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
Homely and comfortable, Jackdaw Cottage affords an enviable position just one hundred yards from the waters edge and beach. Sitting in the Cornish village of Kingsand, this is an ideal seaside retreat whether you want to explore South Cornwall's many attractions or simply stay put and relax with a beach, coastal path, shops and choice of pubs a short stroll away.
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*
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 five 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
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 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
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. Shorter stay enquiries welcome, minimum 3 nights
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
A comfortable self catering holiday home nestling amongst five acres of beautiful Cornish countryside with panoramic views in the very heart of Cornwall. Sitting in a peaceful rural spot just two miles from Lanivet, the cottage is perfect for exploring both the north and south coasts, or simply relax enjoying facilities including a shared hot tub and fishing lake. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Boscastle 2 miles. Welcoming, well equipped Lodge, central heating, wood burning stove. 2 bedrooms, Conservatory, outdoor furniture and BBQ. Parking and spectacular views, direct access to the South West Coast path. Peaceful location.
Trewethern Barn has three bedrooms. A large King Size bedroom with far reaching views over the countryside, a generous and light twin bedroom with French doors with step access to the garden and single bedroom.
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.
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.
Well presented, this delightful dog friendly holiday cottage is close to the Cornish village of St Cleer and nestles amongst a small farming community in mid-Cornwall. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, Field View Cottage provides a good central location with easy access to Cornwall's many popular attractions including both the north and south coasts and the moors.
This charming cottage is in Hayle on the beautiful Cornish coast. Though only 300 metres from the town centre, it is peaceful and private thanks to its secluded position. In addition to being within walking distance of beaches and the South West Coastal Path, guests are within easy reach of favourite attractions like Land's End and the Minack Theatre. This cottage is ideal for couples but also perfect for families who appreciate the high standard of accommodation and sunny courtyard garden.
An enchanting holiday retreat located between the coastal town of Fowey and the harbourside village of Charlestown on the South Coast of Cornwall. A perfect place to relax or visit the many attractions of the area and gardens (including the Eden Project) nearby.
Tregrehan is an enchanting holiday retreat with five holiday cottages located on the South Coast of Cornwall between the ancient town of Fowey and the harbour village of Charlestown. With plenty of attractions and gardens nearby (including the Eden Project), there are no shortage of places to visit and wonderful beaches for lazy days.
Trevean Cottage is a lovely holiday home in a beautiful location. The two-bedroom cottage sleeps four people, with a private garden and fantastic walks from the door. It is only a mile from Lamorna Cove and less than two miles from picturesque Mousehole, with easy access to Lands End, St Ives, Penzance and other favourite places around Cornwall. Guests have a wide choice of beaches as well as miles of footpaths, bridleways and cycling routes to help them enjoy this gorgeous landscape. Trevean is on the owner's 24-acre smallholding and is incredibly peaceful. It's ideal for couples or families.
Tremerth Cottage is a dreamy Cornish escape. The one-bedroom holiday rental is on Castallack Farm with 24-acres of smallholding. It's only a mile from Lamorna Cove and a mile and a half from Mousehole, putting guests within an easy walk or cycle of beaches, cafes, restaurants and a pub. Land's End, St Ives and Penzance are all close, as is the Cornish Mining landscape and the South West Coast Path. The cottage is perfect for couples or individuals who want to enjoy the best bits of south Cornwall without the crowds.
A clifftop retreat with direct access to the South West Coast Path is a rarity, and one with no immediate neighbours even more so. Cancleave delivers both of these features together with superb views and a high standard of accommodation with space for eight people to sleep in four beautiful bedrooms. It is conveniently located on the coast road between Crackington Haven and Widemouth Bay, with easy access to Bude, Boscastle and Tintagel. Cancleave has been in the family since 1962 and used as a holiday let all that time. They have recently replaced the original property with a modern building boasting energy-efficient features that will help protect the landscape for generations to come.
A charming holiday cottage located in a tranquil area which is a haven for wildlife. Close to Bude and its lovely beaches, The Hayloft provides a perfect self-catering base for visiting North Cornwall and an ideal romantic retreat for couples. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
Popular towns in and around Cornwall:
AlbastonBodminBodmin MoorBoscastleBudeCallingtonCamelfordCarbis BayCharlestownCommon MoorCoverackCrackington HavenDelaboleEast LooeFalmouthFoweyGunnislakeHayleHelfordHelstonHolywell BayKingsandLamornaLands EndLanhydrockLauncestonLiskeardLizard peninsulaLooeLostwithielLuxulyanMarazionMawgan PorthMevagisseyMouseholeMullionMylorNewlynNewquayNr TregonyPadstowPenzancePerranporthPlymouthPolperroPolruanPolzeathPort IsaacPorthcothan BayPorthlevenPorthtowanPortreathPortscathoRedruthRockRoseland PeninsulaSaint AgnesSaint AustellSaint Columb MajorSaltashSennenSt AgnesSt AustellSt IvesSt MabynSt MawesSt MawganSt MinverTavistockTintagelTorpointTregonyTrevoneTruroWadebridgeWinnards PerchSome 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.
