Prettiest Villages in South East Cornwall

Loved for its secluded, sheltered coves, wending riverways and weaving footpaths, it’s easy to see why so many of our guests return year-on-year to the beautiful south coast of Cornwall.

Steeped in history and maritime tradition, the villages which pepper this stretch of the peninsula are home to some of Toad Hall’s most beautiful holiday cottages.

To give you more of a flavour of this enchanting enclave, our very own Mr Toad has scoured the clifftop trails and Cornish country lanes to seek out some of the region’s most idyllic settings.

South Cornwall’s Prettiest Villages

Kingsand and Cawsand

Nestled on the Rame Peninsula, known as Cornwall’s forgotten corner, it is easy to see why those in the know flock to Cawsand and its twin village Kingsand, two of the prettiest villages in the county. To stay in a holiday cottage here is to be transported back to a simpler time. Pretty, pastel-painted cottages line the old, narrow, winding streets, all looking out onto the wide expanse of Plymouth Sound and truly spectacular views. There are stretches of sandy shingle beaches perfect for picnics, swimming and rock pooling, while the spectacular sands of Whitsand Bay are just around the headland.

Not far from the Cornish border with Devon, Kingsand and Cawsand are perfect for anyone who loves views of the sea, walks on the beach and generous servings of Cornish clotted cream teas.

Downderry

Nestled in the hills between the fishing ports of Seaton and Portwrinkle lies the idyllic coastal village of Downderry. Perfect for all those looking to explore the many tranquil walks and secret beaches that scatter Cornwall’s southeast coast, this historic village is known for its long stretch of shingle beach, a dreamy setting that once inspired former Poet Laureate, John Betjeman, who would admired the “gentle cliffs that roll and tumble towards the sea”.

Explore the neighbouring parishes and charming beachside pubs and while away the hours in the open gardens of nearby Seaton Valley Country Park. The sparkling Polperro Heritage Coast – with its smugglers’ coves and historic fishermen’s cottages – is within a hearty walking distance, along with the vibrant town of Looe. The spectacular Eden Project with its incredible rainforest biomes is among a plethora of popular family attractions nearby.

Duloe

The charming parish of Duloe is set in the wooded valleys between the stannary town of Liskeard and fishing port of Looe. Peace and quiet reign in this beautiful village with its leafy paths, characterful stone cottages and honeysuckle lanes. When you book a holiday cottage in Duloe, you’ll only be a short drive from Cornwall’s stunning southeast coast.

Duloe is perhaps best known for its prehistoric stone circle and its ornamented medieval church named after the 6th century Welsh bishop, Saint Cuby. Local attractions include the Boconnoc House and Gardens, St Catherine’s Castle and Port Eliot House. Discover one of southeast Cornwall’s lesser-known beauty spots when you book a holiday cottage in Duloe.

Polperro

The timeless fishing village of Polperro is tucked away along an enchanting stretch of the south Cornish coastline, woven by cliff top tracks and trails, and freckled by golden beaches. Once a smugglers’ haunt, the village’s characterful, narrow streets wind along the hillside and are lined by white-washed fisherman’s cottages.

Polperro has proved the inspiration for many artists and poets, its shimmering turquoise waters and historic harbour capturing the imaginations of the resident artisans who showcase their wares in numerous galleries and backstreet studios. There are plenty of cafés, tearooms and restaurants, plus a handful of lovely pubs where you can while away an hour of two and sample the much-celebrated local food. June is a particularly exciting month on the village’s social calendar, when the annual arts and music festival takes place. There is plenty to see and do along this precious coastal corner, whether that be exploring the stunning secret beaches, indulging in some fun on the water, or traversing the incredible South West Coast Path.

Portwrinkle

On the western fringe of Whitsand Bay you’ll find the picturesque fishing village of Portwrinkle. Remnants of the village’s former thriving fishing industry are still evident in the old walls of the once bustling pilchard cellars. Portwrinkle overlooks two sand and shingle beaches with plenty of rock pools to explore and a small harbour where you can dangle a crab line. The eastern beach, known as Finnygook, is a local surfers’ haunt and captures some magnificent sunsets. Refreshment can be found at the local beach café.

The ocean city of Plymouth is within convenient driving distance, famous for its ancient Barbican and Hoe, and its national marine aquarium. Other local attractions include Mount Edgcumbe house and gardens and Looe’s monkey sanctuary and guildhall museum and gaol. There are also several beautiful country pubs to head towards during your walks along the magnificent coastline.

Millbrook

Nestled into the beautiful Rame Peninsula, on the southeast reaches of Cornwall, you’d struggle to find a more peaceful location than Millbrook. Unusually, the village is equidistant to the coast in every direction, ideal for all those seeking the blissful solace of a Cornish seaside holiday. At the centre of the village is a vast lake that attracts a variety of water-birds, including little egrets, black-tailed godwits, redshank and dunlin, all of which help provide a captivating and charming spectacle for the picnickers who throw their blankets down along the grassy banks.

Not far is the historic seafaring city of Plymouth with its many sights and award-winning attractions, while the coastal paths, secret beaches and tranquil backwaters of Cornwall are all waiting to be discovered.

Prideaux

The tiny hamlet of Prideaux is surrounded by wooded valleys and sleepy meadows. Found within the pretty parish of St Blazey, this rural idyll is best known as the location for a four-hundred-year-old Elizabethan house built by Sir Nicholas Prideaux, a distinguished barrister, which boasts some of the finest examples of plastering of the Elizabethan era as well as an extensive collection of fine art work. The awesome rainforest biomes of The Eden Project are only a fifteen-minute walk away, while the delightful harbour town of Fowey is within easy driving distance. This adorable setting remains one of Cornwall’s best kept secrets.