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DOG FRIENDLY COTTAGE, PORT GAVERNE, CORNWALL

Marigold Cottage

Simple and tastefully finished cottage, close to the beach and village pub

Sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms (+ cot) Saturday arrival Up to 2 well behaved dogs welcome Short breaks available
The Retreat

Marigold Cottage enjoys a spacious, bright and elegant open plan living space, with tasteful decor, furnishings and artworks. The cottage has a reverse level layout and the bedrooms below are also lovely and bright, comfortably sleeping four with easy access to the enclosed communal garden.

Short breaks are available on selected dates between September – April (Saturday or Monday arrival, 2 night minimum). If your desired dates are not bookable online please contact the team here.

Marigold Cottage is the second in our little row of cottages and is a little bigger than its neighbours Courtyard Cottage and Torca Cottage. It’s (literally) a stone’s throw from the beach and is a lovely sociable space, so you’ll feel very much part of our seaside village community, close to the sea, pub and café.  This two storey cottage has a reverse-level layout with the front door accessing the living area on the top floor of the cottage, by way of slate steps. Marigold is the ideal cottage for a family, two couples or a group who want to holiday together in two or more of our other properties at Port Gaverne. Dogs are most welcome, and you have your own private parking space nearby.

Take a look at our webcam, it provides stunning live views of Port Gaverne beach.

Bedroom at Marigold Cottage Port Gaverne by Forever Cornwall

In and around Marigold Cottage

Marigold’s décor consists of exposed authentic beams, sturdy pine furniture and is carpeted throughout. The wood burning stove brings the rich history of this cottage to life. Upstairs you’ll find a large open-plan room with a generous lobby space for beach things, comfy sofas grouped around the TV and wood burner — and adjoining this is the good sized and very well equipped kitchen with family dining table. Views are out onto the shared courtyard garden on one side and a little village lane on the other, creating a light and sunny atmosphere.

Downstairs you will discover two bedrooms (one double and one twin). Both have traditional pine beds, comfortable carpets and plenty of storage space. Access to the shared garden and courtyard is via the twin room — and a family bathroom completes the accommodation.

Out and about

Marigold Cottage is one of ten delightful ‘Green Door’ properties nestled in the beautiful, secluded cove of Port Gaverne on the north Cornish coast. Owned by the National Trust, this sheltered inlet on the North coast of Cornwall has a small sandy beach at low tide, rock pools and caves, cliff walks with magnificent views and stunning sunsets. Port Gaverne is a popular destination come rain or shine. Take a look for yourself with our live Port Gaverne webcam. It’s just a short stroll from the famous 14th century fishing village of Port Isaac which you may recognise as Portwenn, the location of the famous TV series ‘Doc Martin’.

The South West Coast path is immediately behind the property and this entire stretch of coast has been designated both Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Heritage Coast status.  You can walk east towards legendary Tintagel, or west past Port Isaac and tiny Port Quin cove to Pentire headland, Polzeath and the Camel estuary. Or simply stroll out to the dramatic headland right here for a perfect evening view. Port Gaverne is also one of the top wild swimming spots in Cornwall, and you can hire kayaks and SUPs on the beach, so pack your wetsuit, wellies and sunscreen and we’ll provide the fishing nets, body boards and walking maps!

For eating out, the multi award-winning Port Gaverne Restaurant & Hotel is just next door, dating back to the 17th century and specialising in local produce — particularly seafood and delicious local ales. Or there’s the seasonal “Pilchards” right by the beach with plates for sharing, teas and coffees.  Or stroll into Port Isaac with its growing foodie credentials, given that it’s home to famous celeb chef Nathan Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen.

Kitchen at Marigold Cottage Port Gaverne by Forever Cornwall

Things we love…

Marigold Cottage is easygoing, spacious and sociable. We love the dramatic open ceilings and original wooden beams that have been preserved in this building at the very heart of Port Gaverne.  The reverse level layout and open plan design of the living area makes great use of the natural light that floods in from windows on both sides of the building, contributing to the bright and breezy feel at this beachside cottage retreat. Enjoy an evening BBQ with friends and family in the shared courtyard garden, or on the beach — wander over to the pub or café, or stroll up to Port Isaac to look for eateries. Seaside village life doesn’t get much better than this.

Marigold Cottage sits between Courtyard and Venus, and is one of four terraced cottages along this little lane by the pub — each one can accommodate four guests, and each is a unique retreat, but with a similar layout. Have a look at all of our Green Door cottages and apartments in Port Gaverne here.

