Romantic holiday cottage with sea views in Coverack, Cornwall

Mermaid Cottage

Romantic holiday cottage for up to three in the heart of Coverack with sweeping sea views

Sleeps up to 3 in 2 bedrooms (+cot) Monday or Friday arrival Two well behaved dogs welcome Short breaks available
The Retreat

In the heart of unspoilt Coverack with beautiful views of the bay sits Mermaid Cottage, a romantic retreat for three. With gorgeous, boho-inspired interiors, a secluded garden and a summerhouse for sundowners, and the coastal path on your doorstep, this pet-friendly holiday cottage has all you need for an indulgent coastal stay.

Short breaks are available all year round: Friday – Monday & Monday – Friday. If your desired dates are not bookable online please contact the team here.

Please note: Mermaid Cottage is suitable for two adults, and a child.

Just off one of the narrow lanes that wind uphill from the harbour, this chocolate-box thatched holiday cottage has to be one of the cutest homes in the village. Inside it’s full of vintage charm, luxurious touches and thoughtful extras. Just beyond the garden gate, Coverack harbour is a minute’s skip downhill. The village has some great places to eat, and you can roam for miles in either direction along the coastal path, allowing you to explore the coast and the coves of the Lizard Peninsula on foot.

Inside

Moments from the habour and village pub, off a side street, you reach an unassuming garden gate and spot Mermaid Cottage’s distinctive thatched roof. Passing a well-kept flower garden and private lawn, you enter through the blush-pink front door into a light and airy hallway. To your right you’ll find the neat little kitchen, painted the colour of stormy Cornish seas, a blue that’s been splashed on walls, ceilings and floors throughout the cottage. There’s an electric Aga, a deep Belfast sink and amazing sea views through the window. The owners have thought of all the little extras: herbs and spices, coffee and condiments. Across the hallway, the stylish bathroom is the ultimate place for a bit of R & R, with a double-ended rolltop bath, candles on the windowsill and two wine glass holders in the wooden bath tray.

The living room is a beautiful, colourful space, with unique ombre walls, deep velvet sofas, log burner, gilt mirrors and a window seat at the far end — the perfect place to watch the weather roll in with a glass of wine or kick back and relax to the sound of the classic record player. Up the stairs you’ll find a decadent bedroom, with a kingsize bed, lace-fringed curtains framing a deep window seat, and two huge wheels of feathers decorating the walls. Next door is your stylish dressing room, which could also be your creative studio with inspiring views of the sea. If you’ve been trying to find time to start that novel or experiment with your watercolours, this could be your moment. This room also has a small bed, so the home is ideal for three (two adults and a child). Please be aware that the second bedroom is not suitable for anyone over 5ft. 

Outside

You may be in the heart of the village but it feels totally private and secluded here. Surrounding the cottage is the beautiful garden — with 180-degree views of the cove, village and the ocean beyond. This space is your own little suntrap for that early morning yoga session, a lazy afternoon barbecue or a sundowner. Not forgetting is the unique summerhouse, built (in winter 21/22) by local craftsmen from Cornish chestnut and larch, with a roof of reclaimed Delabole slate. This makes for an unforgettable and sheltered spot to soak up the morning sun as it rises over the bay.

You’re brilliantly placed for exploring Coverack, be it by kayak, SUP or windsurf from the harbour’s slipway. There are some great places to eat out, including The Lifeboat with its award-winning fish and chips, and the Paris Hotel, named after the SS Paris which ran aground here in 1899. You can pick up supplies from the Village Stores, which sells pretty much everything you might need for your stay, from fresh veg and meat to wine and firewood. If your legs need stretching, there’s endless exploring to be done on the South West Coast Path, which practically crosses in front of the garden gate — head south-west towards Kennack Sands (five miles) or north to Lowland Point (four miles).

Things we love

There are so many things we love about this place it’s hard to know where to start. Mermaid Cottage is a feast for the eyes — beautiful, eclectic, sumptuous interiors and thoughtful touches everywhere, from the drinks trolley under the stairs (featuring plenty of Cornish spirits) to the piles of games for rainy days. It’s the sort of place where you wouldn’t mind if it rained all week — there are so many corners to curl up in, with your nose stuck in a book or a glass of wine in hand.

