The picturesque images of the rocky smugglers coves of the South Cornish coast are in stark contrast to their rugged counterparts on the northern side of the county, with miles of estuaries, many of them crossed by ferries. The more genteel English Channel coastline of the south is packed with hidden anchorages, tranquil creeks, and pretty fishing villages.
Things to do in South Cornwall
The Lost Gardens of Heligan are within a restored estate situated just behind Megvagissey, in a ravine which acts as a microclimate, allowing numerous sub-tropical plants to flourish. In addition to a series of ponds - surrounded by avenues of palms, giant rhubarb and ferns, banana plantations and bamboos - large ‘organic sculptures’ create hidden surprise features on a woodland walk.Other attractions include a walled flower garden and an organic vegetable garden. Although the main house is closed to public access, the gardens and associated tea rooms and shop have proved to be an award-winning local attraction.
The Eden Project, a series of iconic domed structures just outside St Austell, has transformed a disused clay mine into a rich, global garden, featuring over a million plants from a myriad of climates worldwide. The flora have been selected to demonstrate how plants provide us with food, fuel, medicines and other materials, as well as their role in the wider eco-system.
Top Destinations
Saltash- Facing Plymouth over the River Tamar, the town is one of the largest in the county, and is notable for being the site of Brunel’s Royal Albert (railway) Bridge. The passage across the Tamar, first by ferry, and later by bridges, has always been central to the history of the town. The area was recently judged to be the most desirable place to live in Great Britain.
Looe- This small fishing port is actually composed of two towns, East and West Looe, which are connected by a bridge across the River Looe. The small harbour, steep-sided valley and sandy beach make it a popular holiday venue. Just off shore from the harbour lies St George’s Island, known locally as Looe Island.
Lostwithiel - An old market town on the lowest bridging point of the Fowey, Lostwithiel has an appealing mixture of Georgian houses and dark cobbled passageways. Local features include a peculiar, Breton-inspired octagonal spire on St Bartholomew’s Church, and the well-appointed Restormel Castle.
Fowey– A typically Cornish town, Fowey is comprised of a cascade of neat, pale terraces. In the last century the town was the leading port for china clay shipments, and it continues to support a thriving shipping trade, which now includes both commercial trawlers and leisure yachts.
Mevagissey- An attractive old town, once at the centre of the county’s pilchard industry, Mevagissey still boasts a working harbour. At the end of June each year, the town celebrates Feast Week, with dancing in the streets and other local entertainment. The steep, but spectacular coastline offers some excellent walks and the area is also favoured by sea anglers.
Truro - Cornwall’s administrative centre, and home to her only cathedral, Truro is close to where the River Fal rises. This bustling city is also the centre of tourism and commerce for the county, and the skyline is dominated by a marvellous gothic revival cathedral, with its three soaring spires and fine stained glass.
Falmouth - Once just a fishing village, the construction of Pendennis Castle (together with the neighbouring St Mawes Castle on the east side of the estuary) by Henry VIII allowed the town to develop and prosper. In 1689 it became the main base of the fast ‘Falmouth Packets’, which sped mail to the Americas.
Helston- At the northern end of the Lizard Peninsula, Helston was once a small inland port exporting tin and copper, located at the head of the River Cober estuary. In the 13th century it was cut off from the sea by a sand bar, creating the largest natural freshwater lake in Cornwall.
Mousehole- Pronounced ‘Mowzel’, this quintessential Cornish fishing village presents a fine array of yellow-lichened houses, huddled around the edge of the picturesque harbour. Forever etched in the memories of the British public by the actions of the valiant men of its lifeboat crew, who gave their lives during a daring rescue attempt one Winter’s night in 1981, the town is the focus of celebrations on Tom Bawcock’s Eve each December 23rd. Star Gazey Pie, a unique culinary delight, which features herring fish heads protruding through a pie crust, also plays a key role in the festivities.
Penzance– With railway access through to Paddington, Penzance is the southernmost station on the UK mainland rail network, with a popular overnight sleeper service comparing favourably with road access from London.
St Ives – Long isolated by its coastal location towards the end of the Cornish peninsula, St Ives was ‘revealed’ to the outside world with the opening of the Great Western Railway line in 1877. An internationally renowned centre for arts, including the St Ives School of Artists in the late 1800s, and home in their time to Turner, Whistler, Virginia Woolf, Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore, the town is now the location of the award-winning building which houses Tate St Ives.
