Guest Blog: Romantic Retreats in Falmouth
13 February
Enjoy our Guest Blog from Cornish Holiday Cottages, the perfect choice for a curated collection of holiday homes, apartments and cottages
Romance isn't just for Valentine's Day. It surprises you in those little moments you spend together— beach picnics, morning cups of tea in bed, and spontaneous escapes to the coast. A place for it to simply be just the two of you. A place to wander and get lost in the magic.
As couples, we all have our daily rituals or habits that bring us together. Some wake at dawn to catch the sunrise. Others swoon over a long lie-in, a good book, and nowhere to be.
The good news: love, in all its forms can find romance in Falmouth. At Cornish Holiday Cottages, we bring you self-catering homes designed to suit all kinds of escapes. Whether you connect over long walks on the beach (clichéd, right, but so good for the soul), a wood-fired sauna session, or good food shared.
Why Falmouth is an excellent destination for couples
A working harbour town where maritime heritage meets the contemporary. There are gorgeously hand-painted shopfronts and intimate neighbourhood dining spots for candlelit suppers all at your fingertips. How you travel really matters when you want to connect on your holiday and unwind. That's why Falmouth is such a rich destination to explore on foot. Either get the train from cosmopolitan hotspots like London, Bath, and Birmingham right into town, or drive and park the car for the week. For those accustomed to big town or city life with everything on your doorstep, Falmouth ticks all the boxes—a constellation of beaches, coastal walks, amazing eateries, boutique shops, boat trips, spa days, and so much more. The Times didn't name it the California of the UK for nothing. There's a wholesome feeling about simply being by the sea.
Where to stay in Falmouth
3 Hamilton Place
Fabulously mid-century and with a swoon-worthy view. This apartment is positioned away from the immediate bustle yet close enough to explore Falmouth's attractions. The bijou space sleeps two in a comfortable double bedroom, with bold, eclectic interiors featuring mid-century Danish-influenced furniture, original Heals and G Plan pieces, and artwork from local artists.
The pièce de résistance? Spectacular bay windows that frame Falmouth Bay like a living painting. Imagine mornings spent with coffee watching sailing boats drift past, afternoons sketching in the ethereal light, or evenings sipping wine as the sky turns golden. The beach is literally on your doorstep, making early morning walks or moonlit strolls effortlessly romantic.
With two bathrooms (a luxury in a one-bedroom apartment) and a well-equipped kitchen, you'll have everything needed for cooking meals at home—though Falmouth's trending eateries are just a short stroll away.
https://www.cornishholidaycottages.com/property/3-hamilton-place/
Things to do during your stay:
Walk down to Gylly Beach for a morning swim or book a wood-fired sauna session at Escape The Sauna by Greenbank Pier. Pack your binoculars and watch for dolphins, seals and seabirds from Pendennis Point. In the evening, head to Chintz bar for live music or settle in at Indidog by the waterside for a relaxed dinner overlooking the harbour.
White Wings
A hot tub overlooking the harbour is a rare find in the heart of Falmouth, and at White Wings, it's the cherry on top. Tucked moments from the water's edge yet offering an incredible sense of space and calm, this striking coastal home blends laid-back Scandi design with comfort. Spend slow mornings with bean-to-cup coffee on the terrace as the sun rises, wander through the vibrant high street to browse stunning homewares to take home, then venture out on a Fal River ferry to the beautiful St Mawes.
As evening falls, sink into the bubbling hot tub beneath the open sky and watch the harbour lights twinkle. As bedtime calls, an indulgent super-king bedroom suite with a TV that magically rises from the foot of the bed. This Falmouth home is made for couples looking for luxury and to truly switch off and savour time together by the sea.
https://www.cornishholidaycottages.com/property/white-wings/
Things to do during your stay:
Catch the Fal River ferry from Prince of Wales Pier to St Mawes, a picturesque fishing village, and tuck into a waterside lunch at The Victory Inn. Browse Falmouth's independent homewares shops along the High Street, picking up locally made ceramics and printed artwork. Finish your day with fresh seafood at Verdant Seafood Bar, then return to your very own hot tub to soak under the stars while harbour lights shimmer on the water.
Coastguards
As a former coastguard lookout station, this apartment provides outstanding views, both out to sea and along the coast. Sleeping up to four across two bedrooms (with beds that can be configured as a super-king or two singles), it's wonderful for a couple wanting extra space or inviting friends for a shared getaway.
The jewel of this property is the outdoor seating on both sides of the accommodation. The south-facing position means you'll catch maximum sunshine, and Castle Beach is mere yards away, boasting a friendly café for cake and coffee.