For such a little place, Coverack has a lot going on — you needn’t touch the car all week if you don’t want to. After a day spent hiking along the coastal path or getting active out on the water, pick up some freshly landed fish from the harbour slipway. Then it’s back to the cottage to cook up a feast, whip up a cocktail, have a candlelit soak in the rolltop and sink into the window seat for rest of the evening.

Such a special place
We came for a much needed break over Christmas, and as I write this at the end of a week here, I can say we are both thoroughly rejuvenated! The cottage has everything we hoped for and more — we are so grateful for all the thought and care that has gone into making the cottage such a special place to stay. We also loved the shop, the pub and I even had a Christmas Day swim which was unforgettable.
Lucy & Mike — Christmas 2023
Features

Retreat Features

  • Sweeping sea and harbour views
  • Located in the heart of unspoilt Coverack and moments from the beach
  • A unique historic home
  • Gorgeous, boho-inspired interiors
  • A secluded garden with a 180 degree sea views
  • A hand-crafted summerhouse
SLEEPING
Principle bedroom: king size bed
Plus a small bed for a child or adult under 5ft.
All bed linen and bath towels provided
COOKING & DINING
Electric aga, a deep Belfast sink, microwave, kettle, toaster
LIVING & RELAXING
Classic record player
Smart TV
DVD player and selection of DVDs,
BATHROOM
Double-ended rolltop bath
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
Friday and Monday changeovers
Short breaks are available all year round: Friday - Monday & Monday - Friday
Check in after 4pm
Check out before 10am
PARKING
There is street parking available throughout the village and two pay and display car parks.
BABIES & TODDLERS
Travel cot and highchair on request
PETS
Two well behaved dogs welcome
UTILITIES
Washing machine
Essential cleaning items
HEATING
Woodburner
Electic heating
OUTDOORS
Private garden with 180-degree sea views and a barbecue
Moments from the harbour, beach and South West Coast Path.
Please note: The garden is mainly secure, but there are places where a dog could jump down to a neighbouring property slightly below.
ACCESSIBILITY
Internal steps without handrail
Stairs to second floor
Access to bedroom on groundfloor
Access to bedroom via stairs
Restricted head height
Not suitable for wheelchairs
Please contact us for more accessibility information
Location

Coverack

Coverack is a delightful fishing village situated on the sheltered eastern side of Cornwall’s dramatic Lizard Peninsula. The historic harbour is the heart of the village, and as well as small shops, good quality cafés, a fab fish and chip shop in the old lifeboat station, and an excellent pub, you can hire kayaks and stand up paddleboards, and learn to windsurf. There is a small beach, and the South West Coast Path beckons in both directions — this is an awesome stretch, with cliffs, coves, little ‘secret’ beaches and fishing villages.

Travel times

  • Mermaid Cottage is about 20 miles from the nearest mainline station at Redruth. Regular and convenient services run from all over the UK.
  • The unspoilt fishing village of Coverack is approximately 11 miles from Helston on the B3294. Driving time from London is just over five hours in normal traffic, while Exeter is around two hours away.

Things we love

  • The historic village of Coverack will transport you back in time
  • One of the best places to walk the South West Coast Path
  • Great little eateries, 'proper' pub, and world-class fish and chip shop
  • An authentic Cornish community, as well as a great visitor destination

The Coverack guide

Cliffs near Coverack holiday cottages by Forever Cornwall

Stunning clifftop walks

The location of our Coverack holiday cottages in the heart of the Lizard Peninsula’s east coast makes it a perfect base for walking some of the most breathtaking stretches of the South West Coast Path. The coast in both directions are classified as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and this is in the heart of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) which stretches all the way to the Helford River valley on the west and Loe Pool and Porthleven in the east.

Pass by the ancient sites of Iron Age castles at Chynalls Point and Lankidden, and take in panoramic views at Black Head, where, on a clear day, you can see both the Fal Estuary and the Dodman. Whether you’re on a full day’s hike or an evening stroll to watch the sunset, the Lizard is a pretty special place to spend time in nature.

