Avalon Beach House

Avalon Beach House

Large family holiday home with sea views on Maenporth beach in Falmouth

Sleeps up to 6 3 Bedrooms 3.5 Bathrooms 2 dogs welcome Saturday arrival
The Retreat
You’ll find Avalon Beach House right by sandy Maenporth beach, just outside Falmouth, set in secluded gardens. This beautiful holiday home sleeps six in three en-suite bedrooms, with homely interiors and private parking so it’s perfect for families. While the house is set back with plenty of privacy, the beach and miles of coast path are quite literally on your doorstep.
A rare find, Avalon Beach House is one of the very few private houses at Maenporth (near Falmouth), and it’s ideally situated. Just beyond the tranquility of your modern and comfortable accommodation, you’ll find all you need for the perfect sandy holiday, including a laid-back beach café and watersports equipment rental.

Inside the property

Stepping in through the front door, you are welcomed into an airy hallway with the large family living area to your right. This features a wood burner, smart TV and plenty of seating split across two rooms, including a large L-shaped sofa that has been arranged adjacent to the charming views of Maenporth, one of Falmouth’s amazing sandy coves.

The kitchen and dining area take in the beautiful natural light from the rear of the property through the vaulted windows above the dining table. As a social, open-plan space, you’ll enjoy time spent in the kitchen, which is modern and well-equipped with everything needed for family dining and relaxed gatherings.

One king-sized en-suite bedroom and one double-sized en-suite bedroom are located on the ground floor. Both benefit from patio doors and beach glimpses, and are light and spacious inviting restful sleep. There is also a separate WC on the ground floor. The principal bedroom with en-suite is on the top floor of Avalon and is complete with vaulted ceilings, plenty of storage and a window seat to watch the everchanging views of Maenporth beach.

On lower ground floor you will find a utility room, perfect for washing and drying clothes and towels after a day on the beach.

Outside of the property

Avalon takes pride in its garden area, which is terraced on multiple levels to make the most of the views with a mix of sun and shade. The garden features both grassy areas and a patio space for al-fresco dining, complete with a Weber gas barbecue. There’s also parking for up to four cars, which is signposted to the right of the property. The best part? You’re quite literally seconds from the sandy shores of Maenporth beach. It’s sandy and slopes gently to the sea, in a sheltered cove — and it’s lifeguarded in summer and main holiday weeks.


You also have direct access to miles of walking. Choose the coastal path and you can stroll to Falmouth, past Swanpool beach, about a mile away, taking in spectacular views. The other direction takes you to little secluded beaches, dramatic Rosemullion Head, and the sheltered creeks of the Helford — an idyllic part of Cornwall to explore. Up the footpath beside the house is the pretty village of Mawgan Smith with its thatched pub, café and village shop.

Things we love

We love the seclusion here; expect to wake up to rays of natural sunlight shining through the trees surrounding the property. Take in the views of the beach as you enjoy a morning coffee, or you might like to stroll along the strand-line before breakfast; easy when it’s right outside. A walk on the beach could surprise you with washed-up seaglass, or the sight of Canada geese flying over from the wetland nature reserve behind the beach. As lovers of the sea, you couldn’t be in a better position for kayaking or bodyboarding, try stand up paddle-boarding or even SUP yoga! Falmouth will be your local town and is just a short drive away; we love the independent shops, art galleries and of course the Maritime Museum — not to mention countless cafés and restaurants, the perfect place to spend your evenings — before escaping back to beautiful Avalon Beach House, your blissful escape by the sea.
Stunning views
What a wonderful stay at Avalon! The house is beautiful and perfectly located near the beach. We enjoyed delicious food (especially at Life's a Beach cafe and The Cove restaurant and bar). Stunning views and made unforgettable memories with our dog. Thank you for providing such a special place to unwind and relax — we hope to return soon!
The Roberts
Details

