A view of the Harbour at Portreath with the beach and village beyond.

Find My Favourite Holiday Cottages in North Cornwall

Holiday cottages in North Cornwall are surrounded by sandy beaches, rugged moors and ancient fishing villages. This wild region is best known for its spectacular coast, where smugglers once hauled their cargo ashore. The Southwest Coast Path covers its entire length. It passes ruined castles, laid-back resorts and sweeping bays where the sun sets on the Atlantic and waves crash against towering cliffs. Self-catering holidays in North Cornwall are particularly popular among walkers, surfers and anyone who wants to enjoy seafood straight from the harbour in cosy seaside pubs and restaurants.

The border between North Cornwall and Devon lies east of Bude, a lively resort and mecca for watersports thanks to its sandy beaches, canal and exceptional surfing conditions. There's a beautiful sea pool beneath the cliffs, revealed by the falling tide, and a variety of independent businesses, including Zuma Jay, one of Europe's oldest surf shops. West of Bude, Widemouth Bay is a long, sandy beach overlooked by a couple of good cafes, and nearby, Crackington Haven is a rocky cove where you can watch the waves from the comfort of the Coombe Barton Inn.

An L-shaped, single-storey barn conversion overlooks a courtyard and a raised flowerbed.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Overlooking picturesque green pastures, this holiday cottage near Newquay provides well-presented and attractive accommodation for up to four people, with wonderful views of the surrounding countryside.

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Single storey exterior of a white-rendered bungalow with hanging flower baskets.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Palmer’s Lodge induces romance with its charming exterior, cosy, contemporary open-plan layout, fresh flowers and a bottle of wine upon arrival. The one-bedroom romantic cottage lies on the outskirts of Elgoskerry, surrounded by lush green meadows and beautiful beaches for which Cornwall is famed.

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Exterior of a single-storey Cornish stone barn conversion.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

Wheal Hart is a stunning rural cottage offering rural tranquillity and proximity to the gorgeous Cornish coastline. Situated among rolling green hills near St Newlyn East, the barn conversion retains much of its original character and has large gardens ideal for entertaining and enjoying the views.

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Aerial view of a Cornish Lighthouse complex overlooking the sea.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Brook Cottage is a sophisticated coastal cottage set above the cliffs within Trevose Head Lighthouse near Padstow. The pet-friendly cottage enjoys spectacular ocean views and a sea breeze. It offers enclosed lawned gardens with furnished spaces, coastal chic and proximity to the many delights and attractions on the North Cornwall coast.

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A long, 2-storey stone house overlooks a sloping lawn with a picnic table.
Sleeps
7
Bedrooms
3

Based in the small North Cornwall coastal village of Bossiney, The Round House is a semi-detached dog-friendly holiday cottage overlooking the beautiful land of North Cornwall. Close to Tintagel, The Round House is in a prime location for enjoying the sandy Cornish beaches for a fun family getaway.

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A long single-storey barn conversion with a line of windows along one side overlooks a shingled driveway and garden.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

A beautifully restored, refurbished barn less than ten minute's walk from Lanhdrock Estate. Original features add to the charm of this home which includes a wood-burning stove and spacious open plan living. The Barn is perfect for families or friends and welcomes two pets, so is ideal for dog owners.

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A lighthouse tower with rugged clifftop and ocean views
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Pelorus Cottage promises spectacular ocean views from its position within Trevose Head Lighthouse. Nestled between Harlyn and Constantine Bays, the special coastal cottage promises coastal seclusion and modernity, as well as outdoor spaces and clean, refreshing sea breezes. Enjoy a unique getaway on the Cornish coast.

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2-storey, clapper-board lodge over looks a courtyard ringed by a secure wall
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Higher Close lies just steps from Mawgan Porth and enjoys views of the Cornish coastline. Sleeping 8, the luxurious coastal cottage catches the sea breeze in its generously furnished garden and boasts an architectural design with sunlit rooms, chic décor, a wood-burning stove, a games room, and a pizza oven.

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Exterior of a period holiday cottage in Polzeth opening onto agarden.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Wedge Cottage is a luxurious cottage in the curved stables at Roserrow, Cornwall. The coastal cottage is just a few minutes from the sandy beach at Polzeath, offering light and airy spaces with contemporary chic and exposed beams. Additionally, the cottage boasts a generous suntrap garden with furnished spaces to relax and unwind.

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Continue westward, and you will reach Boscastle, a pretty fishing village with a witchcraft museum and Boscastle Bakery, known for serving some of the region’s best Cornish pasties. The clifftop town of Tintagel is famous for its ruined castle and association with King Arthur. A little further west, Port Isaac is home to steep, narrow lanes leading to a harbour that is overlooked by a pub, restaurants and fish cellars.

Polzeath has a lovely beach, surf shops, and cafes by the camel estuary. On the other side of the river, Padstow is a popular fishing town known for Rick Stein’s award-winning restaurants. Neighbouring Constantine is a large bay backed by dunes, and Newquay is a lively town packed with bars and nightclubs.

Travel inland from your North Cornwall holiday cottage, and you will discover atmospheric moors, fields and woods scattered with peaceful farming communities and charming market towns such as Wadebridge, Bodmin and Launceston. Explore some of the area’s little places, from fishing villages to historic mining communities.

Here are some of the prettiest villages for holidays in North Cornwall for you to explore:

Port Isaac: This picturesque fishing village is located on the rugged North Cornwall coast and is known for its narrow streets, whitewashed cottages, and stunning views of the sea. It’s a famous filming location for TV shows and movies (Doc Martin and Fishermen’s Friends) and has a working harbour where visitors can watch the fishermen bring in their daily catch.

Boscastle: This historic village is situated on the rugged North Cornwall coast and is known for its picturesque harbour, medieval buildings, and scenic walks. If you love quirky museums, be sure to include a visit to The Witchcraft Museum in the heart of the village. It’s an excellent place for starting and finishing walks along the South West Coast Path.

Tintagel: This picturesque village is famous for its association with King Arthur and is known for its historic castle ruins and stunning coastal scenery. The village also has a range of independent shops and cafes. Tintagel’s picturesque Post Office, now managed by the National Trust, is possibly the most photographed of post offices in the UK!

Padstow: This bustling fishing town, home of the Rick Stein, is situated on the River Camel and is known for its historic buildings, excellent seafood restaurants, and beautiful estuary walks. It’s a great base for exploring the Camel Trail, a popular cycling and walking route.

This historic fishing town is situated on the banks of the River Camel and is known for its bustling harbour, excellent seafood restaurants, and beautiful estuary walks. It’s also a popular sailing, fishing, and water sports destination.

St Agnes: This pretty village is located on the rugged North Cornwall coast and is known for its historical mining heritage, rugged coastal scenery, and little shops and cafes. It’s also close to several beautiful beaches. St Agnes has a fascinating history that spans back to the Bronze Age, and visitors can explore ancient monuments such as the St Agnes Beacon and the Bolster Bank Iron Age Hillfort. There are also historic tin mining sites and the Geevor Tin Mine, a museum that tells the fascinating story of the area’s mining heritage – all worth a visit.