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
Located close to Lanhydrock House, Hosta House is a comfortable holiday retreat for couples and an ideal base from which to explore Cornwall and its many attractions. Set within five acres of rolling Cornish countryside, guests have the use of a fishing lake, shared hot tub and can enjoy panoramic views. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Modern and comfortable facilities are provided in this detached holiday home that sits in five acres of fantastic rural Cornish countryside in a peaceful hamlet two miles from Lanivet. There is a fishing lake and shared hot tub on-site with panoramic views and an abundance of attractions within easy reach including the beaches of the north and south coast. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
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*
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
One bedroom newly renovated former milking parlour in centre of popular seaside village of Crantock.
The Retreat is a detached holiday cottage in a peaceful position in the small hamlet of Treskilling in Cornwall within easy reach (just six 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 (three miles away).
2 Penmayne Cottage comfortably accommodates four guests in two bedrooms and is a short walk from one of Cornwall's finest beaches. Set away from passing traffic at the end of a private lane the property offers privacy and tranquillity so you can relax and unwind in peace. Nearby amenities include a fish and chip shop, a village store, and a locally famous bakery and deli. Ideal for couples, and the cottage's flexible bedding arrangement also makes it suitable for families and friends. Rock, known as the St Tropez of Cornwall, offers celebrity sightings amidst stunning coastal views from the beach and the South West Coast footpath.
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
Highwood is on the South West Coastal Path, in an elevated position above Looe and enjoying far-reaching views of Looe Island and Looe Bay. The beaches at Plaidy and Millendreath are only a five-minute walk from the cottage, with Polperro, Fowey, and Polkerris all within easy reach. The cottage can sleep up to six people in three bedrooms, with the owners having focused on the little touches that make this lovely holiday retreat feel like a relaxing home-away-from-home at any time of the year.
The Farmhouse is a welcoming property in a fantastic location. The traditional home sits peacefully on Goongillings Farm on the Lizard Peninsula, within walking distance of the Helford River and a private jetty where they can use one of the owner's sailing dinghies or rowboats. There are miles of beautiful footpaths and cycling routes leading from the door, and stunning Cornish beaches within a short drive. Falmouth and Truro are within easy reach, while the village of Constantine and the Trengilly Wartha Inn are within walking distance. There is space for up to eight people to sleep in four bedrooms to make it ideal for families and friends, while the flexible layout means it is also suitable for couples who enjoy having the spacious living areas and gardens to themselves.
The Barn occupies a stunning location near the beautiful Helford River in Cornwall. Sleeping up to eight people, it is perfect for families and friends who want to enjoy the beaches, towns and countryside without being tied down to just one of them. The entire Lizard Peninsula is spread out before you, with miles of beautiful places to walk, cycle, kayak and swim. Falmouth and Truro are both only a short drive away, while the friendly village of Constantine is around a 10-minute walk, and the excellent Trengilly Wartha Inn is just a two-minute walk from the property.
The sunny Lizard Peninsula is beautiful in every season, and Ben’s Cottage is a magical place from which to enjoy it. As one of four holiday rentals on Goongillings Farm, it sits on 150 private acres with direct access to the Helford River. You’re within easy reach of Truro and Falmouth and within walking distance of two pubs, cafe and village shop. The single-storey self-catering cottage has a small patio garden and sleeps four people in two bedrooms, suiting couples and families.
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.
Jack & Jill's is wonderfully flexible so's to ensure that every ability of person and every pet can stay, plus it also offers savings if you require just one or two bed's and not four
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.
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.
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.
Seagulls is a stunning holiday home in St Mawes, accommodating 10-12 guests in five elegant bedrooms. Ideal for families and pets, enjoy breathtaking views of the Percuil River and Froe Creek, with a private path to the water's edge. Just a stroll away, find local amenities like a bakery, café, and the Rising Sun pub. This yachting paradise offers boating, kayaking, and fishing opportunities. Explore nearby attractions like St Mawes Castle, Lamorran Gardens, and vibrant Falmouth. Enjoy beautiful walking trails from the property, making Seagulls the perfect retreat for an unforgettable Cornish escape.
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.