Located on a 400 acre working farm, in a quiet hamlet in rural Cornwall. Markwell is approximately 7 miles from the beaches of Portwinkle, Downderry and Seaton, 12 miles from the fishing port of Looe.
The cottages have ...
The Bay Talland, near Polperro, Cornwall, provides a rare opportunity to rent a stylish, contemporary home with direct access to the shore.
Set on a secluded hillside, overlooking an idyllic cove , our luxurious homes ...
In an elevated position this cosy mid terraced holiday cottage has views across the Looe estuary and harbour. Within walking distance of a sandy beach, shops, restaurants and pubs. Magnificent coastlines and countryside ...
This former cider apple barn, situated within the owners’ grounds, has been renovated and is full of character, with exposed feature stone walls and beams. There is a large living room with door leading out onto the ...
Lansallos, 64 Rosecraddoc Holiday Village, St Cleer, Liskeard, Cornwall
Rosecraddoc Holiday Village is set in a quiet wooded valley divided by the river Seaton that flows from high up on the moor on its journey to the sea, 10 miles south. Rosecraddoc is ideally situated to be within easy ...
Dolphin Cottage is right on the edge of the sea in Portmellon Cove. It is a charming and romantic cottage ideal for two to hide away.
Amazing proximity to seaside and cliff walks. The sea is just outside every window ...
Castle is a completely unique and quite beautiful Cornish mansion house steeped in history. The house was built in the 1800’s out of local natural stone and granite in a classical style, with arched mullioned windows and ...
The Dairy, Markwell Farm,, Landrake, Saltash, Cornwall
Located on a 400 acre working farm, in a quiet hamlet in rural Cornwall. Markwell is approximately 7 miles from the beaches of Portwinkle, Downderry and Seaton, 12 miles from the fishing port of Looe.
The cottages have ...
Overlooking harbourTreat yourself to the delights of a working Cornish fishing village with a stay in this quaint holiday cottage. Just 50 yards from the quayside with superb views of the boats, this one time fisherman’s ...
These two comfortable, Grade II listed holiday cottages are set with their separate little gardens in a picturesque, unspoilt Georgian harbour village which looks much the same now as it did 100 years ago , and is often ...
A fabulous, ground floor, contemporary apartment, within a stunning, superbly designed building, set on the shores of the beach at Downderry. The property has gated security, private parking and lift access, a lovely south ...
Upon arriving in the conservation area of the historic Port of Fowey it will not take you long to realise why the famous writer Daphne du Maurier took much of her inspiration from the landscapes that surround ...
Visit England ROSE award winner 2018This stylish, detached bungalow, set in a quiet cul-de-sac, provides the ideal accommodation to enjoy all of this beautiful county. One of its best features is the property’s location ...
Adjoining the owner’s home this spacious semi-detached property is set in the pretty little hamlet of Herodsfoot surrounded by countryside and close by woodland walks through Deerpark Forest. To the rear is a ⅓-acre ...
All on the ground floor.2 steps to ...Living room: With electric fire, Freeview TV and DVD player.Kitchen/dining room: With electric cooker, microwave, fridge and washing machine.Bedroom 1: With double bed.Bedroom 2: With ...
This large, stylish semi-detached house, next to the owner’s home, is in a pretty little village close to the South Cornwall coast, which has its own unique charm and mild climate. The local pub is renowned for good food ...
This detached, single-storey holiday cottage is just minutes from the sea-faring town of Fowey with its galleries, shops and restaurants. River trips, diving, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, walking, dolphin spotting, ...
Camellia Cottage, Polmassick, near St Austell, Cornwall, Mevagissey
Ground Floor:Bedroom 1: With kingsize bed and en-suite with shower cubicle and toilet.Bedroom 2: With twin beds.Bathroom: With shower over bath, toilet and washer/dryer.First Floor:Open plan living space.Living area: With ...
Set in 38 acres of beautiful groundsSome properties suitable for disabled peopleSauna in most properties, plus Jacuzzi/spa bath in some propertiesFree all-weather tennis court and coarse fishing all year11 miles from sandy ...
