Whether you’re a beer lover or history buff, Cornwall is something of a treasure trove when it comes to old, historic inns. No matter which beautiful town or village you find yourself in while staying at Truro holiday cottages, chances are you’ll stumble upon a fine old building filled with history.
One great way to discover Cornish traditions during your holiday is by visiting some of Cornwall’s oldest inns and pubs. You’ll soon discover no two places are the same; from thatched cottages on the coast to old coves tucked into towns, take a trip through Cornwall’s history by visiting these grand old establishments.
The Oldest Pubs in Cornwall
Cornwall is strewn with fantastic stories of buildings that have stood the test of time. Unfortunately, historical records are not always accurate, but based on what we can confirm, the following pubs rank amongst the oldest in Cornwall:
- The Old Inn, St Breward
- The Crown Inn, Lanlivery
- Weary Friar, Saltash
- The Pandora Inn, Mylor
- The Bush Inn, Morenstow
- Treguth Inn, Holywell Bay
- The Turk’s Head, Penzance
- Tinners Arms, Zennor
The Old Inn and Restaurant, St Breward (11th Century)
Located in a small village on Bodmin Moor, The Old Inn is currently believed to be the oldest pub in Cornwall.
As with a few pubs on this list, the building was hastily constructed to accommodate people – in this case, monks – building the nearby church in the 11th century. While the building has since been expanded, elements of the original construction remain, including granite fireplaces from the period.
Set amongst wonderful rolling hills, The Old Inn also claims to be the highest pub in Cornwall, at 720 feet above sea level.
The Crown Inn, Lanlivery (12th Century)
The Crown Inn is a classic local, a farmhouse set in the quiet village of Lanlivery. Situated on the Saint’s Way, a historic pilgrimage route through Cornwall, records show that it has been an inn serving travellers since the 12th century.
The building has recently undergone refurbishments, but there are still elements of the building with plenty of warmth and history to enjoy.
Weary Friar, Saltash (12th Century)
Another beautiful countryside pub, the Weary Friar can be found in Pillaton, a small village just outside Saltash. The L-shaped pub was originally a collection of cottages built by monks during the construction of the church next door and has gone through various iterations before becoming the Weary Friar in the 1960s.
Nowadays, it’s a classic example of a historic inn, with low-beamed ceilings and brick walls lovingly cared for over many generations.
The Pandora Inn, Mylor (13th Century)
Records suggest the Pandora Inn was once part of a thriving farm. Situated on what was an important road between Falmouth and Truro, it then became The Ship, a fantastic location to offer rest to travellers, before later being renamed after HMS Pandora.
Unfortunately, a major fire in 2011 destroyed much of the Pandora Inn above the ground floor. However, a careful restoration of the Grade II-listed building means it has restored much of the original charm, including its thatched roof.
The Bush Inn, Morenstow (13th Century)
A freehouse dating back to the 13th century The Bush Inn is blessed with stunning views across North Cornwall. It’s also close to the South-West Coast Path, which is perhaps why it’s been such a popular place with travellers for so many centuries!
The Bush Inn is a wonderful monument in what is one of Cornwall’s hidden gem locations, particularly for history buffs. Parson Hawker, a famous priest and writer who created the de facto Cornish national anthem Trelawny, spent most of his life in Morenstow and is believed to have frequented the Bush Inn.
Treguth Inn, Holywell Bay (13th Century)
Treguth was originally a cottage, dating back to the 13th century. It’s been an inn since the early 1900s and is a hugely popular stopping point for visitors to Holywell Bay, one of Cornwall’s most popular beaches.
As you’d expect from a classic thatched building, Treguth is wonderfully cosy with low beamed ceilings. It also has outdoor seating for those seeking the sun!
The Turk’s Head, Penzance (13th Century)
The Turk’s Head is a classic shanty pub. Situated on one of Penzance’s oldest streets, there has been an inn on the site since the 13th century. The building has strong links to pirates and smugglers, with an underground tunnel connecting it to the nearby harbour.
Much of the building’s original charm has been kept, so this is a must-visit for anyone who loves old shanty pubs.
Tinners Arms, Zennor (13th Century)
As with other inns on this list, the Tinners Arms was originally built to accommodate people building the village’s church back in the 13th century. For those interested in Cornish folklore, the church is also part of a famous story about the Mermaid of Zennor – something to ask a local about when you visit!
The building eventually got its name from the tin mining industry, which was a huge part of Cornish life for many generations. Famous novelist D.H. Lawrence, who wrote Lady Chatterley’s Lover, is reported to have stayed at the Tinners Arms in 1916 with his wife, whereupon he wrote profusely about the local beauty spots.
If you’re looking for the perfect Cornwall accommodation to enjoy everything the region has to offer, consider our self-catering cottages at The Valley. Perfectly placed between Truro and Falmouth in the village of Carnon Downs, we’re within easy access of many of Cornwall’s most popular locations, making road trips a breeze. We also have an award-winning restaurant of our own on-site, perfect for refuelling between your adventures.
