Category: Featured retreats

24 hours in Port Isaac with the Nathan Outlaw experience

Delectable food, historic harbour, Doc Martin and a home from home in the centre of it all…

So when you only have 24 hours in Port Isaac where do you begin? With the tide in, boats bobbing and the sun shining, we headed straight to the picture-perfect working harbour.

Boasting clear waters on a sunny day, narrow winding streets and white-washed fisherman’s houses, we took the coast path up the side of the cliffs, towards the iconic ITV’s Doc Martin house (perfect place for a selfie with the Doc).

Visiting with a large family? Discover our large holiday homes perfect for big families or friend groups.

Experiencing Outlaw’s

After a quick tipple at the Golden Lion, we headed back up the hill towards our Beach Retreat holiday home ‘Lobber’, where we were more than ready for our seafood-tasting menu at the fantastic Restaurant Nathan Outlaw, conveniently perched directly opposite.

Recently voted the UK’s Best Restaurant by the 2017 Good Food Guide, Nathan Outlaw is renowned for his tasty sea-to-plate dishes with an extra twist.

The First Course

To kick things off we started with the wine flight (don’t mind if we do). The fabulous wine connoisseur gave us his expert knowledge on where and how each wine was made and a little history behind the families that maintained the vineyards.

Here he pours two glasses of the Sparkling Koshu 2014 from Japan.

Ensuring the wine complimented the food, our first course was the Cured Monkfish, Tomato and Sea Purslane and it certainly hit the spot.

Nathan’s simple and honest approach to seafood cookery mixed with the careful thought given to every tail and scale that enters his kitchen, really does provide a memorable dining experience.

Second Course

My favourite course, number 2 was the Gurnard and Porthilly Sauce, a dish that you will never want to end. Crabs are caught locally at Porthilly and then made into a delicious bisque like sauce. This sauce has everyone talking on TripAdvisor.

Accompanied by a glass of Capellania Blanco Reserva 2012, Marques de Murrieta, Rioja, Spain.

Main Course

Onto the mains and we certainly don’t doubt Nathan Outlaw’s ‘King of Fish’ title. The Cornish Turbot, with a side of tenderstem and roast onion sauce with potato.

Dessert

If you love your sweet food then this is the course for you! Strawberries and sugared shortbread biscuit in a delicous jelly with elderflower ice. Pour the ice onto the strawberries and you’ll be pleasantly surprised how much extra taste it adds.

Last course…

Cornish Jack Cheese (who doesn’t love cheese), Beetroot and Walnut Tart! As if things couldn’t get any better. The perfect end to a perfect meal. This course was wonderfully combined with a glass of Banyuls Reserva NV, Domaine La Tour Vieille,Roussillon from France.

Intrigued about how all this amazing food was prepped, we headed into the kitchen to get a little sneak peek as the chefs work.

Nathan Outlaw currently holds four Michelin stars across his empire of exquisite seafood restaurants.

There’s our dessert again, we couldn’t possibly eat anymore…

What do you do after a big meal when on the coast? Get outside and walk off your dinner with some of the most beautiful and rugged Cornish views. When leaving Restaurant Nathan Outlaw, head down the hill in the opposite direction towards Port Isaac’s sister port, Port Gaverne.

Enjoy a drink at the Port Gaverne Hotel and Restaurant before heading back up the hill. Sit on the bench half way up the hill and take in the inspiring views.

Much to our surprise, we found ourselves in the middle of the Port Isaac Carnival on our way back to Lobber.

It’s pleasant to see how much the locals come together and welcome visitors from near and far to join in with their celebrations.

Book your self-catering stay in Port Isaac with Beach Retreats.

Fancy looking at other areas of the North Coast? Explore our holiday properties in Padstow, just a short drive away from Port Isaac and Polzeath.

Learn more about Padstow in our blog all about how to enjoy a week in Padstow, and explore what it has to offer.

St Ives walk through

A walk along one of Cornwall’s best Blue Flag beaches towards the seaside town of St Ives

Voted Best UK Holiday Destination by Coast Magazine, we visited the beautiful seaside town in the height of the summer to see what all the fuss was about…and we get it!

Thinking about staying in St Ives? Have a look at our luxury St Ives holiday properties.

