Which is the best part of Cornwall to stay in?
The dilemma with Cornwall is that it isn’t just one beautiful place – but many – each with their own distinct scene, feel, and location, making you spoilt for choice when it comes to picking your holiday destination.
Waterside idyll or beach retreat? Picturesque harbour or historic town?
Allow us to help you narrow down your favourites with our top ten places to stay...
St Ives
For coastal charm and culture...
The stunning seaside town needs little introduction, so if a sand-between-the-toes stay is what you seek, then you’re guaranteed a memorable one here. You’ll find beaches of the family-friendly, surf, and secluded variety alongside world-renowned art and culture by way of Tate St Ives, Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Gardens, and smattering of art galleries dotted throughout the cobbled streets, which also present top notch dining, whatever your palate prefers.
Browse all our holiday cottages in St Ives >
Newquay
For beachside bliss...
Cornwall’s famous surf capital boasts a bevy of beaches for everything from sun worship to water sports, while the town itself is home to an assortment of shops, cafés, and restaurants. The outskirts offer a more away-from-it-all vibe, allowing visitors to escape to picturesque coves like Polly Joke and Bedruthan Steps for the most breathtakingly unspoilt sands.
Browse all our holiday cottages in Newquay >
Padstow
For food lovers...
Synonymous with Rick Stein, the foodie’s favourite of Padstow ensures a lip-smacking stay, with Paul Ainsworth at No.6 and his Mahé Cookery School and Chef’s Table, Caffè Rojano, and Prawn on the Lawn all adding to the epicurean experience. Meanwhile, the working port and its surrounds present pleasure-seekers with other delights, from cycling the nearby Camel Trail to adrenaline-charged water sports and open sea boat trips.
Browse all our holiday cottages in Padstow >
Sennen
For a wild escape...
Located near Land’s End in the far west of Penwith, Sennen fuses world-class surf, sweeping Atlantic views, and rugged coastal paths with a wonderfully inviting village. So whether you wish to soak up the sun at the impossibly beautiful beach (or its neighbouring dog-friendly stretch of Gwenver), hike to edge of the world, dine at a sea-gazing restaurant or hit the waves, Sennen is the place to be.
Browse all our holiday cottages in Sennen >
Mevagissey
For exploring near and not-too-far...
Situated on Cornwall’s subtropical south coast, the diminutive fishing port of Mevagissey is as well placed as it is oh-so pretty. Offering a palpable sense of seclusion, the village is also conveniently close to attractions such as Lost Gardens of Heligan, Eden Project, Caerhays Castle and Charlestown, while along the harbour and throughout the winding streets you’ll find a museum, aquarium, and plethora of shops, cafés and restaurants.... not to mention some stunning nearby beaches.
Browse all our holiday cottages in Mevagissey >
Mount’s Bay
For a magnificent mix of must-sees...
West Cornwall’s sprawling bay is not only home to the iconic St Michael’s Mount, but is fringed with places of beauty and interest; from the fishing port of Newlyn and gorgeous harbour village of Mousehole to the ancient market town of Penzance and beachside charm of Marazion. Art lovers should head to The Exchange, Penlee House Gallery & Museum, and Newlyn Art Gallery, while the art deco seawater lido, Jubilee Pool, makes for a cool summer’s day out. Packed with places to eat, drink, and shop, Mount’s Bay presents a plethora of scenes, whatever your whims.
Browse all our holiday cottages in Penzance >
Fowey
For laidback living...
The literary inspiration for the likes of Daphne Du Maurier and Kenenth Graeme, Fowey’s allure is instantly tangible as you roam the riverside and explore the area’s picturesque sights. Take a river trip, stroll along the South West Coast Path, dine in a waterside eatery, or lounge on the shores of Polruan, Polkerris, Polridmouth, Lantic Bay and Readymoney Cove for a sense-spoiling sojourn.
Browse all our holiday cottages in Fowey >
Falmouth
For fun and discovery...
Cornwall’s maritime hub is abundant with scenic sights, attractions, year-round events schedule, and top-notch dining, ensuring a mesmerising mix of things to see and do. Visit Pendennis and St Mawes Castles, the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, and explore the River Fal at your leisure by foot or boat. Relish some top beach time at Gyllyngvase, Castle, Maenporth and Swanpool, where you can swim, snorkel, SUP and sunbathe, while the town boasts the biggest concentration of independent outlets for shopping and dining.
Browse all our holiday cottages in Falmouth >
Bude
For family frolics...
North Cornwall’s captivating (and award winning) coastal town is chock with family-friendliness. If it’s a beach holiday you seek, you’ll achieve it in easy style with the likes of Summerleaze (also home to the fantastic Bude Sea Pool) and Crooklets, while a host of other attractions such as Bude Castle and Heritage Centre, Bude Canal and nearby host of adventure parks will provide further entertainment for all ages. A salt-kissed assortment of walks wind across the surrounding coastline while a bevvy of restaurants and cafés wait to refuel you upon your return.
Browse all our holiday cottages in Bude >
Porthleven
For a sensory feast...
Nestled between the Lizard and near Helston, Porthleven’s harbourside town is a laidback locale to savour. Dine in inimitable style at The Square or the acclaimed Kota Restaurant, relish some beach time, amble the South West Coast Path toward Loe Bar and the county’s largest fresh water lake, or head away from the water for a taste of Cornwall’s great gardens such as Trebah, Trevarno and Glendurgan: the area is awash with eye candy of the most awe-inspiring kind.
Browse all our holiday cottages in Porthleven >
For more holiday inspiration, see our guides to 10 of the prettiest villages in Cornwall or unbelievably beautiful places to visit in Cornwall before returning to your welcoming holiday cottage.
Tags: Bude | Falmouth | Fowey | Marazion | Mevagissey | Mousehole | Newlyn | Newquay | Padstow | Porthleven | Sennen | St Ives |