St Mawes takes the Cornish coast to a very classy standard; perching on the unspoilt Roseland peninsula, the surrounding countryside is outstanding. St Mawes is also well known for its foot ferry to Falmouth and is home to the best preserved of Henry VIII's coastal fortresses, St Mawes Castle.
A quaint, traditional pub set in the heart of St Mawes and offering lunch and dinner seven days a week. Upstairs offers extra dining space with a balcony overlooking St Mawes bay. Dogs welcome.
A traditional pub for over 300 years, enjoy stunning views over the Carrick Roads and Falmouth Harbour towards Flushing. Food is locally sourced and the menu changes seasonally accompanied by speciality ales and wines.
Nestling undisturbed on the Roseland peninsula, Porthbeor is pleasantly sheltered and dotted with unusual rock formations. Currently only accessible by boat due to landslip cutting off the access steps.
There's sub-tropical lushness around every corner at this stunning garden on the banks of the Helford River. The views from the 18th Century house across the garden to the river are not to be missed. Wend your way through camellia groves and chusan palms, woodlands and bamboo; meander alongside pools and streams, giant-leafed gunnera and hydrangeas, to emerge onto Trebah's private beach. Perfect for a swim and a picnic in summer. Not picnic weather? Head to the award-winning Trebah Kitchen or have a browse in the gift shop and plant centre. One of Cornwall's, if not England's, finest gardens.
A mixture of rocks, sand and shingle form this beach. There are fabulous views across the estuary, however due to the strong currents it is not advsiable to swim here.
Sandy, pebbly and spacious with rock pools to explore at low tide. Not to be confused with Towan Beach at Newquay. The National Trust beach car park is nearby with good access. Don't forget to visit Earl theThirstea Co refreshment van, open from Easter to October.
Historically one of Britain's most vital ports, now home to the National Maritime Museum. Falmouth is a thriving resort (check out the flash yachts in the harbour), a rich centre for art, including one of the country's best art schools, and a great collection of beaches.
Maenporth Beach is slightly outside the town of Falmouth and therefore a little quieter.
Situated in the pretty village of Mawnan Smith, this traditional thatched pub offers local produce and fine wines. With outside seating for al fresco dining and within easy reach of the coast path, this is a good stopping off point.
A few years ago, the Classic Cottages team started writing about where we live and why we love it. Over time these have evolved into the Classic Guide.
23 September 2026
St Mawes takes the Cornish coast to a very classy standard; perching on the unspoilt Roseland peninsula, the surrounding countryside is outstanding. St Mawes is also well known for its foot ferry to Falmouth and is home to the best preserved of Henry VIII's coastal fortresses, St Mawes Castle.
14 September 2026
A quaint, traditional pub set in the heart of St Mawes and offering lunch and dinner seven days a week. Upstairs offers extra dining space with a balcony overlooking St Mawes bay. Dogs welcome.
30 August 2026
A traditional pub for over 300 years, enjoy stunning views over the Carrick Roads and Falmouth Harbour towards Flushing. Food is locally sourced and the menu changes seasonally accompanied by speciality ales and wines.
24 August 2026
Nestling undisturbed on the Roseland peninsula, Porthbeor is pleasantly sheltered and dotted with unusual rock formations. Currently only accessible by boat due to landslip cutting off the access steps.
16 August 2026
There's sub-tropical lushness around every corner at this stunning garden on the banks of the Helford River. The views from the 18th Century house across the garden to the river are not to be missed. Wend your way through camellia groves and chusan palms, woodlands and bamboo; meander alongside pools and streams, giant-leafed gunnera and hydrangeas, to emerge onto Trebah's private beach. Perfect for a swim and a picnic in summer. Not picnic weather? Head to the award-winning Trebah Kitchen or have a browse in the gift shop and plant centre. One of Cornwall's, if not England's, finest gardens.
15 May 2026
A mixture of rocks, sand and shingle form this beach. There are fabulous views across the estuary, however due to the strong currents it is not advsiable to swim here.
12 May 2026
Sandy, pebbly and spacious with rock pools to explore at low tide. Not to be confused with Towan Beach at Newquay. The National Trust beach car park is nearby with good access. Don't forget to visit Earl theThirstea Co refreshment van, open from Easter to October.
10 August 2025
Historically one of Britain's most vital ports, now home to the National Maritime Museum. Falmouth is a thriving resort (check out the flash yachts in the harbour), a rich centre for art, including one of the country's best art schools, and a great collection of beaches.
4 August 2025
Maenporth Beach is slightly outside the town of Falmouth and therefore a little quieter.
4 August 2025
Situated in the pretty village of Mawnan Smith, this traditional thatched pub offers local produce and fine wines. With outside seating for al fresco dining and within easy reach of the coast path, this is a good stopping off point.