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
Littlesteps is a lovely Grade II listed holiday cottage just perfect for couples in a fabulous position in the heart of the popular harbour town of Fowey in South Cornwall. Beaches, traditional pubs, restaurants and amazing coastal walks on the doorstep and a great self-catering base for exploring Cornwall's many attractions.
A delightful Grade II listed holiday cottage perfectly placed in the popular harbour town of Fowey on Cornwall's stunning south coast. Longsteps has restaurants, shops, sandy beaches, pubs for a local pint and fantastic coastal walks on the doorstep, along with the many attractions of the area (including The Eden Project) a short drive away. Everything a seaside retreat should be, including a lovely terrace to sit out and enjoy a glass of wine
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!
Mary Dann is an excellent choice for couples (and small families) who want to stay right in the heart of the popular coastal town of Padstow on Cornwall's stunning north coast. Stroll out in the morning for your paper and freshly baked bread to enjoy on the patio, spend your days walking the coastal path, visiting the areas many attractions or relaxing on the beach; and by night, enjoy gastro dining in top quality restaurants or a more casual supper and a Cornish pint in one of the pubs. One dog welcome.
Malt Cottage sleeps four and is perfect for those looking to explore the north coast of Cornwall, enjoy lazy days on the beach, cycle the Camel Trail and sample the fantastic selection of fine dining restaurants and pubs on the doorstep. Perfectly placed in the harbour town of Padstow, you can enjoy everything on the doorstep and sea air in abundance.
A stylish first floor self-catering apartment right in the heart of the popular seaside town of Padstow in North Cornwall. Enjoy fine dining restaurants, pubs, cafes and a great choice of shops on the doorstep; stunning beaches for lazy days; miles of coastal walks and cycling the Camel Trail. Perfect for couples wanting to getaway for some sea, relaxation and gastro indulgence.
One of three delightful contemporary holiday apartments that are perfectly located in the old town of Padstow in Cornwall, and within just a short stroll from the harbour and quayside with its fantastic selection of gastro restaurants, pubs and bistros as well as glorious beaches for lazy days. With the sea on the doorstep and a hot tub for guests to enjoy, Duke's Retreat is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Detached 2 bedroom bungalow (sleeping 4) on St Merryn Park near Padstow, with off road parking and a spacious, enclosed back garden. Dogs are welcome. On-site amenities include a bar/restaurant and a small convenience store. A short drive away are numerous beaches and coastal walks in the area know as Seven Bays. The bungalow is ideally located for exploring the North Cornwall area and its many attractions. The nearby village of St Merryn has 2 pubs, restaurants and takeaways.
An Eco-friendly holiday rental located in a rural position just three miles from the popular sailing town of Fowey and near to Polkerris beach. Close by to wonderful beaches, good restaurants, coastal walks and all the attractions of South Cornwall. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Primrose is a traditional barn conversion offering stylish self-catering accommodation for up to six guests. Enjoying a rural position amongst Cornish countryside, this stylish holiday cottage is only three miles from the popular pubs, restaurants, shops and attractions of Fowey and close to Polkerris beach. Enjoy lazy days with the sand between your toes, fabulous coastal walks and easy access to the many attractions of South Cornwall. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
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
St Merryn lies at the heart of the Seven Bays area on the north coast of Cornwall. With seven glorious beaches within a few minutes drive and the bustling harbour town of Padstow just two miles away, with shops and several restaurants, including those of renown chefs Rick Stein and Paul Ainsworth. The vibrant village of St Merryn is a five minute walk away, here you will find all the day to day facilities needed for a successful holiday. An ideal base for enjoying the beaches, surfing, south west coast path and all the attractions and places of interest that Cornwall has to offer. The house offers comfortable luxury, a great place to get together with family and friends, whether it be over a long lunch or formal dinner with a private chef around the dining table, relaxing in the covered hot tub or fun filled evenings in the games room, Tre Aneth is the perfect spot to create cherished memories.
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
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
Mevagissey is one of the prettiest villages in Cornwall, and you can enjoy the beautiful coastal and harbour views from dawn until dusk at Cove House. The late Victorian house is on a hill above the village, just a short walk from pubs, cafes and shops as well as the beach and harbour, and popular attractions like the Lost Gardens of Heligan, aquarium and World of Model Railways. There is space for seven people with each of the three bedrooms as well as the sitting room and dining room enjoying fantastic sea views.