Retreat Details

SLEEPING
Principal bedroom: king bed with en suite on first floor
Bedroom two: king bed with en suite on ground floor
Bedroom three: twin beds with en suite on ground floor (can be made up as super king on request)
All bed linen provided
BATHROOM
Three en suites with walk-in showers
Separate WC on ground floor
LIVING & RELAXING
Large L-shaped sofa
Patio doors
Smart TV
WiFi
Wood burning stove
COOKING & DINING
Breakfast bar seating two
Dining table and seating for six
Dishwasher
Electric oven and gas hob
Fridge freezer
Microwave
Nespresso coffee machine
Open-plan kitchen and dining
Patio doors to rear of property
Well equipped kitchen
OUTDOORS
Elevated position with sea glimpses
Private gardens to front and rear
Summer house with garden furniture
Please note: the garden is across multiple levels so may not be suitable for unsupervised children
BABIES & TODDLERS
Stair gate provided on request
Travel cot and highchair available on request (linen not provided)
PETS
Up to two well-behaved dogs welcome
UTILITIES & HEATING
Oil fired central heating
Underfloor heating on ground floor
Washing machine
Essential cleaning items
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
Check in from 4pm
Check out by 10am
PARKING
Private parking for three cars
ACCESSIBILITY
Bedrooms on ground floor
Not suitable for wheelchairs
Steps leading up to the property and around garden
Three floor retreat
Please contact us for more accessibility information
Location

Falmouth

Falmouth combines a rich maritime history with a lively café culture, independent shops and beautiful beaches. Explore Pendennis Castle, browse galleries, enjoy waterfront restaurants or take a boat trip along the Fal Estuary. With a bustling harbour and easy access to the Helford River and South Cornwall coastline, Falmouth offers something for everyone.

The falmouth guide

Maenporth beach near holiday cottages near Falmouth by Forever Cornwall

Sheltered beaches

Falmouth is one of the few places in Cornwall where you can choose a different beach every day of your holiday. Thanks to its sheltered south coast location, the water is generally calmer than the north coast, making it ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking and families with young children.

Gyllyngvase Beach is the town’s Blue Flag beach, loved for its golden sand, beach café and watersports. Just around the headland, Castle Beach is a favourite for rock pooling and snorkelling, while Swanpool and Maenporth offer relaxed beach cafés, watersports and beautiful coastal walks linking one bay to the next.

One of the joys of staying in Falmouth is stumbling across those quieter stretches of coastline that don’t always make the guidebooks – best discovered at your own pace.

Falmouth high street

Eat, drink and savour

Whether you’re grabbing a coffee before a morning walk along the seafront, enjoying fresh seafood overlooking the harbour or settling in for a memorable evening meal, Falmouth is one of Cornwall’s best foodie destinations. The town is packed with independent cafés, award-winning restaurants, cosy pubs and lively bars, offering everything from relaxed brunches to special occasion dining.

Seafood naturally takes centre stage, with many menus celebrating the day’s local catch, while you’ll also find artisan bakeries, waterfront wine bars and international flavours tucked away along the historic streets. For something a little different, pick up local produce from one of Falmouth’s regular markets or enjoy fish and chips by the harbour as the boats come and go.

Whether you’re dining with family, meeting friends or simply watching the world go by with a coffee in hand, Falmouth’s vibrant food scene is all part of what makes staying here so special.

Dolphins in the south west of Cornwall

On the water

Falmouth’s deep natural harbour has shaped the town for centuries and remains at the heart of life here today. Whether you’re hopping aboard a ferry across the Fal Estuary, hiring a paddleboard, setting sail or simply watching boats drift in and out of the harbour, the water is never far away.

The surrounding coastline is also rich in marine life. Keep an eye out for seals basking on the rocks, pods of dolphins playing offshore and, if you’re lucky, even basking sharks or whales during the warmer months. Wildlife boat trips offer a fantastic way to experience Cornwall’s coastline from a different perspective, while the clear, sheltered waters around Falmouth are perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkelling.

Regular ferries connect Falmouth with St Mawes, Flushing and the Helford River, making it easy to explore South Cornwall by water. Back on dry land, stroll the waterfront to Pendennis Castle, browse independent galleries and shops, or soak up the atmosphere during events such as Falmouth Week and the International Sea Shanty Festival.

Whether you’re drawn to life on the water, incredible coastal scenery or the chance to experience Cornwall’s thriving marine environment, Falmouth offers unforgettable adventures both on and off the sea.

