Ten Cornish destinations have been named among the best places to live in the UK.
Leading lifestyle website Muddy Stilettos has launched its 2025 ‘Top 300 Best Places to Live’ list, which covers more regions this year than ever before.
Ten destinations in Cornwall feature on this year’s list, with the addition of three new places, Fowey, Portscatho & Gerrans, Roseland and Carbis Bay.
On the Cornwall page, Muddy Stilettos wrote: “The most south-westerly county in the UK, Cornwall has more than 400 miles of beautiful coastline with a multitude of places to live, from tiny quirky fishing villages right the way through to large towns with period properties.
“Jam-packed with interesting businesses, entrepreneurial types and a thriving art and theatre community, Cornwall offers a year-round cultural and foodie lifestyle.”
The top 10 places to live in Cornwall as ranked by Muddy Stilettos readers were:
Once again, Bude has been ranked as the top place to live in Cornwall by Muddy Stilettos.
The popular destination was voted by readers for its ‘decent schools’ and ‘beautiful beaches’.
The Muddy Stilettos website adds: “Bude was Cornwall’s first proper tourist destination, the “Brighton of the West” until the railway line closed in the 1960s.
“Returning to former glory, the small friendly seaside town has plenty going on, decent schools and beautiful beaches within walking distance of the town centre.”
Carbis Bay
Carbis Bay has made its way onto the Muddy Stilettos Best Places to Live for 2025.
The popular seaside village has been acknowledged by readers for its shops, attractions and places to eat and drink.
On the website, it adds: “Close to St Ives but accessible enough to escape the summer madness, Carbis Bay is a great place to live, rated highly by the locals who are mainly young families and older retired folk, with a suburban / countryside vibe and a host of lovely properties looking out over the sub-tropical beach.
“Carbis Bay has drawn visitors and the well-heeled since the Victorians, with the village still accessible by train.”
Cawsand and Kingsand
The twin Cornish villages of Cawsand and Kingsand are said to be "unspoilt and surrounded by coast and countryside".
Muddy Stilettos adds: "This area is a paradise for walkers, and quiet for swimmers, kayakers and water sports fans.
“Or, just sit back and watch the shipping traffic going up and down the Tamar Estuary and Plymouth Sound; from cross-channel ferries and warships to yachts and fishing vessels, kayaks to gig rowing boats from the local club, there’s always something interesting to look at.”
Falmouth
A popular destination for students and families, Falmouth has once again firmly secured its place on the Muddy Stilettos list.
The website adds: “The town centres around the world’s third largest natural deep-water harbour and is surrounded by areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty as well as a number of beautiful beaches.
“Falmouth offers coastal living with the benefit of being in a large (for Cornwall) town with amenities, university and period properties – although, as we mention with most coastal places in Cornwall, the nicest options will cost a packet.”
Fowey
Another Cornish destination to make the list this year is Fowey.
Readers voted for this popular destination and highlighted its culture and places to eat.
The website adds: “Fowey (to rhyme with joy and it really is) is more than just a yachtie harbour tucked into Cornwall’s south coast – it’s fast becoming a highlight on the Cornish foodie scene and continuing to attract creatives and artists.”
Penzance
Penzance is described as a "bustling quirky harbourside town with a vibrant arts culture".
The site adds: “The gateway to the far west of Cornwall, arty Penzance is full of culture, including a multitude of art galleries, music venues and theatres.
“In 2021 Penzance was named one of four Cornish towns to be a recipient of funding from the government’s Town Fund programme and a new Creative Cluster is due to be opened soon.”
Porthleven
The iconic Cornish fishing village is described as “The sought after south coast Cornish fishing village is a foodie enclave with plenty going on all year round”
The website adds: “The UK’s most southerly working port, Porthleven on Cornwall’s south coast is a picturesque harbour town overlooking Mount’s Bay between Penzance and The Lizard. Porthleven lies within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the South West Coast Path passes through the town.
“The distinctive clock tower dominates the imposing harbour wall, and the waves crashing over it draws the winter storm watchers to the town – as well as many a cameo on weather forecaster’s backdrops.”
Portscatho & Gerrans, Roseland
“Rural and coastal living is the draw to this unspoilt corner of south Cornwall, where a vibrant community draws families and visitors alike”, is how Portscatho & Gerrans was described by Muddy Stilettos.
The website adds: “The community spirit runs high in the villages and the wider Roseland area, drawing many families who have either permanently relocated or who return year after year.
“While the pilchard fleets of the 17th and 18th century no longer operate in the same way, Portscatho is still an active fishing harbour due to the natural protection offered by its position sheltered from the prevailing winds.
“It’s also a lovely place for swimming and water sports such as kayaking.”
St Agnes is said to be a "fabulous bustling large seaside village" set in both a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a World Heritage Site.
The website adds: "The town has a good mix of period and modern properties from front-line detached contemporary houses selling in the millions to cute miners’ cottages; as the village has gained a reputation for a close-knit community and for nurturing sustainable and creative businesses, prices are on the up (and up).”
Wadebridge is an old market town that offers "beautiful beaches, thriving indie high street shops and property that can still be described as affordable."
Muddy Stilettos adds: "It is a place that allows you to enjoy the benefits of being close to the coast without some of the touristy downsides."
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