BEST FOR COUPLES FALLEN ANGEL, MOUSEHOLE, CORNWALL
Nestled discreetly just three-and-a-half miles along the coast from the larger holiday town Penzance, Mousehole is a hidden gem of charm and pretty views. With a scattering of galleries and some delightful coffee shops and restaurants, this fishing village is the perfect spot for a weekend of doing very little. Though the sandy beach is small, it is part of the very attractive harbour at the heart of the village that has a fabulous outlook across the glittering turquoise sea.
The children we see seem perfectly entertained among the rock pools and sand – both activities rewarded with delicious readily available Cornish ice creams. We stay in the idyllic Fallen Angel. Accessible only by foot and through a mystery tour of the roads around Mousehole, this purpose-built haven for two is possibly the most romantic place
I have ever stayed. Spread over two floors, it’s been designed to make the most of the views – it has a balcony where we sip chilled white wine while watching the sunset before enjoying an indulgent soak in the roll-top bath. Greeted by an array of goodies on arrival – fresh bread, local cheese and Cornish sparkling wine – the accommodation ensures that, if you don’t want to, you don’t even have to venture out during your stay.
We completely embrace the couples’ hideaway and treat ourselves to an additional breakfast hamper (also delivered before you arrive), containing everything you would expect, as well as some other treats (the home-made muesli is to die for), and a personal chef who comes to our little home and whips up a meal including scallops, Cornish beef and scrumptious chocolate brownies with salty caramel sauce. We spend our time wandering around Mousehole’s narrow streets, enjoying a fabulous meal at The Old Coastguard, a leisurely one-hour walk to Penzance (there is a Mousehole bus that runs every 30 minutes if you don’t fancy the walk back), and a two-hour paddleboarding session around St Michael’s Mount. Fallen Angel is a very grown-up way to relax.
Add it to your travel bucket list. SOPHIE WILKINSON