Self-Catering Holidays in Cornwall, Cottages and Apartments

Staying in a Cornish holiday cottage is simply the best way to explore Cornwall. You'll have freedom to explore the whole county from coast to coast with a comfortable home to base yourself in. From being the isolated home of Celtic Kings, Seafarers, tin miners and fishermen (many of the latter are still around), Cornwall has re-invented itself to appeal to beach lovers, surfers, artists and families in search of relaxing, sometimes active, self-catering holidays. 

Cornwall's beaches, such as Sennan Cove, Fistral Beach, and Crantock, are regularly listed among the world's best. The Cornish fishing villages of Padstow, Falmouth and Fowey make attractive harbours for yachtsmen. St Ives, now home to the Tate St. Ives, has a wonderful collection of the many artists who found their spiritual home here. 

Being surrounded by the Atlantic on both sides, taking to the water in Cornwall is very easy. Most beaches will be overlooked by desirable holiday cottages within easy reach of lovely stretches of sand, swimming and surfing opportunities. There are also plenty of opportunities to hire boats. Chunter around the coastline by small self-hire boat from many small fishing villages such as Mevagissey, Mousehole or Looe, or take the passenger ferry from the Cathedral city of Truro down to the sea past the yachting haven of Mylor to Falmouth. Take another ferry across the estuary from Falmouth to St Mawes. Still looking for a coastal holiday, but want to see what the whole of the UK offers? Head here to see our selection of UK holiday homes by the sea on My Favourite Holiday Cottages.

  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Perched atop a hill in Mawgan Porth, Pepperpots enjoys ocean views. The sophisticated holiday cottage in North Cornwall welcomes pets and offers contemporary comforts close to sandy surfing beaches along the Cornish coastline. Beautiful gardens capture the views and provide space for sunbathing on hot summer days.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

7 Harlyn Cottages is a beautifully furnished, modern holiday home at Harlyn Bay near Padstow in North Cornwall. Within a short walk of a white sandy beach for surfing and rock-pooling, this family-friendly holiday cottage sleeps six and welcomes pets.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Pendeen lighthouse holiday cottages in a clifftop location
  • Sleeps 3
  • Bedrooms 2

Argus Cottage is a unique coastal cottage set inside Pendeen Lighthouse atop the cliffs of Pendeen. The pet-friendly cottage boasts stunning ocean views and an abundance of wildlife, as well as a generously sized, furnished garden, contemporary design features, a sea breeze and access to the Cornwall coast and South West Coast Path.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Bayview is a large Cornish coastal cottage in Portwrinkle, a tiny fishing village in Whitesand Bay. Bayview is a pet-friendly holiday cottage with a hot tub. This large property sleeps eight guests in four bedrooms. It's perfect for golfing or family beach holidays.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 12
  • Bedrooms 6

Three miles from the coast at Perranporth, Trelydarth is a large holiday cottage in North Cornwall set in a secluded rural location, sleeping 12 guests in the village of Penhallow. Pets welcome.

  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Stone built exterior of a Victorian, terraced holiday cottage with a fenced-in paved courtyard garden and sea views.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Salty Sea Dog lies just a few steps from the beach in Trebarwith Strand and the ground-floor, pet-friendly beach apartment in North Cornwall lives up to its name combining joyful beach-themed décor with refinement and modern comfort plus views of the beautiful Cornish coastline. Sleeps 4.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Waves Apartment is a stunning second-floor seaside holiday apartment in St Ives with beautiful sea views and two balconies. Sleeping four guests and welcoming one dog, this Cornish holiday let is bright, welcoming and perfectly positioned, just a short walk from the harbour.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

4 Faraway Fields is a delightful romantic cottage boasting modern interiors and seclusion. The nicely-appointed hilltop cottage on the outskirts of Dobwalls in Cornwall features a hot tub and offers lovely rural views of the sunset, especially from the sky deck with a glass in hand.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A large contemporary holiday home overlooks a beach and St. Michaels Mount in Cornwall
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 5

Captains House, a large holiday cottage in Marazion, enjoys direct, uninterrupted views across crystal clear water to St Michael’s Mount. This luxury waterfront Cornish coast cottage is immaculately presented and enjoys direct access to a sandy beach. Sleeps 10.

