Locations and properties for storm-watching in Cornwall

Wrap up warm and head to the coast

Unlocked in the autumn and winter months, Cornwall is one the best locations in the UK for storm-watching. Pull on your coats and watch in amazement as foamy white waves crash against cliff-faces on the north coast, or head down south where storms have captured the attention of national news year after year.

Whether you want to experience the drama up close or relax under a blanket in one of our luxury homes, here's a selection that make the perfect base.

Porthleven

Arguably the county’s most iconic storm-watching spot, Porthleven attracts visitors from far and wide every winter. Featured regularly on the national news during historic storms including Storm Hercules in 2014 and Eunice in 2022, you can usually expect to see images depicting waves crashing over the harbour wall and onto the beach. 

Salt Spray 

Having started life as two fisherman’s cottages, this newly renovated retreat sits just above Porthleven Beach and directly on the coast path. At its core is the open plan kitchen, living and dining area with large picture windows and vaulted ceilings revealing undisturbed ocean vistas from every angle. If you're keen to secure a front-row seat to this winter's notorious weather, a stay at Salt Spray places you in the heart of the action. There's also a 50ft long glass-fronted balcony with low-slung seating for those who don't mind being kissed with sea spray. 

The Old School House

Set just above Porthleven's sparkling shores, this coastal home blends modern luxuries with beautiful views, making it the perfect place to hunker down ahead of the colder months. Bright and spacious, the ground floor is doused in natural light and enjoys far-reaching ocean views. The living area leads straight onto the suntrap terrace, which provides a relaxing spot for watching the waves roll into shore. Come winter, hunker down beside the wood burner and watch the weather whip up the waves from the comfort of the sofa. While it may be set further back from the beach, The Old School House doesn't miss out on the dramatic views of the coastline. 

Accessibility notes: There are steps leading from the driveway to the front door. Once inside, there is a ground-floor bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, and the kitchen and living area are also located on this level.

Seathrift 

An oh-so-cool beach house that's perfect for surfing trips, Seathrift’s design has been carefully considered to showcase its incredible views, with the living, kitchen and dining areas located on the first floor. Perched just above the beach and boasting uninterrupted views, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors invite mornings spent wave-watching and evenings soaking up dusty pink December sunsets. Complete with five bedrooms and a separate snug, there are plenty of spaces to hunker down and listen to the sound of the sea lap the shore below. 

Left: Salt Spray | Middle: The Old School House | Right: Seathrift

Mawgan Porth

One of Cornwall's most sought-after holiday destinations, the village of Mawgan Porth sits comfortably between some of the county's best spas, restaurants and beaches. Being on the north Cornish coast, it's often hit by dramatic swells where large waves crash against rugged outcrops. With the town of Newquay located a short distance away, storm chasers can easily hop from one headland to the next.

The Lookout 

If you're looking for the perfect view, the answer is in the name. Enjoy a week of wild seas, woolly jumpers, and evenings beside the wood burner at this coastal haven. Overlooking a sweep of golden beach, find yourself on the coast path within minutes of leaving the house, where you can follow the action to the opposite side of the village. If you'd prefer to stay warm and dry, sit back in a hanging chair with a mug of hot chocolate to watch the winds whip up the sand or take to the terrace for an elevated viewing spot. When dusk falls, retire to the snug to warm your feet in front of the fire. 

Prennek House

This eco-inspired home features a unique mix of rich, rustic textures and smooth, polished furnishings. Its striking wood-clad facade and bright blue front door make it easily identifiable. Spanning two floors, the interior offers a comfortable, home-like atmosphere where every detail has been thoughtfully designed to ensure a restful stay. Savour spectacular sea views from the roof terrace or curl up with a blanket from the window seat and gaze across Mawgan Porth before snuggling up in the lounge where a crackling log burner and Sony Smart TV await. 

Accessibility notes: Bedroom four, the kitchen, dining room and the living area can be found on the ground floor. There's also a downstairs bathroom with a large walk-in shower.

Headlands

Spread across three floors, this home is a paradise for beach-lovers and watersports enthusiasts and sits on the opposite side of the village. With direct beach access and stunning views spanning the whole of Mawgan Porth and beyond, track the stormy weather out to Fistral Beach without having to leave the comfort of the sofa. Once the weather settles, take to the sea for an invigorating cold water swim then head back home for a warming soak in the hot tub. 

Left: The Lookout | Middle: Prennek House | Right: Headlands

Mullion

Mullion is the largest village on the Lizard and serves as a great base to stay or stop off before exploring the beautiful countryside and surrounding coastline. Owned and cared for by the National Trust, the small Victorian harbour was originally built in the 1890s to shelter a small fishing fleet from powerful westerly storms and has taken a battering from storm season ever since. 

Laflouder Thatch

Occupying a coveted position in the historic village of Mullion, Laflouder Thatch's traditional thatched roof and carefully curated furnishings create a welcoming and luxurious escape. Set back from the beach but still offering sea views from the garden, venture down winding country lanes to witness waves crashing over the harbour. Surrounded by high cliffs there are plenty of spots to watch the action in safety.

Sennen Cove

As winter arrives, the village of Sennen is often engulfed in dramatic storms. The harbour in front of the village is frequently covered by turbulent waves, and when they’re large enough, you can hear the swells approaching the shore, crashing hundreds of feet into the air and sending salty spray over the houses.

Breakwater

This elevated sea-view retreat blends impressive architecture with vibrant interiors. Upstairs in the open plan living space, transport yourself to a tropical oasis where sparkling ocean views span the whole floor, and high-vaulted ceilings see natural light pour in. Stretching as far as Longships Lighthouse and the Isles of Scilly on clear days, this space features two sofas and a wood burner, welcoming cosy evenings spent as a group.

Marazion 

Marazion, the gateway to the world-famous St Michael’s Mount, features a stunning beach and breath-taking views towards the Lizard Peninsula and Land’s End. Staying in this area allows you to enjoy excellent storm-watching opportunities without needing to travel far. The tidal island of St Michael's Mount, crowned by a medieval church and castle, adds a touch of mystical drama to a blustery day, making it the perfect spot to witness thunderous waves crashing against the shore.

Ednovean House

Enjoying endless views across Mount’s Bay and Marazion, this high-spec home is ideal for sociable Cornish escapes. Sleeping up to 14 guests, Ednovean House is also ideally situated for exploring the West Cornwall coastline and is just a 10-minute walk from Perranuthnoe Beach. Edged by window seats and warmed by a contemporary fireplace with an open fire, gather around and play board games in the evenings as you shelter from the elements. 

To fully embrace the winter season, our Concierge team are on hand with recommendations across Cornwall. Think blustery walking, the best pubs for a Sunday lunch and family-friendly days out. To start planning your next stay, contact us on 01208 895 570 or email info@perfectstays.co.uk