Category: Featured retreats

11 beaches and Strand Line

7552f4e113ada00cc476bd9e83734f52531d930e

Hear how Lowenna from Beach Retreats got on during her stay at Strand Line in Porthcothan, Cornwall.

With 11 beaches to choose from and plenty of coast paths to explore, I couldn’t wait for my weekend in Strand Line with my partner and friends. The nearest beach was Porthcothan, located one mile down the road with its golden sand backed by grassy dunes and a shallow stream running into the sea. Other beaches within easy reach which are worth the short drive are Trevone, Treyarnon, Constantine, Mawgan Porth, Watergate Bay and Bedruthan Steps.

This cosy cabin oozes character and charm with its carefully thought-out rustic interiors that have been hand-selected, foraged or upcycled by the owner Susie Ray. When we arrived at the cabin, we were mesmerized by the attention to detail in every nook and cranny. From the shell chimes and fisherman’s nets in the garden to the rustic furniture and coastal decor inside.

We were pleasantly welcomed with wild flowers and homemade shortbread which went down a treat whilst sitting out on the decking with the fairy lights on and the stars beginning to twinkle.

On our first night, we settled down with a cheese board and a bottle of red. With the fire burning and wine flowing, it was a perfect night in with my partner, before our friends were due to join us the following day. The fully equipped kitchen had everything we needed and more. Ice bucket for the prosecco, multiple boards for the stacks of cheese, wine glasses, prosecco glasses and an extra-large cafetiere ready for our morning brew.

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

Out and About

After an amazing night’s sleep in the super king size bed and its 400 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets, we enjoyed breakfast and a morning coffee outside on the decking. Once our friends arrived, we jumped in the car and drove 10 minutes down the road to our first stop of the day, Treyarnon Bay.

This beach is popular with families and has a lot going on. From dogs running after frisbees, paddleboarders and surfers jumping on their boards, to the hustle and bustle of the beachside YHA Cafe. After sitting on the beach for an hour or two and grabbing an ice cream, we took the coast path around the headland, stopping off to take in the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Constantine Bay.

With 11 beaches nearby to choose from, it would be rude not to visit another one in the same day. We beach hopped over to the closest beach to Strand Line, Porthcothan Bay. This was my first time visiting this beach and it quickly became one of my favourites.

Here’s why:

The sand dunes and surrounding cliffs shelter the beach from the wind (a big bonus for me).
The rock formations and sea stacks in the ocean are fascinating, we climbed the rocks, checked out the rockpools for sea life and discovered a secret cave.
The South West Coast Path to the left side of the beach led us through a beautiful headland walk. Strolling past the beach and through the kissing gates, we ended up at Trescore Island. This beautiful rocky island is backed by sea pink flowers and leaves a sheltered lagoon at low tide. For those not brave enough to swim with the choppy waves, this is the perfect spot for a relaxing dip.
The little cafe at the top of the beach sold Cornish pasties and beer (delicious).
The BBC Drama Poldark was filmed here. Aidan Turner gallops over the clifftops overlooking Trescore Island.

Food and Drink

The following day once the sea mist had cleared, we headed to Padstow harbour, a 10 minute drive away for a spot of lunch. This picturesque harbour is worth visiting with its cafes, restaurants, pubs, boutique shops and galleries. We decided to stop off at Paul Ainsworth’s Rojano Restaurant, sat in the open top conservatory in the sun. Other restaurants you could try are Paul Ainsworth’s No 6, Prawn on the Lawn and The Olive Tree.

Later after a couple of afternoon tipples, we walked the coast path from Padstow to Trevone beach, where we then caught a cab to Rick Stein’s Cornish Arms pub in St Merryn village, a 20-minute walk from Strand Line cabin. This place is great for local ales and Cornish seafood, so much so, we couldn’t help but dig into a large bowl of Cornish mussels between the four of us.

Fancy staying in Trevone? Check out our holiday properties in Trevone.

If you would rather dine back at Strand Line, take advantage of the rustic kitchen and gas BBQ beautifully hand made in the garden. The plancha grill cooked us prawns, corn on the cob, burgers and sausages for our lunch the following day.

Highlights

The beaches: Being based so close to multiple beaches, coastal walks and amenities. You’ll discover new places every time you visit.

The beds: We all had the best night’s sleep and the comfort of the mattress and sheets was the first topic over breakfast every morning.

The interior design: From the outdoor kitchen and rustic garden walls, to the artwork, lampshades and furniture. So much time, effort and thought has gone into Strand Line, we didn’t want to leave.

Groups: If there is a larger group, Lobster Pot cabin (sleeps 2) is located next door.

Book your holiday at Strand Line with Beach Retreats.

Interested in our other properties? Check out our blog on how it was to spend the weekend at the Porth Beach House in Porth.

Whitsand Bay – A forgotten corner of Cornwall we won’t forget

Hear how Beach Retreat’s Simon got on during his stay in Brackenbank, a cool chalet perched on the cliffs above Whitsand Bay, Cornwall.

Whitsand Bay is home to an eclectic mix of beach shacks and cabins and is often described as ‘the forgotten corner of Cornwall’, so when my wife and I set off for our visit to Brackenbank from our home in Mawgan Porth on the rather better known North Cornish Coast, we were both curious to find out why.

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

Having left in the rain we were pleasantly surprised to arrive to blue skies and clear panoramic sea views. The coast road sent us past a unique blend of beach shacks and cabins, which together form an elegant patchwork that covers the cliffside. Amongst these we found Brackenbank, with it’s stunning sea views and atmospheric sounds of the sea. The cabin sits in a spectacular position well hidden from its neighbours, with views so unobstructed you feel like you’re on a boat sat out at sea.

Stay at Brackenbank in Whitsand Bay.

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

There’s a beautiful private outdoor entertaining space with table and benches, a modern barbecue, sun loungers and a particularly inviting outdoor sea view shower. Inside it’s a light, white open-plan space with a scandi-inspired paired back style. A cosy seating area in the corner complete with a wood burning stove is perfect for relaxing, while a large dining table an ideal spot for watching the small fishing boats and larger naval vessels criss-crossing the water below. The cabin can sleep up to five in two bedrooms.

Out and about…

There’s a superb beach to explore directly below Brackenbank which is accessible down a grass path and at low tide provides a long stretch of sand to easily walk off breakfast or lunch. The villages of Kingsand and Cawsand are perfect for exploring and are both only a very short car ride away (under 15 minutes).

Further along the coast at the end of the Rame Penisula, you can walk up to St Michael’s Chapel on Rame Head, which is well worth a visit as you are rewarded with superb views from the top. We highly recommend catching the ferry which leaves the beach at Cawsand every few hours in high season and takes you on a scenic leisurely cruise across to the Barbican in Plymouth.

Eating out

Over the course of our weekend we managed to eat out twice, as well as cook for ourselves very easily in the well-equipped kitchen. The View Restaurant was a great spot for dinner and is located just 3 minutes away by car, or 10 minutes on foot from Brackenbank. The Cliff Top Cafe was also great for breakfast or lunch and again is within easy walking distance with beautiful views down the coast to Rame Head.

If you have more time during your stay at Brackenbank, give The Devonport Inn a try, for delicious food, while The Old Bakery is best for coffee and cakes, both can be found in Kingsand nearby.

Weekend highlights

Waking up and watching the early morning surfers and sailors.
Reading a book outside in the sun, with only the sounds of the sea and the sight of the wildlife swooping past to distract us.
Showering alfresco in the outdoor sea view shower.

Explore a scenic walk through Whitsand Bay, discovering its rugged beauty, expansive sandy beaches, and panoramic coastal views along the Cornish coastline.

Book your stay at Brackenbank, Whitsand Bay

Why you should choose a Beach Retreats property

Award-winning Gloucestershire blogger Thrifty Mumma tells us why you should choose Beach Retreats for a relaxing and restorative family holiday.

Thrifty Mumma recently enjoyed a stay at our Mawgan Porth property, Skyline. Skyline sleeps 14 guests, accepts pets and is just 500 metres from the golden sanded beach. Here’s how she got on:

Famous for its dramatic coastline, picture-perfect harbours and breathtaking beaches, Cornwall has long been a desirable destination for worldwide travellers and UK holidaymakers alike.

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

As a new parent, I wanted the reassurance of a UK staycation but I also required somewhere which could relax and restore us all as a family. Having enjoyed countless Cornish holidays and as a graduate of University College Falmouth, I was keen to return to the beautiful county that has stolen a piece of my heart.

I wanted to explore a part of Cornwall that was new to me and I searched for a letting company which could meet my needs in terms of location and luxury.

Beach Retreats became the natural choice offering an award winning website, knowledgeable, accommodating staff and a varied property portfolio, all of which are beachside.

We were immediately enticed by Skyline; a spacious, modern property nestled in the hamlet of Mawgan Porth with the wow factor of a large balcony and stunning sea view.

On arrival at the property the reality lived up to the pictures I had seen online and I simply fell in love!

