Nestled along the rugged coastline of southwestern England lies Cornwall, a picturesque county renowned for its stunning landscapes, charming villages, and rich maritime heritage. It’s also my staycation destination of choice! I pack up the car, including the dog, and my boyfriend and I head south. Here is our guide to the best places to visit in Cornwall for couples.
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Best Places in Cornwall for Couples
With its idyllic beaches, quaint fishing harbours, and captivating history, Cornwall offers the perfect backdrop for romantic getaways. It is also incredibly dog-friendly, so you can bring your pooch. If you’re planning a trip with your significant other, here are some of the best places to stay in Cornwall for couples.
Looe
Embrace the laid-back atmosphere of this historic fishing town, where narrow streets wind their way down to a bustling harbour. Stroll hand in hand along the waterfront, explore the quirky shops, and savour fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants overlooking the sea.
The beauty spot in South East Cornwall has plenty of things to do to keep you entertained. You can even discover all of the nearby beaches, which are connected to the South West Coast Path.
Polperro
Lose yourselves in the timeless beauty of Polperro, a postcard-perfect village characterised by its colourful cottages and narrow alleys. Wander through the village arm in arm, or do a pub crawl like we do, stopping to admire the views from the cliffs or enjoy a romantic boat trip along the coast.
Fowey
Another of the romantic places is Fowey, pronounced Foy, a charming town that inspired literary giants such as Daphne du Maurier. Explore the winding streets lined with independent shops and galleries, then cruise along the River Fowey as you soak in the breathtaking scenery. Be royalty for the day and visit St Catherine’s Castle and nearby Restormel Castle.
Polruan
Cross the river from Fowey to Polruan and discover a tranquil paradise away from the crowds. If you’re a history buff, you’ll love unravelling the mysteries of Polruan’s historic landmarks. Climb the historic Polruan Blockhouse together for panoramic views of the estuary, or relax on the quiet quayside and watch the boats drift by.
Newquay
For couples seeking a bit of adventure, Newquay offers the perfect blend of excitement and romance. Share a thrilling surf lesson, explore hidden coves hand in hand, or unwind on one of the town’s beautiful beaches as you watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
One of the most romantic things and fun things to do in Cornwall to do is sample the local delicacies. At Healeys Cyder Farm, you can sample Cornish cider, jams, and chutneys while learning about the distillery and bottling process.
Padstow
Indulge your senses in Padstow, a food lover’s paradise known for its gourmet restaurants and bustling food markets. Sample local delicacies such as freshly caught seafood and Cornish pasties, then take a romantic stroll along the Camel Estuary before retiring to a cosy waterfront inn.
Bude
Escape to the unspoilt beauty of Bude in North Cornwall, where dramatic cliffs and golden sands provide the perfect setting for romantic walks along the South West Coast Path. Explore secluded beaches, try kayaking or paddleboarding, or simply relax and spend time together as you listen to the waves crashing against the shore.
Gunnislake
Discover Gunnislake, a tranquil village nestled in the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Explore the lush countryside hand in hand, visit the historic mine workings at Morwellham Quay, or embark on a romantic steam train journey along the scenic Tamar Valley Line. The nearest town is Tavistock, just a 10-minute drive over the border in Devon.
Port Isaac
Step back in time to the picturesque fishing village of Port Isaac, famous for its winding streets and whitewashed cottages. Follow in the footsteps of the characters from the TV series Doc Martin as you explore the charming harbour or hike along the rugged cliffs for breathtaking views of the Atlantic coastline.
Mousehole
Delight in the quaint charm of Mousehole in West Cornwall, a traditional fishing village renowned for its scenic harbour and narrow streets lined with granite cottages. Explore the picturesque harbour together, perhaps indulging in a romantic meal at one of the village’s cosy restaurants, before taking a moonlit stroll along the harbour walls. By the way, teach your loved one how to say the name correctly: mow-zuhl.
St Austell
Immerse yourselves in the beauty of St Austell, a town surrounded by lush countryside and renowned for its historic gardens. Explore the enchanting Lost Gardens of Heligan hand in hand, wander through the exotic landscapes of the Eden Project, or enjoy a romantic picnic amidst the scenic beauty of the Cornish countryside.
Book a Tour
Embarking on a tour with Viator promises an enriching and hassle-free experience that’s hard to beat. You’re not just booking a tour; it’s an expertly crafted itinerary curated by locals and seasoned travellers, ensuring you uncover the hidden gems and must-see attractions. From walking tours to culinary adventures and everything in between, Viator offers an extensive range of options tailored to diverse interests and budgets.
Magical Places to Visit in Cornwall
Cornwall is a haven for couples seeking perfect places for romance and adventure. Whether you’re exploring historic harbours, wandering along windswept cliffs, or enjoying each other’s company on a secluded beach, the magic of Cornwall will create unforgettable memories for you both.
Romantic Places to Stay in Cornwall
If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book in advance and as soon as possible. Prices rise the closer you get to the travel date. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all budgets.
Cornwall Hideaways
Cornwall Hideaways have a massive selection of luxury holiday homes to make your next staycation perfect. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a family holiday, there’s plenty to choose from. You’ll be able to find properties with the things on your tick list, including dog-friendly, sea views, walking routes or even a log fire. There are barn conversions, cottages, lofts and manor houses.
🐾 Dog friendly
Sykes Cottages
Sykes Cottages has over 17,500 holiday cottages to rent across the UK, including in Cornwall and the surrounding areas. There are pet-friendly cottages, large holiday homes and even houses with hot tubs. They’ve been operating for over 30 years, so you know you’re booking is in good hands.
🐾 Dog friendly
National Trust Holidays
With National Trust Holidays, you can stay in cottages, converted farmhouses, and campsites in Cornwall. With countryside views, you’ll have all the facilities and home comforts to hand, including patio areas or gardens and BBQs to enjoy in warmer weather.
National Trust Holiday Promo Code
Get 15% off selected cottages for bookings made and taken by 31 May 2024. Use discount code NTAF.
Or, get 35% off when booking 10 nights or more in Cornwall, Devon, Wales and Northern Ireland. Bookings are for stays between 1 October and 30 November 2024 and 1 January to 28 February 2025. Use discount code 10NAF.
Plan a Trip with Expedia
Booking a hotel via Expedia is a seamless experience that offers convenience and choice at your fingertips. With just a few clicks, you can browse through a wide array of cosy boutique hotels and luxurious resorts tailored to your preferences and budget. Compare prices, read reviews from fellow travellers, and explore amenities, ensuring you find the perfect place to stay for your trip.
Create your Itinerary
Using TripAdvisor when booking a hotel allows you to access a wealth of reviews and ratings from fellow travellers. This information helps you make an informed decision on where to stay and provides recommendations and insights on planning things to do during your trip.
Last Minute Deals
You can also plan with LastMinute.com. Stay at great hotels at a fraction of the price. When booking a hotel, utilising LastMinute enables you to secure fantastic deals on accommodations, ensuring a budget-friendly and spontaneous travel experience.
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