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
Beautifully located, this traditional holiday cottage enjoys a prime position overlooking Mevagissey's picturesque harbour in South Cornwall. Pubs, restaurants and shops on the doorstep, beautiful beaches and coastal walks locally and an abundance of attractions for day trips out. Take the ferry to Fowey, lace up your walking boots and explore the coastal path, hire a boat and explore the surrounding waters or just relax by the sea.
Historic Boscastle is one of the most beautiful villages on the coast of North Cornwall. Norwood is a charming Victorian holiday cottage a short walk from the natural harbour, South West Coast Path, Museum of Witchcraft, a village shop, cafes and two pubs. It is ideal for couples or friends as it has two ensuite bedrooms, good self-catering amenities, and off-street parking. There is lots to do, from surfing at Crackington Haven to looking for Merlin's ghost at Tintagel and exploring the beautiful gardens and country houses in the surrounding area.
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
Guests rave about all of the properties at Broomhill Manor, but House Cottage is a favourite. Originally the housekeeper's cottage, the family holiday home sleeps five people in two bedrooms and has an enclosed garden and views of the manor house. It is less than a mile from Bude with on-site facilities that include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, play areas for toddlers and older children, games rooms, a tennis court, riding stables, and 16 acres of grounds. You can walk to the pub, the beach and the South West Coast Path, or stay at home and enjoy lazy days while the kids play. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
A few minutes stroll from Trevaunance Cove on the beautiful St Agnes Heritage Coast is Rosevean House, a large holiday home sleeping 12 people in six bedrooms. It's a beautiful period property with a private garden, late-Victorian features, and extras like a cinema and a games room. Five bedrooms can have either twin single or one superking bed, allowing you to configure it to your needs. St Agnes village shops, bakery, pubs and cafes are all within a short walk, and you're within easy reach of places like Newquay, St Ives and Eden Project.
This charming studio cottage is ideal for couples or solo guests who want a peaceful base from which to explore the beautiful Cornish coast and countryside. It is on a farm in a quiet hamlet 15-minutes from St Austell and beaches on the south coast, and only 25-minutes from Padstow and beaches on the north coast. The famous Eden Project is just 10-minutes away, and there are many country houses, gardens, museums and castles within easy reach. Guests at Ryland have use of an indoor swimming pool and games room, and the cottage is available all year round. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Relax in the rural surroundings of Lamorna - a 4-Star Gold holiday cottage tucked away on Higher Menadew Farm within easy reach of beautiful beaches on the north and south coast, as well as popular towns like Padstow and St Austell. Guests have access to excellent amenities that include a heated indoor swimming pool, games room, swings and playground. The self-catering cottage sleeps four people in two bedrooms, with accommodation all on ground floor level. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Swallow's Nest is one of seven superb self-catering cottages at Higher Menadwe Farm, within easy reach of St Austell and beaches on both the north and south coasts of Cornwall, and only a 10-minute drive from the famous Eden Project. The cottage sleeps up to six people in three bedrooms and guests have access to facilities that include a swimming pool, games room and a playground. It is perfect for families either on their own or on holiday together with friends or their extended family. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
The Hide is a wonderful escape for couples or individuals who want a private space where they can relax and unwind away from prying eyes. The charming studio holiday cottage feels incredibly spacious with a kingsize bed and full-sized appliances in the kitchen. It features an enclosed courtyard garden with an outdoor hot tub - bliss after a day spent walking along the coastal footpath, mountain biking around Bodmin or Dartmoor, or surfing at Newquay. Tucked away in the small village of Penhallow, within walking distance of the local pub, The Hide is only three miles from Perranporth and within easy reach of Truro, Land's End, Exmoor, Westward Ho! and many of Cornwall's other favourite attractions.
