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.

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.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
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 generous furnished garden and boasts architectural design with sunlit rooms, chic décor, a wood-burning stove, a games room & a pizza oven.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
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
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Wooden chair outside than open front door of a holiday cottage
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Nobby’s combines the coast with the country. The pet-friendly coast and country cottage in is situated on East Thorne Farm in the North Cornwall countryside near Bude. This comfortable cottage offers families a an adventure playground, an indoor games room, spa, a campfire and lovely rural walks.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • 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
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
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A waterfront terrace overlooks a harbour with small boats stored on the Quay.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Harbour Master’s House offers water frontage 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
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A wide tree-lined drive leads to a long, Boscastle holiday bungalow.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Anneth Lowen, a remarkable North Cornwall holiday cottage, welcomes couples, families, and friends to experience peaceful coastal holidays in the serene hamlet of Tresparrett near Boscastle. Recently refurbished to exacting standards, this pet-friendly 3-bedroom holiday home for up to five guests provides a comfortable rural retreat within easy reach of fabulous Cornish throughout the year.

Situated within a designated National Landscape, Anneth  Lowen occupies a spacious plot, providing an ideal escape for those seeking peace and privacy. The village, though rural, is just three miles from the stunning Cornish coast, boasting a host of remarkable beaches like Crackington Haven, Trebarwith, Bossinney, Bude, Widemouth Bay, Polzeath, Strangles, and Tregardock.

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

A large family holiday home with wonderful views over one of the UK's best beaches; Fistral Beach. Enjoy sunsets from your own private balcony, or kick back in the open-plan living space. Just a five minute walk to the beach and town centre this is the perfect home for a beach break in Newquay.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a single-storey cottage  surrounded by trees and flowering shrubs.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Mineshop Holiday Cottages are located in the heart of the stunning Mineshop Valley, a short walk through the fields and woodland to the beach at Crackington Haven near Bude in North Cornwall. Set in a secluded and tranquil spot, it's the perfect getaway for families, couples and dog owners.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages

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.