Your Guide to Living in Cornwall

Cornwall, located in the southwest point of England, is a county with it all. It is famous for its wild countryside, stunning beaches, picturesque coastal towns, and fantastic cuisine. But Cornwall also offers vibrant culture, a rich history, modern amenities, and plenty of outstanding places to live.

Whether you’re looking for city living, a countryside retreat, or something in between, Cornwall offers a superb quality of life. But what’s it like to live in Cornwall? Read on and we’ll tell you the key points of what you need to know about living in Cornwall, including where to live, what to do, and how to get around.

Cornwall boasts an abundance of charming towns and villages, each with its own distinct character, plus its capital city of Truro. Whilst there are plenty of great places to live in Cornwall, these are some of our top picks that demonstrate the variety on offer:

However, this is just a small taste of what Cornwall has to offer. You’ll find many wonderful places to live in Cornwall, all within easy travelling distance of each other. Our Wain Homes developments in Cornwall include Trevemper and Nansledan in Newquay, Higher Trewhiddle in St Austell, and Charter Walk in thriving Liskeard.

Cornwall is a county with a lot to offer. As well as great schools, shopping, and all the amenities you need to live a comfortable life, Cornwall is the perfect location to enjoy:

Cornwall's culinary scene offers an eclectic mix of fresh seafood, traditional dishes, tastes from abroad, and gourmet cuisine. You’ll discover restaurants, cafes, pubs, and bars in every Cornish port of call, but the highlights of Cornish cuisine include:

• Seafood: You can indulge in freshly caught seafood throughout Cornwall, but especially at a host of world famous restaurants, like Rick Stein's in Padstow or the Porthminster Beach Café in St. Ives.

• Cornish delicacies: Enjoy famous local Cornish dishes like Cornish pasties, scones with jam and cream as part of a Cornish cream tea, and delicious Cornish ice cream. You’ll find these on sale at every Cornish resort.

• Local produce: Cornwall has an abundance of farmers' markets, town markets, and artisanal shops selling locally produced fruit, vegetables, cheeses, meats, and more.

• Cider and ale: You’ll be able to sample Cornwall's wide range of ciders and ales at pubs throughout the county. Cornwall has a thriving craft beer and cider scene, with local breweries offering unique and flavorful tipples.

One of the top benefits of living in Cornwall is the ease of getting around the county. You’ve got a variety of transportation options to pick from with lots of public transport available. There are excellent bus and train networks throughout Cornwall, including some famously scenic train journeys like the St. Ives Bay Line. Cornwall is also a cyclist-friendly county, with miles and miles of designated cycle paths, routes, and trails.

Having a car is advantageous for exploring Cornwall's more remote areas and for getting around quickly. The A30 and A38 are major routes connecting the county, with main roads linking to Cornwall’s towns and destinations. You can easily go to St. Ives for lunch, pop in to Truro for some shopping, then head to the beach for the afternoon at Falmouth. 

For more leisurely excursions, there are various ferry and boat lines operating between coastal locations, giving you wonderful coastline and sea views as you travel. It’s not uncommon to see seals, dolphins, and whales when you head through Cornish waters too.

You’ll find a selection of fantastic Wain Homes new build developments in Cornwall, including in Trevemper, Nansledan, Higher Trewhiddle, and Charter Walk. If you’re thinking about making the move to Cornwall, or moving within the country, get in touch with our helpful team. We’ll answer your questions and give you all the benefit of our expertise.