The Top House Inn

Hotel Description

Honestly, when I first pulled up to The Top House Inn, I wasn’t expecting much – I mean, it’s right there on the main road through Lizard village, and you know how these coastal spots can be hit or miss. But stepping inside, there’s this immediate sense that someone actually cares about this place. The building itself has that proper Cornish character (think thick stone walls and low ceilings), but they’ve done it up without going overboard on the twee factor, if you know what I mean.

What really got me was how they’ve managed to capture that end-of-the-world feeling that makes the Lizard Peninsula special. You’re literally at Britain’s most southerly point here, and The Top House Inn sits perfectly positioned for exploring it all – the famous lighthouse is just a short walk down the coastal path, and you can actually hear the foghorn on misty evenings from your room (which I found oddly comforting, though light sleepers might want to pack earplugs). The staff genuinely know their stuff about the area too; they pointed me toward some brilliant cliff walks I never would’ve found otherwise, including this hidden cove that locals use but doesn’t appear on most tourist maps.

The rooms themselves strike that sweet spot between comfort and character – mine had this massive window overlooking the village, and the bed was properly comfortable after long days scrambling over rocks at Kynance Cove. Parking’s straightforward (always a relief in Cornwall), and check-in was refreshingly quick. The pub downstairs serves decent food too, nothing fancy but exactly what you want after a day on the coastal path – proper Cornish pasties and local ales. I’ll be honest, it gets pretty busy during summer weekends with day-trippers heading to the lighthouse, but that just adds to the atmosphere rather than feeling overwhelming. For an 8.5 rating, it delivers exactly what it promises: a genuine taste of Cornwall’s wild coast without the tourist trap nonsense you get in some of the bigger resorts up the peninsula.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $237. Family Room with 1 double bed and 2 bunk beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $249. Deluxe Double Room with Sea View with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Charles from United Kingdom – 12 June 2025 (9/10)

  Room was spacious and well furnished. Close to such brilliant coastal scenery. Meal was good. Nice breakfast
  
  What could be improved: Sat on my own in the dining room for dinner, which was not great. Right in the middle of small town so no views from rooms.

• Frances from Australia – 11 June 2025 (9/10)

  Great location for hiking and friendly staff. Lots of places to eat nearby.

• Julie from United Kingdom – 11 June 2025 (8/10)

  We received a warm welcome. The bar had a good atmosphere with locals as well as tourists. The bed was comfortable and clean. Breakfast was good value too

• Megan from United Kingdom – 9 June 2025 (9/10)

  Conveniently located, easy parking. Good extras, tea, coffee, etc
  
  What could be improved: Steep stairs, but nothing to be done about that

• Pauline from United Kingdom – 9 June 2025 (8/10)

  Very friendly, helpful staff. Lovely food.
  
  What could be improved: Be aware that, although it is a pub, the twin room can be noisy – sounds of running water at times and a noisy boiler.

• Heather from Netherlands – 6 June 2025 (9/10)

  Location was key for our visit to Lizard.

• John from United Kingdom – 3 June 2025 (9/10)

  Great location, lovely room, very helpful staff, great stay would stay there again.
  
  What could be improved: all good.

• De from United Kingdom – 3 June 2025 (9/10)

  Great food served by friendly staff

• Jayne from United Kingdom – 2 June 2025 (9/10)

  Lovely room with view.
  
  What could be improved: Breakfast items could have been better quality. ( baked beans and sausages)

• Sally from United Kingdom – 1 June 2025 (9/10)

  Very convenient
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities