The Thirsty Scholar Hotel Penryn Exterior photoThe Thirsty Scholar Hotel Penryn Exterior photoThe Thirsty Scholar Hotel Penryn Exterior photo
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From120US$ /night
Check-in
02Jun2026Select date
Check-out
03Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

18, West St., Penryn, Penryn, United Kingdom
-
Near Gyllyngvase Beach
Great
8.6
9.3
/10
4.0
4.6
/5

Dining

The Thirsty Scholar serves home-cooked meals prepared with fresh, locally sourced produce. Guests can enjoy traditional local ales and ciders, with an expanded menu of seasonal specials every weekend. Evening meals are offered daily, and all-day dining is available on Sundays.

Outdoor Space

A large, sheltered beer garden provides ample space for guests to relax outdoors, featuring views of the river towards Falmouth and the sea. The garden includes a spacious covered area and a private terrace reserved for guests, perfect for evening gatherings. The ambiance is informal yet welcoming, highlighted by period features and discreet lighting.

Accommodation

The hotel offers beautifully decorated en-suite bed and breakfast rooms that provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Each room is equipped with amenities such as a TV, tea/coffee making facilities, and complimentary hair dryers. Guests can also enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout their stay.

Location

The Thirsty Scholar is conveniently located a five-minute walk from the quaint single track railway line that connects Penryn with Truro and Falmouth. This prime location allows guests easy access to local attractions and scenic views. The hotel's positioning offers guests the charm of Penryn while being close to coastal exploration.

Breakfast

A cooked English breakfast is served daily between 8am and 9am on weekdays and from 9am until 10am on weekends and Bank Holidays. The breakfast menu includes a variety of options to start the day. This offering underscores the hotel's commitment to providing a wholesome dining experience.

Highlights

Dining: Traditional local ales and ciders

Outdoor Space: A private terrace with river views

Accommodation: En-suite bed and breakfast rooms

Location: Close to Falmouth and Truro railway line

Must-do experiences

  • Visit Penryn's charming church of St. Gluvias for stunning architecture.
  • Savor the fresh seafood at The Rowing Boat Café on the waterfront.
  • Stroll through Penryn's historic market on Saturday mornings for local finds.
  • Discover the art at the nearby Falmouth Art Gallery - a hidden treasure.
  • Take a scenic walk along the Penryn River to enjoy breathtaking views.
View all

Select your room type

The Thirsty Scholar Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Standard Double Room
2 persons
155 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower

Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

The Thirsty Scholar Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.8/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • No pets allowed

Sports & Fitness

  • Cycling

Dining

  • Bar/ Lounge area

Spa & Leisure

  • Entertainment

Room features

  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities

Media

  • AM/FM alarm clock
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The Thirsty Scholar Hotel Location

18, West St., Penryn, Penryn, United Kingdom
Map view
18, West St., Penryn, Penryn, United Kingdom
Nearby
Higher Market Street Town Hall
Penryn Museum
900 ft
Restaurants
The Thirsty Scholar
0 ft
18 West Street
Bango Kitchen
1700 ft
11B Commercial Road
Earth and Water
1300 ft
6 St. Thomas Street
Daaku
2400 ft
Islington Wharf Boatyard
Explore Penryn
Local Experiences near The Thirsty Scholar
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Penryn Museum
Penryn Museum
4 minutes' walk
Local history showcased through a collection of artifacts. A great place for families to learn about Penryn's heritage.
Falmouth University Falmouth Campus
Falmouth University Falmouth Campus
15 minutes' walk
A vibrant academic setting with beautiful architecture and often hosts art exhibitions and events open to the public.
Enys Gardens
Enys Gardens
30 minutes' walk
Stunning gardens known for their seasonal blooms, great for relaxing walks. Free admission on certain days.
Walking Trails at Budock Water
25 minutes' walk
Scenic circular walks perfect for nature lovers and thrill-seekers wanting to explore the Cornish landscape.
Bike Rental at Falmouth
15 minutes' drive
Rent bicycles to explore coastal paths. A fun way to experience the area's natural beauty with rental services nearby.
Choy Hung House
1 minute' walk
Authentic Chinese cuisine with a cozy atmosphere. Known for its delicious dumplings and flavorful dishes.
Nemo's Fish And Chips
5 minutes' walk
Local favorite offering classic fish and chips in a casual setting. Perfect for a quick bite after exploring.
Cafe 'on the quay'
9 minutes' walk
Relaxed café with stunning waterfront views. Specializes in fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients.
The Poly
The Poly
35 minutes' walk
Art center and theater hosting films, live performances, and exhibits. A vibrant cultural hub for all audiences.
Live Music at The Falmouth Tavern
15 minutes' walk
A lively pub atmosphere with regular live music events. Enjoy a pint while listening to local bands.
Getting around
City Centre
Penryn2 min  ·  400 ft
Airports
Penzance (PZE)56 min  ·  22.9 mi
Newquay (NQY)67 min  ·  27.5 mi
Train
Penryn Train Station6 min  ·  1700 ft
Bus
Bus stop9 min  ·  2300 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-20:00
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
At the hotel The Thirsty Scholar guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Thirsty Scholar Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 136 verified reviews
8.9/10
Great
93%
Recommend
Cleanliness
9.1/10
Comfort
9.1/10
Facilities
8.8/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.8/10
Location
9.1/10
Staff
9.6/10
Value for money
8.7/10
Guest reviews
based on 136 reviews
8.9/10
based on 179 reviews
8.6/10
Roger from United Kingdom
Family with children
Standard Double Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:January 06, 2026
7/10

