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Cornwall’s beautiful coastline — ripe for walking or just admiring — and the region’s unique, friendly culture are the perfect setting for a B&B break. Sure, there are some amazing hotels in Cornwall, but more often than not a B&B is a bit more intimate, a bit more friendly and a bit more peaceful. And our Guru’s recommendations for the best B&Bs in Cornwall are all of these and more. Their list includes an arty escape in St Ives, a boutique bolthole in Bude, an adults-only guesthouse in Mevagissey and a peaceful palatial house in Padstow. Plus more charmers than available weekends!
For the Album
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- Westcroft Guesthouse is a gem hidden right on the beach of Kingsland, on Cornwall’s South Coast. It has just four rooms, all individually, and romantically decorated — it’s worth seeing them all if you get the chance, there’s a choice of four-posters, beamed ceilings, opulent wall papers, and free-standing baths. Breakfast is all locally sourced, and the friendly hosts will being you tea or coffee in your room.
For a Beach Break
- The Sandy Duck in Falmouth is an immaculately styled B&B with spectacular sea views from most of the seven rooms. Converted from a large, double-fronted townhouse, there’s a good variety in the size, shape and decor of the rooms, with our favourites featuring free-standing baths. The vibe is fresh and calm, you might even say Scandinavian. And you’re well positioned for Falmouth and its four beaches.
- Treverbyn House is an elegant property with three B&B rooms, just a short stroll from Padstow Harbour. The property has been under the same ownership for 20 years and a lot of care is taken over the decor — wood floors, fireplaces and antiques — and over the service. And there’s an excellent Full English.
- Nearwater is a chic, four bedroom B&B in pretty St Mawes, just a short stroll from the beach. In addition to three well laid out rooms, all done with a nautical flavour, there’s a cosy lounge with a fireplace, and a separate, self-catering annex. An intimate option, with friendly, helpful hosts.
For a Romantic Escape
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- Trevose Harbour House is a stunning, nautical inspired B&B in arty St. Ives, with wonderful views of the Cornish coastline from the windows of almost all of its six, individually designed rooms and suites. There’s a snug and honesty bar downstairs, and the all-organic breakfasts are legendary. Lovers of mid-century design will approve, along with lovers of Klein blue.
- Headland House is a grown-up and elegant B&B in St. Ives, offering seven nautically minded rooms, with sea views. Expect free-standing baths, spacious bathrooms, fabulous breakfasts in a charming breakfast room or courtyard, a welcoming sitting room, and a well stocked honesty bar. Intimate.
For a Rural Retreat
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- Pendragon Country House makes for an idyllic country escape, set amidst the stunning North Cornish landscape overlooking Bodmin Moor and Dartmoor, and still just six miles from the ocean. Inside are seven rooms and suites and a grand atmosphere — think antiques, opulent colours and oil paintings. The most romantic rooms have four-poster beds, and the lounge has squashy leather sofas and a roaring fire when required. There are walking paths right out of the hotel, and the friendly hosts serve a three course table d’hote supper to replenish you.
- Ednovean Farm has been charmingly transformed from a farm into a cosy B&B — still benefitting from fabulous views over St. Michael’s Mount Bay, and the location just outside Penzance. It has just three rooms, all with a country chic feel, private terraces and romantic details. There are also mature gardens, where they will serve your hearty breakfast if the weather allows. It’s just a short stroll from an excellent selection of bars and restaurants. Adults only.
For a Mini Break
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- Venton Vean is a surprisingly chic B&B just a short walk from the centre of Penzance. Our Gurus say surprisingly, because the exterior of this home is classic charming seaside fare, but the interiors are much fresher design-wise. There are six rooms, all smartly decorated in various shades of green and grey, with period features, and contemporary comforts and touches. There’s also a stylish sitting room. Breakfast can be English, Mexican or Spanish!
- Chelsea House is a stylish, owner-managed B&B which looks out over Falmouth Bay. The nine rooms are themed, and named, for musicians, and styled with plenty of mid-century Danish furniture, including some very nice G Plan, plus contemporary art, crisp, white walls and original wooden floors. There’s a large and comfy lounge, a charming terrace, and private outdoor space with the two pet-friendly rooms.
For Families
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- Caroe Farmhouse is a beautifully presented farmhouse conversion in a scenic spot, featuring four immaculate rooms, and plenty of white paint inside and out. In addition to the comfortable rooms there’s a spacious lounge, a comfortable dining room where a superb breakfast is served, and a green expanse of garden all around the farmhouse. There’s lots to do in the area, including horse riding, surfing, cycling, golf, sailing, and plenty of walking trails.
- Just a short walk from Porthmeor Beach in St. Ives, Storm in a Teacup is s chic B&B with six rooms, including several family options. The contemporary decor leans towards the industrial, with wood-clad feature walls, exposed bulbs and pop art — and bunks in the kids’ part of the family rooms.
For Walkers
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- Hay Barton is a rural B&B retreat in South Cornwall, close to Trewarthenick and Portloe. The old house has lots of charm, and the welcoming hosts have set up four beautiful rooms, with just the right amount of homely country chic. Breakfast is homemade, served in an airy dining room, or al fresco if the weather allows, and there are walking routes right from the doorstep.
- Lower Barns is a charming stone bungalow converted into a six room B&B, in beautiful, mature gardens in the rolling Cornish countryside just outside St. Austell. Each room is individually designed and decorated, with plenty of colour and nic-nacs collected from the owners’ travels. Two of the rooms have a private hot tub. Table d’hote style suppers are offered some evenings, and by request.
For Great Value
- The Old Rectory in Boscastle, on the North Cornwall coast, is about as historically romantic as you can get — this is where Thomas Hardy met his wife. Obviously it wasn’t a B&B then, but these days the four tranquil, romantic rooms in pale hues, the manicured gardens and beautifully cooked meals, hark back to the days when it was a country house.
- 3 Porthminster is a charming, four room B&B in St. Ives, just a short stroll from the beach. Each of the room are light and airy, with plenty of white paint and big windows. They offer the sort of breakfast that will really set you up for the day, and guests are well positioned for restaurants and cafes, and all the other charms of St. Ives. Very friendly and affordable.
Still not sure where to book?