Ninth time
My ninth time in these cottages, lovely as ever! So comfortable, well provided, comfortable and quiet. The weather wasn't wonderful but it really didn't matter as this area is stunningly beautiful whatever the weather, whatever the season. Thank you.
Dilys — October 2023
Features

Retreat Features

  • Free Superfast Wifi
  • Private parking
  • Miles of coastal walks on doorstep
  • Moments from the beach
  • Hop, skip and a jump away from the nearest pub
  • Access to communal gardens
SLEEPING
Principal bedroom: double bed
Bedroom two: twin beds
All bed linen and bath towels provided
LIVING & RELAXING
Open plan lounge/kitchen/diner
Smart TV
Free superfast WiFi
Bluetooth speaker
COOKING & DINING
Well equipped kitchen
Dishwasher
Washing machine
Dining table and chairs for four
Tea towels provided
BATHROOM
Bathroom with shower over bath, hand basin, toilet
Bathroom towels provided
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
Saturday standard changeover
Short breaks available, September — April. Changeover days are Monday and Saturday.
Check in after 4pm
Check out before 10am
*Please note from the 1st April 2024 the check in will be after 3pm and checkout time will be before 9.30am
OUTDOORS
Access to shared, enclosed communal garden
Outdoor seating
HEATING
Gas central heating throughout
Wood burner (free logs provided)
BABIES & TODDLERS
Travel cot and highchair on request (cot linen on request)
PETS
Up to two well behaved dogs welcome
PARKING
Allocated parking for one car
Communal EV charging point
ACCESSIBILITY
These properties are two storey and are ‘reverse level’
Access to the front door is via steps
Stairgates are fitted at the top of each staircase
Please contact us for more information
Location

PORT GAVERNE

Port Gaverne is right next to Port Isaac, of Doc Martin and Poldark fame. However, this little cove has an intimate charm all of its own, away from the crowds of its neighbour. Although the beach is small, it’s dog-friendly all year round — and wait for the tide to go out and you’ll be rewarded with sand between your toes, rockpools to search through and caves to discover. Take a look for yourself with our live Port Gaverne webcam. For those with a taste for adrenalin, this sheltered cove offers some excellent coasteering too – get hold of Cornish Rock Tors who will guide you safely along the rocky shore and through the water. They also offer wild swimming sessions, kayaking, and stand up paddle-boarding, as well as plenty other land-based activities – so if it’s an active holiday you’re after then look no further.

Travel times

  • Port Gaverne is about 17 miles from the nearest mainline station at Bodmin Parkway. Regular and convenient services run from all over the UK.
  • Port Gaverne is 20 miles from the A30, with a driving time from London approximately 5 hours with good traffic and Exeter is roughly an hour and a half away. Full details to plan your route will be available on booking.

Things we love

  • The property is seconds away from the nearest beach, which is dog-friendly all year
  • Nearest shop for amenities is located in picturesque neighbouring Port Isaac, 10 minutes up the road
  • Port Gaverne Inn is moments away, a great gastropub
  • Miles of glorious coastal walks await, right from your doorstep

The port gaverne guide

Port Isaac Outlaw's Fish Kitchen close to Forever Cornwall holiday cottages

A foodie's favourite

In the heart of the hamlet, the Port Gaverne Hotel and Restaurant serves up Cornish produce — and it’s delicious. Try a range of gins, taste local ales and let the bar staff recommend a fine wine, as there are plenty to choose from.

Stroll from the Port Gaverne holiday cottages along to Port Isaac and experience exquisite dining at Restaurant Nathan Outlaw. Famed for its seafood taster menu, this Michelin starred restaurant is the perfect place for a celebration or romantic treat for two. If you’re accompanied by children, who may not appreciate Mr. Outlaw’s finest cuisine, follow your nose to the Angry Anchovy for excellent pizza and Cornish craft ale. There are also plenty of other places serving fresh seafood, such as Fresh From The Sea at the top of town.

 

Port Gaverne Cove - near Forever Cornwall holiday cottages

Sheltered cove right on your doorstep

Port Gaverne’s dog friendly beach is a small one, but wait for the tide to go out and you’ll be rewarded with sand between your toes, rockpools to explore and caves to discover. See for yourself with our Port Gaverne webcam with live footage of the cove. For those with a taste for adrenalin, this sheltered cove offers some excellent guided coasteering too — get hold of Cornish Rock Tors who will guide you along cliffs and through the water. They also offer wild swimming sessions, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding, as well as plenty other land-based activities. The cove is moments away from our cottages and apartments in the area, so walk sandy footsteps back up to your retreat, or wrap up in a towel and get the wood burner going to dry out.

