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
Hele Barton Farm offers a choice of delightful self catering holiday cottages ideally situated close to the dramatic coastline of North Cornwall. Enjoy the many attractions of Cornwall with its stunning coastline (including nearby Bude) and return home to this tranquil wildlife haven to relax of an evening. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Five delightful Cornish stone holiday cottages with immense charm dating back to the 17th Century, sitting in an idyllic position amongst unspoilt rolling countryside close to the popular seaside resort of Looe in South Cornwall. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Cosy and welcoming, one of four holiday cottages at Talehay, sitting amongst the glorious countryside of South Cornwall within easy reach of a host of attractions including the coast with popular seaside towns like Looe. A lovely blend of 17th Century character and modern conveniences ensure a relaxing stay. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
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.
Sailmakers Cottage, Polruan is a delightful traditional cottage set in the heart of the ancient fishing village of Polruan with stunning views of the estuary and Fowey and the Atlantic sea a minute from the back garden. The cottage is a 5 minute walk from the beach, shop, bakery, pubs and is a short ferry ride across to the popular pretty harbour town of Fowey. Perfect for families or couples looking for a peaceful base to explore this beautiful part of Cornwall.Key property features:- 2 bedrooms, 1 king-size & 1 bunk room- 1 shower room with WC- First floor lounge with stunning water views- Well equipped Kitchen - Small patio area with seating- Rear patio garden with table and chairs- Luggage drop available outside cottage - Parking in a public car park, 2 minutes behind the house
Ground floor bedroom which can be configured as a Super King or twin singles First floor bedroom with Super king and second bedroom which can be configured as a King or twin singles Top floor loft provides a fantastic second living space, complete with panoramic views and two high-quality oversized single sofa beds,
Glendorgal Sands is a luxury three-bedroom duplex apartment in Porth sleeping five guests, with spectacular 180-degree sea views across Porth Beach and Watergate Bay beyond. This self-catering accommodation features solid oak floors, contemporary designer furniture, a 55" smart TV with Sky, and superfast WiFi. Located on the beachfront, Glendorgal Sands Resort offers direct beach access, and the apartment is only a short walk from Lusty Glaze Beach and Newquay town centre. This holiday rental in Newquay offers a sun terrace, private hot tub, outdoor shower, BBQ, and two en-suite bedrooms, with Pickled Chef restaurant at Lusty Glaze and coastal walks from the doorstep.
Parc Drae Holiday Bungalow is a comfortable single-storey holiday cottage in the Cornish village of Stithians, offering well-presented self-catering accommodation for two. This quiet, self-contained holiday rental includes a spacious open-plan living area, a well-equipped kitchen, a double bedroom, a shower room, and off-road parking. Village amenities are within walking distance, including the Seven Stars village pub and shop, with Stithians Lake close by for walks and watersports. Centrally located, this holiday cottage in Cornwall provides easy access to Truro, Falmouth, and both the north and south coasts.
Escape to Mousehole, one of Cornwall's most unspoiled and picturesque harbour villages, in our beautifully restored fisherman’s cottage. Subject a year long renovation in 2025, and blending character with comfort, stylish interiors and high quality furnishings, 1 Wellington Place is perfect for couples or families seeking a memorable Cornish getaway.
Relax and explore with a stay in our beautifully converted stone barn nestled in nature by the Cornish coast. Guests are invited to explore our 4 acre grounds (including meadows, wild gardens, orchards and woodland), and with a leather goods studio on site, the village pub and pottery just 200 metres away. With beaches, surfing spots and endless nature walks on the doorstep, there is much on offer to make your stay special. We are dog and family friendly and cannot wait to welcome you!
Whispering Waves is a stunning self-catering holiday apartment in Porthtowan, Cornwall, with unbeatable sea views and a private balcony overlooking the Blue Flag beach. Sleeping 4 in 2 bedrooms, this stylish apartment offers an open-plan living space, well-equipped kitchen, and modern bathroom. Guests love its beachfront location, perfect for surfing, walking the South West Coast Path, or relaxing by the waves. Shops, pubs, and cafés are on your doorstep, and iconic Cornish destinations such as St Ives, Truro, and the Eden Project are all within easy reach. A superb coastal retreat for couples, families, or friends seeking a Cornish escape.
