Pretty English beach town named one of the UK's coolest places to live

Pretty English beach town named one of the UK’s coolest places to live

Posted by author February 17, 2025 Travel

THE seaside town of Newlyn in Cornwall has been dubbed as one of the ‘coolest’ places to relocate.

Near Penzance, the coastal gem has been highlighted in a list by The Times as one of the top 11 places to move to in 2025.

The fishing town of Newlyn is the place to be according to The TimesCredit: Alamy

Newlyn fishing harbor in Cornwall, England, with many boats. — The town is a fishing harbour and they celebrate once a year with the fish festivalCredit: Alamy

The Times said: “Since the 1880s Newlyn has been known for its art scene, thanks to the quality of the Cornish light and Aegeanesque beaches.”

They say it has a reputation for incredible seafood, beaches and its artistic history so we had a look for ourselves.

And it’s true, there’s so much to see and do in Newlyn, including getting up close and personal with the stunning coastline.

The beaches are of course a big hit in the summer months. The Newlyn Tolcarne Beach, also called Bowjey Beach, is a pebble beach on the edge of Newlyn.

It’s a great place to swim, but there are warnings to watch out for boat traffic as Newlyn is a busy harbour.

Walking on the coastline you’ll also hit Wherrytown Beach, a large pebble beach between Penzance and Newlyn.

The well-known town of Penzance is only one mile away and is home to a beach that is great for rockpooling and views of the tidal island, St Michael’s Mount.

For any film fans, the Newlyn Filmhouse is a good spot, the independent cinema is inside a converted Fish Cellar & Smokery first built in 1876.

They play new releases as well as Cornish features, musicals, children’s films, ballets, and host independent film openings and Q&As.

On their website their only rule is “no crunching or rustling!”

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Newlyn fishing port in Cornwall, UK. — For any swimmers watch out for boats in the busy harbourCredit: Alamy

Jet skiers and seagulls at a Newlyn fish festival. — The fish festival takes place every August and there’s a weekend full of events to enjoyCredit: Alamy

Fishing in Newlyn dates back to the 15th century, so any fan of the sport should really consider a visit.

Fish you can catch range from cod to haddock, lobster, crab, and scallops.

To fish on the pier you will need a permit which you can get from the Harbour Office, they cost £10 per year or £1 for a day.

The town is so passionate about fish that they even hold an annual fish festival.

On the August bank holiday, Newlyn celebrates all things fish. There are local arts and crafts, demonstrations of live cooking, theatre and entertainment.

There’s also the opportunity to see a traditional seafood auction.

Mackerel Sky Seafood Bar storefront. — Mackerel Sky Seafood Bar and Shack often have queues out the door in peak seasonCredit: Onna Boden

If you’re less keen on the fishing and more keen on tasting what’s on offer, the Mackerel Sky Seafood Bar is a popular spot.

They offer crispy sole, grilled white fish, mackerel, monkfish burgers, crab and prawns – all locally caught of course.

Two doors down is the Mackerel Sky Seafood Shack, a less formal place to enjoy the same food.

You can’t go to the seaside without getting an ice cream and Jelberts is the hidden gem of Newlyn.

Ice cream cone in front of Jelberts Ice Cream shop sign. — Jelberts ice cream is legendary around CornwallCredit: instagram/@jelbertsicecream

Man selling Jelbert's ice cream in Newlyn. — It’s a family owned business and they only sell the traditional vanilla flavourCredit: instagram/@jelbertsicecream

It’s a family run business owned by Jim Glover for nearly 40 years – and was run by his grandfather and uncle for another 40 years before that.

If the last name if familiar that’s because it’s made by the family of Olympic gold medallist Helen Glover.

The shop only serves one flavour of ice cream, vanilla, and is famous for serving clotted cream on top of its crispy waffle cones.

One customer said they have “the greatest vanilla ice cream I have ever eaten”.

TV chef James Martin once called it “fantastic” and the “best ice cream” he’d tasted.

People swimming and sunbathing at the Jubilee Lido pool in Penzance, Cornwall. — The Jubilee Pool and Lido is just around the corner in PenzanceCredit: Alamy

Not technically in Newlyn, but the Jubilee Pool in Penzance is a four minute drive away – so it still counts.

The lido opened in 1935 and is filled with seawater that’s heated just above the external sea temperature.

There’s also a cafe and restaurant, so its a place where lots of locals spend their time.

One wrote: “This place is a joy. The clean lines of the design, the thoughtfully-selected gifts in the shop, the lovely soup and sandwiches in the cafe – everything has been done so well and so lovingly.”

They hold fitness classes as well as special events, some where dogs can take a dip, and even a full moon swim at night.

Here’s another place to explore in Cornwall

Here’s a sweet Cornish village to explore if you want to avoid the crowds…

The tiny village of Cadgwith has been named as a great alternative for tourists wanting to visit Cornwall, but avoid the crowds in peak season.

Located on the eastern side of the Lizard Peninsula, the tiny fishing village is home to a cluster of thatched cottages that line the sides of its harbour.

It even describes itself as being “forgotten by the 21st century” on its website. Sykes Holiday Cottages said: “Cadgwith, a quaint village and fishing port in Cornwall, brings all the charm of St Ives with much less people.”