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.
Historically one of Britain's most vital ports, now home to the National Maritime Museum. Falmouth is a thriving resort (check out the flash yachts in the harbour), a rich centre for art, including one of the country's best art schools, and a great collection of beaches.
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.
Flushing lies across the water from Falmouth and rumour has it that this atmospheric village enjoys the mildest climate in the country. With sandy beaches, friendly pubs and lush, green woodland surrounding it; Flushing is a wonderfully relaxing oasis at any time of year.
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.
The village of Helford is a hidden gem of a place, secreted on the banks of the Helford River and surrounded by ancient woodland, deep valleys and creeks. Take a passenger ferry along the river and you'll feel as if you've entered another world, a peaceful refuge from the traffic and crowds of the 21st century. It's impossible not to think of smugglers, pirates and Daphne du Maurier's tortured heroines as you slide across the water through this beautiful corner of Cornwall.
This crossroads village near Falmouth sits by the beautiful Helford River. The blacksmith's Smithy, once the centre of village life here, has been restored to its former glory and houses workshops for local crafts.
Falmouth's smaller neighbour doesn't get much of a look in, being in the shadows of the fourth best place to live in England. But it has plenty to offer for those put off by the bright lights of a busy town. It is situated at the head of the Penryn river and surrounded by the pretty little villages of the Helford. Easy access to other areas of the far west is facilitated by the proximity of the A39 yet you've the sea views and harbour delights of a coastal town to enjoy. And did you know, Penryn is the oldest market town in Cornwall? So there's plenty of historical architecture and landscapes to explore.
Finding the tiny cove of Porthallow involves taking the road less travelled. This is the Cornwall of quiet, leafy lanes, hidden beaches and a slower pace of life. If you're looking for wild nightlife or ritzy shopping, you're in the wrong place…If you're after total relaxation and peace, then you've found perfection.
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.
10 August 2025
Historically one of Britain's most vital ports, now home to the National Maritime Museum. Falmouth is a thriving resort (check out the flash yachts in the harbour), a rich centre for art, including one of the country's best art schools, and a great collection of beaches.
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.
13 March 2022
Flushing lies across the water from Falmouth and rumour has it that this atmospheric village enjoys the mildest climate in the country. With sandy beaches, friendly pubs and lush, green woodland surrounding it; Flushing is a wonderfully relaxing oasis at any time of year.
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.
15 June 2012
The village of Helford is a hidden gem of a place, secreted on the banks of the Helford River and surrounded by ancient woodland, deep valleys and creeks. Take a passenger ferry along the river and you'll feel as if you've entered another world, a peaceful refuge from the traffic and crowds of the 21st century. It's impossible not to think of smugglers, pirates and Daphne du Maurier's tortured heroines as you slide across the water through this beautiful corner of Cornwall.
This crossroads village near Falmouth sits by the beautiful Helford River. The blacksmith's Smithy, once the centre of village life here, has been restored to its former glory and houses workshops for local crafts.
Falmouth's smaller neighbour doesn't get much of a look in, being in the shadows of the fourth best place to live in England. But it has plenty to offer for those put off by the bright lights of a busy town. It is situated at the head of the Penryn river and surrounded by the pretty little villages of the Helford. Easy access to other areas of the far west is facilitated by the proximity of the A39 yet you've the sea views and harbour delights of a coastal town to enjoy. And did you know, Penryn is the oldest market town in Cornwall? So there's plenty of historical architecture and landscapes to explore.
Finding the tiny cove of Porthallow involves taking the road less travelled. This is the Cornwall of quiet, leafy lanes, hidden beaches and a slower pace of life. If you're looking for wild nightlife or ritzy shopping, you're in the wrong place…If you're after total relaxation and peace, then you've found perfection.