Callestock Blog
23
Sep
2019
2019
7 Picturesque Pubs in Cornwall
Want a Cornish pub that delivers good food, great views and delicious drinks? Here are seven that have earned a place on your must-see list. You're welcome.
At Callestock Courtyard Cottages, we like to personally test the places we recommend, so this list includes insider tips and the highlights that many miss. Enjoy :-)
1. Pandora Inn, Restronguet near Falmouth
The beautiful Pandora Inn dates back to the 13th Century, nestled on the banks of the River Fal with its own jetty and views across the water.
Because of its location, the Inn only has a tiny carpark which can cause congestion in the busy months. Instead of battling with the traffic, why not take the scenic route, like we do, and park at the adjacent Mylor Bridge. The walk from here is only a couple of miles but you'll pass buildings dating back hundreds of year, as well as the iconic gold postbox. This celebrates the success of local sailor Ben Ainsley in the 2012 Olympics. Ben started his sailing career at the club and still returns here today.
2. Ship Inn, Mousehole
Visit the magical village where The Great Storm Cat was soothed by Mowzer's purring, calming the waves and bringing fresh catch back to the hungry residents.
The village is famed for being home to the beloved children's story, but it's also a snapshot of Cornish life and traditions. There's no better place to experience its character and charm than the Ship Inn, which overlooks the small harbour and serves stargazy pie to all on 23rd December every year.
3. Driftwood Spars, Trevaunance
The pub in the quaint village of St Agnes on the north Cornish coast sits in an area of outstanding natural beauty and a World Heritage Site. The nearby landscape and abandoned historic Wheal Coates tin mine are said to be the inspiration behind local writer Winston Graham's Poldark stories.
The Driftwood Spars pub takes its name from the 'spars' of wood washed up from ship wrecks over the centures which have been used as beams inside the restaurant. Watch the sunset over the sea while sampling some of the local real ale and freshly cooked seafood or explore the beach and its labyrinth of caves and rockpools.
4. Port William at Trebarwith Strand, near Tintagel
Trebarwith Strand is a stretch of golden sand, backed by flat rocks and steep cliffs. At low tide, the beach reveals around a mile of smooth sand, but at high tide the beach almost disappears, giving you the perfect excuse to head up the cliffs to the pub!
The Port William looks out across the former harbour, giving you a front-row seat for storm-watching. The pub serves delicious locally-sourced food and drink, including the mouth-watering smoked haddock and mozzarella fish cakes and the Cornish dressed crab with ginger mayo.
5. Bowgie Inn, Crantock
One of the Cornwall's most popular, well-known and much-loved beaches, Crantock is a National Trust owned stretch of sand. Its regular visitors include surfers, walkers, swimmers, horse-riders and even dolphins who can occasionally be been playing in the waters.
The Bowgie Inn overlooks the beach from an enviable clifftop location, providing an ideal spot for warming up after a bracing walk through the dunes.
6. Watering Hole, Perranporth
We couldn't make a list of our favourite Cornish pubs without mentioning the Watering Hole at our local beach, Perranporth. Less than 15 minutes from the cottages here at Callestock, the UK's only beach bar is open 12 months of the year, serving mouth-watering food and drink.
Being right on the beach, the pub has experienced its fair share of floods, with Winter storms changing the precarious natural landscape every year. But you'll always find a warm welcome, a cold beer and a wholesome meal on offer.
7. Rashleigh Inn, Polkerris
This 300-year-old former coastguard station has been keeping watch over the idyllic sandy cove of Polkerris for centuries. With low ceilings, wooden floors, an open fireplace and just a stone's throw from the beach, the Rashleigh Inn is a fantastic pub in a perfect location.
Close to the historic harbour town of Fowey, there's loads to do nearby, whether you want to browse the independent shops, paddle in the sea or simply watch the world go by from the Rashleigh Inn's outdoor seating area.
What other pubs have we missed? With hundreds to choose from throughout Cornwall, both on the coast and inland, there's plenty of variety, but hopefully we've captured some of the best.
Book your stay today at Callestock Courtyard Holiday Cottages and Liz can give you personal recommendations for places to eat out and see the best of Cornwall, depending on exactly what you're looking for.