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
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*
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
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
You can enjoy the best of the Cornish coast and countryside at Bramble Cottage. This gorgeous self-catering holiday home is just over a mile from St Ives Harbour and Beach and within a short drive of beaches like Porthgwidden and Porthmeor. The cottage is spacious enough to easily sleep up to six people in three bedrooms, but its cosy charm also makes it feel welcoming for couples. The garden is enclosed and has distant sea views and is very dog-friendly; and with fantastic footpaths along the lane from the cottage, it's a great choice for guests who don't want to spend their entire holiday stuck in the car.
Luxuriate in the peace and tranquility of the West Cornish countryside in Phoenix Cottage. Set in extensive secure grounds of some five acres, there is lots of space for children and dogs to run around and play, yet it's cosy enough for couples to enjoy. Phoenix Cottage is a few minutes' walk from the centre of Praze-an-Beeble with its popular family-friendly pub, the St Aubyn Arms, and Philps Bakery where you can buy arguably the best pasties in Cornwall. St Ives and Porthleven are within a 15-minute drive, while Penzance and Falmouth are only another 10 or 15 minutes further. All of West Cornwall's beaches and attractions are well within an hour of Phoenix Cottage which means you can visit fantastic places like the Minack Theatre, Lost Gardens of Heligan and The Eden Project without having to spend all day in the car to get there. Phoenix Cottage's owners have taken care to make sure the cottage has everything you could want for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
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 collection of self-catering apartments at The Old Rectory makes it ideal for a holiday for everyone from couples to large groups of family or friends. Its location on the edge of Lanreath village is private and peaceful, yet only 100 metres from the village shop and two miles from the Jubilee Inn at Pelynt. The beaches at Looe and Polperro are ten minutes away, while favourite attractions like the Eden Project, the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Monkey Sanctuary are all easily accessible by car. An outdoor swimming pool is available from May to the end of August.
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. Short breaks, min 3 nights available.
Historic Boscastle is one of the most beautiful villages on the coast of North Cornwall. Norwood is a charming Victorian holiday cottage a short walk from the natural harbour, South West Coast Path, Museum of Witchcraft, a village shop, cafes and two pubs. It is ideal for couples or friends as it has two ensuite bedrooms, good self-catering amenities, and off-street parking. There is lots to do, from surfing at Crackington Haven to looking for Merlin's ghost at Tintagel and exploring the beautiful gardens and country houses in the surrounding area.
Porthcothan Mill Cottage is a gorgeous luxury cottage dating back to 1597. Perfect for romantic getaways and family escapes alike, this is an ideal home for both short and longer breaks. It has 3 double bedrooms, and is set in a stunning large garden, just 5 minutes walk across a meadow to the beach at Porthcothan Bay, near to Padstow, north Cornwall. Located in a beautiful valley, the cottage has a range of character features, and has been thoughtfully furnished with a mix of modern, and vintage furniture.
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.
Set in a tranquil location just 1.5 miles from the beautiful North Cornwall coast, Trengayor Farm is the perfect base to explore. With three bedrooms, three bathrooms, large garden and all creature comforts for six humans and multiple dogs (who stay free of charge!). Sea and country views all round, even from the bath!
Ideally placed in the very heart of the Cornish fishing village of Newlyn, Seabreeze Cottage is just a short walk from a great choice of pubs, a Micheline Star restaurant, the harbour with its famous fish market and the South West Coastal Path. Close to Mousehole, Penzance (where you can catch a ferry to the Scilly Isles), St Michaels Mount and within easy reach of the areas many attractions including St Ives, the Minack Theatre and Lands End. One dog welcome and great for walkers and those with a passion for outdoor adventures, as well as relaxing by the sea.
Courtyard Stables offers single level holiday accommodation and enjoys a peaceful location amongst tranquil Cornish countryside (a haven for wildlife!), yet is within easy reach of Bude and its glorious beaches. A superb self-catering base for visiting North Cornwall's many attractions, walking, relaxing by the sea and an ideal romantic retreat for couples. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Mews Cottage stands out as a top-tier holiday cottage. Set amidst 20 acres of captivating gardens of the Bonython Estate near Helston on the Lizard Peninsula, it offers an excellent self-catering experience. Loved by families and friends alike, the cottage boasts indoor and outdoor spaces and is perfect for all ages. Its well-equipped kitchen ensures convenience, but the Wheel Inn is just a short stroll away for those craving a break. The mild climate of South Cornwall is perfect for exotic plants, showcased beautifully in the Bonython Estate Gardens, a must-see attraction known as one of Cornwall's Great Gardens. With proximity to breathtaking beaches, fun attractions, and the stunning South West Coast Path, Mews Cottage provides an unforgettable base for exploring the wonders of the Lizard Peninsula. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
Guests rave about all of the properties at Broomhill Manor, but House Cottage is a favourite. Originally the housekeeper's cottage, the family holiday home sleeps five people in two bedrooms and has an enclosed garden and views of the manor house. It is less than a mile from Bude with on-site facilities that include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, play areas for toddlers and older children, games rooms, a tennis court, riding stables, and 16 acres of grounds. You can walk to the pub, the beach and the South West Coast Path, or stay at home and enjoy lazy days while the kids play. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Otter Lodge is one of seven superb holiday cottages at Rivermead Farm which is situated off the A38 between Bodmin and Liskeard. The three-bedroom property sleeps six people, with guests having beautiful woodland views towards the River Fowey. There is onsite river fishing, a lake, nature walks, and lots of space to relax, picnic and barbecue on the 17-acre grounds. Bodmin Moor, the Eden Project and the beautiful beaches of the South Cornwall Coast are all within easy reach. Walk the South West Coast Path, cycle the Camel Trail, climb Bodmin Moor's granite tors, or discover old smuggler's haunts in Bodmin - there's something for everyone in all seasons.
Relax and unwind in the beautiful surroundings of Rivermead Farm. Guests staying at Owl Lodge, one of seven fantastic self-catering holiday homes set in 17-acres of grounds, can enjoy the onsite river fishing, a lake, nature walks, picnics and boules. The lodge is situated off the A38 halfway between Bodmin and Liskeard and within easy reach of the south coast beaches, Bodmin Moor and the Eden Project. This 4-Star cottage sleeps six people in three bedrooms, with lots of space and a layout that suits families and extended families.
The Hide is a wonderful escape for couples or individuals who want a private space where they can relax and unwind away from prying eyes. The charming studio holiday cottage feels incredibly spacious with a kingsize bed and full-sized appliances in the kitchen. It features an enclosed courtyard garden with an outdoor hot tub - bliss after a day spent walking along the coastal footpath, mountain biking around Bodmin or Dartmoor, or surfing at Newquay. Tucked away in the small village of Penhallow, within walking distance of the local pub, The Hide is only three miles from Perranporth and within easy reach of Truro, Land's End, Exmoor, Westward Ho! and many of Cornwall's other favourite attractions.
Popular towns in and around Cornwall:
BodminBoscastleBudeCoverackFalmouthFoweyHayleHelfordHelstonLanhydrockLauncestonLiskeardLooeLuxulyanMevagisseyMouseholeMullionNewquayPadstowPenzancePerranporthPort IsaacRedruthRockSt AgnesSt AustellSt IvesSt MawesSt MawganSt MinverTorpointTrevoneTruroSome 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.