The Coach House is a beautifully converted one-bedroom cottage in the peaceful grounds of Mevagissey House, just a ten-minute walk up from Mevagissey harbour and the shops and restaurants. Ideal for couples or friends it sleeps 2 with space for a child under 12 and up to 2 dogs. Inside, enjoy a spacious open-plan living area with a wood-burning stove, a reading nook, a well-equipped kitchen, and a kingsize or twin bedroom with en-suite. Outside, a private south-facing patio and garden offer space to relax. Close to Heligan, The Eden Project, and the South West Coast Path, it’s a superb base for exploring South Cornwall’s coast and countryside.
Churchgate Cottage is a Grade 2 listed property situated right in the heart of the traditional Cornish seaside village of Crantock near Newquay. The cottage sleeps up to four with one double bedroom and a second bedroom with full size single bunk beds and so is ideal for families and couples who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and visit a beautiful seaside location. Churchgate Cottage is a charming retreat that warmly welcomes canine companions all year round, making it the perfect destination for dog-loving travellers. This cosy cottage accommodates up to two dogs, ensuring that your furry family members can join in on your holiday adventures. Even better, the nearby Crantock Beach is also dog-friendly all year, allowing your four-legged friends to enjoy the local beach with you. A dedicated off road parking space is available for one car. The cottage is located beside the church and approximately 600 yards from Crantock Beach. The village beach
Light, spacious and modern, Sycamore country house is contemporary with 3 bedrooms, perfect for a family or friends celebration or to just get away from it all. Sycamore is superbly positioned to take advantage of the surfing or sunbathing at the beautiful nearby beaches and to enjoy the many on-site facilities at Court Farm, including the indoor heated swimming pool, large children's play area, two firepits, also in this field we have Ponies, Goats, Chickens and a pig to feed ( we are passionate about sustainability), so food waste goes to the animals or composted, Rainwater feed the plants and swimming pool, we recycle as much material waste as is possible.
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!
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.
When you stay at Laloma, you can expect sublime views over the Helford River from the house and garden, a peaceful location near the Helford village shop and the Shipwrights Arms pub, and space for six people to sleep in three bedrooms. The thatched holiday cottage dates from the 1700s and has been a much-loved part of the owners' lives for three decades. It's wonderfully welcoming in all seasons and particularly well suited for a family self-catering holiday in Cornwall.
The sea views at Studio Cottage are simply outstanding and a treasure you won't want to miss. This enchanting stone built self-catering holiday home proudly stands alone on its exclusive 6-acre hillside estate, with the stunning Cornish coastline of Talland Bay as its backdrop. Private woodland steps lead down to a babbling brook and onwards to the café and two beaches below. The property offers ample space, within four comfortable bedrooms to easily accommodate up to ten people. The open-plan double-height design of the lounge and dining area allows families and friends to enjoy quality time together. Wander along the South West Coast Path to the charming fishing villages of Polperro or Looe, hire a sea kayak, bask in long, lazy beach days, or simply relax within the cottage grounds. There's off-road parking available for at least six cars too. It's a blissful retreat you'll want to revisit time and time again.
Relax by the water in this contemporary architect-designed property with fantastic views over St Just Creek. Sandbar is in St Just in Roseland on the Roseland Peninsula, close to St Mawes and within walking distance of beautiful beaches. It sleeps up to six people in two bedrooms (plus double sofa bed) and is perfect for couples, families or friends, especially those who enjoy walking, cycling and exploring the region's beautiful gardens. These include the Eden Project, Lost Gardens of Heligan and National Trust Trellisick Gardens. Falmouth, Truro and St Austell are also within easy reach.
If you're heading to North Cornwall for your holiday, you'll love this stylish apartment overlooking Mawgan Porth. It's spacious enough for a family or four friends but cosy enough for couples, with lots of touches that make guests feel welcome and settled straight away. With the beach, cafe, pub and shop all within a short walk, you can ignore the car for the duration of your stay. If you want to explore further, then Newquay and Padstow are five and eight miles away respectively, and favourite attractions like Newquay Zoo, Flambards and St Michael's Mount are all within easy reach.
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.