A gentle ten-minute stroll brings you to Falmouth's town centre with its independent restaurants serving fresh, local produce. The proximity to both beach and town strikes the ideal balance between secluded relaxation and convenient access to Falmouth's host of amenities.
https://www.cornishholidaycottages.com/property/coastguards/
Things to do during your stay:
Wake early for sunrise views from your south-facing veranda before heading down to Castle Beach for a refreshing morning swim or sea glass spotting at low-tide. Take the scenic coastal path towards Pendennis Castle, the historic fortress, which offers sweeping views across the bay. Visit at Gylly Beach Café for brunch overlooking the sand, then carry on along the footpath to Swanpool Beach for more stunning vistas.
Victoria Quay 6
If you're the kind of people who could watch the world go by for hours, Victoria Quay 6 will steal your hearts. This second-floor apartment sits right on the harbour within the Packet Quays—you literally cannot get closer to the water. The uninterrupted panoramic views from the sitting room and kitchen showcase Falmouth's historic working harbour in all its glory.
Sleeping up to five across three bedrooms with two bathrooms, the small balcony offers the ideal perch for evening sundowners. Every moment on this ever-changing harbour is different—from working boats to pleasure craft, sunrise to sunset, the view constantly evolves.
A slipway beside Victoria Quays allows direct beach access at low tide and dinghy launching for adventurous souls wanting to explore the rivers and inlets of the Fal Estuary. Falmouth town centre is just minutes away, with its cobbled streets hiding award-winning restaurants and galleries waiting to be discovered.
https://www.cornishholidaycottages.com/property/victoria-quay-6/
Things to do during your stay:
Devour some of the best pizzas in town at Pizza Jockeys—the clue is in the name, they play good tunes and have really fun pizza flavours. Grab fresh-baked pastries from Stones Bakery in the morning and hop on a Fal river ferry to Trellisick, a gorgeous National Trust manor house with gardens, rolling green parkland, and river views. Browse the books in Beerwolf Bookshop and treat yourself to a holiday read to keep you entertained on the balcony.
Wind Rose
Sheltered around a marina within a gated development, Wind Rose offers romantic luxury just moments from Falmouth's beaches and harbourside energy. Three bedrooms and two bathrooms provide ample space, while the generous living area is perfect for convivial evenings together.
The south-facing patio, accessed through French doors, fills the space with the sounds of clinking masts and harbour life. The master balcony provides commanding water views—ideal for morning coffee while planning your day's adventures or evening drinks reflecting on your experiences.
From your private terrace, watch boats leave the marina bound for the sheltered River Fal or open sea, then plot your own course. The location puts you steps from Discovery Quay, with immediate access to the National Maritime Museum, beach, and town centre attractions.
https://www.cornishholidaycottages.com/property/wind-rose/
Things to do during your stay:
Explore the plethora of dining options on your doorstep in Discovery Quay: Meat Counter burgers, Robo Asian bar and canteen, Verdant Seafood Bar, and Sabzi Deli just up the road. Discover Falmouth's seafaring history in the National Maritime Museum, then wander down the seafront to nearby Gylly Beach for a sauna and swim. Watch the boats in the marina from your balcony with an aperitivo before heading out for evening cocktails.
Maker's Loft
For those seeking something creative, this exceptional Grade II listed apartment above the incredible Inspire Makers shop on historic High Street delivers finesse in every detail. Lovingly renovated with meticulous attention to detail, Maker's Loft is a retreat for two that combines history with contemporary style.
The bijou garden provides a sun-drenched sanctuary perfect for breakfast with fresh sourdough from nearby artisan bakery Stones, or evening drinks with Nocellara olives. The interiors blend mid-century vintage furniture with high-end contemporary furnishings and Cornish artwork, creating an atmosphere of sophisticated comfort.
Located on Falmouth's historic High Street—long a creative hub of artist studios, designers, and makers—you're surrounded by independent shops and the charming Old Brewery Yard, a former stable block now hosting daytime dining and late-night beverages.
https://www.cornishholidaycottages.com/property/makers-loft/
Things to do during your stay:
Start Saturday morning with a stroll to the market on the Moor—try the Sasperella doughnuts or get brunch at Good Vibes café. Admire the fine art on display at Falmouth Art Gallery, and walk down to Escape The Sauna located by The Greenbank Pier for a sunset sauna session. For live music, head to Chintz bar, or for a quieter affair, pop into restaurant MINE for an evening meal.
Your Cornish coast escape to Falmouth awaits
Enjoy stays starting from 3 nights by the Cornish coast and unwind in Falmouth's charming harbour town. Stroll along the waterfront, soak up the sea air, and savour delicious local food. https://www.cornishholidaycottages.com/locations/falmouth-cottages/