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Cornwall LivingIssue #81

Port Gaverne

We discover the perks of staying in one of Forever Cornwall’s welcoming Port Gaverne properties.

While it may be small, Port Gaverne has plenty to offer visitors, with two fantastic restaurants, a dog-friendly cove and the popular fishing village, Port Isaac, just moments away. Put simply, it’s the ideal base for exploring the rugged north Cornish coast. What’s more, with ten unique cottages and apartments all in Port Gaverne, Forever Cornwall has a retreat in this picture perfect cove to suit everyone.

you can join the coastal path and walk along the dramatic clifftops towards Tintagel”

If you’re after a foodie break, these cottages couldn’t be in a better location; in moments you can stroll to Port Isaac and experience exquisite dining at Restaurant Nathan Outlaw. Famed for its seafood taster menu, this Michelin starred restaurant is the perfect place for a celebration or romantic treat for two. Or, if you’re accompanied by children, why not follow your nose to the Angry Anchovy and take a seat for an excellent pizza and (for the adults) a Cornish craft ale.

In the heart of the hamlet is Port Gaverne Restaurant & Hotel. Voted Cornwall’s best gastropub, this fantastic establishment was recently awarded the Michelin Plate. The local team serve Cornish produce wherever possible, and everything comes fresh and absolutely delicious. You can also try a range of gins, taste local ales and let the bar staff recommend a fine wine, of which there are plenty to choose from!

But it’s not all about food here. Outdoor enthusiasts will also be pleasantly surprised by the extent of activities this beautiful hamlet has to offer. With miles of coastal footpath on your doorstep, the excellent north coast surf and some of the best beaches in Cornwall, you won’t be left short on things to do. Why not let Cornish Rock Tors give you an expert lesson in coasteering, kayaking, paddleboarding or wild swimming in and around Port Gaverne’s sheltered cove? Or, if you’d rather be watching the water than in it, cross the little bridge overlooking the cove as you walk out to ‘the Main’ – the locals’ name for the headland.

If you’re visiting with your four-legged friend, you’ll be pleased to know that Port Gaverne is dog friendly all year round. Directly behind two of Forever Cornwall’s apartments you can join the coastal path and walk along the dramatic clifftops towards Tintagel – a brilliant way to tire them out.

It’s a great place for families too, especially those looking to enjoy a bucket and spade holiday by the sea. As the tide retreats in the cove, a sandy beach, rockpools and caves are all revealed. And, because it’s so well sheltered, it’s great for kids to explore. If you’re looking for somewhere where they can really run free, simply drive a few miles west to Polzeath, where you’ll find a surfer’s haven with lifeguards and clean surf, as well as a fantastic family beach. Alternatively, for something a little more secluded, seek out Tregardock beach. Roughly a 20-minute walk from the road, fantastic surf and a stunning waterfall await, and the fact that there’s often hardly anybody else there makes it well worth the effort of getting there. Indeed, you’ll feel as though you’re the first person to discover it!

After a day of activities, there’s nowhere better to retreat to than one of Forever Cornwall’s Port Gaverne properties. Rinse sandy feet and enjoy an al fresco dinner, or dry off in front of the wood burner as you get cosy in your cottage. The two Tregudda apartments are perfect for larger groups of families and friends, with their generous outdoor space, mesmerising views and comfortable living areas.

For a more intimate break, why not stay in one of the cottages? With their wooden floors, exposed beams and historic character, the cottages date back to the 18th century, and have been renovated sympathetically to their days as an old pilchard parlour. Two still have their original evocative names (Venus and Rashleigh), and their location in the heart of Port Gaverne indicates their importance to the hamlet in years gone by.

Whether you’re looking for an out-of-season couple’s retreat filled with dog walking and storm watching, or a classic family beachside break, Port Gaverne is the perfect place for a retreat to Cornwall, and Forever Cornwall has everything you need to make the absolute most of it.

"you can join the coastal path and walk along the dramatic clifftops towards Tintagel"