The Old Coastguard, Mousehole, Cornwall, England - Explore & Book

"This is a hotel with soul. Standing watch on the edge of Mousehole, the breezy blue and white building was once a lookout station for the local coastguard. It’s now owned by brothers Charles and Edmund Inkin, the duo behind the nearby Gurnards Head and the Brecon Beacons’ Felin Fach Griffin, who have brought their well-tested formula to this blissful corner of western Cornwall: a laid-back vibe, simple comforts and some seriously good grub. Downstairs is a friendly restaurant, where Cornish meat, delicious veg and straight-from-the-sea treats are served up on delightfully mismatched tables. Dotted around the jumble of floors above are 14 cheery rooms, all stocked with books, blankets and biscuits to help you feel at home. Children are welcome, as are muddy paws and sandy toes, and you’ll often find locals propping up the bar or chatting over Sunday lunch. There’s also a sunny lounge fronted by huge windows that gaze out to sea, and lawns that tumble down towards the water’s edge. Lingering here, watching seagulls wheel overhead and yachts bob about on the waves, is the perfect way to while away the day. If you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins frolicking in the spray. Highs A wonderful escape in any season - in summer, sip wine under the palm trees; in winter, curl up with the papers and listen to waves crashing over the rocks outsideMousehole itself - a lovely little fishing village on the Penwith Peninsula, packed with galleries, cafés and delisMost rooms have sea views, and some face St Michael’s Mount across the bay. Many have private balconies or terraces, tooSuperb food - nothing fancy or pretentious, just local ingredients cooked exceptionally wellThis is a place for everyone: we saw couples relaxing on the terrace, dogs dozing by the bar, and children toddling around the garden Lows Availability can be a problem in high seasonDon't expect super-stylish interiors; this is more of a cosy coastal restaurant with roomsNo in-room TVs (with views like these, who needs them?), but you do get retro Roberts radios Breakfast is only served until 10amMousehole is extremely popular with tourists in summer, so the roads can get very jammed" - Abi Dare