Cornwall is famous for its stunning landscape and the epic coastline that wraps around it, covering over 300 miles. It’s not surprising that this beautiful county has inspired so many works of art, in various forms: paintings, books, films, poetry, sculptures, jewellery and more! Both tourists and locals in Cornwall love to visit locations they recognise from TV and films such Doc Martin, Playing Nice, Ladies in Lavender, Poldark, House of Dragons, and more recently The Salt Path. Perhaps less common is ‘book tourism’ and the hunt for Cornish spots that have inspired fictional works.
Working anti-clockwise around the peninsula, we will take you on a literary tour of Cornwall, highlighting some of the best-loved books set in Cornwall, along with some lesser-known novels that ought not to be missed on the great Cornish book tour!
1. The Legends of King Arthur: Merlin, Magic and Dragons by Tracey Mayhew, Tintagel
Tintagel Castle on the north coast of Cornwall is inexplicably linked with the legend of King Arthur. Once cited as the place where King Arthur was conceived, over time, Tintagel Castle has become known as the legend’s mythical home. The castle, which today lies in ruins, is unquestionably a fantastic setting for a story about King Arthur. This book series explores a retelling of Authorian legends, adapted for children aged seven and above. Book number seven in the series sees the arrival of legend Sir Tristan, who bravely defends Tintagle Castle, and in doing so, almost loses his life.
To experience the magic of Tintagel for yourself and cross the awe-inspiring bridge to the castle ruins, stay at one of our properties in or near Tintagel. Large groups will love Hendra Mohay (sleeps 10), set in an elevated position, boasting sea views, a beautiful outside area, and a pool table. Or, to stay just a short stroll from the village, book a holiday at Penelly, a modern coastal home in a quiet setting which sleeps six.
2. The Salt Path by Raynor Winn, Padstow
The 2018 memoir The Salt Path has recently shot to fame thanks to its upcoming, highly anticipated film adaptation. The book recounts the story of Raynor and her husband, Moth, who face homelessness amid Moth’s terminal illness diagnosis, and with nothing to lose, they make the brave decision to walk the length of the South West Coast Path. Travelling from Minehead in Somerset, the Cornish stretch of their route begins in Bude, and follows the South West Coast Path all around the peninsula before re-entering Devon. Cornwall’s coast path provides the backdrop to this inspiring tale, offering hope amid the troubling times the couple face.
Padstow is one of the earliest Cornish villages visited by the couple; follow in their footsteps with a stay at Gull High, a beautiful apartment overlooking the Camel Estuary and Rock Beach. Sleeping four, with parking and sea views, you can also bring your four-legged friend along to join you on your coastal walks.
3. Somewhere Beyond the Sea by Miranda Dickinson, Gwithian
Brought together by seaglass on the sands of Gwithian beach, two strangers’ lives become entwined before they’ve even met. Both Seren and Jack have lost significant people in their lives, and whilst trying to find their way through the grief and the struggles they’re facing, they find each other. Amid the sea of grief, they both throw themselves into a battle regarding proposed building works in St Ives, but are fighting on opposing sides. The magic of discovering seaglass stars on the sand offers moments of joy amid the difficulties of daily life, and ultimately, brings them together, despite their opposing views.
Be inspired, just like author Miranda Dickinson, with a stay at Focsle Down Under (sleeps six), where she stayed while writing Somewhere Beyond the Sea, or choose Parc Cottage (sleeps six) where Miranda was based while writing her more recent novel, And Then There Was You which features some of the characters from Somewhere Beyond the Sea. Both of these properties are based in the seaside town of St Ives, where you’ll be perfectly placed to explore the locations from the book.
4. Shell Seekers by Rosamund Pulcher, Lelant
Born in Lelant, a small village between St Ives and Hayle, much of Rosamund Piclher’s writing was inspired by her love for Cornwall. With a literary career spanning five decades, Rosamund’s best-selling book Shell Seekers reflects some of her own life. The narrative sees protagonist Penelope Keeling reminisce fondly about her idyllic childhood in Cornwall with her father, who was an artist. The story is centred around a painting entitled ‘Shell Seekers’, gifted to Penelope by her late father, which is seen to symbolise the ties between the Keeling family amid times of loss, love, and uncertainty.
Discover the beauty that both Rosamund and her character Penelope experienced in the village of Lelant. Stay at Overlinks, situated in an advantageous position overlooking St Ives Bay, and you’ll be mesmerised by the azure waters and sandy shores as the tide comes and goes. Sleeping eight, this stunning property boasts breathtaking views, a hot tub, parking and EV charging.
5. The Mermaid of Zennor by Charles Causley, Zennor
When it comes to mermaids in Cornwall, the small village of Zennor between St Ives and Cape Cornwall, takes ownership of the legend that is ‘ The Mermaid of Zennor’. Passed down through generations since 1873, the folk tale tells the story of a young man of Zennor, Matthew Trewella, who falls in love with a mysterious and captivating woman. The serene woman mystically appears several times at the church, silently listening to the choir while intently watching Matthew. Infatuated by the strange woman, Matthew was last seen alongside her, heading into the ocean. It was believed that she was a mermaid, and after falling in love, they lived a life together in the sea.
