Cornwall’s Best Pubs with a View: 14 Stunning Spots for Food & Drink by the Sea

Cornwall’s dramatic coastline, golden beaches, and picturesque harbours make it the perfect place to enjoy a drink with a view. Whether you want a cosy clifftop inn, a harbourside retreat, or a beachfront pub with waves lapping at your feet, Cornwall has it all.

Here’s your ultimate guide to the best pubs in Cornwall where the views are as spectacular as the food and drink.

1. The Bowgie Inn, Crantock

🌅 Panoramic Clifftop Views Over Crantock Beach

Perched high on the cliffs above Crantock Beach, The Bowgie Inn offers one of the most spectacular pub views in Cornwall. The panoramic sea views stretch across the Gannel Estuary, Crantock Beach, and beyond to the Atlantic Ocean. The pub itself has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a casual pint after a coastal walk.

What’s on the Menu?

Expect classic British pub fare with a Cornish twist. Highlights include:

• Fresh seafood dishes like beer-battered fish and chips
• Hearty Sunday roasts with all the trimmings
• A great selection of local ales and ciders

Best Time to Visit

On a warm summer’s evening, sit outside in the beer garden and watch the sun dip below the horizon. In winter, the cosy indoor seating offers stunning sea views from every window.

📍 Location: West Pentire, Crantock, Newquay, TR8 5SE
🔗 Visit their website

2. The Pandora Inn, Restronguet Creek

🚤 Riverside Charm & Historic Ambience

The Pandora Inn is a beautiful 13th-century thatched pub sitting on the tranquil waters of Restronguet Creek. Steeped in history, this pub has everything you could want from a Cornish watering hole—wooden beams, roaring fires, and a floating pontoon where you can dine right on the water.

What’s on the Menu?

The pub prides itself on locally sourced Cornish produce, offering:

• Fresh seafood platters, featuring locally caught crab and mussels
• Hearty pub classics, such as Cornish pasties and homemade pies
• Vegetarian and vegan options, including wild mushroom risotto

Why Visit?

✅ Arrive by boat, paddleboard, or kayak! Many visitors moor up right outside.
✅ Incredible waterfront seating—dine on the floating pontoon.
✅ A proper Cornish pub experience—rich in history and character.

📍 Location: Restronguet Creek, Mylor Bridge, Falmouth, TR11 5ST
🔗 Visit their website

3. The Watering Hole, Perranporth

🏖️ Beachside Bliss Right on the Sand

Located directly on Perranporth Beach, The Watering Hole is one of Cornwall’s most unique pubs, offering an experience like no other. Sit outside with your feet in the sand, listening to the waves crash as you enjoy a pint of local Cornish ale.

What’s on the Menu?

Expect a laid-back beach bar menu with:

• Epic burgers made with locally sourced ingredients
• Classic Cornish fish and chips served with mushy peas
• Great vegetarian options, like halloumi fries and loaded nachos

What Makes It Special?

✅ Live music events—big-name bands often play here.
✅ Unrivalled sunset views—one of the best places in Cornwall to watch the sun go down.
✅ A beachside party atmosphere—especially in summer.

📍 Location: Perranporth Beach, Perranporth, TR6 0JL
🔗 Visit their website

4. The Ship Inn, Porthleven

⚓ Harbourside Dining with a View

Perched on Porthleven’s stunning harbour, The Ship Inn is a proper Cornish pub with a rich maritime history. Expect a warm welcome, friendly locals, and one of the best harbourside views in Cornwall.

What’s on the Menu?

• Locally caught seafood, including fresh crab sandwiches and pan-fried sea bass
• Legendary Sunday roasts with giant Yorkshire puddings
• A fantastic selection of Cornish ales and ciders

Best Seat in the House

Sit outside on a sunny day and watch the boats bobbing in the harbour, or grab a window seat inside for a cosy winter meal with a view.

📍 Location: Mount Pleasant Road, Porthleven, Helston, TR13 9JS
🔗 Visit their website

5. The Golden Lion, Port Isaac

🎶 The Fisherman’s Friends’ Favourite Haunt

If you’re a fan of sea shanties and traditional Cornish pubs, The Golden Lion in Port Isaac is a must-visit. It’s a proper old-world pub with wooden beams, an open fire, and a smugglers’ tunnel that leads down to the beach!

What’s on the Menu?

• Freshly caught seafood, including lobster and dressed crab
• Classic Cornish ales on tap, including Tribute and Doom Bar
• A hearty selection of pies and pasties

Why Visit?

✅ Fisherman’s Friends sometimes sing here!
✅ A true historic pub experience with ties to Cornwall’s smuggling past.
✅ Unbeatable harbour views from the upstairs seating area.

