10 best places to stay in Cornwall
Cornwall is awash with quaint fishing villages, glorious beachside locations and sleepy inland hamlets. They all have different ambiences but have one thing in common: a stay in a Cornish holiday cottage in one of these places is balm for the soul.
From soul-soaring coastal walks and surf beaches to stellar food rustled up by celebrity chefs, we’ve picked 10 of the best places to stay in Cornwall at any time of year.
1. Port Isaac: best Cornish fishing village
Port Isaac in north Cornwall has to be one of the county’s favourite fishing villages. It ticks all the boxes: a labyrinth of higgledy-piggledy streets, a little harbour and whitewashed cottages. It’s no surprise that this idyllic spot was chosen for the beloved sitcom Doc Marten, which has made it somewhat of a fixture on the tourist trail.
But see past its fame and you’ll be rewarded with oodles of charm. Don’t miss sweeping views from the coast path, where you can tramp west over to Daymer Bay, Trebetherick and the sunken St Enodoc Church. Or, head to Polzeath to try surfing. Return to sample the catch of the day destined for the plates of local Michelin-starred restaurateur Nathan Outlaw or at the Golden Lion pub.
2. Fowey: best for Famous Five vibes
On Cornwall’s south coast is Fowey (pronounced Foy, as in boy), a lovely sea-meets-estuary town. It’s a hive of boaty activity, overlooked by terraces of period houses on the hill.
Nature-friendly, wholesome, messing-about-on-the-water vibes are the order of the day at any time of year. Catch the ferry to and from Polruan, comb the beach for shells at Readymoney Cove, explore the Tudor fort of St Catherine’s Castle or head down river to Golant to hire kayaks.
Grab an ice cream from Lazy Jack’s before wandering the independent boutiques, delis and restaurants on and around Fore Street. Cross over on the ferry to Bodinnick for the Hall Walk, a tranquil four-miler through valley and creek with incredible views over Fowey Harbour.
3. Porthleven: best for burgeoning foodie scene
If you like food, but don’t fancy facing the crowds at Padstow, head to Porthleven in west Cornwall. The pretty fishing village holds its own annual food festival in April, and has a host of great places to eat.
Choose from the trendy Mussel Shoal, Kota’s Japanese-Cornish fusion plates, and Amelie’s Mediterranean fare. For informal artisan eats, head to the Shipyard, where you can also shop the resident indie Cornish brands there.
Come summer, eat fish and chips off the harbour wall or go rock pooling at low tide. In the winter, hunker up in the Ship Inn to watch huge waves rage the harbour walls.
4. Penzance: best for cultural, creative and culinary gems
What do pirates, a fairytale castle and an art deco lido have in common? They’re all in Penzance, west Cornwall. This thriving Cornish town has it all: quaint historic buildings and cobbled streets go hand in hand with contemporary restaurants, shops and galleries.
Head to St Michael’s Mount for a magical day out, relax in the balmy waters of the thermal spa at the stunning Jubilee Pool or head down to the harbour to learn about Cornwall’s pirating past.
You’re also spoiled for choice when it comes to stunning beaches, bracing coastal walks and subtropical gardens.
5. Polperro: best for Cornish smuggler history
For a true insight into Cornwall’s days of yore, head to Polperro, near Looe in south Cornwall. Tiny lanes, olde worlde pubs and unique shops make this Cornish seaside village a pleasure to wander around at any time of year as you sink into the past.
The Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing down on the harbourside allows you to delve into Polperro’s murky history, while a host of nearby activities and day trips bring the village bang up to date.
If you’re staying in one of our Looe or Polperro cottages, head to nearby Talland Bay for a gorgeous secluded swim.
6. Cawsand-Kingsand: best for undiscovered Cornwall
Need some peace and quiet? Head to south Cornwall’s forgotten corner on the Rame Peninsula. The unassuming seaside villages of Cawsand and Kingsand near Saltash will welcome you with their quaint cottages, great pubs and picnic-perfect beaches.
Catch the Cremyll ferry over to the naval city of Plymouth, head to Mount Edgcumbe for cycle and segway rides or hike the South West Coast Path to the deserted beaches at Whitsand Bay. You can rent surfboards and wetsuits there, and find your own idyllic cove to sunbathe or walk the dog.
7. St Ives: best all-rounder
You can’t write about the best places in Cornwall without mentioning St Ives on the county’s north coast. Where else on earth can you get nostalgic Cornish holiday vibes served up with a side of world-class surf and culture?
Children will love the rockpools and bucket-and-spade beaches, while culture vultures will drink in the Tate St Ives, Barbara Hepworth sculpture garden and myriad art galleries. Foodies will be kept busy at the Porthminster Cafe, the Ugly Butterfly and One Fish Street.
Add in Caribbean-style beaches and waters and you have the perfect Cornish holiday cottage stay.
8. Bodmin Moor: best for landscapes and legends
Bodmin Moor is way, way more than tales of its beast and Jamaica Inn. Think rolling hills, wild open spaces, ancient monuments, standing stones and epic fresh air. Its exposed and untamed landscape, peppered with waterfalls, offer a wealth of dramatic wilderness for those up for exploring it.
Cyclists will love the mountain-bike trails around Cardinham Woods or the lesser-known leg of the Camel Trail from Bodmin to Blisland. Don’t forget to visit the fascinating Bodmin Jail and the National Trust’s magnificent Lanhydrock house and estate.
9. Newquay: best for beautiful beaches
Newquay has a grand total of eight beaches, so our collection of Newquay holiday cottages are bound to be near one of them. There are golden sands for every occasion. World-class surfing can be found at Fistral, Crantock and Towan, while Tolcarne, Porth, Polly Joke and Lusty Glaze are great family days out. The town also offers a thriving indie food scene, trendy cafes and hipster lifestyle boutiques.
10. Bude: best for families
Tucked away on an isolated part of the north Cornwall/Devon coastline is family-friendly Bude. Relaxed, laidback and all about beach life, Bude is well known for its chilled-out holiday atmosphere.
It’s the perfect place to visit at any time of year. Children will find plenty to do on its golden sands, while everyone else will love the walking, surfing and cycling. Don’t forget Bude Sea Pool, one of Cornwall’s most well-known tidal pools. It’s accessible when the tide is out at Summerleaze Beach and ideal for little ones when the sea is rough.
Want to book a stay in one of these glorious destinations?
Take a look at our beautiful holiday cottages in Cornwall.
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