So, you’re planning on heading down to Cornwall on your next holiday? It’s an excellent choice, no matter whether you’re going for a fun family holiday or a romantic couple’s getaway. With so many beautiful golden beaches and rugged landscapes, you’re guaranteed to see some beautiful sights.
But, you’re probably not going to spend all of your time in Cornwall out on the sands or the waves, as there’s a lot more to Britain’s southernmost tip than just its beaches and surfing scene. So, if you want to add a different sort of day out to your itinerary then look no further.
We’ve picked out four of the most picturesque Cornish villages that are perfect for a visit on your Cornwall caravan holidays.
Port Isaac
In terms of Cornish villages, there’s arguably none quite so famous as Port Isaac. This traditional, storied fishing village on the north coast is home to not one, but two popular culture hits.
The winding streets and whitewashed cottages were the filming location for the Doc Martin TV series, with many spots around the village being instantly recognisable for fans of the show. And, in terms of local talent, it was here that popular singers of sea shanties the Fisherman’s Friends first started performing.
Whether you visit to get pictures in front of Doc Martin’s house or just to take in some beautiful scenery it’s a great spot for a relaxed day out.
Charlestown
Another popular filming destination in Cornwall, the village of Charlestown has evolved away from its origins as a working port. While the harbour no longer operates as an exporting hub for copper and China clay it’s the centrepiece for a lovely day out.
Wander among the lovely cottages, watch out for the traditional ships that sometimes sail into the harbour, or enjoy a ramble along the coast path. The village also shows off its shipping history with the Shipwreck Treasure Museum, which features the largest private collection of shipwreck artefacts in the whole of Europe.
Nestled on the south coast, the village is just a short drive from the bustling town of St Austell and the nearby Eden Project.
Fowey
Like so many other Cornish destinations, Fowey’s name isn’t pronounced the way you’d probably expect and should instead be read as rhyming with ‘boy’.
Unlike many of the other famous fishing villages, Fowey sits on the banks of the river that shares its name rather than opening onto the sea. This means that the surrounding waters are nice and calm, ideal for a gentle boat trip down the river to enjoy the local scenery.
Back on land, the streets feature a mix of Georgian and Victorian houses, all in the shadow of the medieval St Catherine’s Castle which sits on the headland.
Mousehole
Little more than a stone’s throw away from the iconic St Micheal’s Mount, Mousehole has some truly stunning views out over the bay. If you visit on a sunny day, the wide blue expanse of sea is sure to take your breath away.
The curve of the harbour becomes a smooth sandy beach at low tide, perfect for a spot of sunbathing or eating one of the delicious local ice creams. Enjoy a meander through the narrow streets and pop into some of the charming galleries, cafes or gift shops tucked in among the cottages.
If you find yourself particularly charmed by this quaint village, make a note to come back for another visit in December, when Mousehole’s famous Christmas lights display lights up the harbour.
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Cornwall is home to many more beautiful villages than the ones we’ve had time to highlight today, so make sure you take the time to explore further on your holiday. Who knows, you might even find your new favourite hideaway.