A sleepy UK village surrounded by soft-sand beach and cobalt waters has somehow managed to stay clear of the tourist limelight. With around four million overnight stays and a staggering 14 million annual day trips, it’s safe to say that Cornwall is no hidden gem.
Famed for its Caribbean-esque beaches, balmy micro-climate, and delicious seafood – the county has become unavoidably crowded, especially in the summer months. Hotspots like St Ives, Port Isaac, and Polperro may all look postcard-worthy, but swarms of self-stick-waving holidaymakers are tarnishing their tranquillity.
But, tucked away on the Lizard’s east coast, far enough to go unnoticed by bucket-list tickers, lies the unspoilt village of Coverack. With a population of just 800 residents, this under-appreciated destination was recently crowned as one of the UK’s ‘loveliest villages’ by the Times.
“A cluster of cobbled lanes and cob cottages gathered around a stout granite harbour, Coverack is an oasis of old Cornwall, before the celebrity chefs and snazzy hoteliers moved in,” the publication hailed. “Swim off the harbour wall, paddle on the beach, delve into the rockpools or hit the coast path to Lizard Point via Cadgwith for a pint at the Cadgwith Cove Inn.”
Lined with thatched roofed cottages and steeped in Cornish history, Coverack is the perfect place to embrace the laid-back atmosphere and chill out. There’s not an abundance of attractions or sights to see, but you can head down to the pristine beach with some fish and chips, watch the sun melt behind the horizon, and pick up some souvenirs from the gift shop.
“As the village is a popular seasonal destination like many of the little harbourside villages in West Cornwall, much is closed in winter,” explained Stay In Cornwall. “However, the pub and main shop do stay open all year round so you will always be covered for the essentials.
“Gazing down onto the bay below is the pretty 19th-century church of St Peter, almost chapel-like in appearance. Small in stature, it has a pulpit made out of the famous serpentine stone and charming stained-glass windows – pop in and see it if you can.”
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Coverack is just over 300 miles from London, meaning it’ll take you almost six hours in the car. There’s no railway station in the village, which may explain why it’s not become saturated with tourists, meaning Londoners would have to get a direct train to Redruth (a four-hour and 50-minute journey) and then get a 40-minute taxi. You can grab a single adult fare over to Redruth for around £65, depending on your flexibility.
Accommodation is limited in Coverack due to its small size, meaning it can also get pretty pricey. For example, a weekend’s stay (Friday, May 16 – 18) at the three-star Paris Hotel will set you back £310, based on two adults sharing.
However, staying outside of the village can bring the cost down. Staying in a two-bedroom holiday home dubbed the ‘Puffin Lodge‘ – located around eight miles from Coverack – costs £247 on the exact same dates.
*Prices based on Trainline and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.
What’s your favourite UK staycation destination? Let us know in the comments section below
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