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Afternoon tea offering at Greenbank Hotel in Cornwall

Romantic getaways in Cornwall

Valentine’s Day offers a great opportunity to take a break and explore the countryside. Head to Cornwall and you’ll be swept off your feet by the romantic mix of rugged coastline, ruined castles and unrivalled restaurants.

With so many excellent places to visit in Cornwall, it’s often difficult to know where to start. That’s why we’ve pulled together this top guide to the best Cornwall restaurants, hotels, walks and more. 

The beaches in Cornwall are some of the best in the UK. Often busy during the peak season, the coast will be relatively peaceful in the late-winter months – a perfect place for a laid-back romantic getaway.

And if you’re simply looking for things to do in Cornwall over the next few months, then look no further. We’ve put together a guide that’s full of great ideas, whether your intentions be romantic or not.

Where to sleep

The Alverton

Within walking distance from Truro, and yet secluded among secret gardens, The Alverton is an ideal location for spending quality time with your loved one. Check out the luxury hotel’s date-night special offer, which includes a room, prosecco, candlelit dinner for two, breakfast and late check out. Prices start from £222 for two people in a classic double room, and the deal is available all year round.

view of a ensuite bathroom at the Alverton Hotel in Truro


Greenbank Hotel

The four-star in Falmouth, with stunning views of Falmouth harbour, offers the perfect romantic retreat. Enjoy a two-night stay with dinner, breakfast and champagne, starting at £457 (subject to availability).


Carbis Bay Estate

Picturesque Carbis Bay has long been a popular spot, best known for its white sands and calm waters. The beach lodges at Carbis Bay Estate have open-plan lounges, with floor-to-ceiling windows, letting you enjoy the bay views, whatever the weather.


Chapel House

Set in a beautiful Georgian townhouse, and boasting views of the harbour, Chapel House Penzance is a good, laid-back setting for a romantic trip for two. Choose between a room or spacious suite, and be sure to sample the kitchen supper, available on Friday and Saturday evenings.


Food and drink

Porthminster Café

What could be more romantic than a meal for two overlooking one of Cornwall’s most beautiful beaches? Porthminster Café, on Porthminster Beach, St Ives, specialises in Mediterranean and Asian seafood and reopens on 4 February after a winter break, just in time for Valentine’s Day.


Tremenheere Kitchen

Not far from the stunning St Michael’s Mount is Tremenheere Kitchen, a relaxed restaurant in a beautiful location, serving seasonal dishes made with the best local produce. It re-opens on 12 February after a winter hiatus.


Mackerel Sky Seafood Bar

Tucked away in the town of Newlyn, near Penzance, is the Mackerel Sky Seafood Bar. Expect to taste some of the freshest seafood the country has to offer, including crab nachos and grilled local white fish. The restaurant is small and does not take bookings, so be sure to get there early.


The Shore

The Shore in Penzance is a great spot for a special occasion, offering a seafood set menu. It’s a tiny outfit, with the head chef playing a key role in the establishment’s hospitality, welcoming guests and introducing dishes. Be sure to book in advance.


Hooked

For simple, hearty seafood, head over to Hooked! Truro, where you and your beau can enjoy Goan fish curry, fish and chips, sirloin steak and more.


Bonny Beaches

Porthpean Beach

A small stretch of sand backed by tree-lined cliffs, Porthpean Beach in St Austell is a perfectly sheltered spot, great for getting away from it all with the special someone in your life.


Gyllyngvase Beach

One of the most popular beaches in Cornwall, Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth is an award-winning arc of golden sand, home to Gylly Beach Café. Stop off for some quality gastro pub-style food, complete with breath-taking views. Or relax and sup a deluxe hot chocolate, best enjoyed after a dip in the sea.


Carbis Bay

Near St Ives, which recently hosted the G7 summit, is one of the country’s most picturesque corners, and home to a hotel, beach lodges and a choice of restaurants – everything you might need for a weekend away with your loved one.


Spa retreats

St Michaels Resort

Based in Falmouth, it’s the place to go if you’re looking to unwind in a luxurious setting. With the resort’s couple’s day offer, you can take a dip in the restorative waters and enjoy some of the great treatments.


The Scarlet

An adult-only luxury hotel and spa north of Newquay. Overlooking the beach, the spa has outdoor hot tubs and a stunning pool with floor-to-ceiling glass walls – a great way to make a special occasion feel extra special.


Bedruthan Hotel & Spa

You will not regret a stay. Visitors can unwind in the pool, enjoy spacious rooms and tuck into delicious food. We recommend the two-night spa break offer, which includes two spa experiences and dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.


Romantic rambles

Camel Trail

The stunning Camel Trail, an 18-mile walking and cycling path between Bodmin and Padstow, is a fabulous romantic route for those wanting to enjoy some peace and quiet. GWR trains stop at Bodmin, where travellers can join the path.


The Headland

This impressive Victorian hotel in Newquay is one of Cornwall’s most iconic destinations, home to a luxury spa, complete with Cornish salt steam room and Swedish sauna. Overlooking Fistral Beach, one of the region’s most popular surfing spots, the hotel is a good base for those looking to ride the waves.


Luxulyan to the Eden Project

Take a romantic stroll along the 2 ½-mile route from Luxulyan to the Eden Project and discover the picturesque Luxulyan Valley, now a World Heritage Site. Set off from Luxulyan church and follow signs for Cycle Route 3, which takes you all the way to the country’s foremost garden destination, with its huge biomes that house spectacular plants from around the world.


Bissoe Trail

The Bissoe Trail is a cycling and walking route that takes you coast to coast, from Devoran in south Cornwall to Portreath in the north. Starting at Perranwell station, it’s a short cycle to the Bissoe Trail, where you can make your way north until you reach Saint Piran Café. Load up on cake and coffee before choosing to turn back, or keep going along this beautiful and leisurely route, full of historic mining buildings and impressive viaducts.


With so much to see in Cornwall, the list is endless! Taking the train means you leave the car at home and focus on relaxing, socialising and enjoying the beautiful views. More information here on booking this gorgeous destination. 

Please also note, our network stretches across England and Wales. When you travel it’s important to know what restrictions apply.