Firstly getting to St Ives. Our top tip for parking is to drive to the Lelant Saltings Park and Ride train station just 4 miles away, where visitors can leave their cars and hop on the St.Erth to St.Ives Bay Line for just £4 return (please note there is a small charge for parking your vehicle).

St Ives Train

This famous line has some of the most beautiful scenery in England and is well worth the ride down to the beach. Below is just one of the many scenes you’ll pass on your way into St Ives. Hop off at the end of the line at Porthminster Beach, where you’ll see a large sandy bay backed by a wooded valley, with all the beach amenities you and your family will need.

Interested in staying in our most luxurious holiday cottages? Check out our luxury coastal cottages.

Directly in front of you on the beach you’ll see the Porthminster Beach Bar, the perfect spot for a quick bite to eat, cold drink or just some chill time from the sun. Watch out for those swooping seagulls when walking around with food.

Porthminster Beach, St Ives

Porthminster beach has a Lifeguard service from mid May to end of September. You will also find that there is a seasonal dog ban on this beach…but don’t worry, read on to find out where you can take your pooches!

Head right when on the beach where you’ll find a great spot for rockpooling and you might even spot some fascinating hidden sealife under rocks and amongst the green seaweed.

In the opposite direction (our favourite one) you’ll be able to walk through shallow clear waters, jump the waves and watch the boats bobbing in the distance.

Fancy yourself as a beach artist? The golden sands with a little sea water make for a great sandcastle competition with the family. How big will you go and don’t forget to shout ‘I’m the King of the Castle’ if you win.

As you walk the stretch of golden sand you’ll end up at St Ives Harbour Beach where well behaved dogs are more than welcome.

St Ives Harbour Beach

Don’t miss a photo stop at Smeaton’s Pier built in 1831 and the St Ives lighthouse.

St Ives Smeaton Pier

St Ives is known as a destination where famous artists flock year upon year. The piercing light, white sanded beaches, crystal clear waters and white washed fishermans cottages make for a great painting; not to mention the art galleries, quirky Cornish shops and lots of scrummy places to eat and drink.

Uncover the charm of St Ives, Cornwall, with our guide to this picturesque coastal town, renowned for its art, beaches, and vibrant local culture.

We couldn’t help but stop at the St Ives Bakery with the smells of freshly cooked Cornish pasties and cakes coming out of the ovens. Meringue anyone?

When walking through this pretty seaside town, you’ll come across many beautiful narrow cobbled streets, which make up a maze of new directions to take.

St Ives Cobbled Streets

To end your day, whether it’s Cornish ice cream, fudge or a little clotted cream, a stop at ‘Cornish Cream‘, is a must when walking through the town if you’re still feeling a little peckish from lunch.

 

Book your Cornish self-catering holiday with Beach Retreats.

Cosy Cottages Made for Two

Escape to the coast for an alternative romantic getaway.

Experience a couples’ retreat like no other with inspiring sea views, magnificent coastal walks, and endless miles of golden sand on your doorstep.

Spot a seal on a kayak tour, steal a kiss on a clifftop walk or curl up under the stars.

Discover our hideaway cottages by the sea in Cornwall.

Visiting Cornwall for a romantic adventure? Check out our romantic cottages.

Harbourside Cottage, Boscastle

Nestled on the harbour, with tranquil views, Harbourside Cottage is the perfect hideaway. Stroll along the riverside to the ancient harbour. Lunch at the Boscastle Fishing Company with a lobster roll or discover the village’s secrets at the Museum of Witchcraft.

Explore the enchanting village of Boscastle in North Cornwall with Beach Retreats.

Book your magical getaway.

 

Toms Cottage, Porthleven

Located between the Lizard Peninsula and Prussia Cove, Porthleven is a beautiful Cornish fishing village. Tucked away from the harbour, Toms Cottage is a charming eighteenth century fisherman’s cottage. The port is a 2-minute stroll from the cottage, with waterfront shops, cafes and restaurants. A destination popular with food lovers, dine at Amelies seafood restaurant, Rick Stein’s fish and chips or Kota, which serves seafood with an Asian twist.

Book your romantic foodie break.

 

Lobber, Port Isaac

Port isaac

Situated in the heart of one of Cornwall’s most iconic harbour villages, Lobber offers couples the perfect hideaway. Walk along cobbled streets, discover location scenes from Doc Martin, and soak-up magnificent coastal views.

