Cornwall is the holiday destination of choice for many seeking the perfect staycation here in the UK and with the numerous things to see and do, it’s not difficult to see why. Aside from the glorious, gold sandy beaches, dramatic, picturesque coastline and fantastic Cornish cuisine, there’s also a plethora of towns and villages demonstrating the epitome of culture in Cornwall for you to visit during your next holiday. Be it local festivals and events that have taken place for generations or independent restaurants, cafes and shops that line the streets to sell only the very finest produce this county has to offer, we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite villages to visit during your next stay in our Truro holiday cottages.
A small village and port on the south coast of Cornwall, Charlestown is best known to both visitors and locals alike for its role in various tv and film productions. The tiny Cornish community has been the set in Alice in Wonderland, Rebecca, The Three Musketeers, Moll Flanders and, more recently, BBC hit series Poldark, to name just a few. Charlestown still boasts a working harbour and two beautiful beaches that are just waiting to be explored. For history-lovers who’d like to know more about the local area, the Shipwreck and Heritage centre tells the fascinating story of Charlestown along with artefacts from over 150 ship wrecks.
Just a thirteen-minute drive away from Truro sits Feock, a charming little village nestled on the shore of the River Fal. Aside from the usual walks along the beach and exploring of the roads, this tiny village boasts Trelissick House and Garden to the west of the village, perfect for woodland walks with stunning maritime views. The National Trust estate offers lots to see and do, with regular events taking place throughout the year.
No visit to Mevagissey is quite complete without tucking into some fish and chips out of a paper bag whilst over-looking the picturesque harbour. However, it’s worth keeping an eye out for the beady-eyed gulls who might fancy themselves a chip or two – and certainly won’t be afraid to swoop down and take one! There are a plethora of independent gift shops selling handcrafted goods and local produce, as well as fantastic cafes and restaurants and even a small aquarium for when the weather is grey and wet. In the summer, many opt for a fishing trip in the seas nearby where lucky visitors have the opportunity to spot dolphins, seals and any number of sea-birds. At just half an hour away from Truro, Mevagissey is not to be missed during your next holiday in Cornwall.
Renowned for its 16th Century church which has the tallest tower in Cornwall. The tower is 129 feet high and decorated beautifully with intricate carvings and paintings. The name of the village originates from the church’s dedication to Saint Probus and at just a 12-minute drive away from Truro, this interesting village is well worth the visit – for the two fantastic pubs if nothing else! There are many walking and cycling trails on the outskirts of the village, with the traditional pubs serving hearty home-cooked delights making the perfect end to any day out.
Head just south of Mevagissey and find the charismatic fishing village of Gorran Haven, nestled amidst an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Little has changed in this quintessential Cornish community over the years and the old, traditional atmosphere only adds to the overall charm. One of the key features here is the unspoilt beach, sheltered by towering cliffs and boasting a blue, almost Carribbean-esque sea. A favourite for both families and dog-walkers, Gorran Haven is sure to be a highlight of any holiday to Cornwall.
On the northern bank of the Helford River estuary sits Helford Passage, a delightful village that is home to a sheltered shingle beach – making for the ideal picnic spot for you to sit back and watch the world go by. There is a myriad of routes and paths that explore hidden coves along the fantastic coastline and the 300-year-old Ferry Boat Inn is well worth a visit. Come rain or shine, there’s something very therapeutic about sitting back and watching the various boats and yachts sail past and this peaceful hidden gem can be reached by car in just 30-minutes.
A delightful village which is home to what is largely known as the prettiest church in England let alone Cornwall, this beautiful spot is perfect for those visiting early on in 2020 where primroses and snowdrops are plentiful. The church is set above a pretty creek and those who opt for a summer holiday to Cornwall can enjoy a cream tea at the old nursery opposite – just remember to put your jam on first! For more inspiration on walks with a treat at the end, check out our recent blog post, Walks in Cornwall with a Café.
That concludes our guide to just seven of the prettiest villages to visit during your next stay in Cornwall. Have you visited any of these or is your favourite missing from our list? Let us know in the comments via our social media channels!
THE VALLEY is proud to be the only 5 Star Gold Self Catering holiday village of its size in the whole of Cornwall
