5 best places to live in Cornwall
Cornwall is one of the UK’s best-loved counties – and for good reason. It’s home to some of the finest beaches in the country and has wonderful attractions, from Tintagel Castle to the Eden Project.
Key takeaways
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Cornwall is one of the UK’s most popular counties, known for stunning beaches, historic towns, and vibrant communities.
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Some of the best places to live in Cornwall include coastal towns like Newquay and Falmouth, historic market towns such as Liskeard and Helston, and foodie favourites like Padstow.
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New homes for sale in Cornwall are often close to schools, parks, shops, and outdoor attractions, making it easy for families and professionals to enjoy the Cornish lifestyle.
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Whether you’re looking for a lively town, a peaceful village, or a seaside retreat, Cornwall offers a safe, welcoming, and highly desirable place to live in the UK.
What are the best towns in Cornwall?
Cornwall offers the perfect mix of relaxed beach living, vibrant communities and towns with rich and exciting histories. If you’re planning on making the move but don’t know where to look, let us take the stress out of your search as we run down some of the best locations in Cornwall.
Newquay offers some of the best days out in Cornwall
It’s no secret that Newquay is a gem in Cornwall’s crown. Known as the surfing capital of England, it has twelve sandy beaches. These beaches are great for sea lovers and energetic kids who want a fun change of pace.
Living in a popular holiday spot like Newquay is exciting. The town caters to family-friendly days out in Cornwall places. It has easy access to beaches, adventure parks and lively nightlife. Newquay Harbour is a must-visit hotspot, and there's also an aquarium that overlooks Newquay Bay.
There are inviting communities like Trevithick Manor Park too, which is only 8 minutes away from the seafront. Supermarkets and a farm shop are within walking distance and plenty of green open air spaces are right on the doorstep to provide a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of town life.
Newquay offers some of the best days out in Cornwall
It’s no secret that Newquay is a gem in Cornwall’s crown. Known as the surfing capital of England, it has twelve sandy beaches. These beaches are great for sea lovers and energetic kids who want a fun change of pace.
Living in a popular holiday spot like Newquay is exciting. The town caters to family-friendly days out in Cornwall places. It has easy access to beaches, adventure parks and lively nightlife. Newquay Harbour is a must-visit hotspot, and there's also an aquarium that overlooks Newquay Bay.
There are inviting communities like Trevithick Manor Park too, which is only 8 minutes away from the seafront. Supermarkets and a farm shop are within walking distance and plenty of green open air spaces are right on the doorstep to provide a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of town life.
Liskeard is a charming market town nestled by Bodmin Moor
Liskeard in South-East Cornwall has an unbeatable community spirit. Just 20 minutes from the busy city of Plymouth, Liskeard is a small and lively town, proud of its weekly market and friendly atmosphere. The advantages of living in Liskeard go beyond these features, too.
Both the countryside and Cornish cities like Plymouth are close by, including a 33-mile stretch of the South West Coast Path. For those who prefer retail therapy to hiking, Liskeard town centre has some wonderful independent shops and cafes.
The community you live in often makes a house a home. Trevethan Meadows was created with this in mind. It’s perfectly placed between Martin’s Park, a beautiful 2.6-acre green space and Liskeard Leisure Centre, which has a swimming pool and much more.
Discover life at Trevethan Meadows
Helston is famous for its annual Flora Day festival
If you’re looking for the best villages in Cornwall, Helston is a top contender. This historic market town is the perfect place for families to grow, as there’s a strong community spirit.
The lovely beach of Porthleven is less than 10 minutes away, while ramblers can take their pick of scenic walks in rolling hills. For those looking to experience lively towns in Cornwall England, Falmouth is just 12 miles away – but plenty of fun happens in Helston, too.
Every year, the town hosts a festival for Flora Day to mark the end of winter. Settling in the area has never been so easy thanks to carefully considered developments like Trehenlis Gardens.
Helston is famous for its annual Flora Day festival
If you’re looking for the best villages in Cornwall, Helston is a top contender. This historic market town is the perfect place for families to grow, as there’s a strong community spirit.
The lovely beach of Porthleven is less than 10 minutes away, while ramblers can take their pick of scenic walks in rolling hills. For those looking to experience lively towns in Cornwall England, Falmouth is just 12 miles away – but plenty of fun happens in Helston, too.
Every year, the town hosts a festival for Flora Day to mark the end of winter. Settling in the area has never been so easy thanks to carefully considered developments like Trehenlis Gardens.
Falmouth is a vibrant coastal town with stunning beaches
Falmouth makes the most of its incredible coastal position in the south of Cornwall. The community comes alive in summer when water sports lovers enjoy its pristine beaches. However, you can have fun all year round.
Falmouth’s busy town centre has the perfect mix of popular chain brands alongside independent boutiques for treasure seekers. There is also a thriving arts scene and multiple galleries for art lovers. On the seafront, the National Maritime Museum attracts residents and tourists alike thanks to its great collection.
The attractions and beaches might be enough to sway some people, but what about everyday life? Communities like Eve Parc provide an ideal base for settling into life in one of the most loved towns in Cornwall England, while also maintaining easy access to further afield thanks to the three local train stations nearby.
Explore costal living at Eve Parc
Searching for your perfect Cornish home? Start your journey with us.
Padstow is a famous foodie's favourite place
Situated on the north coast of Cornwall, Padstow is a must-visit for anyone looking to understand why Cornwall is so popular. Padstow is home to impressive sandy beaches, but it stands out for its history. The working harbour gives visitors a taste of what life in Cornwall is really like, with fisherman bringing in their daily catch.
Chef Rick Stein has helped put Padstow on the map, bringing a boost to the local economy. Besides the thriving food scene, Padstow is ideally located for exploring other nice towns in Cornwall. Truro and St Austell are around a 40-minute drive away for day trips, but there's plenty going on in Padstow, too.
Lovely pubs, cafes and bars line the harbour, creating a perfect setting for a cosy evening or a lively night out. Kids can enjoy crabbing on the beautiful beach in the better weather or run off energy at Wheal Jubilee Park.
Padstow is a famous foodie's favourite place
Situated on the north coast of Cornwall, Padstow is a must-visit for anyone looking to understand why Cornwall is so popular. Padstow is home to impressive sandy beaches, but it stands out for its history. The working harbour gives visitors a taste of what life in Cornwall is really like, with fisherman bringing in their daily catch.
Chef Rick Stein has helped put Padstow on the map, bringing a boost to the local economy. Besides the thriving food scene, Padstow is ideally located for exploring other nice towns in Cornwall. Truro and St Austell are around a 40-minute drive away for day trips, but there's plenty going on in Padstow, too.
Lovely pubs, cafes and bars line the harbour, creating a perfect setting for a cosy evening or a lively night out. Kids can enjoy crabbing on the beautiful beach in the better weather or run off energy at Wheal Jubilee Park.
Enjoy the best of Cornwall’s lifestyle
Cornwall has everything you need to enjoy a great quality of life. Regardless of which Cornish cities or towns you decide to live in, you’re never far away from a Blue Flag beach or gorgeous rolling hills.
Searching for new homes for sale in Cornwall can seem overwhelming, but we hope this breakdown can help you take the first steps toward an easier, happier lifestyle.

