10 best beachfront cottages in Cornwall
Escape to the picturesque coastline of Cornwall and indulge in the ultimate seaside retreats. From charming fisherman’s cottages to luxurious coastal hideaways, Cornish Traditional Cottages offers some of the best beachfront cottages in Cornwall for every type of traveller.
Whether you’re seeking panoramic sea views, direct beach access, or seaside walks, these 10 beachfront cottages promise a coastal experience like no other.
1. Even the loo has a view: Dolphin Cottage, Portmellon, south Cornwall
Wake up to breathtaking sea views from every room at Dolphin Cottage – even the loo! This one-bedroom, end-of-terrace cottage in Portmellon offers a cosy space for four people to enjoy the beauty of the coastline.
With a lovely beach, pub, and watersport activities nearby, Dolphin Cottage is the perfect retreat for nature enthusiasts or a couple seeking some romance.
2. Couple’s retreat: Chy Rani by the Sea, Portmellon, south Cornwall
Chy Rani is pure bliss. You’re so near the sea that you’ll be able to listen to the waves gently lapping the shore below as you drift off to sleep. Experience romance and charm at this former fisherman’s cottage overlooking Portmellon Beach.
With stunning sea views and easy access to watersports, this one-bedroom cottage is ideal for a couple’s retreat or special occasion.
3. 17th-century charm: Rock Cottage, Portmellon, south Cornwall
Is it possible to stay any closer to the sea without climbing aboard a boat? Introducing Rock Cottage, which has, without doubt, one of the best waterside and beach locations in Cornwall!
Perched on rocks overlooking Portmellon Beach, Rock Cottage offers unrivalled waterside living.
At high tide, waves kiss the rocks below and provide some wonderful viewing pleasure for guests lucky enough to stay here. With its 17th-century charm and proximity to nearby villages and attractions, this two-bedroom cottage provides a unique coastal escape for a group of four or a couple.
4. Water’s edge: Emelle, Cawsand-Kingsand, south-east Cornwall
Discover Cornwall’s hidden corner on the Rame Peninsula at Emelle. This former Pilchard Palace sleeps seven in three bedrooms. Overlooking the stunning Plymouth Sound, it offers a glimpse into village life in Cawsand-Kingsand, with easy access to beaches, historic sites, and coastal walks. If you’re looking for lazy days by the water’s edge, then you won’t have to walk far! A path cut into the rocks from the cottage gives you direct access onto the beach.
It’s an exciting ferry ride across the Sound to Plymouth’s Royal William Yard, an former naval base now bustling with restaurants, cafes, bars, galleries and indie boutiques as well as an Everyman cinema. Or head over to Whitsand Bay for uncrowded, white sandy beaches and limpid blue waters.
5. Seaside haven: Captains Cottage, St Mawes, south Cornwall
Immerse yourself in the heart of St Mawes at Captains Cottage, where panoramic sea views and village charm await. With easy access to beaches, pubs, and local attractions, this four-bed cottage sleeps seven, making it perfect for a family seaside getaway.
St Mawes boasts small, south-facing beaches, ideal for soaking up the sun, along with a popular sailing club where temporary memberships are available for visitors. For a taste of luxury, the world-renowned Hotel Tresanton is mere yards away, featuring a fabulous restaurant.
Explore beyond the village with ease thanks to regular passenger ferry services to Falmouth, as well as crossings over the Percuil River to St Anthony. History buffs will delight in the proximity of the 15th-century St Mawes Castle, surrounded by sub-tropical gardens, while scenic waterside paths along the estuary lead to the picturesque church at St Just in Roseland.
6. Stunning sea views: Roswidden on the Cliff, Treyarnon Bay, north Cornwall
Enjoy some of North Cornwall’s best sea views at Roswidden on the Cliff. Step out quite literally on to the beach at Treyarnon Bay, one of the famous Seven Bays, or explore the coastline via the South West Coast Path.
The remaining six bays, Porthcothan, Constantine, Booby’s Bay, Mother Ivey’s Bay, Harlyn and Trevone and foodie mecca Padstow are all a 15-minute drive away.
This five-bed escape sleeps 11 and is the perfect base for a family holiday or celebratory get-together. Find out more about Cornwall’s stunning Seven Bays.
7. Period splendour: Porthpean House, Porthpean, south Cornwall
Experience the splendour of Porthpean House, a 19th-century mansion overlooking Porthpean Beach (which can give the Med a run for its money on a summer’s day). Boasting breathtaking views and private access to sandy shores, this coastal retreat promises something for everyone and is the perfect base for exploring St Austell Bay. Discover how to spend a week in St Austell Bay.
Just a mile’s stroll away lies the charming village of Charlestown, where you’ll find tall ships at harbour, pubs, restaurants, cafes and the Shipwreck Treasure Museum. St Austell, Mevagissey, the renowned Eden Project and fascinating Lost Gardens of Heligan are a short drive away.
8. Panoramic vistas: Harbour Loft, Port Isaac, north Cornwall
Nestled in the heart of Port Isaac’s picturesque harbour, Harbour Loft offers panoramic views of the Cornish coastline. Whether you’re enjoying your morning coffee or soaking in the sunset, the vistas from this charming loft will leave you enchanted.
Immersed in the picturesque setting that served as the backdrop for the TV series Doc Martin, this renovated gem is just a stone’s throw away from the water’s edge.
Below Harbour Loft lies Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen: indulge in a variety of small seafood dishes crafted from local fishermen’s morning catch, all served in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
With its charming 15th-century location in one of the oldest buildings in the village and proximity to local amenities, this two-bedroom cosy cottage that sleeps four is perfect for a taste of true coastal living.
9. Smugglers hideout: Eventide, Cawsand-Kingsand, south Cornwall
Wake up to sea views at Eventide, a former smugglers cottage in Kingsand that sleeps five in three bedrooms. With its prime location near the beach and coastal paths, this cottage is ideal for exploring the surrounding area.
Join the South West Coast Path and walk to Penlee Point with glorious views of Rame Head to the south or head north to Mount Edgcumbe Park, gardens and stately home overlooking Plymouth Sound. Ideal for dog walkers and families.
10. Coastal luxury: Seascape, Marazion, south-west Cornwall
Retreat to Seascape, where beachfront living meets luxury, just steps away from Marazion Beach. This family home sleeps eight people in five bedrooms and offers oodles of space, manicured gardens and unparalleled access to golden sands, promising the perfect setting for unforgettable seaside adventures.
Wake up to the sound of waves crashing on the shore and step onto the beach in just two minutes. Marazion Beach is a haven for families and water sports enthusiasts alike, while the nearby marshes are perfect for birdwatchers seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
Venture into Marazion village, located a mere 500 yards away, and discover a charming array of pubs, cafes, and local shops waiting to be explored. And don’t miss the causeway leading to the iconic St Michael’s Mount, accessible at low tide for a magical journey across the water.