Cornwall is undoubtedly a wonderful destination year-round, but visiting the county during the winter months holds a special place in our hearts – we’re talking blustery walks followed by big and beautiful carveries – Sunday perfection!
For many, the prospect of a storm is enthralling; watching the powerful waves crash upon the shore (at a safe distance) is truly invigorating, yet strangely calming. It’s a chance to see the more dramatic side of Cornwall’s coast while enjoying the rejuvenating rush of fresh sea air.
Many of our cosy holiday cottages in Cornwall boast incredible coastal locations with endless sea views, which means that come stormy weather, guests can embrace the wild show from the comfort of their home from home.
Ready to sit back and watch the wind and waves shake up a storm with a hot chocolate in hand? Here are our top cottages for storm-watching in Cornwall.
For sea views and swimming pools…
22 Horizons, Newquay
A magnet for the full force of the Atlantic, the north coast of Cornwall is a paradise for those looking to catch a stormy show or two. For the best seats in the house, head to 22 Horizons in Newquay, which is perfectly placed for a spot of wave watching as the incredible views reach over Newquay’s many beaches. Complete with a telescope and a communal gym and swimming pool, this two-bedroom retreat is ideal for families, whether you want to cast your gaze seawards or fancy lounging in calmer waters indoors.
For cosy vibes and epic sights…
Cove Cottage, Cape Cornwall
Perched on the edge of Priest’s Cove at Cape Cornwall and sleeping four lucky guests, Cove Cottage offers unrivalled views out across the Atlantic Ocean. With a sweeping rugged coastline on the doorstep, during stormy weather the views from the A-frame window are uncompromised. Switch off the TV, take a seat on the sofa and gaze out at the waves breaking upon the rocky edge. For an extra dose, throw open the patio doors and let in the sound of the sea crashing upon the shore.
For storm-watching in bed…
Chy Ryn, Sennen
The most westerly cottage in Sennen, Chy Ryn commands views unlike any other in the village. Stretching from Sennen Cove around to Cape Cornwall, when stormy weather hits Chy Ryn becomes unbeaten as a storm-watching destination. With several large windows to enjoy the views from, you can keep an eye on the storms from the comfort of your bed, while enjoying a cuppa in the armchair, cooking up a feast, or, if you dare, from the decking outside (please take care if the weather is especially wild). The best part? This epic coastal retreat sleeps a whopping 10 guests, providing lots of space in which to soak up West Cornwall’s dramatic coastline.
For seaside soundscapes and wintery walks…
St Clements Cottage, Mousehole
As told through the story of The Mousehole Cat, come winter, storms frequent Mousehole, creating a beautiful spot to bask in the sounds of the sea while staying toasty warm. With its garden backing directly onto the pebbly beach below, St Clements Cottage is as close to the changing sea as you can get while keeping your toes dry. Open the sash windows and fall asleep to the sound of the waves tumbling against the pebbles. Come stormier weather, cosy up in front of the woodburner, and admire the power of the storm from the comfort of the sofa. Or, if it’s safe to do so, combine an epic coastal ramble with a warming drink and bite to eat at one of Mousehole’s welcoming restaurants – The Old Coastguard is particularly well known for its storm-watching.
For a step back in time…
Gunvor Cottage, Coverack
Situated overlooking Coverack harbour, Gunvor Cottage is a traditional thatched cottage named after a ship that wrecked just south-west of Coverack in 1912. The owner of the cottage at the time took in the crew, who miraculously survived, and so the house found its name. With storms in its history, what better place to experience a stormy stay than here? With a fusion of traditional and modern décor, you’ll feel truly at home at four-person Gunvor Cottage. Relax in front of the woodburner while watching the waves crash against the harbour through the sash window, or adventure out onto the surrounding coastal paths around The Lizard for an uber-dramatic viewpoint.
For tall tales and taller waves…
Piran Cottage, Lamorna
Nestled right alongside the coastal path at Lamorna cove, Piran Cottage enjoys in an enviable location overlooking the stunning waters where mermaids once swam – or so the story goes. Warm and cosy with the fire lit and an Aga promising many tasty storm-watching snacks, when stormy weather hits the harbour, there’s nowhere better to be. Of course, if you’re feeling adventurous you can wrap up warm and enjoy a coastal walk, watching the crashing waves form a safe distance before returning to the inviting warmth of the cottage. Sleeping four and welcoming dogs, this pretty cottage is great for family holidays with a memorable storm-watching twist.
For windy walks and dramatic views…
Lido at The Carlton, Penzance
Throw open the balcony doors and take in the atmospheric sights and sounds on the Penzance promenade. Lido at The Carlton offers the perfect break in storm season, where the waves dramatically crash over the prom. Watch safely from the comfort of the balcony, wrapped up in blankets with a velvety hot chocolate. If you fancy a stroll, take the coast path to Marazion and watch the waves fiercely crash over St Michael’s Mount.
For a romantic retreat…
Chy an Mor, Porthleven
Known as a go-to location for storm-watching, Porthleven is famous for its colossal waves in stormy weather. So, if you’re seeking a winter holiday where you can embrace the winter weather completely, Porthleven is perfect; picture rainy beach walks, drinks in the local pubs, and wave watching from the harbour – or your very own living room! Chy an Mor is perched right on top of the cliffs, giving you uninterrupted views of the stormy seas. Sleeping two, this waterside wonder is the perfect romantic getaway.
For beach-side moments...
Cloud Nine, Perranporth
With the sand mere inches away from the door, Cloud Nine is the ultimate beach house destination for eight sea-loving guests. Three floors offer tiered views across the beach and crashing waves beyond, which are great for storm watching or surfing when the weather has quietened down. The UK’s only bar on a beach, The Watering Hole sits a few sandy steps from the house, tempting you into its sand-strewn beer garden for unbeatable sea views as you enjoy your Cornish pint.
Ready to escape to the Cornish coast for a spot of epic storm-watching? Take a look at our cosy cottages with sea views and find the perfect place to watch nature’s most dramatic show.
Tags: Cape Cornwall | Marazion | Mousehole | Sennen | Porthleven | Sea Views | Coverack |