Walking Holidays in Port Gaverne Cornwall

Coastal footpaths and clifftop walks

North Cornwall is famous for its dramatic, rugged coastline and Port Gaverne is no exception. Whether you head east or west, you’re greeted with stunning coastal walks — or head inland for circular strolls. Take the coastal footpath and walk east up the coast towards Tintagel, which will take you past some fantastic beaches, often requiring a walk down to their sandy shores but certainly worth the trip. Head west along the coast in the opposite direction and up the footpath to Port Isaac for a great coastal walk that’s not too long or strenuous, just up to Port Quin and back again.

Between Port Quin and Polzeath is a fabulous stretch of the coast path, jutting right out into the Atlantic and offering some really spectacular views. All of the coastal footpaths are dog friendly, but there are some steep sections so make sure you keep the lead handy.

Beaches
Port Isaac harbour as seen from Forever Cornwall holiday cottages nearby

Port Gaverne and Port Isaac

With Port Gaverne beach literally on your doorstep, and Port Isaac beach just a 20-minute stroll, there’s no shortage of sheltered coves within walking distance. These beaches are small, picturesque and family and dog friendly — a great way to while away an afternoon at any time of year. Port Gaverne beach is flanked by Port Isaac headland and ‘The Main’ (Port Gaverne’s headland), which tend to protect the beach from the big Atlantic waves. Port Isaac beach has a breakwater, so is generally a calm harbour with picturesque fishing boats dotted around.

Beaches Padstow Area Polzeath 26 August 2016 2. Matt Jessop

Polzeath

An inspiration for poet Sir John Betjeman, Polzeath is a wide sandy beach about six miles from Port Gaverne. The village of the same name has plenty of restaurants and amenities to fuel a fun-filled day at the beach. With lifeguards on duty during summer days, a surf school on hand and plenty of rockpools to explore, Polzeath is the ideal place for a beach day.

Beaches Padstow Area Daymer Bay 26 August 2016 2. Matt Jessop

Daymer Bay

Daymer Bay is a very sheltered beach about 8 miles from Port Gaverne. It sits in a sheltered spot at the mouth of the Camel Estuary, with calm waters and a long stretch of golden sand, and was one of poet John Betjeman’s favourite locations in Cornwall — it’s not hard to see why. One of this beaches great features is that it’s dog-friendly all year round too — and the wide open space makes it perfect to tire a four legged friend out!

Trebarwith, Adamgibbard

Off the beaten track

Follow the coastal footpath to the east, or drive the road out of Port Gaverne and park up at Tregardock Farm. From here, it’s around a 20-minute walk and a bit of a scramble over some rocks to reach the sandy, quiet beach of Tregardock — be sure to check the tides beforehand! If you don’t fancy the walk, keep driving until you reach Trebarwith, with pub, shop and carpark, making it a little more family friendly and accessible — but a bit busier too. Both have an air of the undiscovered about them though, with waterfalls, caves and rockpools to explore, as well as being a little quieter than the likes of Polzeath.

Food & drink
Pub at Port Gaverne near Forever Cornwall holiday cottages

Port Gaverne eateries

Port Gaverne has an extremely good food offering given the size of this tiny hamlet. Two of the best are in the heart of the hamlet — The Port Gaverne Restaurant and Hotel and The Pilchard’s Cafe, both of them are just off the beach. The Port Gaverne Restaurant and Hotel serves up excellent gastropub food and fine wines, or rinse off sandy feet and call in at The Pilchard’s for some tapas-style light bites and freshly made lunches.

Port Isaac Outlaw's Fish Kitchen close to Forever Cornwall holiday cottages

Michelin-starred food

Neighbouring Port Isaac is filled with brilliant restaurants, but the most famous perhaps are those of Michelin-starred Cornish chef, Nathan Outlaw. The seafood tasting menu at Outlaw’s New Road is a real experience for anyone who appreciates good food — make sure you book in advance! If you’re after something a little more relaxed, wander down into the town to Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen, where fishermen and local growers dictate the menu daily. Housed in a 15th century fisherman’s cottage, you can still expect white tablecloths and superb service but with a more relaxed atmosphere.

Angry anchovy Port Isaac Pizza

Laid-back dining

Follow your nose to popular Angry Anchovy and take a seat for excellent pizza and Cornish craft ale. This dog friendly restaurant serves freshly made pizza, and despite its name, offers plenty of non-seafood options, too. If you’re hankering after a crab sandwich, head to the top of the hill to Fresh From The Sea. Husband and wife team Callum and Tracey catch crab, lobster, mackerel and Cornish varieties of fish from their own boat and have been championing sustainable fishing practices since 2003.