Longshore is a beautifully renovated 3 double bedroom detached house, easy 6/7 min stroll to Fowey, a year-round resort & 20 walk to Readymoney beach, an amazing small sandy beach with a year round cafe. Longshore is recently renovated, stylish, spacious & comfortable with 3 double bedroom & 2 bathrooms plus a downstairs toilet. There is a stunning huge sunny deck with beautiful views down to the river through the trees, and over to the Polruan hills. There is a good sized garden below the deck. Driveway parking for 2 cars (very rare in Fowey!), yet just a few moments stroll down to the picturesque and buzzing harbourside town of Fowey with its waterfront, wonderful independent & high-street shops, delicatessans, Inns, cafes & restaurants. Many other stunning wide sandy beaches with easy parking are just 5-10 minute drive. We are dog friendly and welcome up to 2 well mannered and very well behaved dogs (no larger than a labrador). Longshore is a detached house with a secure garden, in a quiet no-through road, so safe for the kids and animals and just a 6/7 minute stroll to Fowey's waterfront, shops, cafes & restaurants. Take in the huge deck with stunning views across the valley & the sparkling harbour through the trees with an ice-cold glass of Rose wine! Relax on the deck with a cup of fresh coffee... Stroll down to town for your morning bread and croissant, or stop off at one of the many cafes there for breakfast! ♣CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR AT LONGSHORE♣- CELEBRATE THE FESTIVE SEASON AT LONGSHORE! CHRISTMAS DECS & TREE, BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE & GIFT!! 3 NIGHT STAY MINIMUM. CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR current prices & online booking www.longshore-fowey.com STUNNING 3 DOUBLE BEDROOM HOUSE, 6/7min WALK INTO FOWEY, HUGE DECK + GARDEN, STUNNING VIEWS DOWN TO THE HARBOUR & ACROSS TO THE POLRUAN COUNTRYSIDE More information/photos on www longshore-fowey com With a plum location in the beautiful bustling & ancient maritime town of Fowey, this stylishly renovated home has 3 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, large kitchen/dining room and spacious lounge with large screen smart TV, real fire, gorgeous comfy sofas, both rooms giving right onto a huge sunny deck with stunning views across the river to Polruan hills and glimpses of the sparkling river below. A quiet road set just above the town, it's just a few moments walk into the hustle and bustle of Fowey, it's wonderful independent shops, restaurants, cafes, the river and the sparkling azure sea! We welcome up to 2 very well behaved & well mannered dogs over 10 months old (£30surcharge) but no larger than a regular Labrador size. Everything in this house, both large & small has been carefully considered for comfort, style and a touch of luxury, with the aim of making guests happy, comfortable & feeling at home. Lovely firm Hypnos beds with soft thick toppers, "Dusk" cotton linens & plump, squishy "Dusk" pillows. Spacious, Light-filled social spaces in coastal hues all set against the backdrop of the River Fowey & the Polruan valley beyond. This stylish home has been renovated by the owner's team of builders and local professionals to a high standard. Calming, coastal Farrow & Ball colours abound in this house throughout, with quality toning curtains, cushions, roman blinds and furnishings. Three equally special double bedrooms on the first floor, offer comfort & luxury with new Hypnos hotel-standard firm mattresses with soft padded headboards, divinely comfortable fat squashy pillows from Dusk. All bedlinen is included, but please note we do not provide towels, so please remember to bring your own. The large master bedroom has an en-suite, Superking Hynos bed, decorated in the softest stone & blue colours with a rustic wooden feature wall The 2nd double bedroom, decorated in calming pale grey & muted mustard colours, with a feature rustic wooden wall. It has zip & link twin Hypnos 3ft single beds, which can be configured as a Superking on request (please request at the time of booking). The 3rd double bedroom has beautiful views of the garden, valley beyond & glimpses of the sparking harbour below. Decorated in palest grey & softest pale green colours, it has a Hypnos firm Kingsize bed with a rustic wooden feature wall. All bedrooms have wardrobes & chest of drawers. All beds have mattress toppers & mattress protectors & pillows with pillow protectors, so you can be assured of complete hygiene PLEASE NOTE ALL BED LINENS ARE INCLUDED BUT WE DO NOT PROVIDE TOWELS The light and spacious open-plan dining and kitchen area (18’ x 12’) is a welcome hub for