Settle back and relax in this lovely holiday cottage that is tucked away in a peaceful location between Newquay and Truro. The Forge comfortably sleeps up to four people in two ensuite bedrooms, with a layout that is ideal for couples, friends or small families. Accommodation is all on one level and is dog-friendly with practical hardwood floors and a private, fenced garden. The cottage is in Penhallow, within walking distance of the village pub and less than three miles from Perranporth beach. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
This comfortable holiday cottage is in Penhallow, less than three miles from the Perranporth and the beautiful beaches of the Cornish coast. It is perfect for couples or independent travelers with features that make it suitable for guests who use a wheelchair or who want to bring their dog on holiday. There are beautiful walks and bike rides from the door, and the cottage is close to fantastic attractions like Callestick Ice Cream Farm and Healey's Cornish Cyder Farm. The Stables is suitable for wheelchair users, and there is a variety of accessibility equipment available for guests use, if required. - Please book the equipment at the time of booking. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
Wishing Well Cottage provides the perfect holiday retreat to relax and unwind. Nicely tucked away in a peaceful location, the cottage is sandwiched between Newquay and Truro with a wealth of attractions within easy reach. Sleeping four people, the holiday cottage is every bit as popular with couples as it is with friends or small families and is located in the Cornish village of Penhallow, within walking distance of the village pub and less than three miles from Perranporth beach. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Recently constructed, The Coach House is the perfect blend of contemporary and classic, with traditional materials like oak used alongside high-end furnishings and building techniques. This high-quality holiday home is ideal for couples and families as there is easily space to sleep up to four people in two lovely bedrooms. It sits on a private estate in the hamlet of Penhallow, just a few miles from Perranporth Beach and close to Newquay. The owners have paid close attention to the needs of wheelchair users to ensure the house is comfortable and welcoming for all its guests. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
Trewhiddle Village is a superb collection of holiday homes sleeping between two and nine people and offering a high standard of accommodation throughout. The location is perfect for enjoying beautiful beaches on Cornwall's north and south coast, with the closest being Porthpean and Pentewan. Mevagissey, Fowey and St Austell are all nearby, as are favourite attractions like the Eden Project. Villa 29 is a spacious detached holiday home sleeping eight people in four bedrooms, three of which are ensuite. It is child and pet-friendly, so perfect for families, extended families or friends.
Trewhiddle Village is near St Austell and Mevagissey on the south coast of Cornwall, within a few minutes of beautiful beaches like Porthpean and Pentewan, and only half an hour from Newquay and other north Cornwall beaches. Villa 21 is one of the larger properties, with space for six people to sleep in three ensuite bedrooms and a layout that suits families or friends. It's also dog-friendly, and guests have access to 120 acres of woodland, meadows, open spaces for playing, and a children's playground. The cottages and villas of Trewhiddle are beautifully finished and furnished, with calming colour palettes that reflect the surrounding environment. Villa 21 is available for bookings all year round.
Guests have fantastic river views from this stylish Fowey holiday home on the first floor of a former bakery. The two-bedroom apartment sleeps four people and suits couples and families, with lots of space in a location within walking distance of cafes, shops, restaurants and pubs. The Old Bakery is a stunning location in any season, especially when you're practically in the front row for all of the goings-on. Fowey is great for sailing, boating and kayaking, walking through the peaceful estuary or along the South West Coast Path, and sunning yourself on beautiful beaches.
No one can resist this incredible beachfront holiday home overlooking Porth Beach in Cornwall. With three bedrooms (all with stunning views), lots of living space and a waterfront terrace, it's perfect for your next self-catering holiday with family or friends. The owners have focused on every detail to provide you with luxurious accommodation in a stunning ideal location, steps from the sand with uninterrupted views over the water. There is secure storage for guests who want to bring SUPs, surfboards, kayaks and bikes, a private path to the beach, and excellent access to shops, cafes, the local pub, and the South West Coast Path. The Sail Loft sleeps six people in three ensuite bedrooms with accommodation over two levels.
With views over spectacular countryside towards the Atlantic, and a huge private garden with a hot tub and a fire pit, The Folly is a favourite with families and friends. The three-bedroom cottage sleeps six people and is dog friendly. Bude, Widemouth Bay and the South West Coast Path are only a few miles from the house, and guests have access to three onsite coarse fishing ponds as well as woodland and meadows. It's idyllic in any season and a fantastic place for a relaxing holiday. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Popular towns in and around Cornwall:
AlbastonBodminBoscastleBudeCoverackCrackington HavenDelaboleFalmouthFoweyHayleHelfordHelstonLanhydrockLauncestonLiskeardLooeLuxulyanMevagisseyMouseholeMullionNewquayPadstowPenzancePerranporthPort IsaacPorthtowanRedruthRockSaint AgnesSt AgnesSt AustellSt IvesSt MawesSt MinverTavistockTorpointTrevoneTruroSome local suggestions:
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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.
