Laura
17 February 2022
Pretty Cornwall is awash with fishing harbours and towns that hold an oh-so-fresh air of nostalgia for those that visit time and time again.
We’ve rounded up a fantastic selection of the best harbours in Cornwall to explore on your next visit, from those with picture-postcard views to ones featuring unique attractions, shops and places to eat.
Harbours in Cornwall:
Why not stay with us and explore these fantastic harbours in Cornwall?
Coastal cottages in Cornwall
St Ives
This striking fishing harbour in St Ives, with its shimmering turquoise waters, is one of Cornwall’s most popular destinations.
Discover cobbled streets that wind their way in between traditional buildings before heading down to the sandy shores of Porthmeor Beach, ideal for a spot of surfing.
Art and culture lovers will also find the famous Tate Gallery here along with plenty of lovely St Ives restaurants, cafes and eateries.
St Ives Harbour Beach is a lovely soft sandy beach, uncovered when the tide is out and sheltered by thick harbour walls, a perfect sun trap for lazy beach days.
St Ives Cottages
St Michael’s Mount
This beautiful tidal island can be found just off the coast of Marazion, the perfect viewpoint.
Accessed by foot at low tide or boat at high tide, it's full of shops and restaurants, and great views back to the mainland.
This lovely island has a beautiful ancient castle perched gracefully atop a hill with gardens that trickle all the way down to the picturesque harbour. An ideal location for a romantic cottage break in Cornwall.
Marizion cottages
Port Issac
One of Cornwall's most famous fishing harbours, Port Issac has been a fishing village since the early 14th century!
This picture-perfect place may be familiar to fans of the smash-hit TV series, Doc Martin, as it was chosen as the main filming location for the show.
Its maze of narrow winding streets is also home to the endearingly named 'Squeezy Belly Alley'!
Port Isaac cottages
Mevagissey
One of the loveliest and oldest fishing harbours in Cornwall, Mevagissey was once central to the Cornish pilchard fishing industry.
Mevagissey’s narrow streets lead to plenty of quaint gift shops, galleries, cafes, pubs, and of course, some of the best fish restaurants around!
The twin harbour has unique protective inner and outer walls and is bustling with pleasure cruises and fishing trips and makes a great spot to stop, relax, breathe it all in and watch the world go by.
Mevagissey cottages
Coverack
Hidden away on the spectacular Lizard Peninsula and set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Coverack is a charming Cornish fishing village.
Once an old smugglers’ hideout, the quaint seaside village is steeped in history and offers plenty to do, from thrill-seeking beach activities to gentle coastal walks.
With its laid back vibe and access to West Cornwall's fine beaches, Coverack is a perfect base for a holiday in Cornwall.
Coverack cottages
Padstow
This charming harbour town is well known for being the foodie capital of Cornwall with Rick Stein’s acclaimed restaurant, bistro, cafe and fish and chip shop adding a little glamour to the traditional seaside holiday in Cornwall.
Follow the cute medieval lanes that slope down toward Padstow's working harbour and browse the local craft shops. Why not indulge in some glorious fresh food in one of the many delicious eateries?
Set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, enjoy scenic walks along the South West Coast Path and the Camel Trail or try a spot of water sports with plenty of golden beaches nearby. A fine location for a holiday in North Cornwall.
Padstow cottages
Mousehole
Once described by Dylan Thomas as the loveliest village in England, this quaint fishing harbour is so charming. Discover quaint narrow streets and little granite cottages that huddle around the harbour.
Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, gaze out at the fishing boats bobbing away. If you're staying in winter, then the famous Christmas light show is something special to be experienced. A visual delight, Mousehole won’t disappoint on your holiday in West Cornwall.
Mousehole cottages
Charlestown
This unspoilt historic fishing harbour is a lovely example of a late Georgian working port and is neatly surrounded by a number of fine pubs, cafes and restaurants.
The picturesque mix of fishermen's cottages, period houses and tall ships have put Charlestown on the filming location map and you may recognise it from popular film and TV shows such as Poldark, Alice in Wonderland and Hornblower.
A walker’s delight, Charlestown is nestled between two heritage coasts - the Polperro Heritage Coast and the Roseland Heritage Coast. Picture spectacular ocean views while walking the South West Coast Path from the harbour on a long hike or gentle stroll.
Charlestown cottages
Mullion
Listed as an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Mullion is the largest village on the Lizard Peninsula and is home to a hive of shops, cafes and restaurants.
Mullion is also home to an outstanding fishing cove and a working harbour with stout sea walls that protect it from powerful westerly storms.
Enjoy a stroll along the breathtaking South West Coast Path, pack a picnic for an afternoon on one of the many golden sandy beaches, or try a spot of fishing or water sports before heading out to dine on fresh, local seafood in one of the many amazing restaurants.
Mullion cottages
Polperro
Picture-postcard Polperro in the heart of the Polperro Heritage Coast is a charming little fishing village with cute narrow streets and a host of lovely gift shops with special treats to be discovered.
The harbour is gorgeous and offers frequent sightseeing boat trips along the spectacular South Cornwall coast. Polperro is also notorious for its smuggling history which can be uncovered at the Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing!
Enjoy scenic walks, evenings dining out or enjoying traditional fish and chips around the well-protected harbour. A perfect place for a holiday in South Cornwall.
Polperro cottages
Map of Cornwall harbours
Enjoy a day at the coast and plan your route to these top harbours in Cornwall.
Stay in Cornwall
If it’s a pretty harbour stay you’re after then we’ve got plenty of lovely holiday cottages in pretty fishing villages for you.
From luxury cottages all along the fabulous coast of Cornwall to family-friendly retreats and dog-friendly stays in iconic Cornish harbour towns, you’re sure to find your next favourite harbour stay with us.
Coastal cottages in Cornwall
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.