Towns and Villages in West Cornwall

Carbis Bay

22 August 2026

The quiet, unassuming sister of St Ives, Carbis Bay is only one mile west from its famous neighbour and overlooks the bay to the iconic lighthouse just off-shore at Godrevy Point, four miles further west across the golden sands of the Towans. Carbis Bay is a lot quieter all year round and boasts three of the finest sandy beaches in the area, Carbis Bay beach, Porthkidney Sands and Hawkes Point, perfect for families and couples. Or if you want to sample the delights of St Ives it delivers the best route in. Leave your car behind and catch the train or stroll along the coast path, you will not be disappointed as you round the final corner.

Coverack

18 May 2026

Chocolate-box pretty, Coverack has everything you want in a Cornish village - a picture-postcard harbour, a crescent of sandy beach and a friendly pub. Car parking is limited and it's best to use the pay and display on the outskirts of the village and walk in. You'll find several cafes serving food all day during high season.

Penzance

21 November 2025

Not quite as firmly on the tourist trail as St Ives, Penzance has real character and is more down to earth. The Jubilee Pool, on the Promenade, is an enormous open-air, Art Deco-style lido, complete with sun terraces and cafe - it's a great place to while away a sunny afternoon.

Marazion

4 May 2025

Most people barely glance at the village of Marazion as they head off over the causeway to St Michael's Mount, but it's worth a nose. There are some lovely galleries and a few cosy cafes to linger in.

Helford River

14 September 2024

A lush river valley landscape of ancient woodlands tumbling down to the banks of the still, blue waters; the views will not disappoint. Utterly undisturbed, with little pockets of civilisation popping up at convenient intervals, anywhere along the Helford River will make for the perfect holiday. Kick off your deck shoes and dangle your toes in contentment, you'll feel a world away in seconds.

St Ives

11 October 2022

One of the jewels in the UK's crown. St Ives is a maze of cobbled streets, fishermen's cottages, shops, galleries and restaurants waiting to be explored. St Ives bay has beaches catering for everyone's holiday needs, from sheltered bays for the family to surfing at Porthmeor beach. Home to the Tate St Ives, the town has long had a reputation as a Mecca for artists due to the weather and the unique quality of natural light.

Mullion

9 April 2022

A real hub of activity, Mullion has cafes, pubs, craft centres and shops. The cove and harbour can be found a short walk away with access at low tide to the beach through a cave.

Zennor

6 April 2022

'At Zennor one sees infinite Atlantic, all peacock-mingled colours, and the gorse itself is sunshine...' wrote D.H Lawrence.This little village earnt its place in local folklore with tales of mermaids seducing local lads to the watery depths. Today a carving of the Mermaid of Zennor can be seen in the church and a bronze dial bearing the figure of a mermaid sits on the south side of the church tower.

Cadgwith

9 July 2021

Tucked away on the tip of the wild Lizard peninsula, Cadgwith is a gorgeous harbour village with chocolate box' charm by the bucketful. Thatched cottages line the narrow streets with evocative names like Kiddleywink' and Dolphin Cottage'. The friendly village pub, the Cadgwith Cove Inn, is steeped in history and makes a great place for an evening meal – much of the seafood on the menu is landed at the cove itself. Pop in on a Friday night and you might just find yourself joining in with the weekly gig by the Cadgwith Singers.

St Keverne

20 October 2020

The home of Roskillys ice cream! But while that is a worthy cause for a visit, St Keverne is a destination in its own right, with local traditions and quaint charm cementing this little village as a holiday favourite. There is a great fishing heritage and plenty of unspoilt beaches and coves with curious names to make your own.

Towns and Villages in West Cornwall

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Towns and Villages in West Cornwall