Cornwall Cottages & Holiday Lettings

How to get to your holiday cottage in Cornwall

Despite its rural landscape, Cornwall is very accessible, with over 30 railway stations. There are a number of options for reaching your Cornwall holiday home by train, including direct high-speed sleeper trains to Penzance from London that run frequently, and direct trains that run daily from Bath and Bristol.

For those who want to get there even faster, there are year-round flights daily to Newquay Airport from Manchester and London. You can also hire a car from locations all around the UK, for ultimate freedom on your trip.

What to eat on your Cornwall holiday

With a vast array of culinary delights available across Cornwall, it is most famous for its ice cream - considered some of the finest in Britain. Regarded as Cornwall's national dish, the Cornish Pasty is also a must-eat for all holidaymakers venturing to the region.

A particularly popular place to eat is the Jamie Oliver Fifteen restaurant overlooking Watergate Bay. The restaurant was set up to provide training for disadvantaged young people in the area with support from professional chefs, and has been widely praised for the quality of cuisine provided.

What weather can you expect on your Cornwall holiday?

Cornwall is known for being amongst the sunniest places in the UK, experiencing the highest amount of sunshine per day in July. Unsurprisingly, summer is the most popular time to rent a Cornwall holiday cottage!

It also experiences a higher level of rainfall than the east of Britain, but less rainfall than parts of the north. Although the weather in Cornwall can be quite changeable, it is the ideal holiday destination all year round, as its winters are some of the warmest in the country.

Things to see & do on your Cornwall holiday

After significant rebranding schemes with funding from the National Lottery and the EU scheme Objective One, Cornwall has transformed itself into an area with some of the most unique sights in the world.

The Eden ProjectOpened in 2001, the Eden Project is an eco-park where artificial biomes are full of over 1,000 different plants from around the world. Its introduction improved the economy of Cornwall significantly and, since its creation, visitors have flocked from all corners of the world. It is ideal for families who are looking for a fun day out that will prove educational and enjoyable for all ages.

The National Maritime MuseumAnother popular destination for families is the National Maritime Museum in the University town of Falmouth, known for its Viking reconstructions and hands-on approach.

Art and culture in Cornwall

Cornwall now attracts a significant number of art lovers for the annual Du Maurier Festival in May. Named after author and playwrite Daphne du Maurier, the small town of Fowey hosts authors, musicians and broadcasters over a period of 11 days. Another culturally significant gallery is the Tate St Ives. Opened in 1993, this art gallery is home to some famous works from sculptor Barbara Hepworth, and abstract artist Ben Nicholson, with occasional visiting exhibitions.

Overall, Cornwall's status as a place of historical and cultural significance within Britain can only be fully appreciated by those who experience it for themselves. A Cornwall holiday cottage offers a wide range of opportunities for a therapeutic getaway with the family, a unique place where those who visit will soon be longing to return.

The top holiday destinations in Cornwall

If you’re planning a trip to Cornwall, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to great holiday destinations. The region is famed for its sandy beaches and quaint seaside villages, giving visitors lots of options for places to stay on the coast. Rent a holiday cottage by the sea in St Ives, Padstow, Falmouth, or any number of lesser-known but equally delightful spots.

1. St Ives In this famous seaside town, you will not only be able to enjoy picturesque views of the town, but also a range of activities suited to many different types of visitors. The area offers a number of surf beaches and hiking trails for the active and adventurous, while culture lovers will be thrilled by the thriving local arts scene, notably the fine exhibitions of the Tate St Ives museum.

2. Padstow Equally popular with visitors, the fishing port of Padstow in northern Cornwall makes a great destination for beach lovers. The town and surrounding areas are blessed with spectacular, sandy beaches in between the rugged coastline, which are perfect for swimming or simply relaxing in the sun. Padstow is also well-known as a “foodie” destination, with a number of gourmet restaurants. Many of these restaurants are located by the harbour, so that you can take in a slice of maritime life as you dine.

3. Falmouth The port town of Falmouth centres around a thriving harbour, the modern legacy of a long maritime history. This can be seen in the main sea-based activities available here, as well as a number of sailing events including the Falmouth Regatta and the Pendennis Cup. The town is also the gateway to the Fal River, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which offers great walking, hiking and water sports opportunities.

4. Porthcurno The small village of Porthcurno sits in a small valley and has one of the most beautiful beaches in Cornwall. Less than 3 miles from Land's End, Porthcurno also has a fascinating history: the Porthcurno Telegraph Museum sits above a network of tunnels which were used to house top-secret equipment in the Second World War.

5. Charlestown This harbour village has gained attention in recent years because it is one of the main filming locations of the popular television series Poldark. The picturesque harbour is home to a number of tall ships, while the historic harbour itself dates back to the 18th century and is grade two-listed. The nearby scenic Porthgwarra Cove is another filming location used in the series.

Stay by the sea in a Cornwall holiday cottage

On your Cornwall holiday you will definitely want to stay by the sea to make the most of the region’s stunning ocean views and refreshing sea breezes. There are a range of holiday lettings on offer in Cornwall, many with enviable seaside locations.

Cosy Cornish cottages There are countless historic cottages to be found in Cornwall's many peaceful seaside towns and villages. You will easily find a holiday cottage next to the sea, mostly traditional fisherman's cottages. Not only do these make an excellent base for exploring Cornwall but they also give you the opportunity to experience a traditional way of life on the coast. There's plenty of choice, so whether you want a cheap holiday cottage for a budget break or you're looking for more luxurious accommodation, you're sure to find something suitable.

Holiday apartments Another great way to enjoy the sea air in Cornwall is to rent a holiday apartment. This can often be a cheaper option, especially if you want to stay by the sea, so can be great for those on a budget. Cornwall offers a range of holiday apartments in its coastal towns, generally with one or two bedrooms and a kitchen, making them perfect for self-catering holidays.

Larger holiday lettings in Cornwall There is more to Cornwall than quaint holiday cottages. The region also offers some beautiful modern holiday houses, built with large windows to let in the sweeping ocean views. You can find spacious holiday lettings suitable for large groups, and often with facilities like a swimming pool - these can be the perfect base for a family holiday or group weekend away.

Natural wonder: Cornwall's top attractions

1. Minack Theatre

Porthcurno's open-air theatre lies four miles from Land's End in Cornwall, and is one of the world's most spectacular theatres. Witness an opera or musical against the dramatic granite cliff setting.

2. Lanhydrock House and Garden

Set in 1,000 acres of wooded parkland, this grand country estate formerly housed the illustrious Robartes family. Visit the Long Gallery to play the Steinway piano.

3. The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Explore 200 acres of mystery and romance in the 9th-century Lost Gardens. Features such as bee hives, rope bridges, shire horses, charcoal kilns and wishing wells keep kids thoroughly entertained.

4. Screech Owl Sanctuary

Hosting hundreds of owls in aviaries arranged by species, the sanctuary nurses injured and sick owls. There are meerkats, emus, goats and ponies too.

5. Fistral Beach

Backed by high sand dunes, this large, clean beach is a favourite with surfers. Be sure to grab some delicious fish and chips at one of the seafront restaurants.