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Overview

Mousehole is a pretty, higgledy-piggledy fishing village and the Old Coastguard a real delight - it's one of a trio of fabulous inns (Gurnard's Head, Zennor; Felin Fach Griffin, Brecon - see entries) owned by Charles and Edmund Inkin and follows the mantra "Eat, Drink, Sleep".

Situated right next to the sea on Mount's Bay, with glorious views from the verdant lawned garden (complete with sub-tropical palm trees) that leads down to a small, rocky beach, the inn is a must for those who love Cornwall's seascapes. Charles and Edmund have certainly made their mark here, creating a really informal, relaxed vibe with deep sofas ideally placed by picture windows for gazing out to sea, lots of local art for sale and all the necessary touches - from wooden floors and panelled walls to open log fires, shelves of books and historical photographs aplenty.

Whether you're here for a snack and a pint of cider, supper on the terrace with a carafe of classy wine or need a stylish and comfortable base for exploring the region, everything is in the best possible taste. As the Inkins' say," The Old Coastguard is a hotel without flummery".

Rooms from

14 doubles: £167.50; Sea view: £192.50


Good to know

  • Amex not accepted, Visa / Mastercard / Maestro all accepted
  • Disabled access
  • Alfresco & private dining
  • Parking available
  • Regular events - walking, art & wine
  • Dog stay: Free

Water and waves
With gorgeous sea views and the ocean on your doorstep, this is the perfect spot for those searching for some seaside rest and relaxation.

No car needed
You're just 10 minutes in a taxi from Penzance train station, so guests can leave the car at home.

Family favourite
Kids can indulge in the Tiny Tots or Bigger Bites menu and are very welcome overnight - Room 6 has an adjoining twin room. Camp bed (& breakfast) £25; under five's stay for free!

Rooms

It's the perfect seaside retreat: the bedrooms deliver wide-screen views of the sea and many have their own terrace - peace broken only by the cry of seagulls and the breaking of waves.

Rooms are relaxed, informal and charming with beautiful antique chest of drawers and vintage furniture creating a genuine feeling of warmth and luxuriousness. Expect local art adorning the walls, top-notch Vi-spring beds, Roberts radios, proper coffee and Cornish tea, books to peruse, and bright, bold seaside colours throughout. Welsh blankets, scatter cushions and attractively painted lamps complete the coastal decor, whilst the bathrooms are modern with powerful rain showers, white baths, earthy tiled walls and posh Bramley bathroom products.

Book the top-floor rooms for an astonishing sea and coast panorama. From most rooms, the hypnotic St. Clement's Isle takes the eye, resolutely distracting one's gaze from The Lizard, St. Michael's Mount and departing fishing boats.

Restaurant & bar

Head chef Jamie Porter serves up hearty plates with bold seasonal flavours and plenty of locally sourced ingredients - meat and game from St Ives, duck from the Cornish Duck Co, and bread is freshly baked every day.

Given its coastal location, it's no surprise that fish plays a pivotal role on the menu, ranging from locally caught crab and Fowey oysters to the likes of wild bass, braised leeks, salt baked swede and mussel veloute, and hake, wild mushroom, spring onions and truffle beurre blanc. Equally, you may also find pork chop, hispi cabbage, toffee apple puree, cider and crackling, and delicious roasts on Sundays.

Cornwall is synonymous with cider - do try the locally brewed Skreach, or Ty Gwyn from Monmouthshire, or why not indulge in a shot of Somerset cider brandy. Ale buffs can enjoy brews from St Austell, Skinners Brewery and the Harbour Brewing Company. There's an excellent choice of rums, Armagnacs, gins (notably local Tarquin's gin), plus Cornish pastis and a serious wine list offering quality, great value and 20 wines by the glass or carafe.

Make sure to visit their outdoor, fairy-lit Crab Shack for delicious takeaway specials - from local crab and mussels during spring and summer to crispy sausage rolls and homemade cakes in autumn and winter - as well as cocktails, sparkling wines, and local brews. Enjoy as a carryout or in the garden overlooking the sea.

Things to do

There's plenty going on at The Old Coastguard. Why not join local artist Gillian Cooper in one of her residential drawing workshops, giving you the tools to capture the stunning landscape and wildlife. If visiting in July, don't miss the biannual Sea Salts & Sail - a music and beer festival held in the village of Mousehole.

A day out in St Ives is a must when in this part of the world - just thirty minutes away by car. Part of the national group of galleries, Tate St Ives exhibits work by modern British artists, showcasing a programme of exhibitions that changes three times a year. The Tate also manages 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: 11min
Drive: St Ives 29min; Porthcurno 30min; Truro 51min

Address

The Parade, Mousehole, Penzance, Cornwall TR19 6PR

Enquire to book

To make a booking enquiry, please use the form below or you can call our reservations team on 020 8161 0100. Our phone lines are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 11am - 3pm.

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