Sparrows Nest

Three-bedroom self-catering cottage at Higher Sheffield, a rural hamlet a short drive from Mousehole (pronounced "Mowzle") on the west Cornwall coast. Sleeps six across the three bedrooms, and holds a 9.1 review average from 28 stays.

The living room has an open fire, with the kitchen and dining area running alongside and overlooking the garden. Three bedrooms share the family bathroom - useful for visiting children or grandparents even though the sleeps count is two. Wifi, a dishwasher and a washing machine are included.

Outside, the cottage has on-site parking and a private rear garden for sitting out and for dogs. The accessible layout and off-road parking make this an easier option than staying inside Mousehole itself, where the lanes climb steeply and public parking fills fast.

Mousehole's harbour, with the Ship Inn, the Rock Pool cafe and a handful of galleries, sits nearby by car. The village's December harbour lights and Tom Bawcock's Eve (23 December, stargazy pie at the Ship) draw winter visitors county-wide. Lamorna Cove lies along the south coast, and Penzance - with its mainline rail terminus and year-round Scilly ferry - is 3 miles north. The Minack Theatre and Land's End sit 8 to 10 miles further west.

Best for a dog-owning family wanting parking, level access and a quiet rural base near Mousehole. Less good for guests wanting to walk straight out to the harbour each morning.