Lovely Stops and Sunset Spots: My Cornish Highlights

Quite some time ago, I wrote a post about my favourite little places in Cardiff and promised a Cornish sister-post. After spending a long and adventurous summer in Cornwall, I’ve decided that now is the perfect time to reminisce and share a few of my favourite Cornish places.

The following are places I always try and go to whenever I’m in Cornwall (and for this reason, they’re all in the west, rather than an overview across the county).

The Searoom, St Ives

Now before I admit that I may be slightly biased on this one (having worked here for the last 5 years and had an amazing time each season), I would like to point you in the direction of The Searoom’s podium place on TripAdvisor (at the time of writing, number 3 in St Ives). See? It’s not just me who loves this place.

The Searoom, with its faultless views across the harbour, is the perfect place for a drink or bite to eat on your journey around St Ives. Famous for its selection of cakes, heavenly homemade cream teas and locally-sourced seafood dishes, the café also opens throughout the evenings where it embraces a more sophisticated feel, serving cocktails and homemade liqueurs.

Whether you’re popping in for breakfast, lunch, or a quick drink, you really can’t go wrong at The Searoom. With everything made on site and served by some of the friendliest staff around (even if I do say so myself), enjoyment is guaranteed. Plus, who can say no to that view?!

Follow them on Facebook. Also check out St Ives Gin, the new branching out of The Searoom family.

Godrevy and Gwithian cliffs, Hayle

This could possibly be one of my favourite places ever. The coastal area at this end of Hayle is the perfect place for a walk or picnic at any time of the year – I love to wrap up in cosy jumpers and scarves in the winter and have a wander along the beach, or pack a flask of tea and sit in the car, watching over the sea and talking the afternoon away with my best friend.

The cliffs also offer an amazing view of the sunset (another of my favourite pastimes), so why not bring your fish and chips and blanket and relax, watching the sun slide below the horizon.

The Singing Rooser, Penzance (previously Canapes and Deli shop)

This not-so-little café has recently undergone an expansion and name-change due to its popularity. Offering homemade traditional Polish food, lovely quiches, salads and divine puddings, this restaurant is a must-go whenever I’m home in Cornwall.

If you’re ever in Penzance and after a bite of lunch, this is a place where both delicious food and friendly service from the owner and his wife are guaranteed. They’ve recently begun opening for evening meals too, which is something I need to try when I’m next in Penzance!

Find out more on their Facebook page.

Penzance harbour and Marazion beach path

What would this list be without a mention of the view over St Michael’s Mount? Another wonderful spot for a walk beside the sea, evening picnic and sunset-watching spot is the footpath between Penzance and Marazion. Whatever the season and weather, this is always a lovely area and view to enjoy.

Godrevy Cafe

I actually came in here with my family last week for the first time, the day before travelling back to Cardiff. It was a cold and miserable day, and the café was packed. Waiting for a table was a blessing in disguise: the whole menu sounded delicious and it took a while for us to decide what to eat! Our lunches (and cakes) were yummy, and the café was cosy and had a very bubbly atmosphere.

I will definitely be going back, perhaps to warm up after a beach walk when I’m back in Cornwall over Christmas.

Follow them on Facebook for more information.

I really could go on; there are so many great places to eat down in this part of the world, and Cornish scenery is breath-taking.

I look forward to finding new places to add to my list of must-go places in the next few years. In the meantime, I hope you enjoyed this post of my favourite Cornish places, and perhaps have discovered somewhere new to add to your own list.

All pictures are my own.


  1. […] So there we are, just a couple of my favourite places in and around Cardiff. I’m always exploring and discovering more, as I am back in at home. Note: there will be a sister-post to this soon, following the same principles, but for Cornwall, so keep your eyes peeled! Here it is! […]

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Welcome to my blog!

Hi! My name’s Holly – welcome to my blog, A Cornish Girl in a Big World. I’m a typical Cornish girl who loves writing about her life by the sea. When I’m not on the beach, I can usually be found snuggled with a cup of tea and a good book.


My posts range from Cornish recommendations, to book reviews, to general life musings.


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