Beaches
Gyllyngvase Beach in the summer

Gyllyngvase

Sheltered from most of the Atlantic swell, Gylly (or Gyllyngvase to give it its full name, meaning ‘shallow inlet’) is a perfect year-round swimming and paddleboard spot, and its rocky reefs on either side are great for snorkeling. Its waters are mostly flat year-round and is lifeguarded in the summer. In 2019 it was awarded Blue Flag status for its clean, safe waters and subsequently awarded a Seaside Award in 2023. This area is perfect for rock pooling; book your very own rock pool safari guide with The Rockpool Project. If you want to venture out on the water, you’ll find paddleboard and Kayak hire on the beach. The award-winning Gylly Beach Café is right on the sand, serving delicious food from its cool, contemporary glass-fronted building. You can pick up a loaf from its bakery next door.

Castle beach in Falmouth

Castle Beach

A slope leads down to a platform lined with colourful beach huts and the Castle Beach Cafe, which sells breakfast and small bites, as well as sourdough toasties, soup and ice cream. The clear waters are great for snorkelling at high tide, when the beach disappears completely; low tide reveals a narrow strip of shingle and sand, and rockpools where children can hunt for crabs. The Gylly Beach Cafe and Bakery is an easy 10-minute stroll away. If you want to try your hand at diving, Dive in Falmouth is a fantastic school and water sports centre based off this beach with a range of courses on offer. 

Swanpool Beach in Falmouth

Swanpool

To the west of Falmouth, but still only a 20-minute walk from the centre, Swanpool is a sand and shingle cove backed by a nature reserve, which is home to 100 different species of bird (pick up some bird seeds at the cafe to feed the swans and ducks). It’s not lifeguarded, but it’s a calm spot for a swim or paddle — there’s kayak and bodyboard hire at the watersports centre by the cafe.  The wonderful Hooked on the Rocks seafood restaurant & bar overlooks the nature reserve and beach, whilst the beach cafe sells teas, snacks and ice cream, including the famous Hedgehog, a decadent cone of ice cream, hazelnuts and clotted cream.

Maenporth beach near holiday cottages near Falmouth by Forever Cornwall

Maenporth

An easy 30-minute walk along the coast path from Swanpool —and just a couple of miles out of Falmouth — Maenporth has glorious views across Falmouth Bay towards Pendennis Castle. Although it isn’t lifeguarded, this beach is a great choice for families with younger children, with its beachside cafe, soft sand, sheltered waters, and stream running down the beach for paddling and dam building. At low tide, the fascinating shipwreck of the trawler Ben Asdale can be seen. There are also caves further along the beach but check out the tide times before you head off to explore. There’s a fabulous seafood restaurant tucked behind the dunes, too.

Food & Drink
Harbour Lights Fish & Chip shop, Falmouth, Forever Cornwall

Fish and seafood

For the best fish and chips in town, head to Harbour Lights, just off the quay. They only source sustainable, MSC fish, with plenty of Cornish options on the menu. In good weather, take your food down to the quay behind and grab a table outside at The Front, a bring-your-own-food pub. Award-winning Indidog is tucked off the main street, its full length balcony over the harbour has brilliant views of the Fal estuary. Expect delicious fish dishes, small seafood plates and wonderful cocktails and mocktails. This quirky Verdant Seafood Bar basement taproom and tapas bar combines delicious small sharing plates (juicy scallops, crispy monkfish scampi crispy and amazing crab fries) with locally brewed craft beer from Verdant’s own brewery just outside Falmouth. Be prepared to queue in peak season.

Cafes

Top on your list should be Stones Bakery, a bakery shop and cafe at the top of town which does amazing salads, pastries, and all manner of delicious baked goods — a perfect place for a laid-back lunch. Hiding amongst Falmouth’s terraces high above the harbour, deli-cum-cafe Provedere is a good bet for a tapas lunch — it also sells an amazing range of Cornish produce, from cheeses and meats to local wine and beer. If you want to warm up after a swim, the award-winning Gylly Beach Cafe with bakery next door is brilliant. Slightly further along, the Castle Beach Cafe is also popular for its homemade cakes and great coffee.

