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
The Retreat is a detached holiday cottage in a peaceful position in the small hamlet of Treskilling in Cornwall within easy reach (just five 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 (two miles away).
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
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
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
Cornwall is a wonderful place for a self-catering holiday in all seasons, and this lovely Mews cottage offers excellent value with great flexibility all year round. Stratton is a peaceful village and historic settlement just on the outskirts of Bude. As well as the attraction of Bude's beautiful sandy beaches, wonderful cafes and leisure activities, there are short walks from the door taking in Stratton's fascinating history and the River Strat, and you're ideally situated to visit the pretty villages of North Devon as well as the rest of North Cornwall. The cottage is a step away from the village shop, two historic inns and a medieval church. It sleeps three to four people in two bedrooms with the potential to sleep two more on a sofa bed in the living room, and there's no charge for dogs!
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.
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*
With its beautiful beaches, mild weather and friendly community, St Ives should be on everyone's favourite holiday destination list. Bay Watch House is ideal for extended families or groups of friends because it is spacious and centrally located. The elegant Edwardian villa provides large group accommodation for up to 13 people in comfort, with beaches, pubs, shops, cafes and galleries all within walking distance. You can see the beach, headland and island from all of the rooms at the front of the house, and it is also close to top Cornwall attractions including St Michael's Mount, the Minack Theatre and The Eden Project.
A newly built ‘fisherman’s style’ holiday cottage with parking in an exceptionally enviable position a stone's throw from the bustling quayside in the heart of Padstow, North Cornwall. Great pubs, restaurants and miles of glorious sandy beach to relax and unwind, swim or enjoy water sports. Superb coastal walking and good cycling with the Camel Trail starting in Padstow, taking you past Bodmin and beyond.
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
Its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful harbour make Mevagissey a favourite Cornish holiday destination. This fantastic holiday cottage, which sleeps eight people in four bedrooms, is a leisurely ten-minute stroll from Mevagissey's pubs, shops and restaurants, and just a few minutes walk to the secluded, sheltered beach. Kittiwake is the families much loved holiday home and is spacious and private, with both the interior living areas and garden perfectly designed for relaxing. With great attractions like the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Eden Project nearby, this Cornish cottage is ideal for families and groups of friends.
Comfy and welcoming, this charming self catering holiday cottage sits in the traditional Cornish fishing village of Mevagissey on the South Coast of Cornwall and affords lovely views over the harbour and sea from the sun lounge, back bedrooms and terrace. A perfect destination for walking, enjoying the glorious beaches of the area, exploring South Cornwall with its many attractions, and simply relaxing!
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
A comfortable self catering holiday home nestling amongst five acres of beautiful Cornish countryside with panoramic views in the very heart of Cornwall. Sitting in a peaceful rural spot just two miles from Lanivet, the cottage is perfect for exploring both the north and south coasts, or simply relax enjoying facilities including a shared hot tub and fishing lake. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
A spacious family holiday home ideally situated in the popular fishing village of Porthleven, Cornwall. Just a short stroll from the harbours edge and long sandy beach making this perfect for a self-catering family holiday by the sea.
Cherry Blossom Barn is a beautifully converted self catering cottage for 4 guests, situated in stunning West Cornwall countryside near Hayle and Marazion and within easy access to both the North and South Coasts. Tucked away with fabulous views of the surrounding countryside, the barn has two bedrooms, open plan kitchen/dining and living area and bathroom with shower. There is plenty of outside space with a garden and adjoining field for guests to relax, play or walk the dog and not forgetting to watch the sunset! The barn is conveniently located only 4 miles from beaches and a 5 minute drive to St Erth train station where the branch line travels regularly to St Ives. So whether you want to relax or explore, Cherry Blossom Barn offers the best of both worlds, the perfect base for a Cornish holiday!
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.
In a beautiful position, Purcell House affords lovely views over the Fowey Estuary and beyond to the sea. This pretty seaside town offers great restaurants, beaches, shops, galleries and superb coastal and countryside walks. Explore the Fowey estuary on foot, boat or kayak or discover the many attractions of South Cornwall by car with world class attractions within driving distance including the Eden Project. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
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.
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.