Flora and fauna

From Coverack you can ramble to Porthoustock (3.5 miles), Porthallow (5 miles), Kennack Sands (5 miles), Cadgwith (7 miles) or even Lizard Point itself (10 miles), mainland Britain’s most southerly point. The Lizard Peninsula has incredible flora, fauna and geology — over half of all the UK’s species of plants can be found here, including over fifty rare and special species. You will probably spot seals and may be lucky enough to see dolphins or basking sharks out at sea.

The rocks and minerals here are also spectacular, making the Lizard a favourite region for geologists — part of the reason is that this is a crunch-point for plate tectonics. The ocean floor and continental landmass were mashed together here in the Devonian era, between 358 and 419 million years ago, and Coverack is one of the only places where this can be seen.

Harbour near Coverack holiday cottages by Forever Cornwall

Windsurfing, diving and hidden wrecks

This stretch of coast used to be notorious for smuggling and shipwrecks (the coast here was dubbed the “graveyard of ships”). The Coverack Windsurfing Centre offers paddleboarding, kayaking and fishing trips, as well as RYA windsurf tuition. The sandy bay provides protection from prevailing southwesterly winds, creating a perfect beginner’s area close to the shore until you build your confidence and head further out.

The warm, clear waters around the Lizard make for fantastic diving. There’s abundant marine life (dolphin, basking shark, seals) and some spectacular reefs to explore, plus some fascinating shipwrecks — thousands of ships met their fate on the reefs and cliffs of the Lizard, which juts out into the Channel. Head to The Paris Hotel after — the pub takes its name from the American liner which hit the rocks off Lowland Point on Whit Monday, 1899.

Beaches

Coverack

If you’re staying in Coverack, the village’s main beach is a pretty, quiet cove backed by a seawall. There’s little sand at high tide — but good rocks for scrambling — but wait until the water recedes and you’ll be rewarded with a lovely stretch of sand and lots of rockpools to explore. It’s a great beach for dogs, who are allowed here all year round. It’s also a great swimming spot since it’s very sheltered — every year on Christmas Day hundreds of locals and visitors run into the water for charity. At low tide you can spot the Manacles reef — one of the south’s best diving spots.

Kynance Cove

Kynance Cove is one of Cornwall’s most dramatic beaches. It’s also one of the most popular (and has been since the Victorian times) and best avoided on a scorching summer’s day. It’s a bit of a walk from the carpark but visitors are rewarded with turquoise seas, huge rock stacks and hidden corners of sandy beach (when the tide’s out!) where you feel as though you’re the only ones there. The Kynance Cove Cafe serves up light lunches and hot drinks using local suppliers and producers. Dogs are welcome between October and Easter Sunday.

Poldhu

Poldhu is a sheltered cove with parking, a cafe and a surf school — and blissful golden sands. With seasonal lifeguards, it’s a great place to try out watersports at the Dan Joel Surf School, go for a paddle or, when the tide’s out, head to the rockpools for some exploring. There’s also a cafe right on the sand selling amazing hot chocolates with toppings that change with the seasons and homemade cakes, as well as light lunches and drinks. In the summer they put on live music and woodfired pizzas, too. Dogs are welcome between October and Easter Sunday.

Kennack Sands

Kennack Sands is a large beach — perfect for families, and there’s good lifeguard cover and plenty of space for kids to run. It is actually comprised of two beaches – the one furthest from the car park is a nature reserve and often goes undiscovered by visitors as it’s hidden behind the hill that separates the two. Well worth the trek up and over to visit it (there’s great shore fishing too!). The Mora Beach Cafe and Surf School offers lessons and board hire, whilst the cafe sells good coffee and light lunches. Dogs are welcome between October and Easter Sunday.

Food & drink
Coverack, the Lizard Peninsula

The Lifeboat House

After it fell into disrepair in the 1980s, Coverack’s old lifeboat house began a new life as a fish and chip restaurant — now one of the most popular places to grab a takeaway on the Lizard. Jutting out into the harbour, the building has one of the best views in Coverack (the views down the lifeboat launch ramp from the end window are particularly stunning). Freshly caught fish arrives daily at the quay before making the 50-yard journey to the lifeboat house, where it’s coated in the lightest, crispiest batter. The Lifeboat House is included in our round up of the best places to eat on the Lizard

The Paris Hotel Their Pic

The Paris Hotel

If you’re looking for a scenic place for a pint, then look no further than the Paris Hotel, named after an American steamer, the SS Paris, which was wrecked on the treacherous coast near Coverack in 1899. On the edge of the harbour, the pub oozes cosy Cornish character and serves a range of wines, spirits and local ales, and fresh seafood from the Oceanview Restaurant. The pub is dog-friendly — they aren’t allowed in the restaurant, but you’re more than welcome to eat in the pub if you want to bring along the pooch.

