There are few places for a staycation in the UK on par with Cornwall. It’s a fantastic place to stay, with wonderful golden beaches to keep the kids busy, pretty villages and vibrant towns to visit, while the 400 miles of coastline make the South West Coast Path a stunning way to burn off some calories and explore the beauty of our coast.
Camping often springs to mind when you think of a Cornish holiday, but the county is truly spoiled for choice when it comes to quaint holiday cottages. Whether you’re looking for a home tucked away in a winding side street in a fishing village, a traditional rural abode out in the countryside or a modern property in one of the county’s towns, you’ll always find the perfect place for your holiday.
Considering the huge number of cottages available, it’s almost impossible to pick a top ten list, but here are South West News’ picks for ten of the best holiday cottages in Cornwall, each offering their own charming and unique experience.
Bosinver Farm Cottages, nr St Austell
Want a true Cornish farm experience while living the life in absolute luxury? That blend of rural life and comfort is what you’ll find at Bosinver, a farm with 20 individual self catering cottages set in 30 acres of peaceful farm and woodland in a sheltered valley near the coast. Your children can play freely and even feed the farm animals each day.
The Sanctuary Cornwall, Golant
Fancy taking a fully sustainable holiday off the grid? The Sanctuary is a five bedroom off grid eco-build. Set in 12 acres of woodland overlooking Golant village and the beautiful Fowey Estuary, the emphasis here is on connecting with nature and sampling sustainable living. An ideal retreat for walkers, cyclists, kayakers, artists, photographers and nature lovers, there are few cottages around with such an emphasis on the environment and nature.
https://thesanctuarycornwall.co.uk/
Glynn Barton Holiday Cottages, Bodmin
Having been voted the best self catering cottages in the region recently, Glynn Barton rightly comes with a lofty reputation. Their eight 18th century cottages each have stunning views of the surrounding countryside, while an indoor heating swimming pool, tennis court, children’s play areas, farm animals and the short driving distance to some of the county’s best attractions means you’ll easily keep the kids busy!
Marine Villa, Charlestown
While it might not feel quintessentially Cornish to stay in a grand Georgian Grade II seaside villa, there are few village stays in Cornwall better. Marine Villa sits on Charlestown’s quay, overlooking the historic harbour. Two of its bedrooms have magnificent sea views, while it’s close enough to the beaches that even a toddler could make the walk.
https://www.antoniaspearls.co.uk/marine-villa
Tregongeeves, Polgooth
A stress-free holiday awaits at Tregongeeves; its luxury bolt holts near the Cornish coast are ideal for a couple’s getaway, nestled in a quiet valley in mid Cornwall. It’s great for families too, with 22 acres to explore, play barn, games room and a true family farm vibe, with Pickles the pony, donkeys to brush down and egg collecting, perfect for foraging for breakfast!
Trenannick Holiday Cottages, Launceston
Fancy a retreat to a peaceful wooded hollow that’s still near the coast? Trenannick Cottages are just five miles from Crackington Haven on Cornwall’s north coast, but still offers a quiet rural haven with fresh air, a serene background sound of birdsong and lovely cottages. The farm even has friendly alpacas to meet!
https://www.trenannickcottages.co.uk/
Porthmeor Cottages, Pendeen
Standing high above the rocky cliffs of the West Penwith Peninsula, nestled deep among boulder-strewn granite hills and heather moors, the rustic homes at Porthmeor Cottages enjoy sensational views out to sea and sunsets that will make holiday memories to cherish forever. The coastal footpath brings you to the horseshoe indentation of Porthmeor Cove, while much of the nearby scenery has featured in BBC’s Poldark.
https://porthmeorcottages.co.uk/
Breakwater Holidays, Bude
The luxury holiday properties let out by Breakwater Holidays are some of the most comfortable you’ll find in north Cornwall, while remaining thoroughly modern and contemporary. Each of their homes offers something different, be it stunning views, close proximity to a golf course or a beach, but each retains that focus on stylish, modern living in comfort in a great location on the north coast.
https://breakwater-holidays.co.uk/
North Coast Holiday Cottages, Portreath
These family and dog friendly cottages offer a great base to discover the beauty of Cornwall’s north coast, with beautiful oak beams in the ceilings mixed with modern and comfortable furniture. For those wanting extras beyond gorgeous country views, added extras include hot tubs and private patio areas, perfect for relaxing once you’ve explored the nearby heritage coast at St Agnes.
https://www.northcoastholidaycottages.co.uk/
Tristram House, Polzeath
This stylish coastal cottage has plain white walls with bold paintings, a huge open-plan ground floor with plenty of window seating and vast sofas that make it truly stand out. Each bedroom has a sense of its own character, while the terrace offers staggering views over Polzeath Beach to Stepper Point, which is only a stone’s throw away. The village’s surf shops, cafes and pasty shops are also just a short stroll away.
https://www.latitude50.co.uk/explore-our-properties/north-cornwall/polzeath/tristram
And that’s our list! Do you agree with our choices? Let us know in the comments below.