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
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.
Bring the whole family to this great place with lots of space for everyone. Tregenna is a 320 year old cottage, very spacious with lots of natural light, 3 large bedrooms 2 Kingsize I twin or can be made up as super King, 3 bathroom cottage with electric showers above the baths. All bedrooms have TV,s. A lovely fitted Kitchen, 2 reception rooms one with log burner. A lovely garden with bbq, generous off road parking, storage on request for bikes, canoes etc. Tregenna is at the top of Boscastle right on the footstep of the south west coast path with breathtaking views.
Churchgate Cottage is a Grade 2 listed property situated right in the heart of the traditional Cornish seaside village of Crantock near Newquay. The cottage sleeps up to four with one double bedroom and a second bedroom with full size single bunk beds and so is ideal for families and couples who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and visit a beautiful seaside location. Churchgate Cottage is a charming retreat that warmly welcomes canine companions all year round, making it the perfect destination for dog-loving travellers. This cosy cottage accommodates up to two dogs, ensuring that your furry family members can join in on your holiday adventures. Even better, the nearby Crantock Beach is also dog-friendly all year, allowing your four-legged friends to enjoy the local beach with you. A dedicated off road parking space is available for one car. The cottage is located beside the church and approximately 600 yards from Crantock Beach. The village beach
Sycamore country house is a contemporary 3 bedroom house, nr Bude, North Cornwall, the lounge has a wood burning stove (free log supply) with patio doors leading to the enclosed garden, 6 person hot tub with quality garden furniture, charcoal BBQ, dog friendly with shared indoor pool. Children's play area. Pub opposite, village shop.
Quietly located, 10-minute estuary-side walk to picturesque Padstow harbour. Estuary views, private parking, sleeps 6, child & dog friendly. Close to Camel Trail/SW Coast Path, 7 sandy beaches nearby, ideal for coastal/dog walking & touring Cornwall.
Boslowen is close enough to Widemouth Bay that you can practically roll out of bed and onto the sand. The spacious holiday cottage sleeps six people in three bedrooms and has a sofa bed if you need to accommodate one more. With two bathrooms, it's ideal for families and friends, especially those who love being in or near the water. There is nothing not to like about Boslowen. It's in a fantastic location, is stylish and comfortable with practical features like an outdoor shower, has excellent self-catering facilities and is dog-friendly. Bookings are welcome all year round.
When you stay at Laloma, you can expect sublime views over the Helford River from the house and garden, a peaceful location near the Helford village shop and the Shipwrights Arms pub, and space for six people to sleep in three bedrooms. The thatched holiday cottage dates from the 1700s and has been a much-loved part of the owners' lives for three decades. It's wonderfully welcoming in all seasons and particularly well suited for a family self-catering holiday in Cornwall. Falmouth and Helston are nine miles from the door, and St Ives and Penzance are within an hour's drive.
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.
The Old Chapel is away from the hubbub of St Ives yet close enough to walk to beaches and shops. The large holiday home suits families and extended families as it sleeps eight people in four bedrooms with four bathrooms, a garden, and use of the pool and other amenities at the Polmanter Touring Park. The Halsetown Inn is a short walk away, as is the St Michael's Way footpath. Local attractions include Tate St Ives, Flambards, the Seal Sanctuary, and Land's End. Holiday bookings are available all year round, with short breaks possible outside of peak season.
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.
If you fancy a romantic getaway to Cornwall, then this beautiful apartment is ideal. It is in the stylish seaside village of Rock, just across the Camel Estuary from Padstow and within walking distance of the beach, bakery, butcher, fish and chip shop, pub and boutiques. Rock is a chic seaside destination with excellent amenities and a relaxed atmosphere, and the added benefit of being close to popular attractions and beaches. The self-catering apartment has one bedroom but can accommodate up to two children on comfortable sofa beds.
Rock is one of the most stylish waterfront towns in Cornwall. Hollyhocks is a charming cottage dating back over 100 years which can accommodate up to seven guests to sleep in three bedrooms. It is within walking distance of the beach, pub, shops and the foot-ferry to Padstow, with lots of space indoors and outside and layout that suits relaxed seaside living. There is plenty to see and do in every season, including walking or cycling along the Camel Trail, visiting historic houses, shopping and browsing the art galleries, and lazing on beautiful Cornish beaches.
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 four people in two bedrooms 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
