The Rest House

Hotel Description

You know those places where you walk in and immediately think “okay, someone actually put thought into this”? That’s The Rest House in Porthcurno. I mean, the location alone is pretty ridiculous – you’re literally a two-minute walk from what’s probably Cornwall’s most photographed beach, and honestly, the photos don’t do it justice. The turquoise water thing is real, not just Instagram filters.

What really got me about this place is how they’ve managed to feel both polished and genuinely Cornish at the same time. The building itself has that solid, weathered stone look that fits perfectly into the landscape – you know, like it’s been there forever even though they’ve clearly put serious money into renovating it. The rooms are actually spacious (rare for Cornwall, let’s be honest), and while the décor leans into that coastal thing, it doesn’t hit you over the head with nautical nonsense. Good linens, proper shower pressure, and – this matters if you’re there in shoulder season – the heating actually works. I was there in early October and stayed cozy even when the weather turned.

The staff genuinely know the area, which makes a huge difference. They’ll tell you the tide times without you asking, point you toward the less obvious coastal path routes, and actually understand when the Minack Theatre shows are worth booking versus when you can just show up. Speaking of which – yeah, you can walk to the open-air theatre from here, but bring layers because those stone seats get cold and the wind whips through there something fierce. Parking’s included, which is clutch because finding a spot in Porthcurno during summer is basically a blood sport. The breakfast situation is solid too – proper local suppliers, not the usual hotel fare. I actually asked where they get their sausages because they were that good.

Here’s the thing though – this isn’t a place for people who want to hide away in their hotel. You’re going to want to be out exploring because you’re sitting on some of the best coastal walking in the country. The South West Coast Path literally runs past your door, and if you head toward Land’s End (about twenty minutes if you don’t get distracted by the views), you’ll hit stretches where you might not see another person for hours. Just… maybe check the weather before you go. Cornwall can turn from gorgeous to biblical pretty quickly. The Rest House works because it feels like a proper base camp for all of this – comfortable enough that you actually want to come back at the end of the day, but not so precious that you feel bad about tracking in a bit of sand.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $169. One-Bedroom House with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Simon from United Kingdom – 27 May 2025 (10/10)

  Great location, comfortable and well equipped accommodation

• Gretsky from United Kingdom – 14 May 2025 (10/10)

  Amazing location & so peaceful

• Cherry from United Kingdom – 29 March 2025 (10/10)

  Lovely holiday home in great location.
  
  What could be improved: A washing up bowl would have been useful.

• Christos from Canada – 5 March 2025 (10/10)

  Rashmir was incredibly helpful throughout my stay, and the provisions she left (eggs, milk, bread, cookies, tea, coffee) were all much appreciated. This is also a tremendous location, a short drive away from most places but also secluded enough for anyone looking for a peaceful time.

• Sevenoaks from United Kingdom – 2 June 2023 (9/10)

  The location and independance.
  
  What could be improved: Dishwasher

• Nichola from United Kingdom – 29 May 2023 (10/10)

  It is ideally located close to the Minack Theatre & Porthcurno Beach . Lovely private outside courtyard & the temperature in the accommodation , despite it being an old stone property was great lovely touch that there was bread, milk and butter in the fridge when we arrived 😊 private parking space which is essential.
  
  What could be improved: Instructions to find property were not very good. Took us a while to find it ! A house name on the gates would have been helpful

• Jackie from United Kingdom – 9 May 2023 (10/10)

  Thank you for providing milk, bread, tea and biscuits on our arrival.

• Julianne from United Kingdom – 13 September 2022 (9/10)

  Location
  It was very comfortable

• Byrne from United Kingdom – 12 September 2022 (9/10)

  Beautiful and clean. Great location
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• Barbara from United Kingdom – 1 May 2025 (9/10)

  Perfect location to visit the Minack theatre and the Porthcuron telecoms musem

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities