Top 5 Seaside Pubs in Cornwall – Pints with Ocean Views

Cornwall’s rugged coastline is studded with charming pubs where you can enjoy a pint just steps from the sea. From sunny beach bars to cosy harbour taverns, these coastal pubs in Cornwall offer unbeatable views and that fresh ocean breeze. We’ve rounded up five of our favourite seaside pubs beloved by locals and holidaymakers alike. Each pub below serves quality ales and hearty British food, but it’s the location – perched on a beach, clifftop or harbour – that makes them truly special. Grab a Cornish ale, settle in, and raise a glass to the coast.

1. The Watering Hole – Perranporth Beach, Cornwall

On Perranporth’s golden sands sits The Watering Hole, billed as “the UK’s only bar on a beach”. It’s a rustic wooden hut built right into the dunes, with picnic benches sprawled out on the sand. Come rain or shine (it’s open year-round), you can sink a Cornish ale while watching surfers catch waves just meters away. In summer the low sun transforms the glass-enclosed bar into a “sun trap” so you can lounge in beach chairs and enjoy an unbeatable ocean view.

Inside, the vibe is laid-back and communal. You won’t find TVs blaring sports here – instead the music playlist or live acoustic nights set the mood. Dogs are welcome, and on any busy weekend you might hear live bands playing rock, folk or reggae tunes (the pub even hosts multi-band “Tunes in the Dunes” events). Kitchen-wise, the menu is simple but satisfying: plenty of classic fish and chips (one reviewer calls it “amazingly delicious”), homemade burgers and snacks. True to its Cornwall heritage, The Watering Hole keeps local ales on tap – its beer comes from St Austell Brewery – and you can even get a proper cuppa tea to warm up after an autumn surf.

Key features: Positioned right on Perranporth Beach with panoramic sea views; UK’s only beach bar open all year; casual vibe with live music (summer festival events); hearty pub food (especially seafood); dogs and families welcome. On a sunny day it’s hard to beat sipping a pint in the sand, and even blustery days here have their charm. The huge sand dunes and surf make this a must-visit for beach lovers and surfers alike, as a recent visitor put it: “the view one could only imagine”.

2. The Harbour Inn – Porthleven, Cornwall

Perched at the heart of Porthleven’s old stone harbour – the most southerly port in Britain – the Harbour Inn is a quintessential Cornish pub with seriously good sea views. This recently refreshed inn (it even has 15 boutique rooms upstairs) overlooks the busy quay, where fishing boats bob just below. On a calm evening you can watch a golden sunset over the harbour while nursing a pint in the sunshine.

Inside, the pub still feels traditional: exposed beams, an open fireplace for winter and sturdy wooden furnishings. But the food menu has a contemporary twist. Expect well-executed pub classics (ploughman’s, burgers, fish-and-chips) made with fresh local ingredients. The chefs also add special seasonal dishes – perhaps a Cornish lamb casserole or a cheesy welsh rarebit with a local twist – so regulars always have something new to try. Importantly, beer lovers are well catered to. The brewery-owned pub takes pride in keeping its ales in top condition and even brews an award-winning house beer on-site. You’ll find a couple of St Austell stalwarts (their flagship Proper Job IPA or Tribute ale, for example) plus a rotating guest brew or cider.

Customers praise the warm service here – many locals stop by daily and the bar staff seem to know half the town by name. Children and dogs are welcome, and on summer nights it’s common to see families sharing fresh seafood platters by the windows. One reviewer summed it up nicely: “Watch the waves from the comfort of the Harbour Inn…” – a chance to admire Cornwall’s scenery with a pint of Proper Job in hand. It’s easy to while away an evening here playing cards or board games by candlelight, just feet from the quay.

Key features: Scenic harbour-side location with outdoor patio; 15 guest rooms available; authentic Cornish pub character with modern comforts; menus of seasonal local produce; award-winning ales on tap; very dog and family friendly. Whether you’re warming by the fire on a rainy day or chatting at the bar over seafood platters, the Harbour Inn delivers a genuine coastal pub experience.

3. The Old Coastguard – Mousehole, Cornwall

If Cornwall has a “posh pub with a view,” it’s probably the Old Coastguard in Mousehole. This family-owned inn and restaurant sits high above the tiny harbour of Mousehole, on the far western tip of Cornwall. Nearly all of its 14 en-suite rooms look out over Mount’s Bay, with St Michael’s Mount visible on clear days. Even if you’re not staying the night, the pub’s terrace (complete with an outdoor “Crab Shack” bar) is one of the finest places in Cornwall to sip a drink while gazing at the Atlantic.

Inside, the atmosphere is polished yet relaxed – think whitewashed walls adorned with local artwork, polished wooden bar and an artfully laid fireplace. The focus is on quality food and drink. You’ll find plenty of fresh seafood on the menu (Newlyn’s fishing fleet is just two miles away), from classic fish pie to oysters and crab. But don’t expect fish and chips only: game dishes, seasonal Cornish lamb and inventive starters and desserts hold their own. The owners proudly describe the cooking as “simple, well-executed food that runs with the rhythms of the season and the coastal landscape”. In practice, that means menus change regularly – a clotted cream panna cotta might follow a day-boat haddock with mussel cream.