Satisfactory stay overall

good varietyhelpful stafffull english optionbroken showerno parkingalternative arrangements
The breakfast had good variety. I enjoyed a different item each day. The full English option started the day well. Staff members were wonderfully friendly and helpful.
The shower was broken . Apparently, it had been broken for some time. I noticed no parking available at the hotel. I had to find alternative arrangements.
0 Helpful
Norman from United Kingdom
Single
Standard Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 29, 2025
6/10
dusty furniturenet curtain
The room looked a bit tired. I noticed dust on the furniture. The shower had a net curtain with holes along the bottom. It needed replacing for sure. my tablet rolled under the bed, and I saw lots of dust bunnies. I didn't even bother to get it back.
0 Helpful
Eric from United Kingdom
Couple
Standard Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:November 23, 2025
9/10
full englishperfect pancakesfresh berries
The breakfast was good I chose different options each morning. The Full English was a great start to my day the pancakes were perfect. Fresh berries came with the yogurt and granola a lovely addition.
The net curtain in the shower room had some holes.
0 Helpful
Elaine from United Kingdom
Single
Standard Double Room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:October 26, 2025
7/10

decent experience overall

helpful staffswift check incornish breakfastdusty furniturenet curtainno parking
i don't usually write reviews this place earned one the staff were very cute and helpful i appreciated the swift check in process i also enjoyed the cornish breakfast it had hot coffee
there was no parking available i found dust on the furniture i also saw holes in the net curtain in the shower room it was not ideal
0 Helpful
Dominic from United Kingdom
Single
Standard Double Room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:October 07, 2025
9.6/10

Amazing Hospitality and Great Food

friendly landladyluggage assistanceexcellent fooddelicious breakfast
The landlady Adele was very friendly and helpful. She helped me with luggage and offered shuttle service to the car park. The food in the pub was excellent. I think the hearty breakfast was fresh and delicious.
The building had uneven floors that some peoples might not like.
Facilities
9/10
The hotel features a back garden that is very nice. The hotel is in close proximity to the bus station. The train station is reachable with a short walk.
Rooms
9/10
My room was clean and comfy. The bed was also very comfortable. The room was also spacious. It has it's own little bathroom and a little window to let the air in.
Location
10/10
The hotel is close to the town center. The location is wonderful. There are buses to Falmouth and Truro from just down the road. It's a walk down from the train station.
Dining
10/10
Breakfast has a good choice and is cooked to order. The full English breakfast was a great way to start the day. The pancakes was perfect. Yogurt and granola came with fresh berries.
Service
10/10
The staff were marvellous. The landlady is golden hearted. She makes you want to go back. Flow and Adelle was great, helpful and accommodating. They exceeded my expectations.
0 Helpful
|
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Samantha from United Kingdom
Couple
Standard Double Room
4 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed:August 17, 2025
8.5/10

Excellent Food and Friendly Faces

tasty breakfastfriendly staffexcellent food
i found the breakfast selection to be both great and tasty. the staff were friendly, and they were always ready to help. the food was excellent, i'd recommend the king prawn and crab linguine.
i noted there wasnt parking available.
Service
9/10
The staff were attentive. a young man greeted me upon arrival. the landlady was super helpful and friendly. She.
Facilities
8/10
the room was clean and modern, and the bed was comfortable. the shower worked well. the character of the hotel was appealing, and it felt cute.
0 Helpful
|
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FAQs
About The Thirsty Scholar
What is the check-in and check-out policy at The Thirsty Scholar?
Check-in is from 15:30 and check-out is by 10:00.
How far is The Thirsty Scholar from Newquay Cornwall Airport?
The hotel is located 40 km from Newquay Cornwall Airport.
What are some nearby attractions to The Thirsty Scholar?
Nearby attractions include Pendennis Castle (6 km) and Gyllyngvase Beach (3 km).
Does The Thirsty Scholar offer on-site dining options?
The hotel features an on-site restaurant and bar/lounge for guests to enjoy.
What amenities are included in the rooms at The Thirsty Scholar?
Rooms at the hotel include a flat-screen TV, an electric kettle, and free Wi-Fi.
Is parking available at The Thirsty Scholar?
Free public parking is possible at a location nearby.
What dining options are available near The Thirsty Scholar?
Nearby restaurants include Red Chillis, Chilli Indian Takeaway, and Cafe Gabor, all within 0.5 km.
What recreational facilities does The Thirsty Scholar provide?
The hotel features a terrace and garden for guests to enjoy.
Does The Thirsty Scholar provide breakfast?
Breakfast is included with the stay at the hotel.
What languages do the staff at The Thirsty Scholar speak?
The staff are fluent in English.
How far is The Thirsty Scholar from the city center of Penryn?
The hotel is situated just 0.5 km away from the city center of Penryn.
Are there any smoking areas in The Thirsty Scholar?
The hotel is a smoke-free establishment.

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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room