The Best Places to Live in Cornwall

Nestled in the southwestern corner of England, Cornwall is a charming blend of golden beaches, rugged coastlines, quaint villages and a rich cultural heritage. It’s no wonder that so many people are upping sticks and setting up new homes in this gorgeous location. Cornwall has a diverse range of towns and villages on offer, suiting all tastes from those who just want a peaceful seaside home, those who are seeking a vibrant arts scene, or those who are drawn to a more maritime history.

As a local Cornwall removal company, we’ve put together this list of some of the best places to live in Cornwall. Read on for some inspiration if you’re considering moving to this stunning part of the county.

Newquay

Known as the surf capital of the UK, Newquay is a hugely popular tourist destination, but it’s also a fantastic place to live in Cornwall. Located on the north coast, Newquay began as a fishing town before developing into the thriving seaside town we know today. The town is home to a diverse community of families and creatives who are looking for a more laid-back way of life, but still with plenty to do all year round.

Newquay provides access to some of Cornwall’s beautiful coastline and beaches, plus a variety of independent boutiques and eateries within the town. Surfing is, of course, a big industry here, with plenty of surf stores and board manufacturers in the area. Newquay is also where Boardmasters, an annual music festival, takes place, as well as a variety of international surfing competitions.

Truro

Truro is the county capital, and as such, has plenty of amenities right on the doorstep for residents. It’s the southernmost city in the UK, and has great transport links, with the A390 road running through the city connecting to the A39. There’s a railway station in the centre of the city with regular services to London, the Midlands, the North and Scotland.

Although a vibrant urban area, Truro is still well and truly a Cornish city. As well as beautiful architecture, including Regency townhouses and Victorian villas, Truro has plenty of green spaces and easy access to the surrounding countryside. Those in Truro will always find entertainment, from arts and music performances, a diverse range of shops and eateries, and plenty of sporting clubs and activities across the city. Lemon Quay, located in the heart of the city, is where many of the city’s annual events and festivals are held, acting as a thriving hub for the area.

St Ives

St Ives is a seaside town on the north coast. It’s something of an artist’s paradise in Cornwall and has been an inspiration to numerous artists throughout history. Today, it offers a picturesque home for residents, with stunning coastal views and a strong community feel.

Art galleries can be found throughout the narrow streets of the town, but there are also plenty of restaurants, cafes, tea rooms and shops. St Ives also has great transport links, with a railway station that has services to London and Penzance, plus regular coaches to London and Heathrow.

Falmouth

Falmouth is a town on the south coast with a rich maritime heritage. It has a younger, vibrant feel, perhaps partly thanks to the University that has a campus in the town, but also due to the young families that have flocked there to enjoy the area. It’s the largest port in Cornwall and remains an active cargo port today. Sailing is a popular pastime in Falmouth, and there are a number of sailing clubs and sailing schools for beginners.

Falmouth also has a busy arts and culture scene, with frequent art exhibitions, stage performances, and live music events. There are many theatre groups in Falmouth, including the Falmouth Theatre Company, which is one of the oldest companies in the area, dating back to the 1920s.

Wadebridge

Wadebridge is a market town in the north of Cornwall on the River Camel. It’s a traditional Cornish town that offers an idyllic way of life and is steeped in history. The Molesworth Arms pub, although having had different names over the years, has been operating since the 16^th century. The Royal Cornwall Agricultural Show is held just outside of Wadebridge and first began in 1793. There is a museum in the town that explores the local history in depth.

Wadebridge High Street has a great array of independent shops, as well as some major brands. The local community put an emphasis on “shopping local” and there’s likely a retailer for every need. It also has a popular food scene with diverse culinary offerings from authentic Thai food, upmarket Italian small plates, burritos, burgers, and, of course, fish and chips.

St Agnes

St Agnes is a village on the north coast of Cornwall. It has an industrial archaeology heritage, with a landscape that’s of major geological interest, including stone-age remains. Today, it’s a charming, picturesque village that’s perfect for those who are looking for a quieter way of life in the gorgeous Cornwall surroundings. As the village is just a few miles from Newquay, it’s remote enough to feel peaceful but close enough to larger towns that you’re never far from what you need.

St Agnes has a busy calendar of events for residents and visitors, including art shows, craft fairs, and tea parties. There are a number of annual events, including Carnival week, summer plays by the St Agnes Players, and the Bolster the Giant pageant, which reenacts the Cornish legend every May bank holiday weekend.

Penzance

Penzance is a quirky harbour town on the south coast of Cornwall and is the most westerly major town in the county. Penzance has a close-knit community and vibrant cultural scene, with plenty of music and theatre performances and art galleries to be explored across the town. There are also a number of arts and cultural events held throughout the year, including festivals and fairs.

Penzance has an abundance of beautiful architecture, plus many conservation areas, meaning they’re protected by special planning laws to retain their character. Although far west, Penzance has decent transport links. It’s the last mainline station on the railway, with connections up through Cornwall and on to Plymouth, Bristol and London.

Moving to Cornwall?

If you’re moving to Cornwall, contact Britannia Lanes of Cornwall on info@britannialanes.co.uk or 01872 470089 for all your removals needs. We provide professional, flexible removals across Cornwall and further afield, with over 40 years of experience and a wealth of local knowledge.