Cornwall is no stranger to recognition when it comes to the picturesque villages and popular beaches.

Here are five places in Cornwall that this year, were named the best in the UK.

1. Falmouth

Falmouth is a brilliant, calm, sea-loving coastal town which leaves visitors content with their trip.

In March, Falmouth was named on the list of the best luxury destinations in the UK.

Slingo, the creators of the list, took into account the number of spas, hotels with an indoor pool, fine dining restaurants and more.

They said: “Falmouth is a classic choice for a beach vacation in the UK, home to the world's third-largest natural harbour and breathtaking views.”

Overall, Falmouth placed third in the UK, with a score of 7.04, only beaten by Stratford-Upon-Avon and Jersey.

READ MORE: Falmouth ranked in top 3 most luxurious travel destinations in UK

2. Penzance

Penzance is a tourist hub of Cornwall, known for its historic harbour and being an ancient market town.

In March this year it featured on a prestigious list of best places to live in the UK, alongside 71 other locations.

The list was published by The Sunday Times, who only had one location from Cornwall on there, which was Penzance.

The Sunday Times wrote for the entry: “A world away from Cornwall’s depressing second-home holiday hotspots, Penzance is wonderfully unpretentious, quirky and independent.

“It’s at the heart of a cultural and creative renaissance in Cornwall, with Cornish language, food, music, dance, art and film a core part of life here.”

READ MORE: 'Quirky and independent' town in Cornwall makes Best Places to Live guide

3. Pedn Vounder

Falmouth Packet: Pedn Vounder was described as one of the UK's best 'secret beaches'Pedn Vounder was described as one of the UK's best 'secret beaches' (Image: @ElsieF499/Tripadvisor)

Pedn Vounder is a hidden gem in Cornwall, with it being relatively quiet in comparison with nearby Porthcurno.

It was included on The Telegraphs list of best UK secret beaches in July.

The Telegraph had this to say about the beautiful beach: "Pedn Vounder, near the village of Treen, may have turned a few heads recently thanks to its sparkling celeste waters and white sandy beach backed by rugged rocks, but it remains considerably quieter.”

Pedn Vounder also boasts a 4.5/5 score on Tripadivsor.

READ MORE: Cornwall beach named as one of UK's best-kept secrets in new list

4. St Ives

St Ives is a popular tourist town due to its beauty and connection with art.

According to Rightmove, the town comes in the top ten for happiest places to live in the UK.

The ‘Happy at Home’ index which recently was used to scale the results, was completed by over 26, 000 people.

St Ives placed ninth in the UK and more locally, placed second in the South-West for happiest place to live.

The only other Cornish location to appear on the list was Falmouth, which came 52nd in the UK.

READ MORE: Which places have been voted the best places to live in Cornwall?

5. Godrevy Beach

Godrevy is a wide, sandy beach, with dramatic coves located at the other end of the bay to St Ives. A change from the previous lists now, Godrevy was placed number four on the list of best winter dog walks in the UK.

The rankings were made by leading vet charity PDSA, last week.

PDSA has this to say about Godrevy: “Godrevy boasts miles and miles of smooth sand for your dog to enjoy. Its prime positioning within St Ives Bay means you’ll see spectacular views right out to St Ives one way and to Godrevy Lighthouse the other.”

READ MORE: Six Cornwall walks ranked among the best dog-friendly autumn routes in UK

A perfect place to take your four-legged friend this Christmas!