Holiday hotspots in Cornwall
Attracting over five million visitors every single year, Cornwall is one of the most desirable holiday destinations in the UK and with endless moorland and gardens and over 300 beaches to discover, it’s easy to see why. Many people return to their favourite beaches or villages time and again, but if you fancy a change of scenery, consider one of Cornwall’s top ten holiday destinations from our list.
Polzeath
Polzeath is notorious as the holiday hotspot for a staggering number of visitors every year. With an expanse of golden sand, gentle learning waves for budding surfers and handful of excellent eateries, including Surfside Café and The Cracking Crab, we can see why.
Where to stay nearby: Treasure House, Seagrass and Penmorcom.
Harlyn
Humble and understated, Harlyn is the perfect seaside escape for those who still want to be near the hustle and bustle of Padstow and Rock, but with a slice of peace and quiet to return to.
Neighbour to the beautiful Constantine Bay, Harlyn’s own beach is a family friendly behemoth with lifeguards on watch throughout the peak months and a range of activities available, including surf lessons, stand up paddle boarding and more. Nearby dog friendly Rick Stein’s Cornish Arms is a must for a hearty pub lunch or the atmospheric Rafferty’s Café Wine Bar for special meal and a great glass of wine.
Where to stay nearby: Pentyak, Tater Du, Trelawn and Poldhu.
Rock
As a luxury holiday location, the ever-popular Rock has it all: celebrity chef restaurants, an internationally renowned golf course, swathes of golden sand at low tide all set along the glistening Camel Estuary. Particularly perfect for keen sailors and water sport enthusiasts, there’s very little that Rock doesn’t offer and with a regularly running water taxi across the Camel Estuary, you can be in Padstow in no time.
Where to stay nearby: Lower Cole, Trehayl and Driftwood.
Marazion
Marazion has always been a popular destination for day trippers and visitors to St Michael’s Mount, but the friendly market town is cultivating a reputation in its own right thanks to the emergence of award-winning restaurants, such as The Godolphin Arms.
Supposedly the oldest town in Britain, Marazion is the perfect base for exploring the farthest corners of Cornwall – from Land’s End and The Minnack Theatre in the far west and the achingly beautiful Sennen Cove. Follow in Virgina Woolf’s footsteps from Hayle and St Ives and explore the rugged coast of the Lizard Peninsula.
Where to stay nearby: Ednovean House.
Sennen Cove
A stretching white crescent sand beach that reaches round to neighboring Gwenver – joining up at low tide, Sennen is a haven for families, foodies and surfers all year round. Two excellent surf schools – Smart Surf School and Sennen Surfing Centre – provide lessons for all ages and abilities, taking advantage of the Atlantic swell.
You can’t get fresher seafood than at the iconic Beach Restaurant which has its own licensed fishing boat Rosebud that responsibly line catches seasonal fish daily, only ever catching what they need to ensure sustainability.
Where to stay nearby: Gwel An Treth and Breakwater.
St Ives
No compilation of Cornwall’s hotspot holiday destinations is complete without a mention of the notoriously picturesque St Ives. A dream destination for many visitors each year for its numerous white sand beaches with cyan blue seas meeting the sky that surround the harbour town, exemplary restaurants and cafes along the harbour front and tucked amongst the cobbled streets and of course the vibrant arts culture boosted by The Tate Gallery.
Where to stay nearby: Shun Lee.
Wadebridge
Straddling the River Camel, Wadebridge is a charming and characterful market town on the north Cornwall coast. As desirable to live in as it is to visit on holiday, Wadebridge is home to a number of elegant boutique shops and must-visit independent restaurants.
With the Camel Estuary and the popular Camel Trail cycle trail running through the centre of the town, no visit is complete without following this scenic disused railway line to either Padstow or through the leafy woodland trail towards Bodmin.
Where to stay nearby: Harbour Walk, Kilden Mor and Sea Haze.
Flushing
© Gary West via Flickr
The quaint waterside village of Flushing enjoys an enviable position on the Carrack Roads opposite Falmouth and is steeped in history. Settled by Dutch engineers who arrived from Flushing in the Netherlands, this waterfront village soon become a desirable home for many captains of packets whose grand houses still sit on St Peter’s Hill.