To experience the area where Mathew lived, stay at Trelowarren Barn, not far from the village of Zennor. This quaint barn conversion sleeps two and offers a tranquil setting amid the countryside with distant sea views. Be sure to visit the village of Zennor to see the famous St Senara Church for yourself. Inside this quiet church sits a chair as famous as the legend itself. Carved from two ends of a pew, this chair depicts a mermaid, and is thought to have either inspired the original tale, or have been created in memory of Mathew Trewella.
6. Poldark by Winston Graham, Bottallack
Named after the main character, Ross Poldark, the Poldark book series shot to fame following the BBC TV adaptation in 2015. The saga of 12 historical novels, spanning the late eighteenth century to the early nineteenth century, follows the life of Ross Poldark, recently returned from the American Revolutionary War to his Cornish homeland. Upon his return, much has changed, and Ross must navigate the challenges he now faces in the wake of the death of his father and his failing mine. Plagued also by the betrayal of his childhood sweetheart, brooding Ross discovers love is still possible amid these turbulent times.
Explore Poldark’s picturesque settings, including dramatic sweeping coastlines dotted with chimneys and engine houses, vast sandy beaches, and traditional harbour villages. Key locations include Bottallack, Porthcurno, Porthgwarra Cove, Charlestown, St Agnes and Gunwalloe. Feel like you have ventured right into the set of Poldark with a stay at Cove Cottage in Cape Cornwall. This stunning cottage, which sleeps four, sits right on the cliffside, offering views across the rugged coastline, with chimneys from Cape Cornwall mine transporting you back in time.
7. The Beach Cafe by Lucy Diamond, Sennen
Set in a fictional seaside cove based on Lucy Diamond’s fond memories of her childhood holidays at Sennen Cove, The Beach Cafe tells the story of Evie, who unexpectedly inherits a beach cafe in Cornwall. Stuck in a bit of a rut and going from one temp job to the next, Evie doesn’t feel like she’s making much of her life. To everyone’s surprise, she decides to take a chance on Cornwall, determined to make a success of the cafe and get her life back on track, finding love and happiness along the way. Evie’s cafe was described as being ‘set back just from the bay….the most magical place to stay’.
Experience this setting for yourself with a stay at Seaspray, located just across from the shoreline and matching the description perfectly. Wake to the sound of the waves rolling into shore and spend your days relaxing on the beach, just a few minutes’ stroll from Seaspray. Sleeping five, and with an allocated parking space, it’s ideal for a family holiday by the sea.
8. The Mousehole Cat by Antonia Barber, Mousehole
Perhaps one of the most well-known tales set in Cornwall is The Mousehole Cat, based on the legend of Mousehole fisherman Tom Bawcock and his cat Mowzer. During a particularly violent and stormy winter, the villagers began to starve due to the fishermen not being able to set sail. Taking to the sea and braving the storm, Tom and his cat were confronted by severe weather, represented by a giant ‘storm-cat’. Upon seeing the giant feline spirit, Mowzer gently purrs, soothing the unsettled beast. Mowzer’s purrs evolve into an operatic song lulling the storm-cat to sleep, and allowing Tom to haul in a mighty catch. The pair return to Mousehole with enough food to feed the villagers, and the gigantic catch is cooked into various dishes, including famous stargazey pies!
Stay at the aptly named Mowzer Cottage in Mousehole and tread the footsteps of villagers from the past. This beautifully refurbished granite cottage sleeps four, is full of character, and is positioned just moments from the harbour. If you stay for Christmas, you’ll be able to join in with the annual celebrations of Tom Bawkawks Eve, held on 23rd December.
9. The Mousehole Mice by Michelle Cartlidge, Mousehole
Beautifully illustrated, The Mousehole Mice and other collections by Michelle Cartlidge, bring joy to all who read them, whether young or old. With a truly unspoilt and wholesome feel, The Mousehole Mice tells the story of Mousehole as a mouse village (a clever play on its name) and the mice who live and holiday in this quaint harbour village. The books interlace, with recurring characters featuring across various stories. The magical world has expanded beyond the village to include famous landmarks such as St Michael’s Mount and The Minack Theatre, and even explores beneath the seas with tales of The Mermice of Mousehole.
Stay in Mousehole and you’ll be able to spot many of the scenes beautifully illustrated in the books. St Clements Cottage even features a little garden overlooking the sea, just like in The Mousehole Mice! With views over the village and out across the bay, this traditional granite cottage sleeps six, has a cosy log burner and an allocated parking space. Explore the quaint village and see how many places you can spot from the books!
10. The Cornish Girls by Betty Walker, Penzance
Set in Cornwall during World War II, The Cornish Girls series follows the lives of several young women as they navigate their way through the dark times of war. Despite the relative safety of Cornwall compared to London and other urban areas, the girls’ lives are impacted, and they feel drawn to find ways to help the war effort. In doing so, lasting friendships are formed, while love, loss, hope and fear are a part of daily life. The third book in the instalment, Courage for the Cornish Girls, sees enemy gunfire open up on Penzance beach, bringing the girls to the rescue…
Located right on Penzance promenade, 5 South Terrace (sleeps four) is the perfect place to stay and lose yourself in a good Cornish novel. Just a short stroll from the beach (which is featured in Courage for the Cornish Girls), the historic Jubilee Pool, the fashionable Chapel Street, and easily accessible by public transport, it’s perfect for getting to know the Cornwall that Betty writes about. With sea views, parking and a quaint little garden, you’ll feel right at home here.
