Dating back to the 11th Century, Newlyn has a rich and varied history. All but burnt to the ground in the 1500s by the Spanish, a centre for the thriving pilchard industry in the 1800s and home to one of the largest fishing fleets in the UK, its salty roots are thoroughly entwined with the sea. 

Not only a hub for working fishermen, Newlyn is also a centrepiece for the arts movement in Cornwall. Led the way by Stanhope Forbes and Walter Langley and later followed by A.J.Munnings, Lamorna Birch and Laura Knight, the Newlyn School is a dynamic and innovative art school still nurturing wave after wave of aspiring artists.

Wandering around Newlyn today, you will find a fabulous selection of specialist fish restaurants, wine bars and even an independent cinema. A great base for exploring West Cornwall, you're also ideally positioned to walk to neighbouring Penzance and the picturesque village of Mousehole. Weave your way and discover this salt-of-the-earth village by the sea.

If you are a bit of a dab hand in the kitchen, you will love the freedom our luxury self-catering cottages in Newlyn bring to your daily routine. Stroll down to one of the local fishmongers where you can purchase the day’s freshest catch to take home with you; full of expert knowledge, the staff will offer you top advice as to how best to prepare and serve your fish. Celebrating all things seafood, you should also pencil the Newlyn Fish Festival into your diary: one of the biggest celebrations of the sea, seafood and fishing in the UK.

For a night of wining and dining you don’t have to think about, head to one of the area’s prestigious restaurants. The Mackerel Sky Bar is a hugely popular seafood bar serving fresh fish and shellfish caught from Newlyn’s own waters. Another lovely option is the Smugglers a sea-view restaurant dating back to the 1700’s, as is the Tolcarne Inn. Managed by food hero Ben Tunnicliffe, the Toclarne is a historic maritime pub with a chalkboard-style menu that reads like an ode to the sea – the perfect way to round off your day in this nautical haven.

As well as Newlyn’s incredible seafood restaurants, there are also plenty of cafés and pubs ready to welcome you in. Somewhere peaceful to sit with a morning cup of coffee, Duke Street Café is located in the heart of the village and has an array of soothing hot drinks and refreshing soft beverages. Complement your cuppa of choice with something tasty from the menu and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere – to make sure everyone is included, the café also offers a vegan menu.  

A local institution, the famous Swordfish pub is a must-visit during your luxury stay in Newlyn. Steeped in history and a long-established favourite amongst local fishermen, this famous (and at one time infamous) pub attracts Newlyners and visitors alike to share in its rugged charm. Further up the road, Penzance is host to a plethora of tearooms, pubs and bars – so you will never be short of a scenic setting for a pick-me-up before you head back to your Boutique Retreat. 

Newlyn is one of those places that you could easily spend hours walking around or simply sitting on the seafront watching the world go by. Home to one of the country’s most important fishing ports, the come-and-go of fishing boats and harbourside bustle of fishermen make for mesmerising viewing. Wander down to the Old Quay with a flask of tea or contact the Penlee Life Boat Station for a chance to head inside and learn all about the village’s local history and the work of the RNLI. 

A great way to spend an evening, Newlyn Film House showcases independent movies throughout the year and is home to a restaurant and bar. In the surrounding area, you are spoilt for choice with things to see and do. Head to Marazion to visit the iconic St Michael’s Mount or visit Mousehole for its picture-perfect harbour. In Penzance, take to the water in Mount’s Bay for a day windsurfing or paddling before returning to your luxury Newlyn accommodation and popping open a bottle of fizz.