Buying local in Port Isaac

This little town with two Michelin-starred restaurants is, unsurprisingly, one of the best places to get hold of fresh seafood. There are several fishmongers in this tiny village where you can pick up freshly landed fish, as well as delis in the centre and farm shops in the surrounding area.

Find out more about buying local in with our handy Local Food Guide to Port Gaverne and Port Isaac

Things to do
Port Gaverne Stand up paddleboarding Rock tors

Coasteering

If you’re after an injection of adrenaline, you’ll need to speak to Ben at Cornish Rock Tors. North Cornwall’s coastline lends itself particularly well to coasteering and other adventurous sea sports like kayaking, paddleboarding and wild swimming. Cornish Rock Tors have equipment to hire if you know what you’re doing, but we’d recommend getting Ben to show you around the Port Gaverne waters.

Matt Jessop VCL Statue Tintagel North Cornwall

Tintagel Castle

The English Heritage Site of Tintagel Castle is often portrayed as King Arthur’s birthplace, with its Dark Age ruins, rich history of royals and mystical feel. Cross the footbridge and climb the 148 steps up to the island and walk through the wooden door that opens out to the Grand Hall, built by the fist Earl of Cornwall. Immerse yourself in the legend of King Arthur with the story slabs in the medieval garden, the bronze statue on the headland and search for the wizard Merlin’s face carved into the cliffs on the beach below.

St Nectans Glen

St Nectan’s Glen

With an unmistakeable air of magic, this woodland walk with three waterfalls and hermitage are a must visit at any time of year and in any sort of weather. Park your car and walk 20 minutes into the woods to discover the first and biggest waterfall — at 60ft, this impressive waterfall has carved its own path through the rocks and tumbles down into the pool next to the pathway. Walk into the pool (if you forgot your wellies, the shop will lend you some for free) to really experience the magic of this waterfall – and make sure you don’t miss St. Nectan’s Kieve, the sacred hermitage next to the pool.

North Cornwall Padstow 24 August 2016 5. Matt Jessop

Padstow Foot Ferry

Port Gaverne to Padstow is a good 30-minute drive. Head to Rock, however, on the other side of the estuary and marvel at the millionaire’s playground. Hop onto the Padstow foot ferry that carries its passengers across the mouth of the Camel Estuary, past the Doom Bar and on to Padstow. The ten-minute journey is much shorter than driving to the town, and a much more entertaining mode of travel. The ferry goes every twenty minutes, usually from Rock but sometimes from Daymer Bay on a very low tide.

Guests Say
  • Ninth time

    My ninth time in these cottages, lovely as ever! So comfortable, well provided, comfortable and quiet. The weather wasn't wonderful but it really didn't matter as this area is stunningly beautiful whatever the weather, whatever the season. Thank you.

    Dilys — October 2023
  • Super

    Super place to stay — hope to be back again next year!

    Louise — August 2023
  • Another enjoyable week

    Another enjoyable week spent in Port Gaverne, this time in Marigold. Perfect place to stay with our two dogs Monty and Ted. Daymer Bay is their favourite beach. Sad to be leaving, we will be back in the summer.

    Viv & Katie — May 2023
  • We'll be back

    Our first time in Marigold for over 20 years — it's just how I remember it but much lighter and cosier. Recommend Trevathan farm shop for lots of nice local food and drink (amazing ice cream). We'll be back soon.

    Helen & Sean — March 2023
  • Highly recommended!

    Great location with pub, restaurant and beach on the doorstep. Port Isaac is a short walk over the hill. Cottage was well laid out and appointed. Felt comfortable with the dog also. Highly recommended!

    Amber & family — April 2023
  • A beautiful and very comfortable place to stay

    This is our fifth time staying in various Green Door Cottages at Port Gaverne and Marigold certainly didn't let us down. It's a beautiful and very comfortable place to stay. The wildlife was lovely — we watched a pod of dolphins, saw a peregrine falcon and hand-fed a robin on the path to Port Quinn. All in all a lovely memorable holiday.

    Sue & Jim — December 2022
  • Good value

    Enjoyable week that was based around my sister Vivienne's birthday (milestone). All the group stayed in Marigold, Venus, Torca and Rashleigh cottages. Good value and all fit for purpose. Trips to Lanhydrock, Tintagel, parish church, Rock and St Mawes. Another great family stay, will be back soon.

