Cornwall is well known for its glorious beaches and stunning scenery, but this famous region is more than just a pretty face. Many of its towns and villages have an intriguing history with tales of smugglers, myths and legends.
Attractions are plentiful, including those with world-famous statuses, such as The Eden Project, the Minack Theatre and Tate St Ives. So whether you are looking for family fun, an activity holiday or a romantic break by the sea, Cornwall has plenty of attractions, adventures and, of course, Cornwall holiday cottages, to fill your days, come rain or shine.
Located in the far southwest of the UK, Cornwall's impressive landscape provides an ideal setting for enjoying a whole host of outdoor activities, from walking along the spectacular coastal paths to the thrill of kite surfing along the sands.
With over four hundred miles of stunning coastline, there are water sports to enjoy and beautiful beaches blessed with clear waters for lazy holidays. Read more
The Flowerhouse is as attractive as its name and sits in a beautiful position close to Helford River in Cornwall. A popular choice with families, friends and also couples, this welcoming cosy cottage is the perfect choice for those who want to explore the picturesque Lizard Peninsula with its gorgeous beaches, wildlife, water sports, towns, seaside villages and rolling countryside. Falmouth and Truro are both within easy driving distance, the Cornish village of Constantine is 10 minutes walk and The Trengilly Wartha Inn is even less and a mere 2 minutes.
The Farmhouse is a welcoming property in a fantastic location. The traditional home sits peacefully on Goongillings Farm on the Lizard Peninsula, within walking distance of the Helford River and a private jetty where they can use one of the owner's sailing dinghies or rowboats. There are miles of beautiful footpaths and cycling routes leading from the door, and stunning Cornish beaches within a short drive. Falmouth and Truro are within easy reach, while the village of Constantine and the Trengilly Wartha Inn are within walking distance. There is space for up to eight people to sleep in four bedrooms to make it ideal for families and friends, while the flexible layout means it is also suitable for couples who enjoy having the spacious living areas and gardens to themselves.
The Barn occupies a stunning location near the beautiful Helford River in Cornwall. Sleeping up to eight people, it is perfect for families and friends who want to enjoy the beaches, towns and countryside without being tied down to just one of them. The entire Lizard Peninsula is spread out before you, with miles of beautiful places to walk, cycle, kayak and swim. Falmouth and Truro are both only a short drive away, while the friendly village of Constantine is around a 10-minute walk, and the excellent Trengilly Wartha Inn is just a two-minute walk from the property.
The sunny Lizard Peninsula is beautiful in every season, and Ben’s Cottage is a magical place from which to enjoy it. As one of four holiday rentals on Goongillings Farm, it sits on 150 private acres with direct access to the Helford River. You’re within easy reach of Truro and Falmouth and within walking distance of two pubs, cafe and village shop. The single-storey self-catering cottage has a small patio garden and sleeps four people in two bedrooms, suiting couples and families.
The Watch House is a luxury coastal home overlooking Marazion Bay and the iconic St Michael's Mount. Sleeping up to 8 guests across four en-suite bedrooms, it features spectacular sea views, a hot tub, games room, garden office, private terraces and beautifully landscaped gardens. Just a short stroll from the beach, cafés, restaurants and the causeway to St Michael's Mount, it offers the perfect blend of luxury, location and unforgettable coastal scenery.
Gelly Cott A beautiful 3 bed cottage in the heart of PadstowGelly Cott luxurious 3 bedrooms for up to 7 guests plus a sofabed in the lounge that accommodates another 2. A Stunning private enclosed garden with hot tub this is the perfect Padstow Break for families- and it's even dog friendly too!
Treswarrow House sleeps up to 18 guests across seven beautifully appointed bedrooms. The accommodation comprises three super king-size bedrooms, three king-size bedrooms, and a family room featuring a bunk bed and a single bed with an additional pull-out trundle. Thoughtfully designed for large families and groups, the flexible bedroom layout provides a perfect balance of luxury, comfort and practicality, making it ideal for multi-generational gatherings, celebrations and special occasions.
Serena sleeps up to 6 guests across three beautifully appointed bedrooms. The spacious master suite occupies the upper floor and features a king-size bed, stunning sea views and a private Nordic sauna. On the lower level, there are two further bedrooms, including a king-size room with sea views and a twin bedroom, making the apartment ideal for couples, families and friends. The property benefits from three bathrooms, ensuring plenty of space and convenience for all guests throughout their stay.