The Greenhouse

This small, intimate restaurant in nearby St Keverne a couple of miles from Coverack has won awards for its beautiful food and innovative flavours — its focus is on local produce and Cornish suppliers, much of it coming from within the Lizard Peninsula. The creative menu features things like Fal Bay scallops and ginger cured local mackerel, and they have an impressive, purely organic natural wine list, although you can bring your own wine if you’d prefer (corkage applies). Open from Thursday-Sunday from spring through to the end of summer.

Christmas Mailer

The Cadgwith Cove Inn

This characterful old pub in the heart of the picturesque fishing village of Cadgwith is a short trek down the coast from Coverack. The pub is still very much the centre of life in the village, as it has been for generations — it still has a thriving community centred around fishing. It’s right on the South West Coast Path so makes a well-deserved stop off for walkers looking for local beer and seafood, and a roaring fire to rest weary limbs. Don’t miss the sea shanties from the local group every Friday.

Local Food Guide

The Lizard has a thriving foodie scene that celebrates the very best of local flavours, from the county’s largest farmers’ market in lively Helston and farm shops serving up the tastiest homegrown produce, to award-winning fishmongers, excellent delis and village stores, and two of Cornwall’s favourite pasty makers hidden in the folds of Cornwall’s wild, remote, most southerly region.

Find out more about buying local in with our handy Local Food Guide to the Lizard Peninsula.

Things to do

Take to the water

With its sheltered waters and direct access to miles of dramatic and unspoilt coastline, Coverack is a popular spot for watersports. The RYA Windsurfing Centre in Coverack offers lessons and windsurf hire, as well as kayak and paddleboard hire from early summer to autumn. If you want to explore the wrecks and colourful reefs that surround the Lizard’s east coast, head further up the coast to the dive centre Porthkerris Divers, located on a beautiful secluded cove. They offer a range of courses, from a ‘Discover Local Diving’ session to PADI open water and freediving courses.

Cornish walking holidays Gwithian South West Coast Path

Visit Roskilly’s

Get a taster for life on a working organic Cornish farm with a trip to Roskilly’s near St Keverne, south Cornwall’s most famous ice cream parlour. Walk the ponds and meadows, feed the ducks, watch the 125-strong herd of Jersey cows being milked and then treat yourself to a scoop or two — blackberry and apple or cream tea flavour, perhaps? The Croust House Restaurant serves pizzas, soups and salads, and there are farm trails to follow. If you’re staying in Coverack, you don’t need a car to get here — there’s a brilliant five-mile circular walk from Coverack which passes right by Roskilly’s at the halfway point.

Cadgwith

Make the trip down to the coastal fishing village of Cadgwith, seven miles south. With thatched cottages, two small beaches and fishing boats in the harbour, it’s one of the most picturesque spots on this side of the Lizard. On Fridays you can experience the atmosphere of the Cadgwith Cove Singers in the village pub. The sea shanties are brilliant, the beer is delicious and it’s a quintessentially Cornish way to spend an evening. Pop into the village fishmongers before heading home and pick up something for dinner.

Guests Say
  • Fabulous views

    This is a truly beautiful home inside and out. We have had a wonderful week at Coverack and are sad to leave! Fabulous views you never tire of. Thank you for a memorable holiday.

    Anna & Nic —August 2024
  • Very cosy

    We had a fab time — such a beautiful location and we simply love Coverack. Very cosy home away from home.

    Marie-Sue, Henry & Elodie — August 2024
  • Gorgeous

    Really enjoyed our week here and so lucky with the weather. Cottage is gorgeous and had everything we needed. Definitely going to miss the views and lovely walks! Looking forward to returning in the future.

    Louise, David, Dexty & Ruby (the dogs) — July 2024
  • Wonderful views!