Kernowine

Places to drink

Housed in one of Falmouth’s oldest buildings, the Chain Locker offers stylish and contemporary dining overlooking the bay. Indulge in award-winning beers, Polgoon wines and expertly crafted cocktails. For something more quirkier, head to Beerwolf Books, a pub tucked away off the main drag that combines beer with, er, books! A flurry of wine bars has opened in recent years, including The Orgia Bar & Kitchen, which specialises in natural wines and small plates, and Kernowine, a sustainable wine shop and bar.

Out of town

There are a number of places to eat and drink a little further out that are worth a mention. Just outside Falmouth, the Verdant Brewing Taproom, located next to their brewery in Penryn, serves authentic wood-fired pizzas alongside their delicious Verdant beer. Watch out for their live music events. Don’t miss the award-winning restaurant The Cove in Maenporth, set behind the sandy beach about a 45-minute walk from Falmouth along the coastal path. With its panoramic views across Falmouth Bay and fabulous fish dishes, Hooked on the Rocks on Swanpool beach, just outside the town, is a wonderful spot for seafood and sundowners. No trip to this patch of Cornwall is complete without a trip to the legendary Pandora Inn, a little gem of a place hidden up Restronguet Creek. It’s got its own mooring if you’re arriving by boat.

Falmouth local food guide

Falmouth Local Good Guide

The vibrant university town of Falmouth has a plethora of speciality food outlets, delis, bottles shops and bakeries hidden amongst its winding lanes and pretty terraced streets. There are several out of town breweries and a number of farm shops and markets in the surrounding area, like the brilliant Food Barn at Tregew in nearby Flushing, held every Saturday morning.

Find out more about buying local in with our handy Local Food Guide to Falmouth

Things to do
Bigstock National Maritime Museum

National Maritime Museum

This multi award-winning visitor centre, housed in a spectacular building on Discovery Quay in the very heart of Falmouth, celebrates the town’s seafaring heritage and is a must for visitors to the area. It’s full of fascinating, interactive displays, from the lofty main hall where a flotilla of full-size boats hang from the ceiling, to the underwater viewing window that looks right into Falmouth’s harbour. Children can sail electric boats in the sail pool, romp around in the soft play, get crafty in the arts area and play with real RNLI equipment. If you buy one ticket, it will be valid for a year, so you can come back again and again!

Pendennis Castle

Pendennis Castle

This impressive Tudor fortress defended Falmouth against invasion for 400 years. It’s a spectacular spot, on a headland at the mouth of the Carrick Roads with stunning views out to sea. Now under the care of English Heritage, visitors can explore the winding stone staircases and gun rooms, and scramble up to the top for panoramic views. Discover underground tunnels where ammunition was stored and experience the castle under attack with an exciting new immersive experience. 

Galleries and arts venues

The award-winning Falmouth Art Gallery is free to enter and has wonderful collections of over 2,000 artworks, from Pre-Raphaelite paintings to local Cornish artists. They have an impressive schedule of exhibitions throughout the year, too. The live arts venue The Poly in the heart of the town has an arts cinema, workshops, exhibitions, talks, music, theatre and a makers guild, and there are also numerous galleries, pottery studios and art shops dotted around the town — we love Inspire Makers, which showcases the work of over 50 local artisans and craftspeople. 

boat trips in Falmouth

Boat trips

Without doubt, the best way to explore the Carrick Roads is by water. Water ferries criss cross the river between Falmouth and a host of places including, St Mawes, Flushing, the National Trust’s Trelissick and Truro, so you can hop on and off whenever you want and explore the area in your own time. It’s a great way to get to know the Roseland Peninsula, with its pretty villages, secluded beaches and amazing flora and fauna. The Fal Mussel Visitor Card gives visitors unlimited travel by ferry, bus and boat, including the crossing on the King Harry Ferry.

Falmouth high street

Independent shops and boutiques

If shopping’s on the agenda then Falmouth is definitely the place to go. From clothing boutiques to antiques shops stuffed with intriguing collectables, having a browse in Falmouth’s independent shops will easily absorb an entire day if you let it. Some favourites include: Willow & Stone, which sells beautiful things for the home as well as gifts, stationery, prints and cards; Ludgate Antiques, hidden down a cobbled backstreet; the clothing store Parade selling beautiful clothes; and the Falmouth Bookseller.

