Harbour House, Flushing

The appropriately named Harbour House is just a short drive from Falmouth (or take the ferry). The tables out the front of the water-front pub catch the sunshine, and the pub offers a warm welcome and foodie delights in the handsome village of Flushing.

The Old Coastguard, Mousehole

The Old Coastguard garden with sea view Mousehole Penzance Cornwall

The tropical garden at The Old Coastguard in Mousehole has incredible views with its glass barrier giving uninterrupted views of St Clements Isle. In good weather there can be nowhere else like it. The terrace, under the Top Leaper statue, is a wonderful place for sundowners, and The Crab Shack is a super-informal foodie delight, open daily (unless the weather is truly awful) from 10am until late, until the end of October.

Lew i nnick Lodge, Newquay

Lewinnick Lodge seems a world away from the bustling heart of Newquay – and yet it is just few minutes by car (or 20-minute walk) to the town centre – you’ll find this pub/restaurant (with rooms) emerging from the craggy cliffs of Pentire Headland – head to the terrace on the cliff’s edge for the best Atlantic views. Makes a great stop off on a walk, as you can easily step onto the coast path straight from their doorstep.

The Heron Inn, Malpas, Truro

2021’s Muddy-award winning pub has stunning waterside views overlooking the Truro and Tresillian river, and doesn’t just make a good spot for a sun-downer – there are plenty of walks nearby including the riverside walk to the picturesque village of St. Clement, and, set in a SSSI area, is also a bird watchers paradise thanks to the water nearby.

The Mariners at Rock

A pint of Doom Bar looking out over the Camel Estuary is a pretty good way to end the week. Dogs welcome on the ground floor.

Juliet’s Garden, St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly

Juliet’s Garden is just above Porthloo Beach on St Mary’s, and the view out over the glasshouses and across the bay towards Hugh Town is so great we are including it even though it’s strictly speaking not a pub. Just turn up for lunch and afternoon tea / daytime drinks, best to book for the casual evening suppers.

The Old Quay House Hotel, Fowey

Sea view terrace with a couple enjoying a gin and tonic at The Old Quay House Fowey Cornwall

The charming outdoor deck at The Old Quay House Hotel has a unique view of the estuary, looking over the quay towards Polruan. Step outside the front door and you’re right on Fowey’s bustling Fore Street, rich with cafés, boutiques and galleries – plus a restaurant and rooms if you’re feeling like you need longer!

The Rising Sun, Truro

Head to Mitchell Hill to enjoy an after-work drink (or three) in the courtyard garden round the chimnea for the popular ‘Fizz Friday’ where you can try their favourite sparkling wine of the week, or enjoy a craft beer or gin — and then book in for a Sunday Roast.

The Standard Inn, Gerrans, Portscatho

Simon and Jemma, the duo behind everyone’s favourite The Hidden Hut, added a pub to their foodie offerings in Portscatho on the Roseland. Serving drinks from the stable bar and food from the outdoor kitchen to enjoy in the garden, as well as one to note for Sunday roasts come the autumn.

The Watering Hole, Perranporth

Why restrict yourself to a garden when you could visit Cornwall’s only bar to be found right on the beach! Serving drinks from St Austell Brewery and usually food all day, locals and holiday makers alike love the Watering Hole for its location, sunsets and live music.

The Peterville Inn, St Agnes

Pull up a pew at The Peterville Inn, where they are serving a range of food and drinks, including moules, local butcher beef brisket and spring veg risotto primavera, as well as cocktails, plus roasts on a Sunday.

The Working Boat, Falmouth

How about a pub you can sail up to? With its own private pontoons and right on Falmouth Harbour (underneath the Greenbank Hotel) the Working Boat is a proper pub serving fifteen beers and ciders on tap including their own Working Boat brew.

The Coombe Barton Inn, Crackington Haven

Just the spot to watch the sun sink below the horizon, if you can nab a table outside local’s fave, The Coombe Barton Inn, practically on the beach. They’ve also rather handily have rooms if you decide to make a night of it.

The Pandora Inn, Restronguet Creek

Cornwall’s Muddy award winning destination pub is this 13th century inn on the edge of Restronguet Creek, not far from from Falmouth. Housed in a beautiful thatched building by the water – the best part is the pontoon, where the children spend hours happily dangling off the side hauling in crabs (you can pick up crabbing gear in the bar). While the kids are happily entertained, you can sip a glass of something chilled in peace and tuck into a small mountain of fresh Cornish crab meat. You could even be fancy and arrive by boat! If you’re visiting on a weekend, get here early, as parking spots and waterside tables are gold dust.

The Mussel Shoal, Porthleven

Not strictly speaking a pub, but the harbour view is pretty glorious and beer with mussels is a pretty nice way to while away an evening. No bookings, walk in only at this harbourside shack literally on the harbour in Porthleven.

The Plume of Feathers, Mitchell

Handily located in the centre of Cornwall, close to both Newquay and Truro, and winner of best destination pub in the Muddy Awards 2024, The Plume is set in lovely countryside and has a big garden for sunny drinks, plus beautiful rooms if you want to make a night of it.

C-Bay Bar/ Bistro, Crantock

Stunning beach views and local food and drinks on their outside patio makes this a popular choice if you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter for an evening drink.

The Gurnard’s Head, West Penwith

You can’t miss the gorse yellow building which shines like a welcome beacon as you drive the winding roads across the rugged Zennor moorland. Inside is all cosy seating and lovely food, but out the back, a spacious beer garden where you can enjoy the sun and watch the cows.

St Kew Inn, St Kew

The tranquil and grassy beer garden between the church and river make this a local’s favourite on a sunny weekend or afternoon, alongside great food.

The best Cornish pubs for a sundowner

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