Dene Cottage

Dene Cottage is a refurbished two-bedroom cottage in the heart of Polperro, sleeping four a few yards from the working harbour. The location is inside the pedestrianised village, so guests park at Crumplehorn at the top and walk the half-mile down. Rated 9.7 from 87 reviews.

Inside the cottage there are beamed ceilings and a wood-burning stove, two bedrooms upstairs and a single bathroom. Wifi, a washing machine and step-free ground-floor access are all included. Dogs are welcome at no extra charge.

Outside, a walled courtyard garden traps the sun between the stone walls, with room for a table and chairs. The South West Coast Path leaves the harbour in both directions: 1 mile west to Talland Bay's two beach cafes (year-round dog access), or 5 miles east to Looe via the Hannafore section.

The harbour has the Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing in a former pilchard factory, the Three Pilchards pub on the quay and 13 working fishing boats unloading at high tide. Boat trips run from May to September. Best for couples or a small family who want to be in the village rather than driving in. Less good if you need a parking space at the door or a sandy beach on the doorstep - Talland Bay is the nearest swim, a mile west on the coast path.