Cottages in Cornwall

• Charming rustic cottages: Cornish cottages range from cosy boltholes for two to family retreats with enclosed gardens, hot tubs and sea views, most with parking, wifi and well-equipped kitchens.
• Best areas to stay: Base yourself in St Ives for beaches and galleries, Padstow for food, Fowey for sailing or Newquay for surf, all close to the coast.
• Top-rated stays: Our highest-rated Cornwall cottages score up to 10.0, with guests praising the peaceful settings, thoughtful touches and easy access to the South West Coast Path.
• Where to eat: Cornwall's dining spans Padstow seafood institutions, clifftop cafés and harbourside pubs, with fresh catch, cream teas and Cornish pasties never far away.
• Things to do: Walk the coast path, explore the Eden Project, catch a show at the Minack Theatre and visit castles, lighthouses and the Lost Gardens of Heligan.

Holiday cottages in Cornwall come in all shapes and sizes, from snug, traditional fishermen's cottages for couples to roomy family homes with enclosed gardens and room for the dog. Many are converted barns or authentic period properties dotted across the coast and countryside, blending original features with modern, well-equipped interiors. If a cottage isn't quite right, Cornwall also has holiday homes, cosy log cabins and larger villas to suit bigger groups and special occasions. Whichever you choose, Cornish cottages are set up for a relaxed self-catering holiday. Popular amenities include:

• Enclosed gardens and patios with barbecues, ideal for families and dog owners
• Bubbling hot tubs for unwinding after a day on the coast
• Private swimming pools at a handful of larger properties
• Wood burners and open fireplaces for cosy autumn and winter stays
• Wifi, parking and fully fitted kitchens with oven, hob, fridge and dishwasher

Pet-friendly cottages are easy to find too, so the whole family, four-legged members included, can join the trip.

What are the best areas to stay in Cornwall?

The best area depends on your plans: St Ives and the north coast suit beach lovers, whilst the south coast around Fowey is calmer and greener. The table below details regions for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Cornwall's holiday cottages are a firm favourite with our guests, who consistently rate them highly for their welcoming hosts, peaceful locations and closeness to the coast. Across the past year, our top-rated cottages have earned scores of 9.8 and above, with reviewers singling out spotless interiors, well-stocked kitchens and gardens made for long summer evenings. Whether you're searching for a romantic bolthole or a family base near the beach, these highly rated stays are a reliable place to begin your search.

Here are our top-rated holiday cottages from the past year:

1. Eastleigh Cottage - 10.0: A spotless cottage for four in Cornwall with a sea view, enclosed garden, wifi and parking, praised by guests for its peaceful setting and easy coastal access.
2. Little Penquite - 10.0: A cosy retreat for two in Cornwall with parking and a private garden, adored for its quiet location and homely, thoughtful touches throughout.
3. Lower Shippen - 9.8+: A delightful pet-friendly cottage for two in North Petherwin, with parking and an enclosed garden, earning glowing reviews for its warm welcome and comfort.

Cornwall forms the far south-western tip of England, a long peninsula edged by the Atlantic on one side and the English Channel on the other, roughly four to five hours from London by road or rail. It's known for its gorgeous beaches, laid-back pace of life, and distinctive local culture.

🥗 Where to eat in Cornwall?

Cornwall is an ideal destination for fans of slow food, local produce, and farm-to-table eating. Fresh seafood, Cornish pasties and cream teas all form an essential part of every Cornish holiday - just remember to put the jam on your scone first, as the locals do! Here are our travel experts' picks for the best dining in the county:

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers from the Wilson family recommend Philp's Famous Pasties in Hayle in Cornwall: a proper hand-crimped Cornish pasty, eaten warm on the harbour wall, was the simple, traditional treat the children asked for again and again.

1. Explore the Eden Project
2. Catch a show at the Minack Theatre
3. Walk the South West Coast Path
4. Discover the Lost Gardens of Heligan
5. Step back in time at Tintagel Castle
6. Tour the Geevor Tin Mine
7. Surf and relax at Newquay's beaches

1. Explore the Eden Project

   Built in a former china-clay pit near St Austell, the Eden Project is one of Cornwall's must-see attractions. Its giant biomes recreate a steamy rainforest and a warm Mediterranean climate under huge geodesic domes, home to thousands of plant species. Designed by architect Nicholas Grimshaw across nearly 50 hectares, the site champions sustainability and conservation.

2. Catch a show at the Minack Theatre

   Carved into the cliffs above Porthcurno, the open-air Minack Theatre is unlike anywhere else in Britain. Hand-built by Rowena Cade and her gardener from the 1930s, its terraces gaze out over the Atlantic, so the sea becomes part of the backdrop. The season runs through summer with around 17 productions a year, but the site is open year-round for daytime visits.

3. Walk the South West Coast Path

   For walkers, the South West Coast Path is the headline act. The Cornish stretch hugs the coastline past picturesque fishing villages, towering cliffs and hidden coves, with regular spots to pause for a drink or a meal in a seaside pub. Some sections are demanding, with plenty of ups and downs, but the rewards are constant sea views.

4. Discover the Lost Gardens of Heligan

   Near Mevagissey, the Lost Gardens of Heligan spread across some 80 hectares of restored pleasure grounds, productive gardens and subtropical planting. Abandoned after the First World War and lovingly revived in the 1990s, they are now among Britain's most famous gardens. Follow boardwalks through the Jungle, seek out the mossy sculptures and explore the Lost Valley's lakes.

5. Step back in time at Tintagel Castle

   On a windswept headland on the north coast, Tintagel Castle blends history and legend. The medieval ruins are steeped in the King Arthur myth, and a striking footbridge now reconnects the mainland and island sections of the site. Below lies Merlin's Cave, reachable at low tide. Wander the rugged clifftops, take in the Atlantic views, and stop at the nearby village for a Cornish cream tea.

6. Tour the Geevor Tin Mine

   To understand Cornwall's mining heritage, head to Geevor Tin Mine near Pendeen, once one of the area's largest working tin mines. Operating into the 1990s, it is now a museum where you can walk through original buildings, see the machinery that processed the ore and even venture into an underground tunnel. It forms part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, and the clifftop setting is spectacular.

7. Surf and relax at Newquay's beaches

   On the north coast, Newquay is Cornwall's surfing capital, fringed by golden beaches that catch the Atlantic swell. Fistral Beach is the best known, with consistent waves suiting beginners and seasoned surfers alike, plus lessons and board hire close by. Beyond the surf, you will find wide promenades for a gentle stroll, lifeguarded bays for families, and plenty of cafés, shops and restaurants.