📍 Location: Fore Street, Port Isaac, PL29 3RB
🔗 Visit their website

6. The Driftwood Spars, St Agnes

🍺 Clifftop Brewery & Pub with Ocean Views

Sitting above Trevaunance Cove, The Driftwood Spars is a pub, microbrewery, and hotel all in one. If you love real ale, fresh seafood, and dramatic coastal views, this place is for you.

What’s on the Menu?

• House-brewed ales, made on-site
• Fish and chips, Cornish-style, using the freshest daily catch
• Vegan and vegetarian options, including spiced lentil burgers

Best Seat in the House

Sit outside in summer for breathtaking views of the cove. In winter, enjoy a warm, cosy atmosphere inside.

📍 Location: Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes, TR5 0RT
🔗 Visit their website

7. The Gurnard’s Head, Zennor

🐟 Wild Coastal Beauty & Award-Winning Food

Tucked away on Cornwall’s rugged west coast, The Gurnard’s Head is a real hidden gem. It’s a short walk from the South West Coast Path, making it a perfect stop for hikers looking for a proper pub meal with a breathtaking view.

What’s on the Menu?

The Gurnard’s Head is all about quality, seasonal produce. The menu changes daily, but highlights include:

• Freshly caught fish, often landed that morning
• Slow-roasted Cornish lamb with seasonal vegetables
• Handmade desserts, like sticky toffee pudding

Why Visit?

✅ Unbeatable clifftop setting—one of the wildest, most unspoilt locations in Cornwall.
✅ Gourmet pub dining—regularly features in food guides.
✅ A perfect stop after a coastal walk—dramatic sea views surround you.

📍 Location: Zennor, St Ives, TR26 3DE
🔗 Visit their website

8. The Fort Inn, Newquay

🌊 Incredible Views Over Towan Beach

The Fort Inn is one of Newquay’s best family-friendly pubs, offering jaw-dropping views over Towan Beach and Newquay Bay. With a huge outdoor terrace, this is the perfect place to sit with a pint while watching the surfers below.

What’s on the Menu?

• Huge homemade burgers with local beef
• Classic fish and chips with homemade tartare sauce
• Tasty vegan and vegetarian options, like falafel wraps

Why Visit?

✅ One of Newquay’s best pub terraces—perfect for sunset drinks.
✅ Great for families—large seating areas and a kids’ menu.
✅ Excellent location—right in the heart of Newquay but away from the crowds.

📍 Location: 63 Fore Street, Newquay, TR7 1HA
🔗 Visit their website

9. The Rashleigh Arms, Charlestown

⛵ Harbourside Elegance & Poldark Vibes

Located in the historic port of Charlestown, The Rashleigh Arms is a stylish pub with a fantastic beer garden. Charlestown is famous for its tall ships and as a filming location for Poldark, making this pub a must-visit for history lovers and TV fans alike.

What’s on the Menu?

• Locally caught seafood—mussels, crab, and fresh fish
• Homemade steak and ale pies
• A great selection of Cornish ciders and ales

Why Visit?

✅ One of the best beer gardens in Cornwall, right by the harbour.
✅ Beautifully restored pub, blending history with modern comforts.
✅ A must-visit for Poldark fans, as scenes were filmed nearby.

📍 Location: Charlestown Road, St Austell, PL25 3NJ
🔗 Visit their website

10. The Godolphin Arms, Marazion

🏝️ St Michael’s Mount on Your Doorstep

Few pubs can boast a better view than The Godolphin Arms. Sitting right on the seafront in Marazion, this modern, stylish pub looks directly across to St Michael’s Mount, one of Cornwall’s most iconic landmarks.

What’s on the Menu?

• Fresh Cornish seafood, including locally sourced crab and mussels
• Gourmet sandwiches and light bites, perfect for a beachside lunch
• Delicious cream teas, ideal for a classic Cornish experience

Why Visit?

✅ Unmatched views of St Michael’s Mount—sit right on the waterfront.
✅ A stylish and modern seaside pub, recently refurbished.
✅ Great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—food is served all day.

📍 Location: West End, Marazion, TR17 0EN
🔗 Visit their website

11. The Old Coastguard, Mousehole

🐚 A Hidden Gem Overlooking Mount’s Bay

A cosy, stylish pub-hotel with lush gardens leading to the sea, The Old Coastguard offers incredible sea views and a laid-back vibe in the charming fishing village of Mousehole.

What’s on the Menu?

• High-quality Cornish seafood, prepared with a modern twist
• Delicious homemade bread and local cheeses
• A fine selection of wines and craft beers

Why Visit?

✅ Tranquil setting, away from the crowds.
✅ Amazing coastal views, perfect for a relaxing drink.
✅ Great for weekend getaways, with stylish rooms available.

