Pier House has incredible views across Charlestown's harbour(Image: GETTY)

'I discovered the tiny Cornish port where Hollywood blockbusters and BBC dramas were filmed'

As someone who lives in the depths of the country, opening my curtains to see the sunrise over the sea is a rare occurrence, but one that's always more than welcome.

by · The Mirror

Living right in the middle of the country, it's not often I get to wake up to a sunrise over the sea. But that's exactly what greeted me during my stay at Pier House, as I watched early morning dog walkers and open water swimmers flock to Charlestown's harbour in Cornwall on a sunny autumn day.

Situated south of St Austell, Charlestown could easily be mistaken for a movie set. Indeed, the Grade II-listed harbour has served as a backdrop for several films and TV shows, including BBC's Poldark, Tim Burton's 2010 rendition of Alice in Wonderland, and even Dr Who.

Pier House boasts amazing views across the port( Image: Supplied)
Pier House's rooms are certainly something to lust over( Image: Supplied)

Once a thriving port exporting copper and China clay, Charlestown is the perfect spot if you're looking to walk in the footsteps of sailors from yesteryears. With its vibrant fishermen's cottages, pubs and restaurants, and a host of independent shops, there's plenty to see and do - you might even bump into a celebrity or two.

And right in the heart of all this action is where you'll find Pier House. Recently reopened, this sage green building sits proudly on the historic harbour, offering stunning views across the sea regardless of the weather, making it an ideal place to stay.

After parking at the Rashleigh Arms down the road, we checked into our superior sea view room and were instantly captivated by its calming green interior that looked like it was straight out of a Pinterest board, complete with a luxurious super-king bed. The four different room types available all have those little finishing touches that make it feel like a home away from home, but even better - think Roberts radios, Elemis toiletries and dry robes (for the brave souls who fancy a dip in the sea), reports OK!.

The cosy seating area was the perfect place to people watch across the harbour( Image: Supplied)
The bathrooms are kitted out with lavish Elemis products( Image: Supplied)

Our room had a stunning view of the harbour, and we could've easily spent hours just watching the waves roll in from our cosy viewing area, binoculars at the ready. During our stay, we even got to see a film crew in action right from our room, so we decided to head down to Pier House's sea-facing bar and sun-trap terrace for a closer look. As Pier House is a pub conversion by the family-owned St Austell Brewery, it felt only fitting to enjoy a pint of Tribute to celebrate.

The food at Pier House

Tribute might be a staple at the bar, but the food is equally impressive. For dinner, we indulged in the Newlyn-landed haddock, crushed minted peas and chunky chips, which gave us that ultimate 'holiday' feeling and started our trip off on a high note as we gazed out at the sea.

On the second day, the pea and shallot ravioli provided a refreshing pick-me-up. And let's not forget about the breakfasts - they're just as good, with options ranging from loaded pancakes and scrambled eggs with smoked salmon to hearty full English breakfasts for meat-eaters, vegetarians and vegans alike.

The sun terrace is the place to be when it comes to watching the tide come in( Image: Supplied)

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How to book Pier House hotel in Charlestown, Cornwall

Pier House hotel in Charlestown, Cornwall
From £175 per night

Newly reopened, Pier House offers a stylish stay in this Poldark filming location with enviable views across the sea

Expedia
Book here

What to do in Charlestown

But don't be fooled by Charlestown's quaint facade - there are plenty of things to do. Whether it's grabbing a pizza at Harbour Beer House, indulging in some ice cream from Tallships Creamery or perusing locally crafted ceramics at The Craft Kiln at The Old Workshop, you're guaranteed to leave with a satisfied belly and a bag brimming with keepsakes.

A visit to Charlestown wouldn't be complete without a tour of St Austell Brewery, just a quick 10-minute drive away. Regardless of whether you're a beer lover or not, the passion of the tour guides and the chance to learn about the beer-making process is worth the trip. You can even channel your inner Peggy Mitchell and pull your own pint during the post-tour tasting session!

And if that wasn't enough, a visit to The Eden Project to marvel at its Rainforest and Mediterranean Biomes is an absolute must. Now that's a staycation to write home about!

How much does it cost to stay at Pier House?

Rooms at Pier House start from £175 per night on a bed and breakfast basis, based on two sharing a classic double room