The Best of South Cornwall

This summer, choose Cornwall as your holiday destination: whether you are a large party wanting to explore the south coast or a couple searching for a romantic break, Cornwall has so much to offer.

To help you enjoy your stay, we have compiled a list of top Cornish spots that are just a short drive away from the serene fishing harbour of Porthleven – so you can wake up from a Niche Retreat rested and ready to explore!

Places of Interest

Truro

Truro is the only city in Cornwall due to its impressive Anglican cathedral built during the Gothic revival; it is one of just three cathedrals throughout the UK to have three spires. The city homes an eclectic mix of art galleries, independent shops, bars, restaurants and nightclubs ensuring that it is the perfect cosmopolitan destination.

Falmouth

Falmouth is another lively town steeped in history as it’s the location of Pendennis Castle- Henry VIII’s Device Fort commissioned to protect the second largest natural harbour in the world. Meander through the town popping into antique shops and grab a drink outside one of the harbourside pubs. Just make sure you grab an ice-cream down at Gyllyngvase beach before your leave!

St Ives

St Ives is also a popular tourist destination as here resides the Tate gallery and the Barbara Hepworth Museum. It’s a perfect walking and exploring spot being a busy fishing harbour lined with fisherman cottages and Mediterranean-style cafes.

Penzance

Another famed destination is St Michael’s Mount in Penzance; film and TV enthusiasts may recognise it from Dracula, Trevor Nunn’s Twelfth Night or Countryfile and This Morning. Not just a film location, Penzance is also home to historic pubs and small independent shops, ideal for buying holiday souvenirs.

Popular Surfing Spots

Cornwall offers some of the best surf spots in the whole of the UK. Whereas Porthleven is renowned for being a reef break reserved for only the most hardy surfers (sometime waves reach an incredible 12 feet in size!), for a more accessible surfing beach, try Godrevy in Hayle which is also regularly patrolled by lifeguards.Newquay is also famed for surfing and Fistral Beach is notably one of the best, due to the consistent quality of waves and its ability to maintain a large swell – so it’s great for all abilities.

Recommended Local Events

St Ives holds the two-week September Festival which champions music, film, talks, poetry, theatre and comedy. In Penzance, immerse yourself in the Golowan festival during June to celebrate the summer solstice. Another captivating festival, but for wholly different reasons, is the World Bellyboarding Championships held in St Agnes. Here wetsuits are banned and instead wacky costumes are encouraged- those donning the best dress-ups are awarded with the illustrious Most Stylish award.

Famed Pubs and Restaurants

It is fair to say that Brits love their food. Especially if that food, deservedly, follows a day of sight-seeing, coastal walks and/ or surfing. Incidentally, Cornwall is the home of many popular eateries; visit Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall in Watergate Bay, the popular Porthleven restaurant Kota or Blue Anchor in Helston, which is both loved and feared due to their home-ale Spingo. On the border of North and South Cornwall lies Rick Stein’s famed The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow which, if you are indeed a seafood connoisseur, truly is a must.