The Best Hotels in Cornwall, England

Movie buffs will be chuffed to hear that The Headland Hotel served as a filming location for the adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Witches
Movie buffs will be chuffed to hear that The Headland Hotel served as a filming location for the adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Witches | © Ian Bottle / Alamy Stock Photo
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Emma Gibbins
16 September 2020

Urban escapees looking for their next slice of rest and relaxation needn’t venture far. This hotspot for holidaying Brits oozes charm and romance, particularly in the boutique hotels that are scattered along the beguiling Cornish coast.

Boskerris Hotel, St Ives

Hotel
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Boskerris Hotel St Ives
Courtesy of Boskerris Hotel St Ives / Expedia
The slickness of a 4-star hotel with the down-to-earth friendliness (and perfectly cooked-to-order breakfasts) of a B&B. Boskerris Hotel is tucked away in a snoozy residential corner overlooking lovely Carbis Bay beach, two miles to the east of St. Ives, which can be reached along a gorgeous coastal path. Accommodation is bright and pristine, all plump pillows and bounce-a-coin beds, and the homemade granola is a frankly outrageous cornucopia of goodies. Carbis Bay train station lies a 5-minute walk away.
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Artist Residence, Penzance

Hotel
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Artist Residence, Penzance copy
Courtesy of Artist Residence / Expedia
The Artist Residence hotels have made a name for themselves by enlisting local artists to design their spaces. As Cornwall is well known for its thriving art scene, the outpost in Penzance is a particular favourite. Rustic reclaimed furniture and artful clutter manage to give it an energy that is both homely and on-trend. The rooms convey the kind of quirky cosiness that makes them difficult to leave – think wood burners, mini SMEG fridges, reclaimed doors and oversized armchairs. Book a spot at the hotel’s restaurant, The Cornish Barn, for a warming bowl of smoked haddock kedgeree and a rum-infused crème brûlée, followed by a mean espresso martini on the garden terrace.
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The Old Quay House, Fowey

Hotel
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The Old Quay House, Fowey
Courtesy of The Old Quay House / Expedia
If you want an oasis from the hustle and bustle of Fowey’s busy Fore Street, then step into The Old Quay House. Spread over three floors, the rooms are decorated with muted tones that really highlight the space. If you can, opt for the Penthouse, which has perfect views over the Fowey Estuary from a private balcony. Even the smaller rooms have excellent sea views, so you can watch the sailboats from your bed while sipping your morning coffee. Local mussels, goat’s cheese mousse and wild garlic risotto are just some of the gorgeous dishes on the menu in the restaurant, which has a terrace jutting out over the estuary.
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The St Tudy Inn, Bodmin

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St Tudy Inn, Bodmin copy
Courtesy of St Tudy Inn / Expedia
Flash back to bygone days at the St Tudy Inn, set within a beautifully renovated 17th-century building. The hotel retains its historic ambience in spite of its evolution into a luxurious countryside retreat – the result is cosy, yet contemporary with a stripped-back elegance. It has culinary credentials, too. Owner and head chef Emily’s passion for colourful dishes is driven by the seasons and earned her a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Relax in front of the restaurant’s large open fireplace with dinner, or enjoy a drink at the old bar, where dogs are welcome.
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Trevose Harbour House, St Ives

Hotel
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Trevose Harbour House
© Hotels.com

What could be better than a nautical boutique hotel in the heart of Cornwall? Beautiful blues feature throughout Trevose Harbour House, which presides over the beach at St Ives. With only six guest rooms, the staff are wonderfully attentive at this beautiful Georgian gem, and your visit will feel tailor-made. Famous for its world-class surf and local art, St Ives is also a foodie haven, thanks to the abundance of local produce and fresh fish on offer. With wood burners, armchairs and spectacular views, Trevose Harbour House is a cosy corner of St Ives that’s perfect for putting your feet up after a day of riding the waves or cruising the local galleries.

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22 Warren, St Ives, TR26 2EA, United Kingdom
+441736793267

About this place:

Boutique, Beach

The Headland Hotel and Spa, Newquay

Spa Hotel
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The Headland Hotel in Newquay, Cornwall, Uk. Image shot 2016. Exact date unknown.
© tony french / Alamy Stock Photo

Jutting out on a clifftop over Fistral Beach, the majestic Headland Hotel looks like something out of a Jane Austen novel. Not surprising then, it was once used as the location for the film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Witches. These days, though, this dog-friendly Victorian house blends old with new. The property’s 95 rooms and 39 self-catering cottages feature bespoke furniture, a Nespresso machine and Elemis products and express a kind of Old-English charm, honouring the hotel’s grand beginnings, but with enough modern comforts to offer a luxurious experience.