Just what the Doc ordered…

Escape to Port Isaac.

 

Lundy, Port Isaac

Surrounded by idyllic scenery, inspiring coastal views and countryside walks, Port Isaac is the ideal spot for a romantic getaway. Lundy is perfectly situated to explore the ancient harbour and neighbouring beaches, including Port Gaverne and Port Quin. In an evening, experience intimate dining at Nathan Outlaw’s seaside restaurant.

Plan your romantic getaway.

 

Whirlwind, Whitsand Bay

With an ever-changing backdrop, 5 miles of golden sand and spectacular clifftop walks, Whitsand Bay is perfect for a wild romantic break. Off the beaten track, Whirlwind is a cosy bolthole for two with a private patio area, providing an intimate space for sitting under a blanket of stars.

Book your love nest.

Find the perfect romantic retreat in Cornwall for couples.

Level Access Self-Catering Holidays

On a Cornish beach.

Whether you’re travelling with suitcases, beach gear or children (or all of the above), our level access properties are perfect for a stress-free holiday.

We have picked our top five properties to book with your family and friends.

Alternatively, interested in staying in our most luxurious holiday cottages? Check out our luxury coastal cottages.

Beachside, Porth

Porth Beach offers a wide expanse of golden sand and shallow waters for children to explore. It is an idyllic location to spend long days on the beach building sandcastles and splashing in the sea. This spacious, ground-floor apartment is just a stone’s throw away from the beach. Open double doors onto the patio area and stroll through manicured gardens to golden sands. With two good-sized bedrooms, open-plan living and beach views, Beachside is great for families with young children looking for a coastal escape.

Fancy staying in Porth? Have a look at our Porth holiday properties.

Beachside, Porth

1 Whitehouse, Watergate Bay

Nestled in a valley with sea views, 1 Whitehouse is a spacious level access apartment just moments away from Watergate Bay. Enjoy open plan living with all the mod-cons and chic interiors. This property is perfect for those travelling with older children or two couples looking for a beach holiday. On the beach, discover Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall, The Beach Hut and The Shop On The Beach. For those seeking adventure on the water, the Extreme Academy offers watersport tuition and hire.

2 The Beach House, Porth

With views over Porth beach, 2 The Beach House is in a fantastic position to enjoy a family holiday by the coast. The property benefits from level access to the beach which is on the doorstep. Walk south along the coastal path to Newquay or north to Watergate Bay for inspiring sea views. Enjoy picnics on the beach and watching Cornish sunsets from the private sun terrace.

2 The Beach House, Porth

7 White Lodge, Mawgan Porth

7 White Lodge is a ground floor apartment with beautiful beach views. Open the double doors from the open plan living space, and step out into the garden for fresh sea air. Enjoy coastal living in a spacious apartment with a private patio – perfect for families or couples travelling. Mawgan Porth is a peaceful haven with a charming Cornish deli, pub and seafood restaurant.

7 White Lodge, Mawgan Porth

Take a look at our favourite ‘must sea’ retreats and explore our other holiday lets.

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Walk through – Mousehole

Spanish raids, star-gazey pie and even the Mousehole cat – our walk-through Mousehole in West Cornwall has it all.

It’s easy to fall in love with Mousehole, West Cornwall’s picture-perfect fishing village and harbour which is steeped in history, legend and – today – glorious sunshine.

Check out our holiday properties in Mousehole to experience everything the area has to offer.

Retaining its original character, charm and beauty, Mousehole remains a popular holiday spot. Located three miles from Penzance, start by getting your bearings. Park along the road between Newlyn and the village itself for views stretching out over Mounts Bay to the Lizard in the distance – England’s most southerly point.

The car park on the right hand side as you enter the village brilliantly disguises the first stop on our walk from many visitors. With 180-degree seaviews from its terrace, The Rock Pool Café is a hidden gem serving coffee, tea, cakes and light meals, plus special food evenings during the summer – keep an eye on their Facebook page.

Next door, The Old Coastguard has built a reputation for great food kept simple. This is a traditional Brasserie menu that takes good ingredients and gives them a very simple but classic treatment. On a sunny day like today, drinks on the grass terrace overlooking the sea are a must.