Topaz sleeps up to 6 guests across two beautifully appointed bedrooms and a separate snug. Both bedrooms feature luxurious super king-size beds, with one bedroom offering the flexibility to be configured as twin beds if required. The snug includes a comfortable sofa bed, providing additional sleeping space for two guests. The apartment benefits from two stylish bathrooms, making it an ideal choice for couples, families and small groups seeking a relaxing coastal escape.
The Old Court House sleeps up to 8 guests across three bedrooms plus a sofa bed. The accommodation comprises one king-size bedroom, one double bedroom and one single bedroom with a pull-out trundle bed, with additional sleeping for two guests on the sofa bed. The cottage benefits from two bathrooms and offers flexible accommodation for families or small groups, just moments from the beach, harbour, shops and restaurants in the heart of St Mawes.
Ocean Skies sleeps up to 10 guests across four beautifully designed bedrooms and an additional snug with a luxury sofa bed. Three bedrooms feature king-size Ercol beds, while the fourth offers a zip-and-link bed that can be configured as either a super king or two singles. Two bedrooms enjoy private sea-view balconies, with a third benefiting from a Juliet balcony. The property offers three en-suite shower rooms, a family bathroom and an additional shower room, making it ideal for families and groups. The spacious open-plan living area, games room/snug, high-spec kitchen and large sea-view terraces provide plenty of room to relax, entertain and enjoy the spectacular coastal setting.
The Beach House comfortably sleeps up to 10 guests across four beautifully appointed bedrooms, all featuring king-size beds. One of the bedrooms can be configured as either a king or twin room, offering flexibility for families and groups. Two of the bedrooms enjoy stunning sea views and direct access to the terrace through large sliding doors, allowing guests to wake up to the sound of the waves and breathtaking coastal vistas. There is also a dedicated children's playroom with bunk beds, making it ideal for younger guests, as well as two travel cots available for families travelling with babies or toddlers. Three bedrooms benefit from en-suite facilities, complemented by an additional family bathroom.
Birch Studio sleeps up to 4 guests. The accommodation includes one king-size bedroom, a small double sofa bed in the living area suitable for up to two additional guests, and a mezzanine reading nook above. The property is ideally suited to couples, but can comfortably accommodate a small family or up to four guests.
Harbour Lights sleeps up to 4 guests across two beautifully appointed bedrooms. The luxurious master suite enjoys a super king bed, with stunning sea views and features a freestanding bath perfectly positioned to take in the coastal scenery, along with an en-suite bathroom and a spacious walk-in wardrobe/utility room. The second bedroom offers a single bed with a pull-out trundle bed beneath, making it ideal for children, friends or additional guests. A separate family bathroom serves this bedroom.
Seaside Cottage sleeps up to 6 guests across three comfortable bedrooms. The accommodation comprises one king-size bedroom, one double bedroom and one small double bedroom, making it ideal for families, couples or small groups. A family bathroom serves the bedrooms, while the cosy layout and coastal charm create a welcoming space to relax after a day exploring Cornwall's beautiful north coast.
Seaglass Point sleeps up to 10 guests across four beautifully furnished bedrooms and a sofa bed in the games room. The accommodation comprises three king-size bedrooms and one luxurious super king bedroom, offering flexible and comfortable sleeping arrangements for families and groups. The additional sofa bed in the games room provides extra sleeping space, making the property ideal for larger gatherings and multi-generational holidays.
The Lookout sleeps up to 9 guests across four beautifully presented bedrooms. The accommodation comprises three king-size bedrooms and a fourth bedroom with three single beds, making it ideal for families and larger groups. Two of the king bedrooms benefit from en-suite bathrooms, while two additional bathrooms, including a practical wet room for wetsuits and beach gear, provide plenty of space and convenience for all guests throughout their stay.
Tamarisk sleeps up to 8 guests across four beautifully appointed bedrooms. The property offers three king-size bedrooms, all with en-suite shower rooms and stunning sea views, along with a spacious twin bedroom. A luxurious family bathroom featuring a freestanding shower and double-ended bath serves the twin room. Two of the bedrooms enjoy direct access to the terrace and hot tub, while the generous layout, separate cinema room and spacious living areas make Tamarisk ideal for families and groups looking for a stylish coastal escape.
