Whether you are looking for the perfect location for a family holiday or simply an opportunity to wind down for a few days with your partner, Polperro in Cornwall has it all.

 Polperro is a 13th century fishing village situated on the south east coast of Cornwall. Unspoilt by progress, it is located only 25 miles west of the important city of Plymouth with it’s mainline train station, airport and superb road connections from anywhere in the UK. Polperro can be easily reached from anywhere in the world and there is helpful advice on travel to Polperro on this site.

Polperro boasts, amongst other things, a superb climate, quaint friendly pubs, good restaurants and cafes serving locally caught seafood and variety of stores including art galleries, antique and gift shops. There is a smuggling museum, a model village and a wealth of historic sites that are both scenic and interesting.

Sheltered in its cliff inlet, the fishing village of Polperro is an exciting maze of narrow streets, small lanes, alley ways and tightly packed historic houses leading down to an unspoilt, picturesque harbour and coastline – an absolute delight to explore. Most of Polperro is largely inaccessible to motor vehicles and so it is very safe to walk around. The main car park is situated at the top of the village and it is a nice gentle half mile walk past the shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes down to the harbour. There are also horse and cart rides and trams available to and from the car park all year round. 

If you are interested in architecture and history, then there are countless historic houses and buildings of interest in the village. Couch's House for example dates from 1595 and in the 19th century was lived in by Dr. Jonathan Couch, physician, naturalist and collector of fossils. Dr Couch’s History of Polperro, first published in 1871, provides a fascinating insight into the life of Polperro people, and their work and customs in the 18th and 19th centuries. Polperro literally oozes with history and if you are interested in finding out more ,including smuggling and fishing, we recommend that you click Polperro History which links to a site maintained by prominent local historian, Jeremy Johns. When you are in the village, visit the Polperro Heritage Museum, open every day from March to October and packed with interesting artefacts and displays of the life and customs of Polperro through the centuries.

Polperro harbour has always been and remains a working fishing port and at high tide you can watch the local boats unload their daily catch and take it to the fish quay on the inner harbour. If you talk nicely to the fishermen, you may even be able to acquire the freshest fish you have ever tasted – caught that day and probably still flapping ! When the fishermen are not out at sea, they can usually be found mending their nets and pots down on the harbour quay – or enjoying a pint in one of the many superb pubs.

Polperro is renowned for it’s pubs, some of which date back to Medieval times and most of which offer meals at lunchtimes and in the evenings. Many of the pubs continue to stage Live Music every weekend and at other times (despite the best efforts of our government) and there is a full listing of the music and other events on offer in our What’s On guide. There are also numerous restaurants and cafes in Polperro, many of which are based in historic buildings - for example the much photographed House on Props ( which hangs over the River Pol on props by the Roman Bridge and harbour ).

Artists have always been drawn to Polperro and every year, Polperro hosts an Arts & Music Festival which runs for an entire week in June. There is a permanent art exhibition featuring work by local painters and artists at the Polperro Arts Foundation close to the fishquay.

Activities abound for the entire family - you can take a fishing trip on a local fishing boat and try your hand at catching the evening meal or a relaxing and interesting half hour trip along the coast towards Fowey. Why not pack a picnic basket and head out along the beautiful untamed National Trust owned South West Coastal Path to discover wild flowers on the cliffs. Along the way you will be able to take a rest on one of the many beaches within walking distance of Polperro. Polperro itself has a beach (apart from at high tide) but why not visit Talland Bay, Lansallos and Lantivet Bay or find hidden coves and beaches? For a comprehensive guide to nearby beaches, visit our Riviera beach guide on Things to do in Cornwall. If walking is your passion, then the possibilities are almost limitless as the South West Coastal Path extends to 630 miles from Somerset to Dorset !

At low and mid tide, there is a sandy beach in Polperro, rocky coves to explore and a rock pool that offers swimming at most times of the day. 

The other side of Peak Rock, the large rock that defends the entrance to the harbour, is Chaipel Pool, a part natural, part man-made sea water swimming pool. There are many wonderful walks to have from Polperro, either eastwards towards Talland Bay or westerly towards Lansallos. 

Every day from Easter until October there are ½ hour boat trips available along the coast and also mackerel trips by arrangement. 

Or if it's total relaxation you're after, simply sit and watch time slip away as the boats gently bob up and down in the picturesque harbour while sea gulls provide the soundtrack - all you need do is soak up the peace and tranquillity that is Polperro 

The key to a great holiday in Cornwall is staying in a wonderful cottage in a fantastic village. If you would like to see the harbour and/or sea from your window, then just click Harbour & Sea View and our system will return the suitable cottages. If you would like to be in the village itself, then just click Village & Town or if you don't really mind, then just click Polperro and the system will return all our cottages for you to look at. If you are or intend to be a regular visitor to Polperro, why not register with us so that we can send you special offers and information by email ?  

We hope you will enjoy our website and hope that you become one of our guests in the near future.