  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Large, stone-built Cornish cottage overlooks a garden with a hot tub.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

This luxury Cornish seaside holiday cottage in the coastal village of St. spoils guests with its sublime blend of old-world charm and contemporary chic. The three-bedroom converted barn boasts boutique standard finishes, an alfresco dining area, a hot tub, an open fire, modern fittings and stunning views of St Just and the Cornish coast.

  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A stone-built Feock holiday cottage overlooks a flagstone patio with outdoor tables and chairs
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Discover the enchanting Blue Cottage in Feock, Cornwall. This traditional Cornish retreat oozes character with granite window seats, beamed ceilings, and an original Rayburn stove. Accommodating up to six guests, it's ideal for those seeking a cosy, historic escape. Relax by the open fire, explore the Roseland Peninsula, and enjoy watersports nearby. With three bedrooms, a charming garden, and proximity to St Mawes and Falmouth, Blue Cottage promises a quintessential Cornwall experience.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A large, brightly lit house overlooks a swimming pool at dusk.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

This 1930's renovated holiday home is a comfortable retreat with plenty of space to accommodate up to 8 people.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

They say that the view can make a holiday truly special, and families can certainly experience this at Glintings, a holiday cottage located in Polperro. This spacious and pet-friendly cottage in Cornwall can accommodate up to six people and boasts stunning views of the village and harbour from its sunny hillside location.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Between shrubs and a mature tree, stands a Cornish 2-storey stone-barn conversion
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Jam First is a gorgeous stone-built romantic cottage in the lovely locale of Trethawle, Cornwall. The pet-friendly holiday home for two possesses a subtle luxurious style, exposed beams, vaulted ceilings, a wood burner and a pleasant suntrap courtyard. Explore the Cornish coast and countryside in style.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays

Why Stay in a Holiday Cottage in Cornwall?

  • Cornwall is blessed with some of the most beautiful coastal scenery. It has it all from family friendly sandy beaches, rocky and dramatic coastlines. There are beaches suitable for swimming, kayaking, surfing and paddleboarding or just kick back and relax on golden beaches! Photographers, water-lovers, artists and hikers will be in their element here.
  • Inland, the countryside ranges from steep wooded valleys and deep green lanes to the rugged Bodmin Moor's wide spaces.
  • Quaint fishing villages each with their own charm are worth finding. There are plenty of small villages and towns with eateries serving locally caught fish. Savouring fish and chips is a must! Make sure to find small cafes and bakeries to try locally made pasties and scones.
  • Visitors to Cornwall in search of a holiday cottage are spoiled for choice. Every resort, town and village will have a selection of cottages, barn conversions and seaside apartments in old dockside buildings.
  • Tin and copper mining was prevalent in Cornwall's history making Cornwall's landscape interesting to explore. Discover mine buildings and machinery at Geevor Tin Mine.
  • Cornwall is a hot spot for surfing due to the relentless Atlantic swells. Head to popular spots such as Sennen, Perranporth, Bude or Newquay.

 

Where Can You Explore From Your Holiday Cottage in Cornwall?

  • For history lovers, Cornwall is happily over-endowed with stately homes open to the public. Trerice near Newquay, a fine National Trust-managed Elizabethan Manor, Lanhydrock House near Bodmin, and Mount Edgcumbe (home of the National Camelia Collection) at Torpoint are just three examples of Cornwall's historic houses open to the public.
  • For families there are superb theme parks such as Flambards near Helston, Crealy Adventure Park, and the magnificent Eden Project. built in an old china clay pit near St. Austell.
  • Boscastle, The Witchcraft Museum houses the world's most extensive collection of witch-related artefacts.
  • Hikers, climbers and boulders can head Bodmin Moor.
  • For food lovers, Padstow - made famous by Rick Stein - will have many cafes, bistros and restaurants to keep hungry folk satisfied.
  • Art lovers will appreciate the many galleries and art related workshops on offer in St Ives.
  • The South coast of Cornwall has fishing villages and picturesque spots such as Kynance Cove and St. Michael's Mount.
  • Those who love theatre will enjoy Cornwall's Minack Theatre overlooking the ocean.