'Loveliest village in England' with white cottages, golden sands and cobbled streets

Going for a holiday on British shores has never been more popular than in recent years - and rightly so.

The hidden quaint fishing villages that line our coastline are some of the prettiest in the world, and one in particular stands out for being a must-visit spot, well worth the trip.

Cornwall has understandably been a hot spot for staycations, with its crystal blue waters, white sand beaches and picturesque harbours, many visitors feel like they've been transported to an entirely different country all around more tropical.

Tucked away in the western corner of Cornwall and just 12 miles away from the busier hub of St Ives lies the beautiful village of Mousehole which is no stranger to acclaim.

Originally the village gained notoriety after being dubbed "the loveliest village in England" by Welsh poet and writer Dylan Thomas after spending his honeymoon there.

More recently though it was named in the Conde Nast Traveller's list of the best seaside places in England in 2025, as they described it as "one of the county’s most picturesque fishing villages" and a perfect place to "escape the hustle and bustle of city life".

The village is home to a charming harbour, stunning coastal views and is a haven for foodies - home to not one but two restaurants that have caught the attention of Michelin.

Stunning white cottages line its tiny weaving cobbles, with plenty of handmade craft shops and cafes to keep you busy on a visit.

For the more adventurous, the beautifully clear sea water is a great place to hop into a kayak and go for a leisurely row, and what better way to fuel up after than munching on a classic cream tea - in its distinct cornish way.

Visit Cornwall said: "Mousehole is considered one of Cornwall’s prettiest fishing villages, with two small sandy beaches inside its harbour quays, only accessible at low tide, and a long pebble beach running east toward Penlee Point.

"For keen swimmers, there’s the Mousehole Rock Pool; a natural tidal pool and the perfect spot for a wild sea swim and a chance to spot seals out in the bay.

"There's an assortment of car parks in and around the harbour, free parking on the road coming into the village, and a good bus service from Penzance."

On Tripavisor the village has positive reviews piled onto it, with one fiver star review posting: " A beautiful place to enjoy the local food, scenery and history. We visited several villages/cities in Cornwall prior to visiting this location so the expectations were high, spending the day here didn’t disappoint."

While another wanting some TLC added: "We really enjoyed our visit to Mousehole harbour, watching the boats go and out. Very relaxing, with plenty of place to sit down."