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ROMANTIC COTTAGE, PORT GAVERNE, CORNWALL

Thrift Cottage

An intimate self catering cottage for 2, close to the beach

Sleeps 2 in 1 bedroom (+ cot) Saturday arrival One well behaved dog welcome Short breaks available
Check rates and dates
The Retreat

Thrift Cottage is small but perfectly formed, making it the ideal retreat for a romantic getaway. Thrift sleeps two in cosy surroundings, and comes complete with a well stocked kitchen, and an open plan living space with views out onto the bright courtyard.

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.

Thrift Cottage is part of a delightful collection of restored 18th Century Cornish buildings, and was originally part of a large cob barn used by local fisherman for centuries. It has now been adapted into a cosy one bedroom cottage retaining its history, whilst being refined into a modern holiday retreat perfect for couples.

The accommodation is spread across one ground-floor level; the open plan kitchen complete with Delabole slate floor, and dining/living area look out onto the courtyard garden, allowing access to the sun loungers for catching some rays or perfect for an evening barbecue. The double bedroom leads into a shower room, which provides a compact and intimate holiday cottage. Parking is conveniently available in a private car park nearby.

Thrift is the smallest of this group of properties and therefore the exposed beams, comfortable furnishings and tasteful lighting create a snug and inviting atmosphere perfect for relaxing after a windy coastal walk.

The beautiful, secluded cove of Port Gaverne lies just next door to the winding lanes and whitewashed cottages of Port Isaac. A sheltered inlet on the North coast of Cornwall, this quaint little village has a small sandy beach at low tide, rock pools and caves, cliff walks with magnificent views and stunning sunsets.

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

Romantic Cottage Port Gaverne - Thrift Cottage by Forever Cornwall

Thrift Cottage is one of several properties nestled in Port Gaverne, and offers a tranquil haven to enjoy the perfect holiday in Cornwall.

Very cosy
Had a lovely week at Thrift. Such a perfect little spot for us to unwind and enjoy the sea air! The cottage is well equipped and very cosy — really appreciated the welcome package! We loved being able to walk into Port Isaac for breakfast/lunch/dinner (the best fish and chip shop!), and enjoy a swim in the sea at Port Gaverne, knowing we could quickly return to the cottage to warm up. We hope to be back soon!
Helena & Daryl — July 2023
Features

Retreat Features

  • Less than two minutes walk to the beach
  • Moments from the award-winning village gastropub
  • Unlimited superfast wifi
  • Coastal footpath on your doorstep
  • A short stroll to Doc Martin's Port Isaac
  • Michelin-starred restaurant just a short walk away
Living & relaxing
Smart TV
Superfast Wifi available
Bluetooth speaker
Sleeping
Principal bedroom: double bed

All bed linen and bath towels provided
Babies & Toddlers
Travel cot and highchair on request (cot linen available on request)
Bathrooms
1 bathroom with shower, 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 3pm
Check out before 9:30am
Cooking & dining
Well equipped kitchen
Dishwasher
Washing machine
Dining table
Tea towels provided
Heating
Gas central heating throughout
Pets
One well behaved dog welcome
Parking & Garden
Access to shared, enclosed communal garden
Outdoor seating and sun loungers
Allocated parking for one car
Communal EV charging point
Accessibility
Single storey property
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.

More about this area

Travel times

  • Port Gaverne is about 17 miles from the nearest mainline station at Bodmin Parkway.
  • 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.

Things we love

  • Thrift is in a largely untouched Cornish coastal hamlet, Port Gaverne, that is full of seaside charm
  • Restaurant Nathan Outlaw is less than ten minutes walk away - book a table well in advance for an eating experience like no other
  • Trebarwith Strand is a sweeping bay just a few miles from Thrift, and is perfect for a day at the beach
  • Cornish Rock Tors, the local watersports specialists are well worth speaking to if you want to experience the coastline from the sea!

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
  • Very comfortable

    Our first visit to Port Gaverne and really enjoyed it. Accommodation very comfortable. All lovely and clean with well stocked extras which are always needed.

    Ray & Gina — December 2023
  • A pleasure to return

    Our second visit to Thrift and a pleasure to return. Many thanks for the goodies provided on arrival. For a late break the weather has been good, with some wind and showers, but sun and blue skies too. The pubs seem to lack pasties but tracked down some authentic ones in Nikki B's in Port Isaac. We ate 'in house' but had two fantastic dinners at Outlaw's Fish Kitchen, Port Isaac, booked well in advance. On our way in we visited the Seaview Farm Shop near Delabole. We have enjoyed a peaceful and relaxing break. Special thanks to Will and all the housekeeping team.

