Cornwall’s west coast wonders: your guide to Mount’s Bay

Your insider’s guide from Mousehole to Praa Sands

Dotted with colourful harbour towns and beautiful sweeping beaches, Mount’s Bay is considered one of England’s most iconic stretches of coastline. With each one promising something different, from much-loved art galleries to stylish waterfront restaurants, we’ve rounded up some must-visit locations in the area. Get inspired for your next South West escape and discover the best places to eat, drink, shop and stay in Mount’s Bay.

Penzance

Cornwall’s most westerly major town, Penzance is a historic port basking in one of the mildest climates in the UK. Its art deco saltwater lido, Jubilee Pool, sits on the seafront and attracts plenty of visitors when the sun is shining, opening its doors to four-legged friends on the last day of the season. The town’s high street enjoys a string of vintage and homeware shops like Circa 21 and No.56, charming boutique bakeries like Lavenders, and great seafood restaurants like The Shore.

There’s plenty to be enjoyed in Penzance’s outskirts too. The nearby Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens combine modern art with large-scale exotic plants, while the much-loved Minack theatre is carved into the cliffs at Porthcurno less than half an hour away. Make a trip to the award-winning Polgoon Vineyard to sample a range of artisan wines and ciders on a tour and tasting, or take a stroll around the orchard before dining al fresco at Vine House Kitchen.

Where to stay near Penzance: Enjoying spectacular views out to sea, Ednovean House sits just along the coast from Penzance.

Marazion

With its safe sandy beach and turquoise waters, the ancient market town of Marazion is a peaceful location for family holidays by the sea. Home to the island fortress of St Michael’s Mount, a trip to Marazion isn’t complete without crossing the causeway at low tide to see the fairy-tale castle perched on the rock. Pop into one of the town’s local cafés or restaurants for a bite to eat before making the crossing, or while away the afternoon soaking up gorgeous views across to Land’s End and the Lizard Peninsula.

Known locally for its fantastic watersports scene, children visiting Marazion will love taking to the waves with a local sea school for kitesurfing or paddle boarding lessons. You might even spot some dophins during a boat trip on calm days.

Where to stay in Marazion: With the lovely Perranuthnoe Beach less than a 10 minute walk away, Ednovean House takes advantage of its sweeping vistas over coast and country. Sleeping 14 guests, it’s an ideal holiday home for special occasions and family retreats.

Newlyn

© Rosie Gibson via Rosie Gibson Creative

With a pretty harbour stretching over 40 acres, Newlyn is a Cornish town of two halves. Art and fishing form the beating heart of the town, and among its narrow winding streets and picture-perfect cottages, you’ll find a selection of exquisite art galleries and fantastic seafood restaurants. Whether you dine at Mackerel Sky Seafood Café or book a table at Ben Tunnicliffe’s The Tolcarne Inn, Newlyn is a treasure trove for fresh seafood, with the annual Newlyn Fish Festival attracting the crowds each year.

Lovers of the big screen will relish an evening at Newlyn Filmhouse, an independent cinema combining unique and up-and-coming releases with fantastic lunch and dinner menus in its intimate café bar.

Mousehole

© Kristjan and Simon Harrod via Flickr

Famed for its twinkling Christmas light display, literary connections and maze of cobbled Cornish streets, Mousehole is a small fishing village three miles west of Penzance. Home to a number of galleries, independent shops and great restaurants, including 2 Fore Street and The Old Coastguard, Mousehole has plenty to explore. Take a walk along the tidal beach or venture a little further afield with a stroll to Lamorna Cove, where more endless sea views await. Sample a traditional Cornish pasty from Jessie’s Dairy or pop into The Tyler Gallery to browse a beautiful collection of handcrafted ceramics and prints inspired by Cornwall.

Where to stay in Mousehole: Immediately striking, Porth Enys House enjoys some of the finest views in the country, with a tranquil estate spanning 20 acres. 

Praa Sands

Famous for its mile long white sand beach, Praa Sands is a coastal village just east of Marazion. A popular surf destination for those in the know, its sheltered dunes and powerful waves make it a must-visit location for holidaying surfers, while children will love playing in the shallows and building sandcastles in the sun. For a gentle stroll along the South West Coast Path, enjoy a walk from Praa Sands to Prussia Cove. Steeped in smuggling history, the cove presents a great opportunity for spotting shipwrecks and basking sharks in the water below, while Praa Sands’ lively beachfront pub, surf shop and golf club provide something for all tastes and ages.

Where to stay in Praa Sands: A quirky upside-down design and a sea-view balcony make Bodillian a fantastic luxury home in West Cornwall. Sleeping eight guests just moments from the beach, enjoy slow mornings with breakfast in bed and afternoons spent trampling the South West Coast Path.

Main image courtesy of © Rosie Gibson via Rosie Gibson Creative