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
A historic one bedroom ex Fishermans Cottage at the seas edge at Portmellon near Mevagissey. Open plan Kitchen/Living room. Upstairs bedroom with ensuite bathroom. The super king bed can be converted to two singles if preferred. The bathroom has a bath with a shower over. Outside Terrace with patio furniture overlooking Sea. Lower terrace at sea edge, down a flight of stairs.
Poldowrian Farmhouse offers refreshment and peace on the coast of the Lizard Peninsula, 100 yards from the cliffs, half a mile from Kennack Sands and in easy reach of many beautiful and interesting places. There is a spectacular woodland garden and a prehistoric hut circle. The 19th century house has been recently renovated: it is well equipped and comfortably furnished. All recent guests have rated it 10/10.
Recently featured in Country Life Magazine, and The Times Travel section, this dreamy grade 2 listed thatched cottage, believed to be over 400 years old, is a luxurious dog friendly bolthole in the countryside with the siren call of the sea - the best of both worlds, just bliss! The cottage has two double bedrooms, and a traditional yet chic interior with an eclectic mix of original features mixed with lovely modern touches. Sink into comfortable sofas and beds after a day of surfing or walking along the South West Coast Path. With a sumptuous teal-coloured velvet sofa and blue linen smaller sofa - both from Loaf - you'll be tucked up and cosy in no time. Bold touches of colour teamed with equally colourful cushions and blinds are scattered throughout the cottage.
You'll be the envy of your friends when they hear you're staying at Gull Rock, so why not bring them with you! This large seafront holiday home is across the road from Porthmeor Beach and within a short stroll of St Ives many fantastic shops, galleries, and eateries. It sleeps 12 people in six bedrooms, four of which are ensuite, and suits families and friends. The location is incredible with guests having easy access to the beach, South West Coast Path and some of Cornwall's favourite attractions including Land's End and the Eden Project.
Ankorya is a unique holiday cottage above Whitsand Bay on Cornwall's beautiful Rame Peninsula, offering self-catering accommodation for couples and friends seeking privacy, sea views and a stay that's a little different. This off-grid holiday rental is powered entirely by solar energy yet includes all the comforts of home, from a well-equipped kitchen and wood burner to Starlink WiFi. Reached by a short walk along the South West Coast Path, it's surrounded by spectacular coastal scenery while remaining within easy reach of local villages, welcoming pubs, restaurants and the attractions of South East Cornwall.
One bedroom former milking parlour in centre of popular seaside village of Crantock.
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*
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).
A traditional Cornish self-catering holiday cottage located in the highly desirable village of Rock with a beautiful sandy beach just 400 yards away and a Michelin starred restaurant within walking distance. The perfect seaside destination and possibly one of Cornwall's most popular and beautiful!
The sea views at Studio Cottage are simply outstanding and a treasure you won't want to miss. This enchanting stone built self-catering holiday home proudly stands alone on its exclusive 6-acre hillside estate, with the stunning Cornish coastline of Talland Bay as its backdrop. Private woodland steps lead down to a babbling brook and onwards to the café and two beaches below. The property offers ample space, within four comfortable bedrooms to easily accommodate up to ten people. The open-plan double-height design of the lounge and dining area allows families and friends to enjoy quality time together. Wander along the South West Coast Path to the charming fishing villages of Polperro or Looe, hire a sea kayak, bask in long, lazy beach days, or simply relax within the cottage grounds. There's off-road parking available for at least six cars too. It's a blissful retreat you'll want to revisit time and time again.
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.
Ocean Skies sleeps up to 10 guests across four beautifully designed bedrooms and an additional snug with a luxury sofa bed. Three bedrooms feature king-size Ercol beds, while the fourth offers a zip-and-link bed that can be configured as either a super king or two singles. Two bedrooms enjoy private sea-view balconies, with a third benefiting from a Juliet balcony. The property offers three en-suite shower rooms, a family bathroom and an additional shower room, making it ideal for families and groups. The spacious open-plan living area, games room/snug, high-spec kitchen and large sea-view terraces provide plenty of room to relax, entertain and enjoy the spectacular coastal setting.
Harbour Lights sleeps up to 4 guests across two beautifully appointed bedrooms. The luxurious master suite enjoys a super king bed, with stunning sea views and features a freestanding bath perfectly positioned to take in the coastal scenery, along with an en-suite bathroom and a spacious walk-in wardrobe/utility room. The second bedroom offers a single bed with a pull-out trundle bed beneath, making it ideal for children, friends or additional guests. A separate family bathroom serves this bedroom.
Birch Studio sleeps up to 4 guests. The accommodation includes one king-size bedroom, a small double sofa bed in the living area suitable for up to two additional guests, and a mezzanine reading nook above. The property is ideally suited to couples, but can comfortably accommodate a small family or up to four guests.
Topaz sleeps up to 6 guests across two beautifully appointed bedrooms and a separate snug. Both bedrooms feature luxurious super king-size beds, with one bedroom offering the flexibility to be configured as twin beds if required. The snug includes a comfortable sofa bed, providing additional sleeping space for two guests. The apartment benefits from two stylish bathrooms, making it an ideal choice for couples, families and small groups seeking a relaxing coastal escape.
A picturesque, well maintained family owned property, very private and sitting above the peaceful shores of the Mawgan Creek in an acre of grounds with a stunning exclusive view. An idyllic choice for a couple or a family accommodating up to four adults with two children. Direct water frontage for those who wish to explore the peaceful creeks in our rowing dinghy 'Peggy'. With wonderful walks, many local beaches and attractions too. Village shop, pub with restaurant, pasty shop within walking distance. A peaceful retreat where guests return frequently. We can offer you a flexible arrival and departure day - just ask!
Serena sleeps up to 6 guests across three beautifully appointed bedrooms. The spacious master suite occupies the upper floor and features a king-size bed, stunning sea views and a private Nordic sauna. On the lower level, there are two further bedrooms, including a king-size room with sea views and a twin bedroom, making the apartment ideal for couples, families and friends. The property benefits from three bathrooms, ensuring plenty of space and convenience for all guests throughout their stay.
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. Out of season shorter stay enquiries welcome, minimum 3 nights
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
Popular towns in and around Cornwall:
AlbastonBodminBodmin MoorBoscastleBudeCallingtonCamelfordCarbis BayCharlestownCommon MoorCoverackCrackington HavencrantockDaymer BayDelaboleEast LooeFalmouthFoweyGorran HavenGunnislakeHayleHelfordHelstonHolywell BayKingsandLamornaLands EndLanhydrockLauncestonLiskeardLizard peninsulaLooeLostwithielLuxulyanMarazionMawgan PorthMevagisseyMouseholeMullionMylorNewlynNewquayNr TregonyPadstowPenzancePerranporthPlymouthPolperroPolruanPolzeathPort IsaacPorthcothan BayPorthlevenPorthtowanPortreathPortscathoPrussia CoveRedruthRockRoseland PeninsulaSaint AgnesSaint AustellSaint Columb MajorSaltashSennenSt AgnesSt AustellSt IvesSt JustSt 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:
Search within South West England
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.
