Cornwall Cottages
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 and adventures 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
Sitting on the North Coast of Cornwall, this beautifully presented holiday cottage nestles amongst Cornish countryside and has the sandy beach of Portreath within walking distance. Picturesque St Ives, Newquay with its great surfing beaches, Falmouth and the Roseland Peninsula are all an easy drive away. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
The perfect blend of style and character, this cosy 5-Star (Gold) holiday cottage is just perfect for two with an immense amount of character and charm. Surrounded by rolling Cornish countryside and with the golden sands of Portreath within walking distance, guests can enjoy easy access to many of Cornwall's top beaches, attractions and fishing villages when they stay at Mowhay. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
Beautifully presented, this welcoming self-catering holiday cottage is surrounded by glorious Cornish countryside with a sandy beach within walking distance and fabulous coastal walks on the doorstep. Ideally located for visiting Falmouth, St Ives, Newquay, the Roseland Peninsula and the many attractions Cornwall has to offer. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Comfortable and welcoming, The Roundhouse is perfect for couples looking for a self-catering holiday in Cornwall with superb beaches, coastal walks and an abundance of attractions within easy reach. Portreath beach is accessible by foot and the many other fabulous beaches of the North Coast including Newquay (great for surfing) and St Ives (fabulous galleries) are within driving distance. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
With a welcoming sitting room with beams and log burner, stylish kitchen and two beautifully presented bedrooms, Trengove Wing is an excellent self-catering choice for families and also couples (one or two). Affording an idyllic position with some of Cornwall's finest beaches within easy reach (including Portreath which is just twenty minutes walk), you can spend your days lazing on the beach, walking or discovering the areas many attractions. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
Sitting on the edge of the picturesque coastal village of Boscastle on the north coast of Cornwall, this self-catering cottage sits on a quiet country lane and affords distant sea views. Just a mile from the South West Coast Path and a mile and a half from the village with its beautiful harbour, pubs and shops. 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
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
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.
Recently renovated, this Grade II listed cottage is ideal for couples or individuals who want a peaceful place where they can unwind and relax. Manor Cottage Barn has beautiful views of the nearby Tamar Valley and is close to excellent footpaths and cycling trails including the traffic-free Tamar Discovery Trail. Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor are both within easy reach, while the beaches of the south and north coast are 30 minutes and 45 minutes drive respectively. There is a village shop and cafe within walking distance, with more amenities only a few miles away in Callington and Launceston.
On the outskirts of the popular Cornish coastal town of Fowey, this delightful holiday 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!
You've never seen a cottage like this one. Built in the 1930s from a vintage coach, Boskernyk has been sympathetically extended and updated to offer fantastic self-catering accommodation for one or two people and their dogs. Its elevated position above Porthtowan beach means it enjoys incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean from both the house and the garden, while the beach, shops, cafes and pubs are all within a 10-minute stroll. Truro and Falmouth are both within easy reach, and there is a wide choice of attractions and activities that make this an excellent holiday destination at any time of the year.
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
The Retreat is a detached holiday cottage in a peaceful position in the small hamlet of Treskilling in Cornwall within easy reach (just five miles) of the South Coast. Ideal for walking, cycling, golf, riding, going to the beach or visiting Cornwall's many attractions like the nearby world famous Eden Project (two miles away).
Situated in a desirable location in the heart of the popular seaside town of Looe, Smuggler Cottage is perfect for anyone wanting a Cornish holiday by the sea. Located just two minutes from the beach and quayside, and just a short stroll to all the attractions and amenities in Looe, this charming 15th Century holiday cottage has everything you need for a comfortable self-catering holiday. Sleeping six guests in three bedrooms, it is ideally suited to families or friends looking to explore the sandy beaches, secluded coves, stunning walks and numerous family attractions in this beautiful part of the country.
Tremorna is a wonderful ancient waterside fisherman's cottage overlooking Helford Creek in one of the most highly desirable positions in the picturesque village of Helford in West Cornwall. Sleeping up to six, but equally as appealing and cosy for couples, the holiday cottage has a secluded waterside garden (with access to the beach and private quay for launching kayaks and canoes at high tide), spectacular views up and down the river and village shop, plus good pub a stone's throw away. You will struggle to find a more desirable and enchanting dog-friendly coastal cottage to relax and unwind.
Nestling amidst glorious North Cornish countryside just slightly inland from Cornwall's beautiful North Coast are three traditional self-catering cottages ideal for couples and families. A haven for wildlife, the cottages sit on an organic farm close to Crackington Haven with plenty of attractions and beautiful beaches close by. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Swallow Barn is great for families, sleeping up to five people (plus an infant) in two bedrooms. It is one of six superb Cornwall holiday cottages on Waterloo Farm and can be booked with others to accommodate extended families or friends. All guests can use the heated outdoor swimming pool (from May to September), games room, coarse and fly fishing, a sandpit play area, and a wildlife hide, all in 200 acres of beautiful Cornish farmland. The farm is four miles from Launceston, four miles from Bodmin Moor, and around 20 minutes from Crackington Haven, Bude and other gorgeous beaches of the north coast of Cornwall.
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.
Popular towns in and around Cornwall:
BodminBoscastleBudeCoverackCrackington HavenFalmouthFoweyHelstonLiskeardLooeMevagisseyMouseholeNewquayPadstowPenzancePerranporthPortreathSt AustellSt IvesTavistockTrevoneTruroSome 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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Filter your search and choose the best place to stay for you, or choose between the holiday options below for all types of travellers.
Many of Cornwall's fascinating towns and 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.
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.
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 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 an old-world atmosphere and rich history.
Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Check out all the other popular towns in and around Cornwall below:
Bodmin
Boscastle
Bude
Coverack
Crackington Haven
Falmouth
Fowey
Helston
Liskeard
Looe
Mevagissey
Penzance
Perranporth
Portreath
St Austell
Tavistock
Trevone
Truro
Dog-friendly Cornwall Cottages
Family Friendly Cornwall Cottages
Search within South West England
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.
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.
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 visit 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.
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 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 a holiday 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.