    Robert, Susan & family — November 2022
  • Will definitely come back

    This is our second year back at Marigold, as it is great. We have swam in the bay many of the days here. Polzeath is another place we visited many times to go bodyboarding. One evening we went cliff jumping here at Port Gaverne which was scary but very fun. We also went to the witchcraft museum in Boscastle which was very interesting. We will definitely come back here for sure.

    David, Rachael & Ruby — October 2022
  • Excellent home comforts!

    Perfect size holiday home with excellent home comforts! Two weeks was perfect to enjoy the local area. The girls enjoyed popping down to the beach most evenings for rock pooling and throwing stones into the sea! Caught lots of shrimps and crabs on the beach. Hubby took our eldest kayaking with Cornish Rock Tors. Best local sandy beach is Polzeath - get there super early. Made the most of our English Heritage and National Trust membership while here. Visited Boscastle and Padstow - taking the ferry from Rock which was lovely. The girls thoroughly enjoyed themselves and we are very sad to be leaving. Thank you for making us feel so welcome!

    The Groom Family — August 2022
  • A glorious week

    We have had a glorious week, managing to do many sections of the South West Coast Path. Several walks up towards Tintagel - we've done circular walks which give a wonderful variety of landscapes and wildlife. The flowers - bluebells, pink campions, sea thrift, cowslips, primroses - superb. Fabulous week, wonderful weather, brilliant hosts. Sad to be leaving.

    Diane — May 2022
  • Just right for us

    Thank you for a lovely holiday. We have had a great time staying here! Marigold has been clean and cosy and just right for us and our two dogs, Barney and Jasmine. We have done a lot of walking and picnics (even in January!). We have especially loved the walks in Tintagel, Daymer Bay, Polzeath, Wadebridge, Padstow, Port Quinn and of course Port Isaac...we could just do with another couple of weeks. If only! We will be back.

    Helen & David — January 2022
  • As always, very cosy

    We have been coming to Port Gaverne for more than 25 years - nearly always stayed in Marigold, and sometimes Torca and Venus. Marigold suits us perfectly. As always, very cosy cottage - the beds are comfortable and plenty of hot water.

    Christine & Laurie — November 2021
  • Wonderful cottage

    Wonderful cottage, well located for swimming in the bay - stunning scenery. Pub in easy access for a nice drink, friendly atmosphere. We went to Polzeath most days as great for bodyboarding (great waves), and also decent cafes. Beautiful cottage, will definitely have to stay here again.

    The Crafts — October 2021
  • Our most favourite place

    Another wonderful stay in our most favourite place in Pip's lovely holiday home. We have almost stayed in them all - each are perfect, so clean and comfortable. Thanks to all for making it so nice.

    The Freemans — June 2021
  • Very restful

    Great cottage - loved it. Very clean and cosy. We had a very restful holiday. Wild winds, crashing waves and a few glorious blue skies. We've been to Port Gaverne a few times and love it.

    The McCartneys — May 2021
  • Spotless

    What a beautiful location! We really enjoyed our stay at Marigold. Lovely cottage and spotless. Easy walk to Port Isaac and out of the hustle and bustle. Shame we have to go home!

    The Stroud Family — September 2020
  • Absolute haven!

    What a fantastic place and location, the house was so clean and well presented. We fell in love with Port Gaverne. An absolute haven!

    The Thomson Family — September 2020
  • Super stay

    Super stay here, really cosy and well equipped cottage. Great location with the beach and inn being so close, and a very quiet courtyard for us to enjoy. Thank you!

    The Judd Family — July 2019
  • Great location

    Lovely comfortable cottage. Great location around a courtyard which worked well as extended family were also staying. Lovely harbour-facing eateries and great location for exploring the area.

    Dr Robbins — July 2018
  • Lots of space

    What a place. Light, airy and lots of space. Being 'upside down' took a little getting used to but was no problem. Kitchen was well equipped and all rooms were a good size. No suggestions for improvement because it was perfect. Definitely coming back next year.

    Mr Leyland — July 2018
  • Super relaxing

    A lovely comfortable cottage. Very clean and well equipped with all you need. We had a super relaxing holiday with our family.

    Mrs Heald — August 2017
  • Comfortable and friendly

    We have visited these cottages for nearly forty years and Marigold is our favourite with many happy memories. It is a very comfortable and friendly cottage. Lovely to come back to after a day out with an excellent pub across the way.

    Mrs Beck — March 2017
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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.

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