Autumn is in full swing and winter is coming – tis the season of bracing winds and a chill in the air. But fear not – North Cornwall has some excellent traditional pubs that will offer you somewhere to cosy up after a clifftop walk or a moorland ramble. What better than warming your feet by a roaring fire? Have we missed your favourite? Let us know in the comments below or on social media.
Jamaica Inn, Bolventor – PL15 7TS
Locals who remember this inn from a few decades ago are sometimes disappointed by its changes since – perhaps it has become a little Disney-fied, with mannequins in period costume, and everything written in an Olde Worlde font. However, building and courtyard still have atmosphere and the original bar (the Smuggler’s bar), remains an authentic and cosy place for an ale – its huge fireplace is spectacular when it’s roaring away on a cold winter’s evening. It’s also easily accessible, being on the A30 over Bodmin moor.
Dog-friendly.
The Bush Inn, Morwenstow – EX23 9SR
The Bush Inn is set between Bude and Hartland, in a rather isolated spot. However, if you can combine it with a bracing walk along the spectacular local cliffs – to Hawker’s Hut for example – it offers a very convenient option. Despite being 13th Century, this pub has been refurbished, though there are plenty of historic throwbacks which retain the historic charm – low beamed ceilings and of course, open log fires.
Dog-friendly.
Rising Sun, Altarnun, Launceston – PL15 7SN
On the edge of Bodmin moor sits this very unassuming pub. It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but inside you will find a surprisingly spacious traditional country pub – think slate flagstone floors, beamed ceilings, and a roaring log fire. It also offers great food and real ales.
Dog-friendly.
The Preston Gate Inn, Poughill, Bude – EX23 9ET
Despite seeming rather anonymous from the outside, this local pub boasts excellent service, and a lovely wood burning stove. It also has a superb selection of drinks, including one of the widest ranges of gins you are ever likely to find. Popular with locals, it has a live music on a Friday night, quiz and darts nights, and serves some hearty pub grub to boot. It even organises its own mini beer festival each October.
Dog-friendly.
The Cobweb, Boscastle -PL35 0HE
The five storey building that houses The Cobweb pub has been serving alcohol for over 300 years. The bar here has a remarkable atmosphere – cluttered with fascinating trinkets, items hanging from the ceiling, and high backed pub benches – and the two fireplaces keep it cosy out-of-season. It is one of many establishments in the village that offer great food.
Dog-friendly.
The Golden Lion, Port Isaac – PL29 3RB
This 18th Century establishment has everything you would expect from a Cornish harbourside pub; Sea-views, open fires, and even a secret smuggler’s tunnel leading down to the beach. Poldark would be proud! It’s surprisingly bright and airy for such an old building, and is popular with locals as well as tourists on the hunt for Doc Martin.
Dog-friendly.
The Earl of St. Vincent, Egloshayle, near Wadebridge – PL27 6HT
This charming little pub is festooned with hanging baskets and climbing flowers in the summer, but in the winter it’s just as appealing – hundreds of antique clocks adorn the comfortable rooms, with low ceilings, carpets, and an open fire adding to the classy feel. It’s a 15 minute walk up-river from Wadebridge, or it has its own car park. Just a shame it’s not dog-friendly.
The Napoleon, Boscastle – PL35 0BD
The second pub on this list from Boscastle is an absolute gem. The ‘Nap’ as it’s known locally is a very popular historic pub at the top of the village, and with its low beamed ceiling, cosy alcoves, and roasting fire (on cold nights), it’s easy to imagine yourself in the olden days. The pub also has a great reputation for food, and with free WiFi and a beer garden, it’s easy to see why people love it.
Dog-friendly.