    We have had a great time in this fabulous cottage! There is everything we need and more. Wonderful views! Thank you for a memorable stay.

    Tom, Jolanda & Guus the dog — June 2024
  • Cosy cottage

    Tony, Zoe (the dog) and I have had a very enjoyable stay in this cosy cottage. The weather has been kind and we've had some fantastic walks. Great fish and chips tonight at The Old Lifeboat House. Hope to return.

    Julia & Tony — May 2024
  • We feel completely at home

    We've had a fantastic stay in the cottage. It's been lovely being back in Coverack. It really is the most beautiful place and we feel completely at home here. All in all, another wonderful trip to Cornwall and we'll definitely come back to Mermaid Cottage.

    Ben & Gareth — May 2024
  • Felt very at home

    I felt very at home in your lovely cottage. Did some beautiful coastal walks and enjoyed sitting in the windowsill watching the sea and the birds. Thanks for the welcome package with flowers and some groceries. Absolutely fab. Loved it!

    Marianne — April 2024
  • Coverack is perfect

    We have had some wet and windy coastal walks but a few sunny days too. Found the most amazing cafe at the Helford — The Holy Mackerel, would highly recommend. Coverack is the perfect place to stay and we hope to be back, obviously staying here at Mermaid Cottage!

    Mark, Sarah & Stefan — March 2024
  • Delightful cottage

    A lovely few days in this delightful cottage. The welcome pack and flowers were a very thoughtful touch. The local shop is a gem and the sausage rolls were gorgeous! Thank you for a memorable stay.

    Sue & Dave – November 2023
  • Loved the garden

    A wonderful week in a delightful cottage. We loved the garden – so full of colour and enjoyed watching the gull chicks! Lots of lovely coastal walks and first visit to the Lizard, after many trips to Cornwall.

    The Jacksons — May 2023
  • Absolutely loved it

    What a fantastic place, beautiful village and surrounding coves. Absolutely loved it and thank you Cornwall for supplying the best weather we could hope for.

    Jim & Sue — May 2023
  • Wonderful

    The house, the view, the village, the walks. It's been a wonderful relaxing week combining Easter and a birthday. Dogs have loved it too — her first time seeing the sea, she loved it! Thank you.

    The O'Donnell's — April 2023
  • Community spirit

    We've had a great week and love being right where the action is, and hearing the waves crashing! We've met some lovely people and are somewhat envious of Coverack's community spirit. Ernie, our labrador, made lots of friends on the beach.

    Alan, Maureen & Ernie — November 2022
  • A perfect location!

    We had a wonderful time at Mermaid. Enjoyed the sea, the food and the lovely people. Walked several parts of the south west coast path and explored beautiful beaches. All in all, a perfect location! And the weather was so kind to us. Despite the long journey from Switzerland, we can't wait to come back!

    Susanne & Markus — September 2022
  • A truly lovely week

    What a truly lovely week we've had at the cottage. Perfect location to explore, even more to stay in and not to go anywhere at all! We found everything we needed for a perfect relaxing time away. From morning coffees watching the tide in and out, the best fish and chips, evening drinks in the harbour and lazy days at the beach. We actually don't want to leave and hopefully will return again soon. Thank you for a lovely week by the sea!

    Amy, Matthew & Nellie — August 2022
  • Just perfect

    Just perfect, stunning views, cottage, gardens and the people of Coverack super welcoming. We will be back for sure! Thank you so much.

    Claire & Pete — June 2022
  • Beautiful cottage

    Beautiful cottage, garden and location. Especially enjoyed the G&T shed on a sunny spring evening. Enjoyed The Paris Hotel and had a great takeaway curry from the lifeboat place on a Wednesday night. Loved Coverack and surrounding walks, Cadgwith Cove Inn also serves a fantastic crab sandwich.

    Andrew — May 2022
Availability & Pricing
Loading
Sorry, this calendar requires javascript in order to work.

Last Minute

Sorry, this search requires javascript in order to work.
6
Arrival/Departure date
14
Discount applied
Book with confidence

View our Terms and Conditions here, which includes our dog policy, cancellation policy, and more.

Please note, we only release dates 11 months ahead, so please check back or enquire for more availability.