This elegant, first floor apartment, one of several in this grand house, is set in landscaped gardens and has a shared, indoor, heated swimming pool with a retractable roof. One Acre View has a large balcony accessed ...
Carnethic Penthouse is a stylish apartment, set in the award-winning gardens of a Regency country house on the edge of Fowey on Cornwall’s south coast. The interior boasts an exceptionally spacious open plan ...
Chilsworthy Farm Cottage, Chilsworthy, near Callington, Cornwall, Callington and the Tamar Valley
This detached, stone barn, adjacent to the owner’s home, has been converted to make a fantastic holiday cottage with panoramic views across the rolling Cornish and Devon countryside, across Blanchdown Forest and as far ...
Chy-An-Ula is a spacious bungalow tucked away to the rear of the owner’s home. This holiday property is positioned in Landrake just a few minutes off the main A38 into South Cornwall, making a great base from which to ...
This former cider apple barn, situated within the owners’ grounds, has been renovated and is full of character, with exposed feature stone walls and beams. There is a large living room with door leading out onto the ...
This stylish first floor apartment, in one of Charlestown’s quiet developments, is only minutes from the historic harbour and centre of this World Heritage Site and looks out over the original waterwheel of the converted ...
This holiday apartment has been finished to a very good standard, providing comfortable and stylish accommodation, with the benefit of a hallway at the bottom of the access stairs for storage of prams and pushchairs. The ...
Bar and restaurant; The Village Inn within the groundsFree use of tennis court at adjacent Rosecraddoc ManorUse of fishing lake, rod licence required, charges applyA selection of detached holiday bungalows in landscaped ...
Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural BeautySet in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the edge of the village of Pensilva, these beautifully converted holiday properties stand amongst the most spectacular scenery in ...
Set in quaint fishing villageMevagissey is a traditional Cornish fishing village where cottages cluster tightly in narrow streets that surround and lead to a busy working harbour. Craftsmen Cottage nestles just seconds ...
This stable has been lovingly converted and offers spacious holiday accommodation, with parking for 3 cars, a boat and a trailer. Close to the Saints Way running from Padstow to Fowey, walks are magnificent along the ...
Daffodil, Linkinhorne, near Callington, Cornwall, Callington and the Tamar Valley
Ground Floor:Open plan living space.Living area: With wood burner, Freeview TV and DVD player.Dining area.Kitchen area: With electric oven, electric hob, microwave, fridge/freezer and dishwasher.Bedroom 1: With zip and ...
Dolphin Cottage is right on the edge of the sea in Portmellon Cove. It is a charming and romantic cottage ideal for two to hide away.
Amazing proximity to seaside and cliff walks. The sea is just outside every window ...
Bar and restaurant; The Village Inn within the groundsFree use of tennis court at adjacent Rosecraddoc ManorUse of fishing lake, rod licence required, charges applyA selection of detached holiday bungalows in landscaped ...
A stylish modern single-storey contemporary holiday home finished to a good standard offering many little luxuries the discerning guest wants these days such as Laura Ashley linen, big fluffy bath sheets, gowns, slippers ...
This terraced holiday home provides the ideal base to explore the tiny streets of this Cornish gem. Visit the working harbour where you can enjoy the tourist boats for fishing and sightseeing trips. Take a ferry across the ...
Restored to a good standard, this beautiful single-storey holiday cottage is adjacent to the owner’s home and provides the perfect place to enjoy Cornwall and neighbouring Devon. Close by are many attractions such as the ...
A charmingly converted old holiday cottage overlooking a tidal creek of the River Fowey in South Cornwall. Florin Cottage is in a good walking area with many walks direct from the door. Lerryn is a friendly, picture-book ...
Set in 38 acres of beautiful groundsSome properties suitable for disabled peopleSauna in most properties, plus Jacuzzi/spa bath in some propertiesFree all-weather tennis court and coarse fishing all year11 miles from sandy ...
Foxland, Blunts, near Saltash, Cornwall, Callington and the Tamar Valley
This rural barn conversion, set next to the owner’s home, is ideal for either a couple or those with two younger children. Foxlands lies midway in the triangle between Saltash, Liskeard and Callington. This is a quiet ...
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