Able to comfortably sleep 14, the gorgeous house offers large bedrooms with luxurious beds and bathrooms, wonderful waterfall showers and whirlpool baths. In the Master, our beautifully appointed en-suite bathroom had a deep set jacuzzi bath with a large window complete with a view down the valley to the sea. I indulged in a dip and couldn’t help but relax as the warm bubbles soothed my skin and the vista simply melted my cares away.

However, the star of the show at Skyline is the living space. The airy and sophisticated lounge is glass fronted with a balcony outlook and offers unrivalled views of the sea as the waves roll in. The comfortable sofas allowed us all to sit and watch the surfers as they caught the final few waves of the day. Skyline even boasts an outdoor shower and wetsuit store for the surfers in the family.

The well-equipped kitchen has a large wooden table so each and every guest has a seat at mealtimes and, as night falls, the thoughtful light installations allow the house to feel both cosy and contemporary. Skyline is awash with coastal accents from abstract artwork and driftwood mirrors to deep turquoise vases and plush coral cushions.

Importantly for us, the house was packed full of thoughtful family friendly features. In fact, the high-quality travel cot, highchair, baby swing and fully equipped playroom made Skyline the perfect home from home.

And, as with all Beach Retreats properties, the proximity to the seashore was impressive and allowed us to easily walk to the water in a matter of minutes.

Mawgan Porth beach is a sumptuous sandy cove backed by marram covered sand dunes and enclosed by cliffs. When the tide is out the sand stretches for miles and you can build sandcastles and explore rock pools and caves to your heart’s content. The beach even has its own resident waterfall!

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

From the beach we made our way up and along the coastal path with the baby carrier – the views across the shimmering Atlantic made the climb worthwhile and we all felt refreshed with our lungs full of sea air.

Mawgan Porth has a number of local amenities including The Beach Box Café, The Catch Seafood restaurant and The Merrymoor Inn as well as the village stores. After the long drive, this meant we were able to park our cars in Skyline’s two designated spaces for the duration of our stay.

Within walking distance there are also two state-of-the-art Spas – Bedruthan Hotel and The Scarlet Hotel. During our stay, we enjoyed a ‘Restore Me’ Spa day at Bedruthan Hotel. The treatments were wonderfully relaxing and we took advantage of the sea view spa facilities before devouring a delicious lunch at on-site Wild Café. Afterwards, we sampled the unique open air sensory spa garden which takes you on a journey of hot and cold experiences to enliven your senses. As we sat around the campfire in our fluffy robes sipping herbal tea the first few flakes of snow began to flutter around us.

In no time at all we were back at the house and even in the unexpected and undulating March snowfall Skyline remained a warm, cosy and welcoming retreat for us all. I’ve never stayed somewhere so beautiful before – what better place than Skyline to be snowed in!

So, if you are in need of a relaxing, restorative retreat then look no further. Thank you for our blissful stay Skyline, we can’t wait to book our next Beach Retreat!

Check out some of our luxury retreats fit for a king, featuring pools and indoor pool rooms.

More about Jamie Collier

Gloucestershire born and bred, Jamie lives in a leafy Cotswold village with her husband and baby daughter. Cornwall holds a special place in her heart – it is where she spends many family holidays and she is also a graduate of University College Falmouth. When she’s not looking after her family or writing an article, you can usually find her on the beach. You can subscribe to her dedicated blog at thriftymummathriftybubba.com and follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter too.

We love Windrush

holywell 1 1

What is the most important criteria for choosing where to stay on a Cornish holiday? The views? The location? The interior? Local amenities? We stayed at Windrush, Holywell Bay and it puts this criteria into focus.

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

There is a degree of smugness when we stayed at Windrush. The position in the middle of the village is a few hundred metres from the beach, meaning no driving to the car park, queueing to get in and paying. So it was so easy to step out of the front door and wander down.

Windrush, Holywell Bay

And what a beach! We loved exploring Holywell Bay as it opens out into a wide expanse of sand, framed by cliffs on both sides. There’s space for everyone too, from dog walkers, families, surfers and photographers making the most of the continually changing landscape.

Fancy staying in Holywell Bay? Check out our luxury holiday lets in Holywell Bay.

Holywell Bay’s USP must be the dunes that rise above the beach and its criss-crossed paths which rise and dip with foot and paw prints. Truly somewhere to lose yourself.

Discover six stunning spots to watch the sunrise in Cornwall, each offering panoramic views and unforgettable moments along the coast.

On the beach itself, the tide covers mussel-encrusted rocks and crags and caves to explore, pools of seawater waiting to be replenished. We didn’t find the secret caves accessible at low tide, but there is still so much to stimulate the senses – this is true escapism.

