Blue Hayes

After a day browsing the galleries of this buzzy, arty town, you can escape the crowds to sit serenely sipping cocktails in the sub-tropical gardens at Malcolm Herring’s small hotel. With no drop-ins or children under ten, this is a peaceful and exclusive bolt-hole. Interiors are light and airy, in coastal colours. A gate leads to the South West Coast Path and down to Porthminster Beach. There is plenty of comfy seating, and the bar opens on to a terrace, where you might take a cream tea, enjoying views across the bay and to Godrevy Lighthouse. A single room has garden views, a bath with shower over. The spacious sea-facing master suite has a four-poster and balcony, a large bathroom with bath and walk-in shower. The garden suite has French doors to a patio. If you want to stay in at night, order ahead from an extensive supper menu that includes coconut rice and prawn salad, seafood platters, salmon steak with new potatoes or Thai chicken. Breakfast also brings a wide choice, including Cornish gammon steak with eggs as you wish, smoked salmon, grilled mackerel and kippers, croissants and vegetarian options.