West Cornwall.  Once considered too far for civilised people.  Whisper it quietly but no longer true.  The upside of such a legend is that the roads down here are less crowded. And, since 2024, the widening of of the A30’s single-laned girth beyond Truro has brought it almost as close as those north Cornwall fleshpots.

From Penzance and through Newlyn, the path is very walkable. Give yourself an hour or so and you’ll be gasping for a glug of something refreshing (or warming, were the elements against you). All along the coast from Marazion to Mousehole, you can also hop on a ‘pay-as-you-ride’ Beryl e-bike. Find out more and download their app here.

By Car

With the A30 now dual carriageway nearly all the way to Penzance, car journey times are now much shortened. There is only really one way, unless you take a detour en route. Exeter, A30 towards and into Cornwall and then past St. Ives and Hayle. We’re just the other side of Penzance.

If you need help…

The London – Mousehole early morning milk run was once done in less than four hours, but you should allow a little more than five. There are two westbound stationary speed cameras on the A30, both on downhill single carriageway stretches, one near Marazanvose, the other near Roseworthy.  Are they operational?  Our driving licences suggest they are.

Parking

There’s free (and hotly contested) parking along the road as you approach Mousehole. A public car park is also on the left, just before us, charging about £9 a day.  If you’re lunching with us we do have a little car park which is fair game until 3pm (so aim for a table time between 12pm-1.30pm to avoid eviction). After 3pm, the car park is very much admission for our arriving Sleepers only.

EV Charging

We’ve a quartet of spaces fitted with Charge Points (Type 2 – 22kW). They’re first come, first served to eaters, drinkers and sleepers until 3pm. After that our little car park and the chargers are for our overnight guests. You don’t need an app or an account to begin a charge, just scan the QR code at the charge point and off you go. But in case you want it, or already have it, we use Monta to power charges.

By Train

From London (First Great Western) and Bristol/The Midlands (CrossCountry) trains cover the ground pretty quickly as far as Plymouth. Be prepared to follow a line from Plymouth that is slow and winding, although undeniably pretty. If time is of the essence, or if you’d like to explore, consider hiring a car at Plymouth or Exeter.

Daytime services to Penzance are usually around five hours from London Paddington or four and a bit from Bristol. Do book ahead for much better prices and consider the comfort of first class if the prices permit (particularly for the Plymouth – Penzance leg). It’s worth it.

But our recommendation is to take the Night Riviera sleeper from London Paddington to Penzance.  Your reward is to join us for breakfast on us.

By Plane

If you prefer to fly, Newquay takes flights from a few regional airports and we are but an hour’s drive in a hire car (details below).  Or Exeter is the next best option. The frequency of flights will of course be seasonal.

Car Hire

Though not entirely stranded, exploring West Penwith is more easily done with four wheels (or two) and an engine. Of course, if you’re here for the SW Coast Path you’ll be putting your best feet forward.

Some options for hiring are: