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.

Waterfront terrace overlooks a harbour with small boats stored on the Quay.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Harbour Master’s House offers waterfrontage and luxury. The pet-friendly Cornish coastal cottage sits above the harbour at Portreath, within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and promises ocean views and a sea breeze, plus multiple balconies, coastal chic, a log fire and access to the delights of Cornwall.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Contemporary 3-storey holiday cottage in Cornwall with an integral garage.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Cutting-edge design and enviable views distinguish this luxury Cornish coastal cottage in Millbrook. Balconies with lake views, a furnished garden, big corner sofas and a cinema room invite relaxation. At the same time, the Cornwall coast waits to be explored just moments from this ultra-stylish 3-bedroom holiday cottage.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Front entrance and patio to  Praa-Sands holiday cottage fronted by a palm tree and shrubs.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Lighthouse is a true beachside getaway. The romantic holiday cottage on the shores of Praa Sands in Cornwall offers couples a cosy, light-filled escape with vibrant design features and impressive furnishings. The four-poster bed adds a touch of luxury, and the open-plan space enjoys ample windows.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Small Cottages
A single-storey stone barn conversion in Polzeath sits alongside a large lawn.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Little Gull is a delightful stone-built barn conversion nestling inland from Polzeath in Cornwall. The pet-friendly property offers neutral tones, elegant décor beneath vaulted beamed ceilings, an open-plan design, a wood-burning stove, and a generous south-facing lawned garden.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Aerial view of a Lighthouse and crew buildings atop cliffs overlooking the sea at Lizard Point in Cornwall.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

If you're looking for a unique and unforgettable coastal holiday experience, Longships is the perfect cottage for you. Located within the Lizard Lighthouse near Lizard Village in Cornwall, this spectacular seaside cottage offers breathtaking views over the ocean that you won't find anywhere else. With modern comforts, subtle decorations, and ample grounds for children and pets to explore, Longships is the perfect getaway for families or couples looking to relax and unwind by the sea. So why wait? Book your stay at Longships today and experience the beauty of Cornwall like never before!

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A stone-built cottage overlooks a shrub-lined terrace with dining table chairs and a parasol
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Nestled on the grounds of the magnificent Bonython Estate just south of Helston in Cornwall sits Mews Cottage, a delightful child-friendly holiday cottage in Helston renovated to a five-star standard that comfortably accommodates up to six guests. It has a private courtyard and three bedrooms, two with en-suite showers.

  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A double-fronted stone cottage overlooks a sunny lawn edged with flowers.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Mill Cottage is a delightful two-bedroom holiday property near Tintagel in North Cornwall, nestled in a designated National Landscape. It offers families an idyllic getaway in the village of St Nectan’s Glen. The coastal cottage boasts gorgeous gardens surrounded by trees with a babbling brook.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
2-storey, granite-built cottage with many windows overlooks a mature garden.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 2

Miller’s House is a stone-built miller’s residence restored with modern comforts, providing a restful haven for families and pets near Tintagel in St Nectan’s Glen. Gorgeous gardens and a babbling stream in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty surround this rural holiday home in North Cornwall.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a single-storey Cornish cottage surrouded by a tree-lined garden.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Millstream is a Tintagel holiday cottage for couples in the picturesque St. Nectan’s Glen along the North Cornwall coast. This romantic rural retreat for two is in a former corn mill and retains its character, with a quaint arched door and sofa that converts into a full-size double bed.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Wooden chair outside than open front door of a holiday cottage
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Nobby's is a charming pet-friendly cottage that combines the best of both worlds - the coast and the countryside. The cottage is located on East Thorne Farm, in the beautiful North Cornwall countryside near Bude on East Thorne Farm. Families can enjoy a range of activities, including an adventure playground, an indoor games room, a spa, a campfire, and picturesque rural walks.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
exterior view of a stone-built barn conversion amidst a garden full of mature shrubs, bushes and a lawn.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Set in a gorgeous countryside location near Holywell Bay just six miles west of Newquay, this beautifully restored eco home is perfect for four and accepts two dogs. Tastefully furnished with a spacious living area, two luxurious bedrooms and fantastic rural views, it is the ideal family retreat in any season.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
The granite-built exterior of a single-storey Cornish holiday home surrounded by lawns.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Escape to a world of tranquillity and romance at Owl House, located in the picturesque hamlet of Treneague near Wadebridge. This delightful holiday cottage offers the perfect getaway for you, your partner, and your furry friend. Fall asleep to the soothing hoot of an owl, cosy up by the crackling wood-burning stove, and indulge in the perfect blend of modern amenities and old-world charm. Take a leisurely stroll through the lush, mature garden, or explore the breathtaking beauty of the nearby Cornish coastline. Owl House is the perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Book now and experience the magic of Owl House for yourself!

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A single-storey timber lodge sits above a raised deck above a large, shrub-lined lawn
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Palm Lodge, perfect for couples seeking a coastal getaway from the bustle of everyday life, lies just steps from the mile-long sandy beach in the resort village of Praa Sands, Cornwall, a romantic cottage featuring a palm tree mural, en-suite double bedroom, and patio with sun-loungers.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
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.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A lighthouse tower overlooks the rugged North Cornwall coastline.
  • 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.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages

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.