Enhance your stay

Affordable private dining

Imagine your own private chef! It’s far more affordable than you think, and it supports local businesses. Discover how to find and book the right chef for you!

Follow this link to read more.

Reviews
  • Great walks on the doorstep

    Amazing house in an even better location. The views are amazing and great walks on the doorstep. Would happily come back and recommend to others.

    Angela — June 2026
  • Beautiful

    We had an amazing week staying at Avalon beach house. It's a beautiful well equipped home and a beautiful space for a relaxing break.

    Chloe — May 2026
  • Lots of well thought out aspects

    We had a fantastic relaxing week at the beautiful Avalon Beach House. The whole house, wonderfully landscaped garden and peaceful summer house have been the perfect retreat for us to enjoy our break away. Loved walks on the beach which is seconds from the house, and along the headland. The sea views from the sitting room and upstairs bedroom window seat are beautiful. A perfect stay and a stunning house with lots of well thought out aspects to make our time here absolutely hassle free.

    Roseannagh — May 2026
  • Stunning

    Stunning location and beautiful home, would definitely return.

    Leigh — May 2026
  • Fantastic

    A fantastic birthday week spent at Avalon! The house was perfect for beachside adventures — swimming, snorkelling, paddling, rock pooling, surfing and beach combing. Spent lots of time in the garden, enjoying the nice weather. We had a lovely bbq one night too! The kitchen was very well equipped for cooking and we enjoyed lots of evenings at the dining table playing games. Loved sitting in the upstairs window seat watching the waves and reading my book. Going home very relaxed with a very tired dog!

    Alice, Lee, Cathy & Luna — April 2026
  • Beautifully clean

    House beautifully clean on arrival. Lovely towels and bedding, biscuits and milk. Easter break. Great weather for watersports on the beach. Perfect views. Great family house for an Easter get-together. Perfect stay for five plus a dog.

    The Lawrie family — April 2026
  • Simply amazing

    Such a lovely stay for six people for a New Year's getaway! The location is simply amazing, with the beach quite literally on the doorstep with excellent views. Very easy to find, plenty of parking spaces, great outdoor space too which is all contained so perfect for the dogs! The kitchen & dining space is particularly great, and makes the cooking and entertaining all so easy. Overall, an awesome spot for a week away with family and dogs, at a special time of year.

    Olly — January 2026
  • Magical

    This was our second visit to Avalon and it's still just as magical having the beach on the doorstep. Thank you for the use of your beautiful beach house and we hope we can return for another visit soon.

    The Turners — October 2025
  • Well equipped house

    We've had a great stay at Avalon this week. A great well equipped house in a wonderful location, with good walks from the doorstep. Cafe on the beach great for a spot of breakfast or lunch and the Ferryboat Inn a little further afield a good find.

    Jule, Rob & Archie the dog — October 2025
  • Immaculate

    Had the most amazing week at Avalon! Love this beautiful house and Maenporth beach. Lots of fun trips and delicious food at Gylly Beach Cafe and Slice of Cornwall although none can be Life's A Beach. Thank you for our wonderful stay, and thank you Michelle for leaving the house is such an immaculate and welcoming way for our arrival!

    Katie, Matt, Christine, Nick, Emma & Maria — September 2025
  • Coastal path on the doorstep!

    What a wonderful time we've had at Avalon. Beautiful house, lovely beach and stunning weather — with the coastal path on the doorstep! What more could you ask for. Thank you so much.

    Lisa, Harry, Buddy & Poppy — September 2025
  • Beautiful views

    We've had the most wonderful week's stay in beautiful Avalon and gorgeous Maenporth. Up in the morning early, walking on the beach with the dog who loved diving in the sea over the waves, and on calm days, swimming. Everything was wonderful and comfortable. It's such a luxury to wake up and look out to beautiful views.

    Rosie & family — July 2025
  • Fantastic

    Great place to stay, clean, well appointed and fantastic location.

    Dave — July 2025
  • Fifth stay

    Our fifth stay at Avalon, what a wonderful week again! I'm sure we will return, probably soon than our wallet should allow...thanks for views & sunshine.

