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
Methven is a Cornish treasure dating back to the 1850s that its current guardians have carefully refurbished. This early Victorian holiday cottage offers a charming retreat just a short stroll from Padstow Harbour, renowned eateries like Rick Stein's Cafe, and local galleries and shops. It even boasts a private south-facing garden and secure parking—a rarity in Padstow Old Town! With room for four guests across one double and one twin bedroom, it's an inviting haven for couples and families seeking comfort while exploring Cornwall's coast, countryside, and the enchanting Camel Estuary.
The Mews is one of five lovely holiday homes located at Tregrehan, equidistant from the historic Cornish village of Charlestown and the popular harbour town of Fowey on the beautiful South Coast of Cornwall. An abundance of attractions within easy reach including fabulous beaches, gardens and of course the world famous Eden Project.
Garden Cottage is one of 5 welcoming holiday homes at Tregrehan. Well appointed, the self-catering cottages sit on the South Coast of Cornwall, perfectly sandwiched between the bustling harbour town of Fowey and Charlestown and within easy reach of the areas top beaches and attractions including The Eden Project.
An impressive English oak framed holiday lodge with a riverside garden that perfectly combines traditional charm with modern conveniences to provide a high standard of self-catering. Located close to the many beautiful beaches and attractions of North Cornwall, the lodge is within easy driving distance of Boscastle, Tintagel and Bodmin Moor and a great base for a family holiday exploring this beautiful part of the South West. Out of season shorter stay enquiries welcome, minimum 3 nights
Quietly located, 10-minute estuary-side walk to picturesque Padstow harbour. Estuary views, private parking, sleeps 6, child & dog friendly. Close to Camel Trail/SW Coast Path, 7 sandy beaches nearby, ideal for coastal/dog walking & touring Cornwall.
Impress your guests by booking this gorgeous holiday home for your self-catering group holiday. ARC Padstow sleeps 26 people in 13 ensuite bedrooms, boasting designer features, 18th Century elegance, and lots of space indoors and outside. It's a short stroll from the village pub in St Issey and close to Padstow, Wadebridge, beautiful beaches and the scenic Camel Estuary. ARC Padstow is child and dog friendly, welcoming guests for milestone celebrations, family reunions and hosting wedding guests. It comes with everything needed for a truly special stay including an online lobby to help plan your stay and arrange extra services like private yoga sessions.
Hembal Manor is a large holiday cottage in St Austell, Cornwall, offering self-catering accommodation for up to 16 guests across eight elegant bedrooms. This spacious holiday rental sits within six acres of private grounds and combines period character with generous living space for gatherings, celebrations and extended family stays. Located close to Carlyon Bay, Charlestown and the Eden Project, it provides a well-placed base for exploring both the south and north Cornish coasts. With a games room, bar and ample outdoor space, Hembal Manor is a versatile group accommodation option in Cornwall for all seasons.
Everything you could wish for, Lantern Cottage sits under a pretty thatched roof and is just a short stroll (literally 400 yards!) from the lovely sandy beach of Trevaunance Cove on Cornwall's stunning north coast. Chocolate box pretty, this gorgeous holiday cottage is only a mile from St Agnes with shops and places for a meal out and offers all the right ingredients for a relaxing holiday by the sea.
You'll be the envy of your friends when they hear you're staying at Gull Rock, so why not bring them with you! This large seafront holiday home is across the road from Porthmeor Beach and within a short stroll of St Ives many fantastic shops, galleries, and eateries. It sleeps 12 people in six bedrooms, four of which are ensuite, and suits families and friends. The location is incredible with guests having easy access to the beach, South West Coast Path and some of Cornwall's favourite attractions including Land's End and the Eden Project.
A newly built ‘fisherman’s style’ holiday cottage with parking in an exceptionally enviable position a stone's throw from the bustling quayside in the heart of Padstow, North Cornwall. Great pubs, restaurants and miles of glorious sandy beach to relax and unwind, swim or enjoy water sports. Superb coastal walking and good cycling with the Camel Trail starting in Padstow, taking you past Bodmin and beyond.
A traditional Cornish self-catering holiday cottage located in the highly desirable village of Rock with a beautiful sandy beach just 400 yards away and a Michelin starred restaurant within walking distance. The perfect seaside destination and possibly one of Cornwall's most popular and beautiful!
On the North Cornish coastline, this spacious holiday home is located apx 200 yards from the coastal path, the picturesque harbour and the village of Boscastle with its pubs, shops and tea rooms. A beautiful part of North Cornwall for a self-catering holiday by the sea with an abundance of attractions, lovely beaches and fabulous walking. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
The Old Dairy is located on the outskirts of the beautiful fishing village of Boscastle on Cornwall's North Coast. With the coastal path just a mile away and excellent village amenities (including a choice of places to eat) just a pleasant stroll through the famous Valency Valley (a mile and a half) this is a perfect holiday destination for walkers and beach lovers. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
On Cornwall's stunning north coast, this welcoming holiday home enjoys a perfect position for walkers on the South West Coastal Path and strollable distance to the picturesque harbour and quaint village of Boscastle with its pubs, shops and tea rooms. A beautiful part of North Cornwall for a self-catering holiday by the sea. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Offering a lovely mix of modern conveniences with traditional charm, this welcoming dog-friendly cottage provides a good central base for exploring Cornwall's many attractions. Sitting in a rural position on the edge of Bodmin Moor amongst a small farming community close to St Cleer, the cottage has easy access to both the moor and the north and south coasts.
A delightful dog friendly holiday cottage that sits in a small farming community in Cornwall close to St Cleer with easy access to Bodmin moor and coast. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, this central location provides a good base for visiting Cornwall's many attractions.
Priory Cottage provides a welcoming self-catering retreat perfectly placed on the east side of the picturesque Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall. A stunning area offering lovely beaches, dramatic cliff walks and the romantic Helford River - a haven for wildlife and water sports.
A characterful old holiday cottage dating back four hundred years with an impressive large inglenook fireplace housing a log burning stove in the peaceful village of Cubert, North Cornwall. Walking distance of three beaches (Crantock, Polly Joke and Holywell Bay) and pubs/restaurants in the village for a meal out. Just four miles from Newquay and a great self-catering base for exploring Cornwall's many attractions or enjoying a lazy beach holiday. Tourist board rating: 3 Star
Situated on the outskirts of the popular coastal town of Fowey, this delightful cottage provides a great base for a relaxing summer holiday by the sea or a cosy winter break where you can enjoy invigorating coastal walks and evenings by the fire. Lovely beaches, an abundance of attractions and plenty of places in Fowey for a meal out - all the right ingredients for a holiday! *Follow us on Instagram - bryonycottage.fowey*
Seagulls is a stunning holiday home in St Mawes, accommodating 10-12 guests in five elegant bedrooms. Ideal for families and pets, enjoy breathtaking views of the Percuil River and Froe Creek, with a private path to the water's edge. Just a stroll away, find local amenities like a bakery, café, and the Rising Sun pub. This yachting paradise offers boating, kayaking, and fishing opportunities. Explore nearby attractions like St Mawes Castle, Lamorran Gardens, and vibrant Falmouth. Enjoy beautiful walking trails from the property, making Seagulls the perfect retreat for an unforgettable Cornish escape.
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.