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Headland Road, Newquay, England, TR7 1EW, United Kingdom
+441637872211
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About this place:

Beach, Historic, Traditional

Carbis Bay Hotel and Estate, St Ives

Luxury, Hotel, Resort
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Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate copy
Courtesy of Carbis Bay Hotel and Estate / Expedia
Carbis Bay’s main rooms are modern and chic, fronted by a privately owned 25-acre Blue Flag Beach, where the calm, balmy water is just right for lazy swimming sessions, or taking the hotel’s Sunseeker yacht out for a day at sea. For a closer look at the historic Godrevy Lighthouse opposite, opt for a beach lodge or suite. Each slopes down to its own little stretch of beach and comes equipped with a hot tub, roof or beach garden, and private sun deck.
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Seavista, Mawgan Porth

Bed and Breakfast
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Seavista, Mawgan Porth
Courtesy of Seavista / Expedia
After opening in 2006, Seavista established itself as a chic and well-appointed B&B by the sea. But owners Kate and Ozzy had bigger plans. While retaining its signature style, it now offers mainly self-catering in the form of a two-bedroom lodge and four-bedroom house. Alfresco hot-tubs and a private terrace offer cinematic ocean views, making the space feel quietly indulgent, and breakfast is served in your room on a vintage silver tea tray.
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    • Mount Haven Hotel, Marazion

    Hotel
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    Mount Haven Hotel, Marazion
    Courtesy of Mount Haven Hotel / Expedia
    The 20 rooms at Mount Haven Hotel are laid-back luxe, with beds dressed in Egyptian cotton and fluffy bathrobes in the light-filled bathrooms. The hotel’s contemporary Restaurant and Terrace Bar stand in stylish contrast to the historic market town it calls home, while the floor-to-ceiling glass provides a constant reminder that this hideaway is set in one of the most serene areas of the British Isles. Look out onto an enchanting landscape, with St Michael’s Mount as the focal point.
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    The Rosevine, Truro

    Hotel
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    The Rosevine, Truro
    Courtesy of The Rosevine / Expedia
    Savour those splendid sea views at your pick of The Rosevine’s studio apartments and boutique suites – most with their own private terrace or balcony where you can hear the sounds of thrashing waves below. Meticulously groomed lawns dotted with wicker furniture frame this Georgian family home, paving the way towards subtropical gardens. Inside, take a dip in the heated pool, or relax in the adults-only drawing room, home to snug sofas and a wood-burning stove.
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    Truro, England, TR2 5EW, United Kingdom
    +441872580206
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    About this place:

    Relaxed, Hidden Gem

    The Gannet, St Ives

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    The Gannet Inn
    Courtesy of the Gannet Inn / Hotels.com
    Set in the pretty village of Carbis Bay, a mile from St Ives, The Gannet lodgings burst with character thanks to the careful combination of unusual and vintage furniture. Tuck into a hearty menu of British classics at its restaurant, Hungry Gannet, or mingle with friendly locals at the aptly named Thirsty Gannet, a twist on a traditional English pub. The setting is homely with low ceilings, brown leather armchairs and a roaring wood fire, where delicately printed wallpaper and velvet cushions add a touch of luxe.
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    Fowey Hall Hotel

    Hotel
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    Fowey Hall Hotel
    Courtesy of Fowey Hall Hotel / Booking.com

    This hotel is perfectly set up for families, with complimentary childcare services, kids’ clubs and activities such as zip wiring and swimming all available on-site. It’s not all for the little ones, though. The onsite spa offering facials and massages is strictly for adults, and the hot tub with a sea view is a peaceful sanctuary after a day out on the water. The rooms are sophisticated too, with plush red carpets, gilt mirrors and velvet antique sofas, offering a bit of luxury to return to at the end of the day.

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    This is an updated version of an article created by Bianca Barratt; Neil McQuillian contributed additional reporting to this article.

    These recommendations were updated on September 16, 2020 to keep your travel plans fresh.
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