The Old Success Inn

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about The Old Success Inn? It’s actually right there on the beach at Sennen Cove – and I mean literally steps from the sand, not some marketing “beachfront” nonsense where you need binoculars to see the water. This is proper Cornwall, the kind of spot where you can hear the waves from your room and smell that mix of salt air and old stone that somehow makes everything feel more real.

The building itself has this weathered charm that you can’t fake – it’s been here since the 17th century, and honestly, it shows in the best possible way. The walls are thick (you won’t hear your neighbors, trust me), the floors have that slight unevenness that comes with age, and there’s this cozy pub downstairs that locals actually use, which is always a good sign. I mean, the Cornish aren’t exactly known for suffering tourist traps gladly. The rooms are what you’d expect from a proper 4-star place – comfortable beds, decent bathrooms, nothing flashy but everything works. Some of the sea-facing rooms have these small windows that perfectly frame the view toward Land’s End, though fair warning, they book up fast during summer.

What really sets this place apart is the location – Sennen Cove is probably the most spectacular beach in this part of Cornwall, all golden sand and dramatic cliffs, but it’s also the last proper stop before Land’s End (which is literally a mile down the road). The coastal path runs right past the inn, so you can walk to Land’s End if you’re feeling ambitious, or just wander along the cliffs toward Gwenver Beach when the main cove gets busy with families and surfers. Speaking of surfers – this is serious surf territory, so expect wetsuits drying everywhere and that particular vibe that comes with good waves nearby. The inn’s restaurant actually knows its way around fresh seafood, probably because the boats come right into the cove, and their crab sandwiches are the kind of simple perfection that makes you understand why people move to Cornwall and never leave. Parking can be a bit tight during peak season (the village car park fills up by mid-morning in summer), but there’s usually space right at the inn. Winter’s completely different – quieter, more atmospheric, with those dramatic storms that make you appreciate being inside with a pint while the waves crash just outside.

Facilities