Fal River Cottage

We stayed at Philips with our two-year-old daughter. It isn’t specifically set up for toddlers, but if you’re happy to keep an eye on your child, it still works well. There’s enough room in the second bedroom for a crib. The cottage felt stylish and welcoming, and we quickly felt at home. We enjoyed looking out at the River Fal from the bedroom and living room, the front patio with its picnic bench, and the two-level decking at the back. We liked it so much that we tried to extend our stay into the weekend, but it was already booked for the first weekend of the summer holidays. A classic Cornish pub is two doors down, with local ales and ciders and really good food. There are easy walks from the door, and you can cycle to nearby National Trust properties, so we barely needed the car. If you do drive, there are beaches and attractions nearby. We can’t fault the accommodation or the location.

We were unable to travel because of restrictions from both the UK and US governments during the COVID 19 pandemic, but the owner refused to refund any of our full rental payment. He told us to claim through travel insurance, even though US travel insurance doesn’t cover pandemics. He kept the rent we’d paid by credit card despite knowing we couldn’t use the cottage and that UK residents couldn’t travel there either. It felt like taking advantage of a bad situation. The cottage might be nice, but I’d think carefully about the owner’s ethics before booking.

Getting to explore the area without a car was easy. We walked to Truro, took the train to Falmouth, then caught the ferry from Falmouth quay back to Malpas. It was a lovely way to get back “home.” We also took the train from Truro to St Ives, changing at St Erth, and enjoyed the views over those iconic beaches. Other trips included Penzance, where the lido is lovely, and the beach at Porthcurno with the MInack Theatre. At the cottage, the river views and the weather made for plenty of meals outside on the front patio, watching the river ebb and flow. We brought our stand up paddle boards, and an early morning paddle was a highlight. There’s a slipway only meters away. The owners have made a relaxing space that keeps a sense of the past while blending it with contemporary touches. Their thoughtful welcome was just what we needed after a long drive, and they were easy to reach by phone if anything came up. It’s a good base for Cornwall, with everything we needed for a great holiday. The Heron Inn is a local food recommendation, though its free off-road parking is limited when it’s sunny and busy. For fish and chips, Sole Plaice in Truro serves a good portion. A taxi to Truro with a2b taxis costs around £8 each way during the day. Bus 496, a smaller single-decker, runs from Malpas to Truro for £2.30 adult single and stops at the Heron Inn, but only several times a day.

We’ve stayed for the second or third time now, and last December we also paid for our daughter and son-in-law to stay. Phil’s communication is as good as it gets, he’s always available and has everything covered. It’s a beautiful, dog-friendly cottage. The Heron pub and restaurant is just three doors away and is a sensation in itself, though it’s best to book. Truro is a scenic two-mile walk along the banks of the Fal River. Falmouth is close too and easy to reach by bus, train, or car. Another amazing break. Hope to visit again soon. Steve, Alison and Leo, our dog