Fancy staying in a holiday retreat with a log burner? Check out our cottages with a log burner for a cosy getaway.

Down into the village itself you’ll find plenty of other places to eat and drink, including the Harbour Coffee and Café courtyard with its quaint white iron-wrought seating, Hole Foods Deli, The Ship Inn pub and 2 Fore Street, a vibrant and chic bistro-style restaurant with a secluded tropical courtyard out back.

Onwards and Mousehole’s small but perfectly formed stone harbour and surrounding cottages are simply beautiful. Families paddle in the safe turquoise waters of the harbour’s two tiny sand beaches and reel in crabs from their lines. Couples tuck in to fish and chips while dangling their legs over the harbour. One man is exploring the water by kayak. People drip in and out plenty of art galleries and craft shops, picking up treats for themselves and others. Idyllically, another man paints the scene on his easel from the water’s edge. We even spot the Mousehole cat perched on its own cushion taking everything in.

If you’re not familiar with the children’s book, The Mousehole Cat by Antonia Barber tells the story of Mowzer the cat and its old-fisherman owner Tom who brave treacherous stormy seas to feed their fellow hungry villagers. Inspired by Cornish legend, the story still connects with readers of all ages, new and old alike. Pick up a copy in one of the craft shops. You might even discover Mousehole’s own stargazy-pie and want to give it a try with pilchards landed from one of Mousehole’s own fishing boats.

Although it’s mid-August when we visit, we can’t fail to mention Mousehole’s biggest draw – the magical Christmas lights which run in the few weeks over Christmas and New Year. Illuminated with displays floating in the harbour and strung up high in the terraces above, the village becomes ablaze with colour, wicker lanterns and the sound of carols and fisherman shanties. A sure fire way to get you in the festive spirit – best viewed with a woolly hat on and hot chocolate or mulled-wine in hand.

Discover the top 5 places to see Christmas lights in Cornwall, where festive displays illuminate the Christmas spirit across charming towns and coastal villages.

Book your self-catering holiday in Mousehole with Beach Retreats.

Five properties for large groups

Beach days with the whole family or long and late dinner parties catching up with friends – nothing beats going on holiday with a big group of your nearest and dearest. Beach Retreats has an outstanding selection of large self-catering properties with that extra wow factor to help make your get-together in Cornwall one you won’t forget. Here are our top five large properties.

Interested in staying in our most luxurious holiday cottages? Check out our luxury coastal cottages.

Seamist, Watergate Bay

Ping pong table. Tick. TV den. Tick. Outdoor surf shower. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Architect-designed and purpose built for 2016, Seamist is a bright and cotemporary coastal pad that ticks all the boxes. Family and group holidays come easy here thanks to its eight bedrooms, a spacious kitchen, living and dining areas all finished to a high standard including Velux windows, American style fridge freezers and 50-inch HD TV. Think big barbecues on the decking, catching up with friends on sunloungers outside, or heading down the road en-masse to one of Cornwall’s best beaches – Watergate Bay – for surfing with Extreme Academy, restaurants including The Beach Hut and Zacry’s, Watergate Bay Hotel’s Zacry’s and Swim Club facilities.

The details
Bedrooms: 8
Sleeps: 16
The beach: 1000 metres
Sea view: yes
Pets: yes

Learn more about Seamist here.

 

Blue Bay, Mawgan Porth

Blue Bay is the kind of laid-back beach house where you and your friends and family will instantly feel at home. Decked out in cool blues, the spacious two-storey four bedroomed house comes with an additional four garden rooms which can sleep up to 20 people. We love the massive kitchen, ideal when cooking for large groups, the sun trap garden and the sea views from every bedroom. If you’d rather not cook on holiday, owners James and Pippa offer a selection of dining packages, or take your pick from a range of different eating places on your doorstep. Fish and chips after a day on the beach or fine-dining for adults only? Mawgan Porth has it.

The details
Bedrooms: 8
Sleeps: 20
The beach: 400 metres
Sea view: yes
Pets: yes

Learn more about Blue Bay here.

Porth Beach House, Porth

With the sand of Porth Beach just 20 metres away, large self-catering properties don’t come closer to the beach than at Porth Beach House. An early 19th-century house refurbished to a high-spec and gorgeous New England Style, it appeals to parties wanting a more homely and cosy vibe. Curl up with a book in the sitting room with views over the beach and sea while the rest of your group build sandcastles on the sand below. Life doesn’t get much better.