    Robin & Ann — October 2023
  • Very cosy

    Had a lovely week at Thrift. Such a perfect little spot for us to unwind and enjoy the sea air! The cottage is well equipped and very cosy — really appreciated the welcome package! We loved being able to walk into Port Isaac for breakfast/lunch/dinner (the best fish and chip shop!), and enjoy a swim in the sea at Port Gaverne, knowing we could quickly return to the cottage to warm up. We hope to be back soon!

    Helena & Daryl — July 2023
  • Well maintained

    A return to Port Gaverne after 23 years. Port Gaverne beach great and much enjoyed by our border terrier. Revisited old haunts — Boscastle (great walk up the valley beyond the car park) and Daymer beach (beyond Polzeath). Cottage well maintained by Will and team. Very much enjoyed the goodie welcome pack.

    John & Mary — April 2023
  • Perfect!

    We have had a lovely week based here at Thrift. The cottage was clean, very comfortable and very well equipped. Everything so well organised! Thank you so much for the goodies — such a thoughtful touch! We have been very lucky with the weather. We feel really relaxed after such a lovely week and the accommodation to return home to each night was perfect!

    Marilyn & Tony — August 2022
  • Perfect location

    Thanks for the welcome pack, it was very thoughtful. Great week — perfect location. Recommend Thrift to family and friends.

    Jim, Dee & Rory — June 2022
  • Cottage was perfect, comfortable and spotless

    Great, relaxed and peaceful stay. Thanks for the treats and wine — much appreciated. Adore Port Gaverne! Cottage was perfect, comfortable and spotless — thank you.

    Brenda & Mike — April 2022
  • Comfortable, well-equipped and clean

    Lovely relaxing week. Thrift was a comfortable, well-equipped, clean accommodation and slept well. We walked miles! To Port Quin, Trebarwidth Strand, Rock to Polzeath and the coastal path at Padstow. Amazing views! Enjoyed pasties at various locations — all good!

    Jacky & Ian — March 2022
  • Thrift was perfect

    Fab long weekend! Very lucky with the weather, we walked to Port Quin from Isaac. Thrift was perfect and the pub had the most amazing beef roast. Thank you for the wine and the biscuits.

    Don, Jay & Milo — March 2022
  • Beautifully clean

    We have had a wonderful time re-visiting all the places we went on our honeymoon in 1989. We still visit Cornwall each year and never tire of the beautiful walks and always have a surprise — this year baby seals popping into Port Gaverne for the day. Thrift has been perfect for us, so well equipped with all you need and beautifully clean on arrival. Thank you so much.

    Simon & Julie — November 2021
  • Wonderful cottage

    Fab week, lots of coast path walked and only one day of rain! Wonderful cottage, full of everything you may need — even dog bowls when we realised we had forgotten ours! We arrived in the early hours of Monday morning (2am) and found that our outside light had been left on for us, and also an inside light — it was really appreciated, not to mention the goodies. Thank you.

    Lynne & Dave — October 2021
  • Perfect for us

    A much awaited holiday with our family who were staying in Marigold. Thrift was comfortable and perfect for us. The rain and wind did not dampen our spirits and we found 'the treasure trails' in Padstow and Port Isaac great fun with an eight year old grandchild. We enjoyed days in Boscastle, Tintagel and Padstow and family enjoyed paddle boarding and bodyboarding. Many thanks for the goodies!

    Alison — October 2021
  • Another enjoyable holiday

    Our third visit to Thrift and another enjoyable holiday. Plenty of crab and Cornish beer. Everything great at cottage, all we needed. Visited all the usual spots and a new trip to Lundy Bay. Thank you for the wine, milk and biscuits!

    Ronnie & Yvonne — October 2021
  • A wonderful Indian summer

    A wonderful Indian summer here in Port Gaverne. We have enjoyed lots of walks in both directions and a lovely takeaway meal of fish and chips from The Mote. We visited Tintagel Castle to see the new bridge and Pencarrow House — very quirky and worth a visit, as well as Rock.