📍 Location: The Parade, Mousehole, TR19 6PR
🔗 Visit their website

12. The Lewinnick Lodge, Newquay

🌅 A Modern Clifftop Retreat

Perched on the dramatic cliffs of Pentire Headland, The Lewinnick Lodge offers stunning ocean views and a contemporary dining experience.

What’s on the Menu?

• Modern seafood dishes, such as monkfish curry and scallops
• A great selection of steaks and gourmet burgers
• Creative cocktails and craft beers

Why Visit?

✅ One of the best sunset spots in Cornwall.
✅ Modern, stylish interiors with a relaxed atmosphere.
✅ Close to Fistral Beach, perfect for a post-surf meal.

📍 Location: Pentire Headland, Newquay, TR7 1QD
🔗 Visit their website

13. The Heron Inn, Malpas

🌿 Tranquil Riverside Views Over the Fal Estuary

Tucked away in the peaceful village of Malpas, just outside Truro, The Heron Inn is one of Cornwall’s most picturesque riverside pubs. With panoramic views over the Fal Estuary, this is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed drink away from the crowds.

What’s on the Menu?

The Heron Inn focuses on locally sourced, high-quality food. The menu includes:

• Freshly caught Cornish seafood, including mussels and mackerel
• Traditional Sunday roasts with homemade Yorkshire puddings
• An excellent selection of local ales, craft beers, and wines

Why Visit?

✅ Peaceful riverside setting, ideal for a quiet lunch or dinner.
✅ Fantastic walking routes nearby, perfect for exploring before or after your meal.
✅ A dog-friendly pub, so you can bring your four-legged friend along.

Best Seat in the House:

Sit on the outdoor terrace for breathtaking views of boats drifting along the river. If you visit at high tide, you’ll see kayakers and paddleboarders gliding past.

📍 Location: Malpas Road, Truro, TR1 1SQ
🔗 Visit their website

14. The Chain Locker, Falmouth

⛵ Historic Maritime Pub with Stunning Harbour Views

Right on Falmouth’s bustling waterfront, The Chain Locker is one of the oldest pubs in town, dating back to the 1600s. It’s a sailor’s dream, with unbeatable views of Falmouth Harbour, a lively atmosphere, and a history steeped in Cornwall’s seafaring past.

What’s on the Menu?

The pub serves classic British pub food with a coastal twist:

• Freshly caught seafood, including Cornish crab, mussels, and hake
• Hearty homemade pies, perfect for a comforting meal
• A fantastic selection of local ales and craft beers

Why Visit?

✅ One of Cornwall’s most historic maritime pubs—full of character and charm.
✅ Unrivalled views of Falmouth Harbour, with boats coming and going all day.
✅ A great spot for people-watching, with a lively, welcoming atmosphere.

Best Seat in the House:

The balcony seating area offers the best views of the harbour, especially at sunset when the boats glow in the evening light.

📍 Location: Quay Street, Falmouth, TR11 3HH
🔗 Visit their website

Which One Will You Visit First?

Cornwall is home to some of the most breathtaking coastal pubs in the UK, each offering unforgettable views, mouthwatering food, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re sipping a cold pint with your feet in the sand, enjoying a hearty Sunday roast in a historic harbourfront inn, or watching the sun dip into the Atlantic from a clifftop beer garden, every one of these pubs promises something special.

From the wild cliffs of Zennor to the golden beaches of Perranporth, and from the tranquil creeks of Restronguet to the lively harbours of Falmouth and Porthleven, there’s a pub for every taste and occasion. Love fresh seafood and sea views? Head to The Godolphin Arms or The Rashleigh Inn. Prefer historic charm and roaring fireplaces? Try The Pandora Inn or The Ship Inn, Porthleven. Looking for a lively, beachside vibe? You can’t go wrong with The Watering Hole or The Fort Inn.

Plan Your Ultimate Cornish Pub Tour

Why stop at just one? A road trip (or coastal hike!) through Cornwall’s best pubs is the perfect way to experience the county’s rich history, stunning scenery, and incredible local produce.

🌊 Craving waves and wide-open beaches? Stick to The Bowgie Inn, The Watering Hole, and Lewinnick Lodge.
⚓ Prefer harbourside dining? Visit The Ship Inn, The Golden Lion, and The Chain Locker.
🌿 Fancy a peaceful estuary setting? Head for The Pandora Inn, The Heron Inn, or The Rock Inn.

Cornwall’s pubs aren’t just places to eat and drink—they’re part of the landscape, part of the culture, and part of what makes this region so special. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, finding a great pub with a stunning view is one of the best ways to soak up the beauty of Cornwall.

Which of these pubs is your favourite? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to tag us in your best sunset pint photos! 🍻🌅 #CornishStuff