The bar is well-stocked with craft ales and ciders, and the staff are knowledgeable enough to recommend a wine or ale to pair with your meal. Service tends to be friendly and professional (reflecting its upscale profile), but the vibe is never stiff – you can stop in jeans for a quick drink by the open windows or have a special dinner by candlelight. One charming touch is the Coral Bar (the downstairs bar) which on stormy days can feel like the place to be watching waves crash on the rocks. All year round, crowds drift up for the famed Sunday roast lunch (book ahead if you can!). If you’re lucky enough to dine on the terrace in summer, prepare for a beautifully dramatic setting: sea breezes, fishing boat traffic below, and perhaps a live band playing in the bar.

Key features: Iconic Mousehole clifftop inn with 14 sea-view rooms; excellent restaurant focusing on Cornish seafood and seasonal fare; stylish bar and “Crab Shack” terrace right above the rocks; dog and family friendly; open daily (often with live music or events). The Old Coastguard feels a world away from crowded beach bars – it’s like a friendly village pub crossed with a seaside boutique hotel. Visitors often stay longer than planned simply to soak in the atmosphere and views.

4. The Pier House – Charlestown, Cornwall

In the picture-perfect port of Charlestown (famous for its tall ships and Poldark filming), The Pier House is a charming harbourside pub managed by St Austell Brewery. It was fully restored and reopened in 2024, landing it in the Times’ Top 100 places to stay in Britain. The pub literally sits on the edge of Charlestown’s Georgian harbour, where you can watch sailing ships bob while clinging a pint. From the sun-trap terrace or outdoor tables, your view extends across open sea (even glimpses of the Lizard Peninsula on clear days) – it’s hard not to relax here.

The Pier House strikes a perfect balance between old and new. Inside, the vintage charm of thick walls and wooden floors is complemented by bright seating and modern art. The menu takes pub classics (think fish pie, burgers, hearty salads and a very popular Sunday roast) and gives them a contemporary twist with fresh local ingredients. For example, the fish might be local cod or monkfish; vegetarian options might include a Cornish blue cheese tart. They pride themselves on using “fresh, local produce” throughout. Beer and cider are top quality: you’ll get proper draught Cornish ales (like St Austell’s Dark ale or Sharp’s Doom Bar) and also a curated wine and cocktail list if you prefer something else.

The Pier House has a lively yet cosy vibe. In summer you can spill out onto the cobbles (dogs allowed everywhere) and watch kayakers and dinghies come and go. In winter the roaring fire and brick hearth make it feel wonderfully snug. Staff aim to be warm and welcoming – many diners comment on friendly service as soon as they arrive. Families feel at home here (there’s a children’s menu and stools for the little ones), and musicians often set up by the fireplace on weekends. It’s the sort of place where evenings sometimes spill out past closing time, with conversation that flows as easily as the pints.

Key features: Refurbished historic inn on Charlestown harbour; sea-facing bar and terrace with harbour and sea views; modern British menu with local produce; awards-winning ales and Cornish cider on tap; dog-friendly throughout (with rooms available upstairs). The Pier House epitomises Cornwall’s coastal charm: elegant yet unpretentious. As one write-up says, time here seems to “slow down” as you settle in – whether that’s over breakfast with sea views or a pint after a day on the SW Coast Path, it’s a must-stop for a genuine maritime pub experience.

5. The Mariners – Rock, Cornwall

At the other end of Cornwall, across the Camel Estuary from Padstow, lies the village of Rock and the friendly pub The Mariners. Part of chef Paul Ainsworth’s Ainsworth Collection, this is a true waterside favourite. Perched right by the ferry slipway (the pub’s postcode is even Slipway, Rock), it overlooks the broad estuary and Doom Bar sandbank. Walking in, you immediately get a warm welcome and the reassuring scent of home-style cooking.

The large windows deliver breathtaking views of the Camel River. Many evenings see locals and visitors sipping ales on the patio as the sun sets pink over Padstow. In bad weather, you can still see the water from the cosy interior, where rustic stone walls and comfy leather chairs greet you. The menu is unapologetically hearty British pub fare – think marrowbone Ploughman’s salads, juicy Rangers Valley burgers or a massive Mariners Board for two. Seasonal specials change with the months, often highlighting Cornish produce (such as a locally foraged mushroom pie in autumn). Sharp’s ales from Rock’s own brewery are always on tap, as well as craft ciders and good Cornish wines.

Service at the Mariners feels like being hosted by a knowledgeable local (which you are – co-owner Paul Ainsworth grew up with this pub as a favourite). Staff will chat about the day’s catch or suggest their favourite ale. Children and dogs are very welcome – you’ll often spot families cosied up in corners with kids’ meals and a friendly Jack Russell at their feet. The pub really comes alive around teatime: patrons from the nearby sailing club, ferry crew, and surfers converge on the bar. One visitor noted the friendly, community feel: “The Mariners has stunning Camel Estuary views – the perfect spot to pop in for a bite or drink”.

Key features: Estuary-side pub in Rock with panoramic Camel River views; British comfort food menu (pub classics + seasonal specials); part of Paul Ainsworth’s restaurants; all-day license (drinks until 11:30pm); ferry-friendly location (park in Padstow and hop over); dog- and family-friendly. Whether you arrive by car or come over on the ferry from Padstow, this is a relaxed spot to enjoy Sharp’s ale and a home-cooked meal by the water.