Due to its sheltered southerly position, Flushing is reportedly the warmest place in Cornwall and is becoming an increasing popular place to visit. No trip to Flushing is complete without visiting The Waterside restaurant and sampling their fresh seafood whilst enjoying views over the water. A regular ferry also provides easy access to Falmouth during the day.
Bude
Bude is a laid back seaside town that’s long been a popular resort, managing to move with the times yet retains its traditional charm. Close to the Devon border, Bude is easily reachable and boasts a number of sweeping, broad sandy beaches in the town and surrounding coastline; of note being Crooklets, Summerlease and Widemouth Bay, each backed by staggering rugged cliffs. In fact, Strangles – 12 miles to the south of Bude – is flanked by the highest cliff in Cornwall at 732 feet.
Whitsand Bay
© Baz Richardson via Flickr
Whitsand Bay is a unique and captivating corner of Cornwall, nestled in the South East. Its four mile stretch of golden sand and quaint coves is backed by steep cliffs dotted with quaint little beach huts and chalets that seem impossibly secure in their teetering cliff face position.
The coast runs along from Portwrinkle in the West to the Rame Peninsula in the East, providing incredible views back across the Sound towards Plymouth. The Cliff Top Café is the perfect stop for a bite to eat with a sensational view (and a well-needed rest while scaling steps from the beach).
Where to stay nearby: Sea Edge.
Posted by Bridget March
Featured in this post
Trehayl
- Rock, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 8 - 10
- Bedrooms: 4 i
- Bathrooms: 3
Just minutes from the beach, Trehayl is a private dog-friendly paradise set in the heart of Rock. Recently renovated to the highest standard, the beautifully designed interiors, stunning coastal vistas and heated outdoor pool provide an unforgettable holiday backdrop.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£3650
Gwel An Treth
- Sennen Cove, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 10
- Bedrooms: 5 i
- Bathrooms: 5
Captivating ocean views meet exquisite interior design at this West Cornwall beach house. From the five contemporary bedrooms to the sleek kitchen and stunning open plan lounge, Gwel An Treth has been thoughtfully crafted in rich Costa Rican tones. Step out onto the balcony to watch the surf roll in.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£3750Short breaks from
£3350
Shun Lee
- St Ives, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 14
- Bedrooms: 7 i
- Bathrooms: 7
With unparalleled views across St Ives Harbour, Shun Lee is a magnificent home with a fascinating past. Built in 1881 and extensively furnished in recent years, the spectacular interiors showcase its nautical history. Featured in The Telegraph as the ultimate party house, Shun Lee is a short walk from the beach and features a private cinema and a TV room with a pool table.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£3650Short breaks from
£3350
Lower Cole
- Rock, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 10 - 12
- Bedrooms: 6 i
- Bathrooms: 7
Boasting jaw-dropping views over the Camel Estuary, Lower Cole is a Grand Designs-style property with an enviable position in the heart of Rock. Six en-suite bedrooms and three separate lounges provide ample space for socialising with friends and family, while the garden offers direct access to the beach.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£4250Short breaks from
£3950
Ednovean House
- Marazion, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 12 - 14
- Bedrooms: 6 i
- Bathrooms: 6
Enjoying endless views across Mount’s Bay and Marazion, this high-spec home is ideal for sociable Cornish escapes. A slick open plan kitchen and double-ended lounge create the perfect excuse for fine dining, while an abundance of outdoor space encourages dinner and drinks al fresco. Perranuthnoe Beach sits within a 10 minute walk.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£2750Short breaks from
£2650
Pentyak
- Harlyn Bay, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 12 - 14
- Bedrooms: 6 i
- Bathrooms: 5
One of the most sought-after holiday homes in North Cornwall, this family-friendly property affords shimmering sea views from almost every room. The open plan living and dining area is the perfect special occasion setting, while the den, treehouse and indoor slide provide endless fun for younger guests.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£2950Short breaks from
£2600
Sea Edge
- Downderry, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 6
- Bedrooms: 3 i
- Bathrooms: 3
With a relaxing spa-like feel and sensational ocean views spanning Cornwall’s south coast, Sea Edge is a stunning, contemporary home sitting just a moment’s walk from the beaches at Seaton and Downderry. With a Mediterranean-inspired garden, cosy window seat and glass-fronted terrace, it’s a tranquil hideaway come rain or shine.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£2850Short breaks from
£2650
Seagrass
- Polzeath, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 10 - 12
- Bedrooms: 5 i
- Bathrooms: 6
