Located in the southwest of England, Cornwall is a simply magical place for a holiday in the UK. Surrounded by an unforgettable coastline and the loveliest villages, Cornwall is a much-loved UK holiday destination, whether you’re visiting on a romantic couples’ getaway or travelling solo. And so, we’re here to share with you the cutest villages in Cornwall to visit, to help you plan your stay!
The cutest villages in Cornwall
There’s so much to see and do in Cornwall that we would highly recommend you travel by car, or hire a car during your visit. And with a fantastic selection of restaurants and pubs, we suggest staying in a rental cottage so you can make the most of Cornwall’s mouth-watering local food scene! Here are our top picks for the cutest villages in Cornwall to visit.
Mousehole
A charming, timeless village full of fascinating smuggling history, Mousehole is a gorgeous place to visit on your Cornwall holiday. Wander around the pretty harbour dotted with fishing boats, stop for tea and cake in one of the cute cafes, and dine out on fresh fish and delicious local produce at one of the many restaurants and pubs. During the festive season, Mousehole is a magical place to be; the locals decorate the village with sparkling Christmas lights and visitors come from all over to wander through the streets with a hot chocolate or mulled cider in hand.
St Mawes
A picturesque village tucked away in south Cornwall on the Roseland Peninsula, St Mawes is well worth a visit. Wander around the winding streets, admire the white-washed cottages and soak up the charm of this fishing village. Discover the galleries, dine on fresh seafood in one of the fantastic local restaurants and hire a paddleboard to explore the surrounding coastline, the perfect way to capture the essence of the serene south Cornwall coast.
St Ives
With golden sands and unbelievably blue sea, we certainly couldn’t miss St Ives off this list! One of the most popular destinations in Cornwall, St Ives is a wonderful spot for a day trip with a picture-perfect coastal backdrop. Explore the cobbled streets leading you to an exciting selection of charming and independent shops, enjoy an ice cream as you gaze out to sea, and finish the day off with a refreshing swim in the sea. And don’t forget to have fish and chips on the beach before you leave! We recommend visiting St Ives out of season in the magical winter months (November – April) once the crowds have disappeared.
Polperro
Probably one of the prettiest villages in England (and that’s quite a claim!), Polperro in south Cornwall is not to be missed. An enchanting village perfect for wanderers, explore the cute streets with its traditional fisherman’s cottages, timeless charm and lovely little cafes. If you want to delve into the history of the village, visit the Polperro Heritage Museum of Fishing and Smuggling for a fascinating look into time gone by.
St Agnes
A laid-back coastal village, St Agnes is a wonderful place for those looking to unwind. Wander to the beach for an early morning swim or pop into a coffee shop for a delicious pick-me-up and a fresh bunch of flowers. Plus, you’ll find plenty of local restaurants open late into the evening. The independent shops here are full of creative, quality items, so this is a great chance to buy a souvenir. And we can’t forget to mention the unspoilt coastline surrounding St Agnes. It is absolutely breath-taking, so we highly recommend dedicating a morning to discovering its beauty. You won’t be disappointed!
The best time to visit Cornwall
Cornwall is spectacular year-round, however we would recommend visiting in spring or autumn to take advantage of the peaceful beaches. Not only that, but the towns and villages are also less busy during this time of year. But if you don’t mind crowds, summer is the high season in Cornwall. It is then when the coast really comes to life with visitors from across the United Kingdom. However, there’s something magic about a winter visit (should you dare). Of course this is low season in Cornwall, but if you don’t mind a moody coastal adventure, it’s a great time to visit.
Simone is a travel-lover living in England. She loves to read, write and wander along the coast path. You can read more about her adventures on her blog, Wanderings and Words.
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