The details
Bedrooms: 5
Sleeps: 10
The beach: 20 metres
Sea view: yes
Pets: yes

Learn more about Porth Beach House here.

 

Breakers, Porth Beach

Featured in Ideal Homes magazine, Breakers is an ideal self-catering property for large groups, with the beach only 100 metres down the path at the bottom of the garden. The view, the space, the finish, hot tub and games room, the gardens – there’s lots to love about Breakers, but sometimes it’s the small details like wetsuit hanging, two beginner surfboards and bodyboards and X-Box 360 that make the difference. We can’t imagine you and you and your group will get bored of Porth’s golden sand and varied coastline, but both Newquay and Watergate Bay are a short drive or 25-minute walk in either direction should you need to explore.

The details
Bedrooms: 5
Sleeps: 13
The beach: 200 metres
Sea view: yes
Pets: yes

Learn more about Breakers here.

 

Want to stay in Newquay? Have a look at our luxury holiday properties in Newquay.

 

The Roundhouse, Porthcothan

Set in an idyllic rural location with Padstow a short drive away, families and groups staying in The Roundhouse can set their own pace on holiday. With one pub and one shop, the tiny coastal village of Porthcothan has a hidden quality which can be hard to come by on this part of North Cornwall – the perfect place for spending quality time with your friends and family and exploring one of the best beaches you’ve probably never heard.

The details
Bedrooms: 5
Sleeps: 10
The beach: 600 metres
Sea view: yes
Pets: yes

Learn more about The Roundhouse here.

Search Beach Retreats’ range of large self-catering properties.

Delve into the world of fascinating finds and foraging in Cornwall, discovering nature’s hidden treasures along the coast.

Atlantic View wins Sustainable Project of the Year

Visiting Cornwall with an electric car? Check out our holiday lets with electric car (EV) charging points.

 

Being completely reliant on renewable energy has helped our Atlantic View properties in Widemouth Bay win the prestigious sustainability accolade at Michelmore’s Property Awards 2016.

With direct access to the beach at Widemouth Bay, North Cornwall, stunning interiors and impressive eco-credentials, Atlantic View was the clear winner of the Sustainable Project of the Year at Michelmores Property Awards 2016.

Discover our other Widemouth Bay holiday properties.

The annual awards recognise both commercial and residential projects of all shapes and sizes across nine categories − with shortlisted and winning projects firmly placed in the industry’s spotlight.

Atlantic View contemporary self-catering holidays on the beach at Widemouth Bay, Cornwall from Beach Retreats on Vimeo.

Marketed by Beach Retreats and developed by Grenadier Estates, Atlantic View comprises of six self-catered holiday lodges overlooking Widmeouth’s iconic Black Rock and the lodges are completely eco-friendly with features including solar panels, air source heat pumps, solar thermal water heaters and a grass roof system to provide insulation.

Michelmore said: “Through careful design and construction, the lodges integrate effortlessly into the surrounding landscape and are sustainable, whilst offering style, function and luxury.”

Judge and highly experienced architect, Peter Lacey, described it as a great scheme, a great location and a great sustainable project.

“Atlantic View is a truly impressive and exceptional scheme blending beautifully into its landscape in a way which is seldom seen in such a sensitive light,” he said.

“It handles sustainability in all the ways you would except in terms of renewable energy and it has an exceptionally good range of sustainable features, but more particularly in this case it takes sustainability to another level – it engages with local tradesman and suppliers to ensure that everything remains truly local.”

Discover more of Cornwall and check out our 1o must see places in Cornwall.

Search for your holiday at Atlantic View, Widmeouth Bay, with Beach Retreats.

Walk through – Boscastle

We take a walk on the wild side at Boscastle, a place where moorland meets the sea.

Want to stay in a luxury holiday house with a view of the sea? Check out our cottages with sea views.

There are many sides to Boscastle on Cornwall’s far north coast: picturesque fishing village, medieval settlement, artist’s muse. It all makes for a very interesting and beautiful place for a self catering holiday.

