doctor martin fan club. There is a spectacular circular walk from Kellan Head to Port Quin – or continue to the Rumps, an Iron Age fort jutting out from Pentire Headland. Stay in an old pilchard cellar, a National Trust property nestled on the cobbles of Port Quin – and prepare for a gust of wind.
Cave Caroline, from £ 307 for two nights in January, nationaltrust.org.uk
Roseland Peninsula
On the south coast, the Roseland Peninsula is a hidden gem with beautiful beaches and secluded bays. In Portscatho, early risers can watch the sun rise with coffee and cream pies at Tatams cafe above the beach or take a swim in the sea in winter, if you dare. There are a lot of pubs to discover – the Feather feather in Portscatho, the Head of the King from Ruan Lanihorne, and the Auberge de la Roselande in Philleigh are all cozy places for a pint by the fireside. Will stay Cottage cow parsley, a short walk from Philleigh. With two outdoor baths placed side by side in your garden, what could be better than taking a hot bubble bath in the cold air at sunset? If you are lucky you will also see the barn owl passing by.
Cow Parsley Cottage, from £ 180 per night, penhallowfarmholidays.co.uk
Zennor, near Penzance
You can’t miss the gurnard head. This bright yellow pub is like a spoonful of English mustard on the cliffs, a beacon of warmth and hospitality above jagged rocks. Tired walkers can find good food and an open fire. There are nice bedrooms upstairs. Before settling in, clear your head as you trample the fields to Gurnard’s Head, an imposing rocky promontory with large Game of thrones energy. Once the cobwebs are cleared, return to the pub. You’ll want to book table 18 in the window, with the best sea views.
Winter holidays from £ 185 for two, B&B dinner, Sun-Thu, gurnardshead.co.uk
Mouse hole
Mousehole makes winter in style: In December and January, the harbor is adorned with a spectacular show of old-fashioned Christmas lights. Stay in the Old coast guard – sister hotel of Gurnard’s Head. It has the same overwhelming supply of great food, great wine, cozy rooms – and it’s kid and dog friendly. Catch a morning nearby Newlyn Cinema, in a converted fish shop, before returning to the Coast Guard for dinner. The winter holidays of £ 185 for two, dinner and guest rooms, two nights Sun-Game; Sunday pajama parties £ 207.50, for lunch, dinner and bed and breakfast, oldcoastguardhotel.co.uk
Falmouth
Spend lazy days exploring the town of Falmouth and relax with a Breton cider by the fire in the pub-bookshop Beer wolf books. Eat the best pâté of your life at Good pâtés, a joint in the wall on Upton Slip, or savor an espresso and some socialist theory at Ruddy, a radical bookshop-café in the historic Arcade St Georges. Stay at Star and Garter, a gourmet pub with three apartments upstairs, which have everything you need in the dead of winter: a plush bed, deep soaking tub, huge TV and stunning views. The apartments are self-catering, but the food (and rum) in the pub downstairs is exceptional.
Apartments from £ 170 per night. Breakfast boxes are available for an additional £ 35 which include everything you need for a hearty fry; starandgarterfalmouth.co.uk
Porthleven and the Lizard
The village of Porthleven on the south coast is famous for its images of vast waves breaking over its harbor walls and church during winter storms – and the town’s best seat is at ship’s inn, an atmospheric pub where you can watch the sea explode against the harbor walls. Walk to nearby Lizard Point, then warm up with a lunch at the Polpeor coffee, perched dangerously high on the cliffs. Stay in Pednagothollan, a large house on the Lizard Cliffs overlooking Kynance Cove, which offers great prices for winter stays.
From £ 995 for 7 nights, sleeps 6; forever cornwall.co.uk
Helford, near Falmouth
If the weather gets too good, retreat to the sheltered coves around Helford Passage. Here, nestled in the middle of an ancient forest, you will find the Ferry Inn, perched by the river, with tables outside for parents to eat and drink, while the children play on the beach. Come for the Sunday roasts, which are indecently huge and delicious. Near Trebah Garden is a subtropical paradise teeming with tree ferns, bamboo and hydrangeas. It also has a private beach, perfect for wild swimming – yes, even in winter. Will stay Small barn of Trenant on Polwheveral Creek, which comes with its own rowing boat, called Sandy.
From £ 145 per night, for 4 people; airbnb.co.uk
Trevose Head
At Trevose Head, spindly trees dot the rugged cliff tops and the sea rises through dramatic gorges. Constantine, Booby’s, and Trevone are great beaches for a stormy trampling. If you fancy eating out, the locals rave about Shrimps on the lawn in Padstow, which won the UK Seafood Restaurant of the Year award in 2020. And stay at the cozy Pig in Harlyn Bay, a bunch of warren-like country: guests are actively encouraged to collapse with velvet armchairs near the fire. Collapse, cocktail in hand, before enjoying exceptional cuisine in the candlelit dining room, scented with dried rosemary and wood smoke.
From £ 150; thepighotel.com
Penzance
In bad weather, the Penzance seafront becomes a theater where the waves provide a thrilling spectacle. After a stroll along the promenade, explore the thriving Independent Main Street where chic household items shops, such as No 56, rub shoulders with old-fashioned gems like Jim’s great store, where you can buy everything from a set of vampire teeth to an enamel pie pan. Do not miss Tam O’Shanter, a small shop selling traditional woolen sweaters knitted underwire by “Frank, 83”. Warm up to the jar of honey, a cozy cafe that serves roasts on Sundays. Chapel House, a serene hotel in the center of town, has in-room baths and views of St Michael’s Mount.
From £ 160 per night; chapellehousepz.co.uk
Portholland, near Mevagissey
Enjoy a windswept stroll along Portholland Beach before having lunch at the Weapons of kings in the nearby fishing port of Mevagissey. It’s a real pub, with great wine and lots of atmosphere – think heavy wooden tables, flagstone floors, and chalk-scribbled daily menus. Book in advance for their holiday season until December. Chapel House on Portholland Beach is the ultimate comfortable stay for New Years and beyond. Relax with a book as the rain beats the arched windows that look directly out to the sea.
From £ 100 per night, sleeps 6, kids welcome, sawdays.co.uk
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