Cornwall’s ‘best places to live’ including one ‘returning to glory days’ – list

The top ten best towns in Cornwall to live in have been revealed, with one place making a comeback: historically dubbed “Brighton of the West.”

Each year, lifestyle website Muddy Stilettos, in association with Knight Frank, provides a list of its top 300 places to reside in the UK. Editors handpick quaint villages and urban towns across the country.

2025 brings a fresh new list of options for keen movers, with Cornwall featuring its renewed best options.

The top and perhaps most surprising on the list is Bude. Situated on the north coast of Cornwall, the town was the county’s first proper tourist destination. It was once named “Brighton of the West” until the railway line closed in the 1960s. 

However, Bude is now making a mega comeback, returning to its former glory. The small seaside town has a local and friendly feel, and beautiful beaches are within walking distance of the town centre.

Unsurprisingly, next on the list is Carbis Bay. Muddy Stilettos says the village has inspired many artists and authors for years past due to its breathtaking sea views. Only one-mile southeast of the iconic St Ives, the picturesque destination is located towards the southern end of Cornwall.

Next up are the twin villages of Cawsand and Kingsand. In the quieter area of Cornwall, a ferry connects the two to Plymouth, allowing easy access to the neighbouring county. The villages have retained their natural beauty with ample countryside and seaside walks.

Falmouth and Fowey are the two beautiful places next on the list. Both towns are on Cornwall’s south coast with iconic harbours perfect for yachties.

Although Falmouth has a slightly larger and more urban feel due to its famous creative university, both have laid-back atmospheres, attracting artists from all over the country. 

At the very end of the county, you can find Penzance. Listed due to its “bustling quirky harbourside town”, it offers a more affordable option for those seeking seaside living.

Similarly, Porthleven was listed as a fishing village with plenty going on all year round, although because of its location, it is slightly more sought-after than Penzance.  

Portscatho & Gerrans in Roseland and St Agnes are two villages with a local, family-friendly feel. The two Roseland villages offer more rural living options, whereas ‘Aggie’, as the locals call it, offers a place to find excellent surf spots. According to the lifestyle website, both boast a great “community vibe.” 

Last but not least is Wadebridge. This old market town is on the more affordable end of the scale with a long high street of shops and properties.

Bude

Carbis Bay

Cawsand and Kingsand

Falmouth

Fowey

Penzance

Porthleven

Portscatho & Gerrans, Roseland

St Agnes

Wadebridge