Looking out across Polzeath Beach and Stepper Point, Seagrass is ideally located for walking and surfing holidays on the north coast. With its sun-trap balconies, sociable cinema room and stunning interior design, it’s a fantastically welcoming space for the whole family.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£3150Short breaks from
£2950
Treasure House
- Polzeath, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 8 - 10
- Bedrooms: 4 i
- Bathrooms: 3
Featuring cool urban interiors and an open plan design, Treasure House is a surfside sanctuary just 30 seconds from the beach. Flooded with light in the summer months but a cosy bolthole come winter complete with a roaring fire, this coastal retreat has four large bedrooms and a picturesque private courtyard.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£2050Short breaks from
£1750
Penmorcom
- Polzeath, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 6
- Bedrooms: 3 i
- Bathrooms: 2
A contemporary retreat nestled in front of Polzeath Beach, experience coastal luxury at Penmorcom. Only one minute away from Polzeath’s golden sands, taste the sea air on your lips as you settle down for an evening of socialising on the terrace. With bright pops of colour throughout, Penmorcom’s fun and modern design is perfect for families and dog owners.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£995Short breaks from
£820
Harbour Walk
- Padstow, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 8
- Bedrooms: 4 i
- Bathrooms: 4
Tucked away in an enviable position just moments from Padstow's much-loved fishing harbour, Harbour Walk is an idyllic retreat for families, couples and groups of friends. Dog-friendly and newly renovated to a high specification, this four bedroom home perfectly pairs stylish interiors with charming character features. The sociable open plan kitchen, dining and living area offers the perfect space to enjoy time together in front of the wood burner, while children will love movie nights in the mezzanine snug.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£1950Short breaks from
£1650
Kilden Mor
- Padstow, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 6
- Bedrooms: 3 i
- Bathrooms: 3
With its striking architecture and idyllic Cornish location, this high-spec home enjoys sparkling views over Padstow and the Camel Estuary. Three beautifully finished bedrooms, a modern kitchen and secluded garden complete with a hot tub make it a tempting retreat for families and groups of friends.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£1950Short breaks from
£1650
Tater Du
- Harlyn Bay, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 8 - 10
- Bedrooms: 4 i
- Bathrooms: 3
Located in the heart of Harlyn Bay and minutes from the beach, this Scandi-inspired home is an idyllic retreat for families and groups of friends year-round. Newly built and finished to the highest spec, Tater Du features four beautiful bedrooms, an irresistible outdoor hot tub and a sea-facing terrace.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£2000Short breaks from
£1700
Driftwood
- Rock, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 6
- Bedrooms: 3 i
- Bathrooms: 2
Set in a quiet location just a short stroll from Rock’s buzzing town and sandy beach, enjoy the best of both worlds at Driftwood. Savour lazy mornings in the garden followed by lunch at Paul Ainsworth’s The Mariners and a walk along the water. With modern interiors, spacious living areas and a suntrap terrace, this stylish home will be a year-round family favourite.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£1850Short breaks from
£1450
Breakwater
- Sennen Cove, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 10
- Bedrooms: 5 i
- Bathrooms: 3
Home to breath-taking views over Sennen Cove and beyond, this elevated sanctuary promises a rejuvenating break for families and friends. Take your pick from one of five bedrooms, hunker down in the cinema room or enjoy a dip in the hot tub - striking architecture and pure relaxation await.
A low occupancy rate may be available for smaller groups out of season.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£1995Short breaks from
£1795
Sea Haze
- Padstow, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 4 - 6
- Bedrooms: 3 i
- Bathrooms: 1
A real coastal retreat, Sea Haze is located just a 10 minute walk from the buzz of Padstow’s harbour and town. With elevated estuary views, light, bright interiors and a large grassy garden, it makes an idyllic getaway for small families. Padstow’s restaurants, bakeries and shops are on the doorstep, so you can hang up your car keys for a week of exploring.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£1300Short breaks from
£1150
Poldhu
- Harlyn Bay, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 8
- Bedrooms: 4 i
- Bathrooms: 4
Combining incredible architecture with sparkling sea views over Harlyn Bay, this spacious home was designed to bring families and friends together. With a hot tub, elevated lookout lounge and large grassy garden, enjoy a private paradise less than a five minute walk from the beach.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£2400Short breaks from
£2100