Once offering shelter to sailors along a wild and intimidating stretch of coast, Boscastle’s dramatic coastline and quaint old buildings are the main attraction. The latter is immediately apparent as you begin to wander around, with characterful cobbled streets, wonky roofs, stone buildings and watermills lining the river before leading you towards the ocean.

Today, a few handsome day boats bob in the harbour. But Boscastle was once a thriving port – in one year alone nearly 200 ships called on their way through delivering supplies from including timber from as far as field as Canada.

Boscastle’s tortuous harbour entrance means that sailing vessels always required assistance to enter, usually by ‘hobbler’ boats manned by oarsman and other men on shore tethered to the boat with ropes.

Goods were eventually hauled up its steep hills by teams of horses once kept in what is now the youth hostel. Other buildings such as the lime kiln and blacksmith’s forge can still be seen around the harbour today.

You can discover more about Boscastle’s history and dramatic landscape which is all detailed in the National Trust’s fantastic modern visitor centre located in the heart of the village. You also be surprised to learn how much community life is thriving since the devastating flood a decade ago. There are plenty of craft shops and cafes to visit, feeding and watering artists who have been inspired by its remoteness and rugged beauty.

Fancy staying in nearby Bude? Just 30 from Boscastle, Check out our luxury holiday lets in Bude.

With King Arthur’s Tintagel just down the coast, this is also a land of myth and legend. Housing the world’s largest collection of witchcraft artefacts and regalia, the Museum of Witchcraft in Boscastle has been entertaining visitors for more than fifty years.


Walking towards the sea, the imposing cliffs of Penally Point and Willapark guard either side of Boscastle harbour. Watching the boiling seas around the Island of Merchard between the two – and the two blowholes spitting out at low tide – it’s not hard to feel the otherworldly aura of this stretch of coast.

The best way to finish a walk-through Boscastle is to continue along the coast path, past stomach dropping steep cliffs, up to the white-washed lookout tower. From here there are fantastic views of the coast all the way down to Tintagel – guaranteed to blow the cobwebs away.

Feel the love at Harbourside Cottage in Boscastle, where charming coastal views and cosy interiors create the perfect romantic retreat.

Search for your self catering holiday in Boscastle with Beach Retreats.

One-of-a-kind self catering properties

There’s a lot to love about our self catering properties at Beach Retreats, aside from their tempting beachside location and high-quality interiors. We pick three of our favourite one-of-a-kinds.

Interested in staying in our most luxurious holiday cottages? Check out our luxury coastal cottages.

The private roof-top terrace


Trethvor, Fistral Beach

Here’s how a typical day goes at Trethvor. Fresh coffee and croissants on the terrace overlooking the sea at Fistral. To the beach. Lunch in the sun on the terrace again. Back to the beach. A holiday book on the sunlounger on the terrace. And finally cocktails on the terrace as the sun sets over the sea.

Trevthor is situated between Fistral Beach and The Gannel near Newquay. Three bedrooms, sleeps seven.

Book your stay at Trevthor.

Want to stay in Fistral? Have a look at our luxury holiday cottages in Fistral.

 

The prime village position


Harbourside Cottage, Boscastle

Harbourside Cottage should be renamed Harbour-village-and-beach-side. This cosy Cornish cottage is positioned right in the heart of Boscastle with its village amenities, shops, cafés and craft shops a few steps away. The river and harbourside are a few more steps away, and the beach not much farther after that. Ideal for couples looking for a romantic bolthole.

Harbourside Cottage is situated in Boscastle in North Cornwall. One bedroom, sleeps two, pets welcome.

Book your stay at Harbourside Cottage

 

The sense of scale and space


Seamist, Tregurrian near Watergate Bay

Seamist is a brand new purpose-built property designed with larger groups and families in mind. Let your party play ping pong the games room, curl up with a film in the private cinema or join friends for dinner on the 3-metre dining room table. Or, take it outside for a garden BBQ and all the fun of the sand, sea and surf at Watergate Bay just down the road.

Seamist is in the village of Tregurrian, near Watergate Bay. Eight bedrooms, sleeps 16, pets welcome.

Book your stay at Seamist.

Search for your self-catering holiday with at Beach Retreats.

Experience luxury living at its finest with our Penthouse Edit, showcasing the most exquisite and stylish penthouse retreats available.

