Boatman Steps, Polruan, Cornwall

Boatman Steps is a characterful coastal cottage in Polruan, South Cornwall, sleeping six across three bedrooms, with lovely harbour views towards Fowey, a private terrace and a dog-friendly welcome.

Set above Polruan’s working harbour, with clear views across the water to Fowey, Boatman Steps feels deeply connected to its surroundings. Stone walls, a gently stepped layout and harbour-facing rooms give this coastal holiday cottage a real sense of belonging, as though it has grown alongside the village rather than been placed within it. Boats pass by at eye level, the ferry comes and goes, and on calmer days, the sounds of the harbour drift in through open windows.

Life here follows the rhythm of the water. Mornings might begin with a sea dip or a bracing walk along the coast path, followed by breakfast back at the cottage with the harbour as your backdrop. As evening draws in, the village quietens, lights shimmer across the water, and the terrace becomes the natural place to gather. It’s well suited to couples seeking a romantic coastal escape, families wanting easy beach days and room to relax, or friends coming together to slow down and spend time properly – all within walking distance of Polruan’s pubs, cafés and shops.

Why Choose Boatman Steps

• It’s easily the best holiday cottage in Polruan (We’re lucky enough to have stayed here for our own family holiday)
• Overlooks the historic Polruan harbour with beautiful views towards Fowey
• Private terrace and decking for outdoor living and sundowners
• Three flexible bedrooms sleeping up to six
• Dog-friendly, with coastal walks and beaches close by
• Woodburner, books and games for cosy evenings in
• Steps from the beach, ferry, pubs and village shops

The Accommodation

Boatman Steps has a calm, homely feel, with rooms that invite you to settle in and make yourselves comfortable.

Bedrooms

• Bedroom one: super-king (or twin) with an additional day bed
• Bedroom two: super-king (or twin)
• Bedroom three: king (or twin)

Bathrooms

• Family bathroom on the first floor with bath and separate shower
• Ground-floor shower room – ideal after beach days

Social spaces

The heart of the cottage is the kitchen and dining space – a room made for lingering breakfasts and long, chatty dinners.

• Kitchen – diner with a well-fitted kitchen, induction hob and double oven, designed for relaxed, sociable cooking
• Dining table seating up to eight, ideal for long breakfasts, shared suppers and lingering conversations
• Separate utility room for wetsuits, muddy boots and beach bags, keeping the main spaces calm and uncluttered
• Welcoming sitting room with comfortable seating, a woodburner, and shelves of books and games for slow evenings and quieter afternoons

Outside

Step out onto the private terrace and decking and you’ll quickly see why this spot is so special.

• Harbour-view seating for morning coffee or evening drinks
• Barbecue for relaxed outdoor meals
• Hot outdoor shower – perfect after sea swims
• A brilliant perch for watching the life of the harbour unfold

There’s also an outbuilding with office space, offering a quiet retreat if work needs to happen between beach walks.

Dog Friendly

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Boatman Steps, and Polruan is a lovely place to explore with them. Coastal paths start close to the cottage, making daily walks easy without needing to get in the car, and there are beaches nearby where dogs can stretch their legs and enjoy the sea air.

The village itself is welcoming and relaxed, with dog-friendly pubs, cafés and restaurants within walking distance, so your four-legged companion can be part of days out and leisurely lunches rather than left behind. After muddy walks or salty swims, the cottage’s practical layout makes it easy to settle back in together.

Multigenerational stays

Boatman Steps works particularly well for families spanning different ages, offering a balance of shared spaces and quieter corners. The flexible bedroom layout makes it easy to accommodate grandparents, parents and children comfortably, while having two bathrooms helps keep mornings relaxed rather than rushed.

Being steps from the beach means younger guests can come and go easily without long journeys, while older family members can enjoy harbour views, gentle village strolls and time spent close to home. As with many traditional harbour-side cottages, the house has a stepped layout and access via village paths, so it may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility.

With Polruan’s cafés, pubs and the ferry all within walking distance, there’s plenty to do at an easy pace, without the need for everyone to be on the same schedule. It’s a place where days can be shared or separate, meals brought together around the table, and time spent simply being together.

Discover Polruan’s Historic Harbour & Coastline

Boatman Steps is wonderfully placed for slipping straight into life by the water. Set just above the harbour, the cottage is only steps from the beach, with the shoreline, slipway and coastal paths right on your doorstep. Morning swims, paddleboarding and sandy-foot wanderings quickly become part of the everyday rhythm here, without the need to plan ahead or get in the car.

Polruan is an ancient mariners’ village with a strong sense of identity. Alongside its seafaring past, it’s long been known for its artistic and literary connections, drawing writers, painters and creatives inspired by the light, the landscape and the slower pace of harbour life. A working boatyard still sits at the heart of the village, and traditional boats are repaired and launched just as they have been for generations, lending Polruan an authenticity that’s increasingly rare.

From the cottage, narrow lanes lead down to the water, and the passenger ferry crosses regularly to Fowey. Pubs, cafés and village shops are all within easy walking distance, as are coastal paths that trace the shoreline in both directions. Everything here feels close and connected, best explored on foot, with the sea never far from view – or from mind.

Local Attractions

• Eden Project – A short drive away, this world-famous attraction is home to vast biomes filled with plants from around the globe, alongside gardens, exhibitions and seasonal events.
• Lantic Bay (National Trust) – A beautifully unspoilt stretch of sand backed by cliffs, known for its clear water and peaceful feel. Best reached on foot, which keeps it feeling wonderfully wild.
• Readymoney Cove – A sheltered, crescent-shaped beach just outside Fowey, ideal for swimming, paddling and relaxed afternoons by the sea.
• Fowey Aquarium – A small, family-friendly aquarium showcasing local marine life, set right on the harbour and perfect for a short, relaxed visit.
• Lost Gardens of Heligan – Romantic and atmospheric gardens with winding paths, restored glasshouses and a sense of discovery around every corner.
• Lanhydrock – An impressive country house with formal gardens, woodland walks and a glimpse into Cornwall’s Victorian past.
• Restormel Castle – A peaceful, ruin-topped hill with wide views across the surrounding countryside, ideal for a gentle walk and a picnic.

Getting here

• By train: The nearest mainline station is Par, with direct services from London Paddington and the Midlands. From Par, it’s around a 30-minute taxi journey to Polruan.
• By car: Polruan is reached via the A3082 from the A390. As you’d expect in an old harbour village, lanes are narrow and winding for the final stretch – part of the charm, but best taken slowly. There’s no parking directly outside the cottage, with public parking available a short walk away.
• By ferry: A regular passenger ferry runs between Polruan and Fowey, making it easy to explore both sides of the estuary on foot.
• By air: Newquay Airport is around an hour away by car, with flights from several UK cities.

A stay shaped by the sea

Boatman Steps suits guests who want to stay close to the water and feel part of everyday life in Polruan. Set above the harbour with the beach just steps away, days naturally revolve around sea swims, coastal walks and time spent outdoors, with the cottage offering a comfortable place to come back to between adventures.

The house works especially well for families and groups, with space to spread out, gather around the table and spend easy time together, while couples will appreciate the quieter moments – morning light on the water, evenings on the terrace and the harbour settling below. Whether you’re sharing beach days, long walks or simple meals at home, Boatman Steps offers a coastal stay that encourages togetherness without feeling busy or over-planned.