    Margot & John — September 2021
  • Already planning our return visit

    We have had a wonderful stay in Thrift cottage and have absolutely fallen in love with Port Gaverne itself. We swam and paddle boarded nearly every day and ate in Pilchards and the Port Gaverne Hotel multiple times — incredible food. Tintagel is a beautiful place to visit and walk around with ruins and stunning views. Port Gaverne to Port Quin is a stunning walk along the cliffs; we came back inland route through beautiful farm land. Already planning our return visit next year!

    Jack & Abi — September 2021
  • A great week

    Had a great week — each day filled with something different. The coastal walks and scenery are great — if a bit windy at times. Padstow was a great day out — Tintagel and Eden Project stand out. I am sure we will return!

    Keith & Tzanka — August 2021
  • A fabulous week

    We've loved our week away in Thrift — and we fully intend to return! This cottage has everything you need! Highlights for us have included: coastal walks soaking up the sunshine and taking in the stunning coastline, Tintagel exploring King Arthur's castle and Merlin's Cave on the shoreline, Land's End eating pasties and enjoying the views and the show at the Minack Theatre — simply magical. A fabulous week spent celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary.

    The Turners — August 2021
  • Another lovely stay

    Another lovely stay in Port Gaverne in Thrift Cottage. We were very lucky with the weather and enjoyed all our usual haunts and restaurants. Daymer was gorgeous as usual, although sea this year quite a bit colder than it usually is. Luckily we had invested in wetsuits — we're not getting any younger! Having pre-booked several weeks before we managed meals out in our favourite restaurants and once again, had a wonderful meal in The Dining Room at Rock. Many thanks.

    Alan & Patricia — July 2021
  • Beautiful cottage

    A wonderful stay here at Thrift Cottage in Port Gaverne. Our first holiday in Cornwall, and definitely not our last. Beautiful cottage, well equipped and has made a perfect base to explore the local area. Highlights have included: fish and chips from The Old School Hotel in Port Isaac while we sat and listened to the Fishermen's Friends, a lovely circular walk from Port Isaac to Port Quin, cycling the camel trail from Wadebridge to Padstow and some gorgeous days on the beach at Daymer and Constantine Bay. Bella (our golden lab) has had a fab time too! Many thanks from the three of us.

    James & Mary — June 2021
  • Peaceful stay!

    We have had a lovely, peaceful stay in Thrift! We enjoyed the bakery in Port Issac and were more than grateful for a warm pasty to toast our chilly hands! Loved exploring on the beach and being a literal stone's throw away, the location was handy. Overall, this was a lovely stay for our very first holiday together. Thanks Thrift!

    Katie & Jack — November 2019
  • Cosy and comfortable

    A cosy and comfortable place to stay for the week! It was also great to be able to bring our dog! The weather was mixed but we had some lovely walks in our favourite place. Arriving to fireworks in the evening was also an added bonus! Thanks for the welcome pack, Thrift has been lovely.

    The Shewell-Coopers — October 2019
  • Hope to return!

    We really enjoyed our late break in Cornwall. Thrift cottage had everything we needed for our visit and the welcome pack was a nice touch! All of the facilities in the cottage were of a good quality and all we needed and the location is excellent! Parking and access were also great for us. We hope to return!

    The Bramwells — October 2019
  • As quaint as ever

    Another lovely holiday for us here in Port Gaverne! We were very lucky with the weather, it was perfect. Port Issac doesn't change and it is as quaint as ever. On our last evening we were joined by hundreds of other fans of Fisherman's Friends, the famous shanty singers, for their charity event — huge fun! As usual we had some fabulous meals, travelling all over to different restaurants. The Port Gaverne Hotel is excellent, as well as Rick Stein's in Padstow! On arrival, the welcome back was a very nice touch and Thrift cottage is very comfortable. No doubt we will be back again!

    The Mowats — July 2019
  • Thrift is a jewel!

    Our time spent at Thrift was wonderful and special due to the thought the owners had given to make our stay the best it could be. All of the amenities were of top quality and we were comfortable from day one. During our stay the weather was rotten but the beauty of Cornwall shone through each day. We had many delicious meals at the hotel across the road and had many lovely walks along the cliffs and many trips to Port Issac! This was a lovely holiday for me and my wife — thank you. Thrift is a jewel!

    Dave & Constance — June 2019
  • Ideal

    A lovely little cottage. Clean and comfortable. Ideal location.

    The Davis Family — March 2018
  • Comfortable and well equipped

    We have stayed at Thrift Cottage in the past; it is very clean, comfortable and well equipped.

    The Phipps — May 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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