Ocean's Edge sleeps up to 4 guests across two bedrooms. The master bedroom features a king-size bed, en-suite shower room and private balcony with stunning sea views. The second bedroom can be configured as either twin beds or a king-size bed, offering flexibility for couples, families or friends. A separate family bathroom serves the second bedroom. The property also includes a spacious open-plan living, dining and kitchen area, a separate garden room, utility room and a private sea-view terrace.
Watergate Horizon sleeps up to 10 guests across four beautifully appointed en-suite bedrooms. The accommodation comprises a luxurious master bedroom with en-suite and sea views, two further double en-suite bedrooms, and a twin en-suite bedroom. For larger families or groups, a comfortable sofa bed in the separate TV room provides additional sleeping space, bringing the total occupancy to 10 guests. The flexible layout makes Watergate Horizon ideal for families, couples and multi-generational holidays.
Popular towns in and around Cornwall:
AlbastonBodminBodmin MoorBoscastleBudeCallingtonCamelfordCarbis BayCharlestownCommon MoorCoverackCrackington HavencrantockDaymer BayDelaboleEast LooeFalmouthFoweyGorran HavenGunnislakeHayleHelfordHelstonHolywell BayKingsandLamornaLands EndLanhydrockLauncestonLiskeardLizard peninsulaLooeLostwithielLuxulyanMarazionMawgan PorthMevagisseyMouseholeMullionMylorNewlynNewquayNr TregonyPadstowPenzancePerranporthPlymouthPolperroPolruanPolzeathPort IsaacPorthcothan BayPorthlevenPorthtowanPortreathPortscathoPrussia CoveRedruthRockRoseland PeninsulaSaint AgnesSaint AustellSaint Columb MajorSaltashSennenSt AgnesSt AustellSt IvesSt JustSt MabynSt MawesSt MawganSt MinverTavistockTintagelTorpointTregonyTrevoneTruroWadebridgeWinnards PerchSome local suggestions:
Dog friendly Cornwall cottagesLuxury Cornwall holiday cottagesLast minute Cornwall cottagesCornwall cottages with a hot tubRomantic Cornwall cottagesFamily friendly Cornwall cottagesCornwall cottages by the seaLarge cottages for groups in CornwallCottages in Cornwall with a swimming poolOr search further afield:
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Many of Cornwall's fascinating towns and quaint fishing villages are rich in history and date back hundreds of years. Their narrow cobbled winding streets and tiny alleyways are home to unique boutiques, craft shops and art galleries, providing visitors with plenty of shopping to do.
One of the most popular places to stay in Cornwall is Newquay, where visitors can find a laid-back atmosphere on the many sandy beaches and a lively vibe in the town during the evening. Newquay is also a surfers haven, as the rolling Atlantic swell creates some of the best waves in the UK. Many self-catering properties are made for surfers, with storage for boards and wetsuit cleaning facilities. If this is important to you, make sure you ask the owner what your Cornish cottage includes before you book!
If you seek less hustle and bustle and more of the great outdoors, perhaps Padstow is the place for you? The picture-perfect town offers some of the best food in Cornwall alongside a pretty harbour, perfect for taking a break to enjoy a Cornish Pasty. Pick one of the Cornish cottages within walking distance to the famous Rick Stein restaurant for a night to remember.
For those who want to be in a buzzing Cornish coastal town, St Ives won’t disappoint. The famous town has many excellent restaurants, bars, pubs and shops, so there is always something to do when visiting the area. In addition, many stunning holiday cottages line the coastline, providing spectacular views out to sea.
Anyone seeking a picturesque fishing village on Cornwall’s coast should go to Mousehole, where visitors can embrace its charming seaside town with its traditional cottages, an old-world atmosphere and rich history.
Before booking your holiday cottage in Cornwall, you can find all the information you need for your trip.
For more tips, check out our complete guide to South West England.
Cornwall's impressive beaches and rugged coastline are its main attractions. With sandy shores, large swells, crystal clear water, excellent rock pools and pretty coastal paths, the impressive southern county is complimented further by offering some of the best weather in the UK, with warm, sunny summers and milder than average winters.
The summer months attract plenty of visitors to the many Cornish coastal towns when the temperatures start to reach a pleasant 19°C. Surfers make their way to the beaches, boards under arms, ready to enjoy the warmer sea and impressive waves. Holiday cottages with hot tubs and swimming pools are particularly popular in summer.