11. Sunrise by the Sea by Jenny Colgan, Marazion
One of the most iconic landmarks in Cornwall is the famous St Michael’s Mount, an incredible island just off the shore of Marazion and topped with an impressive castle. It's little wonder that author Jenny Colgan was inspired to replicate the setting in her Little Beach Street Cafe series, creating the fictional Mount Polbearne. The final instalment in the series, Sunrise by the Sea, sees the introduction of a new protagonist, where a new life by the sea might just be the therapy she needs as she struggles to overcome the grief she feels after losing her Grandfather.
Experience the magic of the little island for yourself with a stay at Paardeberg, located just above the beach opposite St Michael’s Mount. Sleeping six, this charming townhouse is the perfect place to switch the stresses and strains of daily life for relaxed coastal vibes. Pass the days watching the tide ebb and flow around the impressive mount.
12. Percy Pengelly and the wibble wobble by Jenny Steele Scolding, Cadgwith
Author Jenny Steele Scolding travelled the world before settling in the quaint fishing village of Cadgwith in south Cornwall, the inspiration for the setting of her children’s book. The narrative follows Percy, a world-famous tightrope walker, on his search for a new job in Cornwall. Featuring Cornish characters and dialect, along with daring circus skills and rooftop adventures, it’s no surprise it has been a much-loved tale since it was first published in 2014. Percey’s story has even been turned into a high-energy stage production, performed at various settings in Cornwall.
Discover the delights of south Cornwall for yourself with a stay at Sandpiper in Coverack, just a little way along the coast from Cadgwith. Picture days spent meandering through picturesque villages, watching the boats come in, kayaking on tranquil waters, and rockpooling on the shore. Sandpiper (sleeps six) is perfectly placed for all of these activities, and with dedicated parking, it's ideal for a family, and it’s dog-friendly too!
13. Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper, Mevagissey
Written in 1965, the first book from The Dark Is Rising series is a fantasy/mystery novel set in the fictional fishing village of Trewissick, which is thought to be inspired by Mevagissey. The narrative follows the story of three siblings who discover an ancient map while on holiday in Cornwall. We follow their quest for the Holy Grail, as they face battles and temptation amid the ongoing fight between good and evil.
The family stay at ‘The Big Grey House’ while on holiday in Cornwall, a place of mystery with its concealed doors and treasure-laden attic. If you’re seeking somewhere to stay with a rich history and quirky features, you’ll love The Sea Hoss (sleeps four) in Mevagissey. Featuring weathered planks from a salvaged vessel and a porthole window in the floor, which gives a glimpse into the old pilchard press, this property is full of fascinating elements of local history.
14. Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier, Fowey
Few authors are as well known for their Cornish connection as Daphne Du Maurier. Born into a privileged life, as a child Daphne holidayed at the family holiday home in Fowey. It was here in this picturesque area of Cornwall, years later, that she set up home with her husband and went on to write many of her best-known novels, inspired by the landscape. Among the most famous of her novels is Rebecca, set at the fictional Manderly house in Cornwall. The fictional house was inspired by Daphne’s own home, Menabilly, located near Fowey, which she renovated after stumbling upon it in a state of ruins.
Experience the quintessential Cornish countryside near Fowey for yourself with a stay at Valley View, Pelyn Barn Farm. Nestled in the serene valley, this peaceful barn conversion is the perfect place to escape with a good book. Discover the charm of nearby fishing villages Fowey and Mevagissey, before returning to the secluded Valley View, which sleeps four and has parking and an outside area.
15. The Lake House by Kate Morton, Polperro
Inspired by the magic of the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Mevagissey and the stately yet mystical setting of Trerice House near Newquay, the fictional lake house is set amid beautiful gardens, which form the backdrop for a seemingly idyllic family home. However, the picturesque family home, which is thought to be near Polperro, just along the coast from Looe, falls into a state of ruin when tragedy strikes the Evedene family in 1933. Switching between past and present, the narrative explores the mysterious disappearance of a baby boy 70 years ago.
Ideally placed between Polperro and The Lost Gardens of Heligan, the stunning Mor Dianc at Carlyon Bay is the perfect place for fans of The Lake House. If you can tear yourself away from the breathtaking views on offer at this modern penthouse apartment, why not explore the nearby areas that inspired the novel? Sleeping four, Mor Dianc, with parking, is perfect for a seaside holiday.
If you feel inspired to visit Cornwall, see all our available properties here.
Tags: Fowey | Gwithian | Lelant | Marazion | Mevagissey | Mousehole | Padstow | Penzance | Polperro | Sennen | Tintagel | Zennor | Botallack | Cadgwith | Literature |