Travelling to Cornwall

Cornwall was once notorious for being ‘a long way from anywhere’, and getting to the UK’s rugged southwestern tip was often thought of as a lengthy journey – which could be somewhat uncomfortable in a hot car with children and dogs in the back.

However, thanks to major investment in the county’s infrastructure, Cornwall is now more connected than ever before. We’ve highlighted the different modes of transport you can use to easily travel to the county, making a holiday in Cornwall seem even more accessible.

Fly

Cornwall Airport Newquay is the the UK’s fastest growing airport outside of London. With four daily flights to and from London Heathrow, along with direct flights to other major UK cities including Manchester and Birmingham, flying to Cornwall is now one of the quickest and easiest ways of travelling to your Cornish retreat.

Car hire is available at the airport, serviced by Hertz and Europcar, and there is also a bus service between Newquay and Padstow which stops at the airport. Alternatively, Coastline Travel is the airport’s official taxi provider – so you can also book a transfer to your Cornish cottage if you don’t fancy navigating the country lanes yourself.

Car

Updates to the A30 (Cornwall’s main arterial road through the county) has taken place, meaning the route is now a dual carriageway right the way through north Cornwall until Carland Cross roundabout on the outskirts of Truro. Since the Temple roadworks were completed in 2018, the time taken to drive into Cornwall has decreased, with fewer hold-ups and traffic queues, resulting in a smoother and more enjoyable drive.

There are future plans to dual another section of the A30 between Carland Cross and Chiverton Cross roundabouts, which would further improve access to our favourite West Cornwall holiday destinations – but in true Cornish style, it will be done dreckly.

Train

There is a direct train line from London Paddington right through to Penzance in west Cornwall, which takes around five and a half hours. This main line makes many stops throughout the county, with further branch lines to popular coastal towns such as Newquay and Falmouth.

Not only does train travel make getting to and around Cornwall easy, but it’s also a very scenic way to see parts of the Cornish countryside.

Whether you decide to travel to Cornwall by plane, car or train, the one thing we would highly recommend packing is your walking boots or wellies. Some of the best Cornish landscape and scenery can only be accessed by foot. From Bodmin Moor, to hidden coves and woodland trails, there’s so much variety to explore – whether you’re a keen walker or just out for a stroll with the dog.

However you arrive, we can help make your holiday in Cornwall a real experience with our collection of self catering Cornish cottages. Whether you require a dog-friendly property, or are dreaming of a holiday home by the sea, we have something to suit everyone. Browse our portfolio here, and contact our friendly advisors if you would like to know more.