I've stayed at Watergate Bay Hotel several times, and it makes an excellent base for exploring this spectacular stretch of North Cornwall. Here are two of my favourite walks around Bedruthan Steps, Porth Mear and Porthcothan.

Newquay is far more than surf, sand and summer nightlife. Explore its harbour, The Gannel, Holywell Bay and Kelsey Head – and discover why The Headland Hotel makes such a good base for exploring this remarkable stretch of Cornwall.

The Alverton Hotel in Truro is a comfortable and characterful base for exploring Cornwall, with coastal walks on both the north and south coasts within easy reach. This is the story of one memorable walk from Porthtowan to Chapel Porth – a walk that happened only because Rick Stein cancelled on me.

Stay at St Enodoc Hotel in Rock and follow a memorable five-mile walk to St Enodoc Church, Sir John Betjeman's grave, Polzeath and Daymer Bay.

The St Moritz Hotel near Rock and Polzeath is a wonderful base for exploring North Cornwall, with the South West Coast Path, Daymer Bay, St Enedoc and the Camel Estuary all close by. Having stayed here more than once, I look at the hotel, its spa and facilities — and one of my favourite walks from the door.

From dramatic clifftop hotels and historic fishing inns to country-house retreats and foodie stays, these are some of my favourite places to stay on the Lizard Peninsula and around South Cornwall.