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.

A semi-detached, 4-storey holiday home with a full-width shaded balcony overlooks the waterside.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Discover La Follie, a premier Cornish coastal cottage offering luxurious self-catering holidays in Fowey. With stunning estuary views, three elegant bedrooms, and stylish interiors, it's the perfect retreat. Enjoy spacious living areas, a well-equipped kitchen, and outdoor spaces, including a courtyard and roof terrace. Book now for an unforgettable escape on the south coast of Cornwall.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

A charming traditional seaside cottage located on the coast at Marazion has been refurbished to offer you a comfortable stay. The property boasts stylish decor and open-plan living area that offers magnificent views from the elevated private patio. Moreover, you will find an enclosed courtyard garden, where you can unwind and sip your morning coffee.

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

Old Barbican is a large 18th-century detached period property and a superb holiday home in Looe that exudes quality, charm and character. The large 4-bedroom seaside property is a short distance from the bustling seaside port of Looe, one of Cornwall’s most popular seaside destinations.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
The harbour and sea view from the deck of a Polperro holiday cottage.
  • Sleeps 9
  • Bedrooms 4

Discover Pilchard Rock, a large holiday cottage in Polperro offering stunning sea views. Enjoy 180-degree vistas from every window and balcony. Ideal for coastal walks and village exploration, this pet-friendly, luxury seaside cottage boasts a modern interior with spacious living areas and comfortable bedrooms. With its central location and charming design, Pilchard Rock promises a memorable getaway for couples, families, and groups. Explore now for an unforgettable seaside retreat.

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

Riding Through the Clouds is a stylish converted fishing warehouse in Newlyn on the Cornish coast. The chic coastal cottage boasts exposed stone walls, local art, geothermal heating, open-plan design, and a spacious terrace that captures the sun and leads to the nearby Coombe River.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

On the edge of the old part of East Looe and a short stroll from the seafront and sandy beach nestles The Den, a roomy and contemporary ground-floor apartment in a 100-year-old building. It has its own parking and a rock-face enclosed courtyard, ideal for enjoying barbecues on sunny days.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Chapel conversion exterior with tall arched windows near Polruan
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Enjoy self-catering holidays in Polruan at The Old Sunday School. Nestled in South Cornwall, this converted Sunday school offers a cosy coastal retreat between Fowey and Polperro. Enjoy a peaceful escape with a charming living space, a wood burner, and countryside views. Modern amenities, a courtyard garden, and easy beach access make it an ideal choice. Bring your well-behaved dog to share coastal walks. Discover the perfect balance of comfort and tranquillity—view the property’s full description now.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A two storey Marazion holiday cottage overlooks a lawned garden and sweeping sea views.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

A stunning Cornish cottage located right on the coast of Marazion, offering breathtaking views of St Michael's Mount. The holiday home features three spacious bedrooms, original details, and a luxurious interior, providing truly relaxing seaside holidays in Cornwall.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Treverbyn Vean Stable is a tastefully refurbished detached 2-bedroom holiday home in the Cornish countryside near Dobwalls/ This waterside cottage is surrounded by almost one acre of beautiful grounds, including a garden and private access to the River Loveny, where guests can fish.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Waterside Cottages
A drive leds to a tall stone house with a mullioned bay window. A wood grows behind the house.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Treverbyn Vean Lodge is a large Grade II listed detached holiday home in Dobwalls, a large village within easy reach of beaches on the South coast of Cornwall. 

  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Exterior of a contemporary house with a balcony surrounded by lawns and trees.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Enjoy the tranquil setting of this home in a fabulous woodland resort just a few miles from Truro. Features include a furnished patio, a private balcony, and on-site facilities such as a spa pool, fitness suite, bar, and restaurant, which means plenty to do while enjoying your Cornish country holiday.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
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.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A large rural cottage with 3 terraces, gardens and a hot tub.
  • Sleeps 12
  • Bedrooms 5

Watersend is a quiet and luxurious holiday home with a hot tub located in Watergate Bay on the stunning Cornish coast. With bi-fold doors that provide breathtaking views of the sea, a cinema room, and four en-suite bedrooms, this spacious vacation rental is perfect for family holidays and short getaways. Additionally, it offers ample, off-road parking space, making it convenient for multiple guests with vehicles. Book now for an unforgettable coastal retreat in Cornwall!

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a holiday lodge with floor to ceiling windows and a hot tub.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Set amidst stunning Cornish countryside and an easy drive to local beaches, 10 Horizon is a stylishly furnished and fully equipped homely holiday lodge with a hot tub. Located near Dobwalls in East Cornwall, it sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms and accepts pets.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A wooden eco-lodge with a hot tub stands in an open field.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

11 Horizon View is an impressively furnished and equipped 2-bedroom holiday lodge with a hot tub. It stands in a secluded rural location amidst the beautiful Cornish countryside near Dobwells with, as its name implies, superb views. It also welcomes pets.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • 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.