In the spring, the Cornish landscape bursts into life with colourful daffodils popping up all over the region and bright bluebells littering the coastal paths. A visit in autumn changes the scenery to a golden hue as the leaves start to fall and scatter across the county, and the waves start to crash into the shore with more ferocity as the wilder weather sweeps the sea.
Winter in Cornwall is often warmer than the northern regions in the UK but can become wet and wilder compared to the calmer summer months. However, tranquillity settles over the county in winter as the beaches are quiet and the coastal paths free from the usual tourists, creating a serene atmosphere for all who visit at this time. Plus, Cornwall holiday cottages come in to their own at this time of year, as you can make the most of log burners and cosy blankets.
Cornwall is one of the country's best places for a seaside getaway and has excellent summer weather, attracting outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy great coastal walks, climbing, surfing, bodyboarding, and beach lounging.
The region also has plenty of options for family days out (including many things to do on a rainy day).
Cornwall is excellent for those seeking relaxation whilst indulging in great food and quiet time. Its beautiful serene landscape provides the perfect setting for wildlife watching, painting, photography and lazy beach days.
Whether you have a night out in lively Newquay or enjoy a day swimming in the sea and building castles in the sand, our self-catering guide for South Cornwall offers plenty of options.
If you are travelling from one of the major cities in the UK, below shows an average distance from the town of St Ives, so you know what to expect when choosing to get to the holiday cottages by car.
London: 305 miles
Birmingham: 267 miles
Glasgow: 553 miles
Liverpool: 362 miles
Bristol: 199 miles
Manchester: 350 miles
Leeds: 390 miles
Edinburgh: 556 miles
Newcastle: 479 miles
There are multiple ways to travel to Cornwall; with its excellent public transport, you can journey by train or plane from many major UK cities. If you travel by car, there are some great service stations to stop off and rest up whilst on your trip, as well as alternative routes depending on what roads you prefer to drive on. This also gives you a great opportunity to pick up supplies and groceries before arriving at your self-catering accommodation.
Cornwall has a lively art scene thanks to its spectacular, dramatic landscape that has inspired many artists and provided the backdrop for many films and television programmes.
Cornwall is perfect for a cottage holiday or short break at any time of the year with a climate of its own. Winters are short, spring starts early, and even in the depths of winter, Cornwall is an ideal place to escape, with world-class restaurants, huge beaches, quiet roads and crisp, clean air.
There are many unique places to stay in Cornwall, all aiming to meet the varying needs of holidaymakers.
Bude is great for families with its dog-friendly beaches and Crooklets Beach, which displays a laid-back setting, perfect for the kids to play without the busy crowds. Falmouth is great for those seeking a trip to Cornwall full of history; the National Maritime Museum is excellent for experiencing the sea's influence in Falmouth. Finally, Newquay provides the perfect setting for all sea lovers, especially surfers; the impressive swells display some of the best surfing conditions in the UK.
With so many places and Cornwall holiday cottages to choose from, it is hard to narrow it down to the best in the region, as the beautiful county of Cornwall has something for everyone; you just need to pick the right place for you.
Cornwall’s extraordinary landscape, stunning beaches and lush countryside make it like nowhere else in the UK. Its excellent climate makes for comfortable days on the sandy shores, swimming, building castles or walking along the coastal paths, all whilst surrounded by stunning views out to sea.
Cornwall continues to increase in popularity, which has naturally increased the cost of holiday accommodation here as tourism continues to grow. However, places like Penzance will offer a more affordable trip to Cornwall for those on more of a budget.
It is worth bearing in mind that most people feel that the attractions, scenery, weather and multiple activities available in Cornwall make it worth the slightly higher price tag.
St Ives is renowned for being one of the prettiest towns in Cornwall, due to its charming and scenic setting that provides breathtaking coastal views and narrow winding streets filled with craft shops and great cafes.
Polperro is another of Cornwall’s pretty towns; the harbour sits surrounded by shops, bars and restaurants with steep steps that take you through the narrow streets, providing spectacular views of the coast.
There are many more beautiful towns to visit in Cornwall, all of which offer unique scenery. So whether you are looking for a vibrant town like Newquay or a foodie’s heaven like Padstow, you will find it all when exploring the region.
