The Old Coastguard

The Old Coastguard is a 14-room hotel at the southern edge of Mousehole, looking across Mount's Bay from a position above the village's harbour wall. Most rooms have sea views, and dogs are welcome. The same team that runs The Gurnard's Head near Zennor operates this hotel.

The restaurant serves a daily menu built around fish landed at Newlyn - just a mile up the road - and produce from local farms. Tables by the window look directly out to sea. The bar serves Cornish ales and a concise wine list. A subtropical garden drops down toward the coast path, sheltered from the north by the building itself and growing palms, echiums, and agapanthus year-round. A terrace catches the afternoon sun.

The South West Coast Path runs directly below the hotel, heading west to Lamorna Cove (about 3 miles) or east around the harbour to Newlyn. Mousehole Beach - a sheltered cove between the granite harbour piers - is 200 metres away. Parking is available at the hotel or in the pay-and-display car park above the village.

Mousehole is a 14th-century fishing village of narrow granite lanes, a handful of pubs, a deli, and the Rock Pool cafe on the quay. Each December the harbour lights display brings visitors from across Cornwall.

**Best for:** Couples or pairs wanting a seafront restaurant-hotel in a historic village, direct coast path access, and good food without the scale of a larger resort.

**Less good for:** Families needing multiple connecting rooms or a pool, large groups, or anyone expecting contemporary hotel-style facilities throughout.