Cornish Saints

Our 17 Village properties at Watergate Bay are each named after a Cornish saint and place name – except one… We trace their names and learn some Cornish geography and history along the way.

Explore seaside dining at its finest with Beach Retreats’ curated list of top 5 restaurants in Watergate Bay.

Cornwall is often referred to as the land of saints. It’s no surprise then that many Cornish place names derive their name from the saints who went on to found churches here and in other Celtic lands such as Brittany in France. Let’s meet some of them.

Visiting Cornwall for a workcation? Have a look at our holiday lets perfect for extended stays and working.

St. Mawes

The fishing town of St Mawes on Cornwall’s south coast is thought to have taken its name from the Celtic Saint Maudez. He is believed to have settled in Brittany where he founded a monastery on the Island of Saint-Maudez with his two disciples, Saint Budoc and Saint Tudy, also Cornish place names.

St. Breock

St Brieuc became the first abbot of Saint-Brieuc in Brittany in the fifth century. Churches in England, Ireland, and Scotland are dedicated to this early Celtic saint, including the parish church of St Breock in Cornwall, just west of Wadebridge.

St. Minver

The village of St Miniver, inland from Rock on the north Cornish coast, centres upon St Menefreda’s Church – the origin of the present day name Saint Miniver who was one of 24 children of St Brychan, a fourth-century Welsh saint and king.

St. Winnow

The stunning isolated church of St Winnow overlooks the River Fowey. It is named after Saint Winnoc or Saint Winwaloe.

St. Endellion

Travel four miles north of Wadebridge and you’ll come across the pretty village of St Endellion near Port Isaac. It takes its name from Saint Edelienta, another child of King Brycha and sibling of St Miniver. Today, Saint Endellion Church brings together musicians from all over the world for superb festivals at Easter and Summer.

St. Blazey

The small town on Cornwall’s south coast takes its name from Armenian Saint Blaise. The Eden Project is close by.

St. Issey

You’ll find St Issey, named after the Saint Yse or Ida, just outside of Padstow. Yet another child of St Bruchan.

St. Merryn

Located between Mawgan Porth and Padstow, Saint Merryn is disputed to be named after a Welsh priest or monk named Maraunus or Maruan. Either way, it has seven beautiful bays nearby: Porthcothnan, Treyarnon Bay, Constantine Bay, Booby’s Bay, Mother Ivey’s Bay, Harlyn Bay and Trevone Bay.

St. Breward

On the western side of Bodmin Moor is the village of St Breward, deriving from English Saint Branwalader. He also gives his name to Saint Brelade in Jersey.

St. Erney

The village of Saint Erney in between St Germans and Saltash in south east Cornwall is thought to be dedicated to St Ternius, Terney or Erney. Widemouth Bay is nearby, as is the Port Eliot Festival.

St. Agnes

The original name of St Agnes was ‘Brynick’, a Cornish word meaning pointed hill, thought to be St Agnes Beacon. Officially named after the female Roman martyr Saint Agnes, you’ll find four unique beaches close by: Trevaunance Cove, Trevallas Porth, Chapel Porth and Porthtowan.

St. Ives

Named after the arrival of the Irish princess Saint Ia, today Saint Ives is well known for its pretty cobbled streets, fishing harbour and artistic community.

St. Mabyn

The Cornish female Saint Mabena gave name to this small village east of Wadebridge.

St. Buryan

Situated five miles west of Penzance, it is named after the Irish Saint Buriana. The picturesque coves of Lamorna and Porthcurno, home to the Minack Theatre, are a short drive away.

St. Levan

Saint Levan, a small hamlet situated near Porthcurno in west Cornwall, was probably named after Selevan, a Celtic form Solomon). The pretty coves of Porthchapel and Porthgwarra are close by.

St. Mawgan

The origin of the name St. Mawgan is unclear. Mawgan and Meugan are both place names in Cornwall (St. Mawgan is just up the road from Watergate Bay) and Brittany, and Meugan in Wales. It is believed they refer to one or two saints from the fifth or sixth century.

St. Denzel

The odd one out! Denzel is the only village property not named after a Cornish saint but we love it all the same.

Explore and book your holiday at The Village, Watergate Bay.

 

Want to explore our holiday lets in Newquay? Have a look at our luxury holiday properties in Newquay.