holiday life and entertaining with it’s huge solid oak table, with dining chairs in coastal colours to tone with the beautiful greys & blues in this stunning open plan room with stunning views over to the valley & sparkling harbour below. A perfect place to sit down with friends & family for those special meals. Open-plan to the kitchen with muted French Grey units, an integrated fridge/freezer, washing machine and dishwasher. Step out of the large casement doors to the huge deck with dining furniture, large parasol and comfortable sofa seats in the far corner. The lounge is made for comfort in beautiful calming seascape colours, with it’s 2 large comfortable sofas & armchair, coffee tables, with large casement door to the huge deck, with its outside sofas & dining table and stunning views over to the valley & sparkling harbour below. This room is light and spacious (18’ x 12’) with a huge windows to the front and large casement doors direct onto the huge decking with sumptuous sofas & dining table & chairs with large parasol. The charm of Fowey is just a short stroll down the hill (about 6/7 minutes walk) so days can be spent flipping from home to cafes to shops to restaurants to the beautiful sandy beach at Readymoney Cove. Wander through the narrow streets to the quay and enjoy the comings and goings of life on the harbourside, with lots of independent shops, high street names (Seasalt, Saltrock, Trespass, Mountain Warehouse & Boots among them), harbourside cafes and restaurants, most overlooking the water, plus yummy deli’s and bakeries. Even better is that this house has it’s own parking on the drive for 3 cars, which in Fowey is a luxury. A 20 minute walk will take you to Readymoney Cove with it’s lovely café, shop and safe beach. Cardinham Woods (near Bodmin & about 20 mins drive) and Golitha Falls (near Liskard about 35/40 mins drive) are just 2 of the many beautiful walks to take the dogs to. South Cornwall has so much to offer from the world renowned Eden Project and Lost Gardens of Heligan to the picture perfect coves of Polkerris, Readymoney and away down the coast to Portloe and Portscatho on The Roseland Peninsula. Fowey is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty nestled between Looe and Mevagissey on the south Cornish coast, and with its sheltered natural harbour making it a mecca for talented yachtsmen. This stunning and beautiful old town is now alive with bustle from the boutique shops, chic cafes, exhibiting galleries, restaurants and fine dining hotels. Take a gentle stroll along the Esplanade or don your walking boots for the popular Hall walk bringing you neatly back to a local pub. If getting on the water is part of your plans then hire kayaks to explore the creeks and inlets of the river or try your hand at Paddleboarding. From yachts to dinghies, sailing is at the heart of the town and offers quite a spectacle as the Fowey regatta gets underway in August and sailors the world over make the town a welcome stop over throughout the season. Bookworms will recognise the influence for novelist Daphne Du Maurier who resided just across the water. Exploring the south coast is a joy as green rolling headlands plunge into crystal clear water and flank postcard-perfect Cornish coves.
Why stay near Padstow when you can be a part of it? 3 Middle Street is a fantastic early 19th-Century terrace in the heart of Padstow Old Town, a few paces from the incredible restaurants and cafes and bars for which the town is famous. Padstow is a harbour town with a long history of fishing, and the quality of the seafood is amazing. There are half a dozen world-class beaches within a 10-15 minute drive. The local beach is a short walk from the house. Padstow is on the Cornwall coast path ; there are also miles of inland footpaths and cycle routes to explore. The holiday house comes with a reserved parking space in a locked car park, which is like gold dust in Padstow in summer, 3 Middle Street comfortably sleeps 10 people in five bedrooms so is ideal for large families and friends. With a small peaceful garden to relax ,eat in and enjoy.
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.
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*
Tregrehan is a truly enchanting holiday retreat offering a choice of five self-catering cottages on Cornwall's South West coast between the ancient harbour town of Fowey and the Cornish village of Charlestown. With plenty of attractions and gardens (including the Eden Project) nearby, as well as fabulous beaches, there are plenty of great days out.
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:
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.
