The Gurnard's Head

A short walk inland from one of the most wild and rugged sections of the South West Coast Path, The Gurnard's Head is the sort of place where you can kick off your muddy boots by the roaring fire and sip a glass of world-class wine while the dog snoozes at your feet. A glance at the art hanging on the granite walls hints that, despite rustic appearances, this is the sort of place with an eye for the finer things in life. In the downstairs pub there's a menu waving seasonal, innovative dishes from the likes of white rabbit and wood pigeon, to pig's head and pollock. All this before you've even padded upstairs to find a Vi-spring bed draped with Welsh wool blankets, Roberts radio and shelves stacked with novels to distract you from the moorland views. The briny air, hearty food and comfort levels encourage such a deep sleep that you might not stir until the cows pass to be milked in the morning; but don't stress, breakfast is a lazy affair (home-baked breads, kippers, Full English, local apple juice) and you won't be in a hurry to leave. Dogs and children are welcome – cots and dog treats are provided at no extra cost. B&B, Dinner B&B, and weekend escape packages available – and the same people run the excellent Old Coastguard on the south side of Cornwall near Penzance.