    Julia, Andrew & Ruby — June 2025
  • Stunning views

    What a wonderful stay at Avalon! The house is beautiful and perfectly located near the beach. We enjoyed delicious food (especially at Life's a Beach cafe and The Cove restaurant and bar). Stunning views and made unforgettable memories with our dog. Thank you for providing such a special place to unwind and relax — we hope to return soon!

    The Roberts — June 2025
  • Lovely place

    Great week in this lovely place. We have loved the house and the space and the amazing location. Plenty of beach time at Maenporth and good sea swims. Good to get back to Glendurgan and introduce Marnie and Meave to the maze! Good times. Ferry to Helford and the Shipwrights Arms (always good) and the Ferry Boat Inn and Helford Passage itself is excellent. Good (and quiet) walk round to Swanpool and the edge of Falmouth — all good and straightforward. Maritime Museum and Falmouth is good as ever.

    The Waterson & Sheeley party — September 2024
  • Such an advantage

    This house was so great and has been so nice to stay in, everything is clean and so organised. It's got such an advantage to get to the beach so quickly (it's great) and the garden is so cool too!

    Adam, Harina, Ilya & Uma — August 2024
  • A real home from home

    We had a wonderful stay again. We recommend Tintagel Castle, even though the roads are tiny! After the crowds went home in the evenings, we loved going for a swim in the sea. Avalon Beach House is an amazing place to stay. It has all the essentials you need, a real home from home.

    Sue, Alex & Lauren — August 2024
  • Lovely spot

    Back again and enjoying this lovely spot as much as ever — it is so nice to be able to go swimming whenever you want and not have to deal with a car! Enjoyed the rockpools at low tide and the Friday night pizzas at Life's a Beach cafe. Especially grateful to Michelle for how beautiful she keeps everything!

    The Hyde/Treadwells — July 2024
  • Great to not have to use the car

    Another fantastic stay here. The weather was very kind to us despite the forecast. A quick walk over the road with the paddleboard is just perfect! The walk to Falmouth is lovely — great to not have to use the car at all. Hope to be back again soon.

    The Wardles — June 2024
  • So near the beach

    Fantastic stay at Avalon Beach House. We spent our week ticking off the Lizard sections of the the South West Coast Path and paddleboarding on the beach. Had a wonderful meal at the Mulberry in Falmouth. The tasting menu was fantastic. Did a family brunch with our dog at Indidog. It has been great to be located so near the beach and right on the coast path. We'll be back!

    The Ahmad family — May 2024
  • Lovely

    Lovely stay at Avalon Beach House. Recommend Indidog and Mine for eating out in Falmouth. Life's a Beach cafe across the road is mandatory for a morning coffee. Good runs/walks both ways along the coast path. A great holiday — thank you.

    Neil, Mary, Kate & Gabi — May 2024
  • Wonderful

    Another beautiful stay in Maenporth. We had a wonderful week, despite the weather, with plenty of fun on the beach. See you again next year!

    The Kidsons — March 2024
  • Just gorgeous

    We had a lovely stay at your lovely house, Avalon. It was a pre Xmas catch up with family and we had everything we needed here. Maenporth beach is just gorgeous and the lovely cafe there has great ice cream and snacks. Lots of walks either side and behind the house, perfect place for a short break and you have no need to go anywhere else! Thank you.

    The Waters — December 2023
  • Real quality

    Thank you so much for letting us stay in your beautiful house. It is real quality and has everything you could ever need. We arrived very stressed and worn out but now go home relaxed and ready for everyday life once again. We loved the position of the place and enjoyed all the walks from the front door, especially along the beach for an afternoon ice cream at the beach hut. Hopefully we'll be able to visit again soon. Thank you once again.

    The Turners — October 2023
  • Fantastic beach days

    Great stay! Lovely and clean house. Fantastic beach days spent paddle-boarding and look for crabs. Great walks and super food and hospitality at The Red Lion.

    The Wardles — June 2023
  • We love this house

    We have had the most wonderful time here at Avalon! Most obvious tip is to head to the beach (early morning/later evening — bliss). The trip via ferry to St Mawes was fabulous. Fish and chips on The Front in Falmouth was great. We love this house and can't wait to come back.

    The Flanagans — May 2023
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Good to know

Short breaks are available on selected dates. If you can't see the dates you want online please contact the team.