Elsewhere in the village we found the 13th Century Treguth Inn, complete with a thatched roof and traditional pub menu. It’s only 100 metres down from Windrush so couldn’t be more convenient. On the edge of the beach, St Pirans Inn is also a short walk and open seasonally from mid-March.

So eating out is covered, but for eating in and supplies, we jumped in the car back up to the neighbouring village of Cubert where the convenience store is well stocked with everything you need. It’s a mile up the road, just two minutes away with long opening hours and friendly staff.

Windrush

We found Holywell Bay to be the perfect destination to escape to, the opposite of the everyday rush.

But what about Windrush? It’s a four-bedroom, split level detached house which has been beautifully upgraded by interior designer Nicola O’Mara to deliver comfort and character.

The dual-aspect living room was the focal point of the house, complete with open fire, patio doors out to the garden and feature pieces to savour. By day it’s light and bright, by evening it’s warm and cosy with subtle lighting.

We decided on a pizza making competition, for some evening fun (with a four-way tie for the victory) followed by drinks in front of the open fire (the convenience store in Cubert sells bags of logs).

Elsewhere the four bedrooms, two with en-suite, another with access to a jack and jill bathroom, feel separate away from each other, so everyone has their own space. Two bedrooms have a sea view – that’s the first thing you do when awake, check the view.

Favourite space? That’s the summer house, light and bright and stylishly furnished – the perfect spot to finally finish that book. The garden as a whole has been divided into sections, grass and patio with a corner seating area and a further terrace with seating. You’ll also find a gate leading down to the beach.

Favourite part of the weekend? Waking up to the sea views is worth savouring, as is exploring the beach. Windrush gave us the perfect mix of contemporary comfort and position to make the most of Holywell Bay.

Check availability and book Windrush.

Top five surf-friendly holidays

The autumn swells have arrived in Cornwall and that means warm waves, kinder weather and fewer people on the beach. Jump in the car last minute and hit the surf in style staying in one our surf-friendly properties with surf lockers, surf showers and the waves on your doorstep.

Fancy staying in a holiday retreat with a swimming pool? Check out our cottages with a swimming pool for a relaxing getaway.

The Beach, Porthtowan

Wake up to the sound of waves at The Beach, a cool and contemporary new collection of apartments overlooking the surf at Porthtowan. Check the surf from your bedroom window before grabbing your board and heading down the private path to the beach (before breakfast if that’s how you roll). Lock up your boards and beach toys in the secure ‘surf’ store and then while away the day on your balcony until your next session.

Take a look at our properties at The Beach.

Take a look and book our self-catering properties at Porthtowan, or talk to a member of our team on 01637 861 005.

Zinc, Fistral

A short walk from Zinc and you’ll find yourself standing on Fistral Beach, the UK’s surf capital. The world famous beach draws thousands of visitors and surfers each year but come autumn there are plenty of waves to catch. Check the conditions from your private balcony at Fistral Surf or light the barbecue on the terrace at Zinc 14 as you watch the swell roll-in and surfers pass by.

Take a look at Zinc 14.
Take a look at Fistral Surf.

Waves, Watergate Bay

Not only are you 100m away from one of Cornwall’s premier watersport destinations at Waves – a collection of modern one, two and three bed apartments – but one of Cornwall’s favourite foodie destinations too. Waves benefits from surf lockers and a shower area, meaning you can surf your heart out at Watergate Bay and spend the day on the beach before refuelling at The Beach Hut, Zacry’s or Wax restaurants to name a few.

Take a look at Waves.

Coast, Porth

All that separates Coast from the sand at Porth is a lovely private terrace and a stretch of lawn. Bodyboarders, beginner surfers and families can spend hours in Porth’s gentle waves before progressing to the more powerful surf at Watergate Bay or Fistral in either direction up the road. If you like fresh, contemporary interiors with a light and spacious feel, with a private lockable surf store in the car park for surfboards and beach equipment, then Coast is for you.

Take a look at 2 Coast.
Take a look at Beachside.

Oceangate, Fistral

Head to Fistral’s southern end for a quieter slice of the action. At Oceangate, a contemporary and sleek new development of apartments, you can turn up the volume with great surf out front or take some downtime at the tranquil Gannel Estuary a short walk behind you. Fistral’s hub of shops and restaurants including Rick Stein, The Fish House Fistral and The Stable wait at the other end of the beach, or be lazy and kick back at home in front of the view.

Take a look at 4 Oceangate.
Take a look at 17 Oceangate.

Dive into the exciting world of alternative surf activities in Cornwall and discover new ways to enjoy the waves.

24 hours in Port Isaac with the Nathan Outlaw experience

port isaac village

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.

BOOK YOUR LEVEL ACCESS SELF CATERING HOLIDAY

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.