3 Cornwall spots named among the best seaside towns to downsize to in the UK

Penzance, Bude and St Merryn were included along with 17 other coastal spots in the list from the Daily Mail.

The publication consulted property experts, estate agents and local residents to create its list as well as analyse factors such as house prices and transport links.

They wrote: “What is it about the great British seaside that makes it so popular with downsizers?

“A yearning to live permanently in the summer holidays of our youth, perhaps.

“But places, like people, change. Many of our resorts have become run-down. So where today are the best seaside towns to downsize?”

The full list of the best seaside towns to downsize to in the UK can be found on the Daily Mail website here.

What was said about the Cornwall seaside towns?

Penzance

Penzance is said to have plenty for downsizers including some “great period architecture” and a “classic art deco lido” in Jubilee Pool.

The Daily Mail writes: “Like many seaside resorts, the Cornish town may have suffered deprivation in the past, but £21.5million of public funding has been invested in its rejuvenation and it is now enjoying a cultural renaissance. There are art galleries, theatres and an annual literature festival.

@thecornishlife The UKs largest outdoor Art Deco lido 🌊 perfect for a swim on a summers day 🌞#cornwall #staycation #uktravel #seaswim #coldwater #coldwaterswimming ♬ original sound – Anna | The Cornish Life

“Penzance has some good shops, and then there’s 45 Queen Street – a former warehouse-turned bar and restaurant now serving as a hipster haven.

“All the schools are rated good by Ofsted and you can buy a flat for £250,000. What’s not to like if you’re downsizing?”

Bude

Bude is described as not being “your typical Cornish town” but has plenty of attractive features such as coffee shops doubling up as office hubs, a golf course, sports clubs and plenty of shopping.

The publication adds: “Bude gives the impression of being slow to the party as a resort. Visit in June and you’ll find some restaurants in mid-week not yet open for the season. Yet it could be about to take off, which is good news for downsizers with investment in mind.

@cornwalltiktoks Bude Cornwall #cornwall #cornwalltiktoks #cornwalltiktok #ocean #sea #harbour #bude #harbour #fyp #foryou ♬ Feels Like Summer – Samuel Jack

“A semi-detached house sells for £400,000 on average, which is a snip at North Cornwall’s prices.”

Another feature is the “famous” Bude Swimming Pool which is hewn out of rock on the shore.

St Merryn

Located close to Padstow, St Merryn is “ideally positioned” if you want to spend a day out at a scenic bay.

The publication adds: “St Merryn has a charming selection of shops and amenities on the square, including a bakery claiming to sell the best pasties in the world, a convenience store, The Farmer’s Arms pub, a chippy and a wonderful bistro-cum-wine bar in Raffertys.

“The primary school has an excellent reputation and the church is the centre of many social activities.

“This is a proper Cornish village: the locals muck in and organise carnivals, steam tractor rallies, the church fete and skittles tournaments.

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“Above all, they love a natter in the bar of The Cornish Arms, another Rick Stein outpost, where the man himself often pops in for a few, usually on a Wednesday.”

It’s not the cheapest to move here, with the average house costing £444,000, but it’s certainly less expensive than some of the areas surrounding it.

For that price, you can be part of a friendly community and “have enough money left over to enjoy life”.