The Gurnard’s Head, Cornwall

Overview

Visible for miles with its yellow-ochre walls, this iconic inn near Zennor is a real beacon on the Cornish coast. 'Eat, Drink, Sleep' is the inn's mantra and it certainly lives up to its promise. Log fires, stone floors, brass lanterns and lots of local artwork create a relaxed and convivial vibe in the bar, while the kitchen champions seasonal Cornish produce. The food is backed by a fine stock of locally brewed ales, unusual spirits and well-chosen wines.

With an abundance of wild flowers, the garden has a romantic feel with great views over the rugged Cornish coast from the pergola and lawned areas, which are handily laid out with wooden tables and chairs. Sailing trips around Mount's Bay in a 1904 ketch are available, and there's an annual beer and music festival each May with live bands, arts & crafts, over 30 local brews and camping in the field nearby.

Rooms from

Double: £135
King: £160

Good to know

Amex not accepted, Visa / Mastercard / Maestro all accepted
Disabled access
Parking available
Private and alfresco dining

Dog-friendly
Dogs are welcome throughout the Gurnard's Head. Extra towels, treats and 'little black bags' are provided.

Scenic and serene
This delightfully remote retreat is just the place to recharge those batteries.

Outdoor adventures
There are good walks along The South West Coast Path and the hedgerows and shorelines of West Penwith. Foraging walks can also be arranged.

Water and waves
With sea views, the rugged coast on the doorstep and the opportunity to try some mackerel fishing, lovers of the sea will feel right at home.

Rooms

The inn's seven ensuite bedrooms have a homely, rustic feel with antique chests of drawers, shelves of books, tartan throws, easy chairs and local art on brightly painted walls. Some have window seats with view over the moors; all are fitted with comfortable Vispring beds. By contrast, the bathrooms are stylish and contemporary with powerful showers, chrome fittings, earthy tiles and white baths. Dogs are welcome in all rooms.

Restaurant & bar

Head chef Jack Clayton and his team are champions of seasonal Cornish produce - especially fish from the day boats. Regular deliveries mean that the kitchen can ring the changes so expect anything from grilled mackerel with chorizo aïoli to squid braised in red wine with linguine. Meals take place in a brightly coloured dining room with vibrant blue panelled walls and red-painted Cornish stone, there are views over the headland from some tables, and a large window offers a sneaky peek into the kitchen.

Locally brewed ales including beers from Skinners, St Austell and new favourites such as Harbour Brewing or Cornish Crown are on handpump - along with Skreach cider from St Buryan; there's also a good stock of bottled beers with several local representatives. Interesting spirits range from Somerset cider brandy, Tarquin's Gin and Chase vodka to special vermouths, and even Cornish Pastis.

Things to do

Cornwall is famous for surfing, of course, and if you're ever going to give it a go, beautiful Sennen Beach might be the ideal place. Or maybe St Ives, which offers a wide choice of surf schools and shops where you can get yourself all the right kit. Or, why not give kite surfing a go - Mobius Kitesurfing School have outposts at beaches in Hayle and Marazion, and also run guided mountain biking trails and hire out bikes too.

Don't miss a day out in St Ives - just ten minutes away by car. Part of the national group of galleries, Tate St Ives exhibits work by modern British artists. There's no permanent collection, instead a regularly changing programme of exhibitions that changes three times a year. The Tate also manages another property in St Ives, the gorgeous Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. There's plenty of arts and crafts cafes, quirky shops and boutiques in St Ives, so it's well worth spending an afternoon exploring this charming seaside spot.

Getting here

Directions

Nearest train station: Penzance
Taxi from station: 17min
Drive: 10min from St Ives, 1hr from Falmouth

Address

St Ives, Zennor, Cornwall TR26 3DE

Gallery

Enquire to book

To make a booking, please use the form below or you can call our reservations team on 020 8161 0100. Our phone lines are open Monday – Friday, 9am – 5.30pm.

The Gurnard's Head

From £135 per night