Holiday Cottages in Cornwall

Coastal Hiking - the main walking trail in Cornwall is called the South West Coast Path. This long trail goes along the Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset coasts, kept by the National Trails.

The Cornish Coast Path section is 530 km or 330 miles around the coastline of Cornwall. It starts in Plymouth and ends just north of Bude and travels along a roller coaster trail through a harsh, wild and ancient moorland with prehistoric remains and ghostly mines in some of the most dramatic, breath taking and historically significant coastline in England. This is an official National Trail and well waymarked. Best times to walk are between May and October.

There is a shorter section known as the Cornwall Coast Path which runs between Penzance and Padstow. Whatever section of the trail you choose, you will be rewarded with stunning coastal views, plenty of local character, wildlife and history.

Historic visits include Mount Saint Michael, the
Merry Maiden’s Neolithic Stone Circle and Tintagel Castle, with the magic doorway.

Beautiful Alternative Seaside Villages -
Polperry village, Boscastle village, this was once a smugglers' hideaway and the scenic Mousehole village and harbour.

Beaches Not to Be Missed - the magnificent Bedruthan Steps beach with its giant rock formations. Surfing at Sennen Cove Beach which is bloody freezing but has a good wave, it rarely gets the winds you want and you will need to wear a thick wet suit. Great when the wind is right. Parrenporth Beach is fantastic for the Chapel Rockpool.

Blackberry Cottage - Polrunny Farm - Boscastle - Cornwall - UK

This secluded farm is a 3 minute drive from Boscastle Village and only 6 minutes from the narrow charming port of Boscastle. Cornish scenery doesn't get much better than this. Green rolling hills, steep cliffs and wildflower meadows. Blackberry Cottage, built in traditional stone and slate, has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom welcoming 4 guests in cosy, homey style. The sea glistens in the distance from your garden patio. Bring your furry friends as this is a dog friendly farm.

'Exceptional. What a great place in a fantastic location. Spotlessly clean. Took the dogs for a break. Treats and dog bowls provided as well as cream tea for us. Some beautiful walks and waterfalls nearby. Thoroughly recommend.'

Sanctuary Cottage - St Clement - Truro - Cornwall - UK

This 3-bedroom historic home has 1 bathroom and welcomes 5 guests on 3 levels. Enjoy stunning views, a private garden, in a stylish renovated character cottage with every detail covered. Fully-equipped kitchen, outdoor pergola for dining and a BBQ. Views over the Tresillian River, sloping lawns, in the village and close to Truro. Just a short stroll to the 'Druid's Stitch' walking path. Very centrally located in Cornwall.

'Lovely Cornish holiday destination. Cornwall at its best!'

Quirky Cottage - Redruth - South Cornwall - UK

This historic home at Penstruthal offers 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom and is perfect for couples. A sister cottage is next door. This is a unique place to stay, full of character and cosiness, set on 4 acres in a tranquil spot but close to everything, a short walk to the village.

'Amazing stay with lovely hosts. The cottage was very well kept and clean with lovely decor and great character and charm.'

Sugar Flowers Cottage - Looe - Cornwall - UK

With 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms this sweet, sweet home welcomes 4 guests in comfort. You will be only 200m from the beach here in privacy. Enjoy views to the sea from this bright, stylishly decorated cottage. 5 minutes to Plaidy Beach. Just a 15 minute stroll to pretty Looe Village.

'The cottage was first class, clean, well-appointed, comfy and well placed for our visit. It was in a nice quiet area and a short descent to the beach, with a very good restaurant, with nice food and a bar in a great position over looking the sea, inside or out. The character of the cottage was excellent and the bed was comfortable and you could see the stars at night through the roof light in your bed. The sun, house and cottage garden were a delight.'

Mimosa Cottage - Helford - Cornwall - UK

An idyllic thatched whitewashed cottage which is beautifully presented. This 3-bedroom home has 1 bathroom and space for 5 guests. Enjoy the farmhouse-style kitchen and dine at the alfresco picnic bench or your private patio. Stroll to the River Helford to the west side of Falmouth bay, local pub or village store. Take the ferry across the estuary to Helford or drive 42 km 26 miles to St Ives, 44 km or 25 miles to Penzance or 54 km or 34 miles to Land's End.

'One of our best holidays in Cornwall. A superb location and a really beautiful cottage.'

Cregoes Cottage - Mylor Churchtown - Flushing - Cornwall - UK

With direct sea views and gardens and terraces all around the cottage, this spacious home feels even more expansive due to its aspect. With 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and accommodation for 8 guests, this escape is ideal for large family groups. Enjoy the fully-equipped kitchen, water views, private parking and peaceful gardens. Stroll to cafes and shops. Just 38 km or 23 miles to Maraizon to see St Michael's Mount. 54 km or 34 miles to Merry Maiden’s Neolithic Stone Circle.

'A fabulous family weekend to celebrate my dads 70th birthday. we found a real gem and will definitely be back. Spacious and homely. 8 people and 3 dogs did not feel cramped or chaotic!'

Fairytale Cottage - Helston - Cornwall - UK

A seaside escape with panoramic ocean views and cosy fire. This white quintessential Cornish cottage delights from the first step. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 4 guests and heaven. French doors leading into a large garden with jaw-dropping views over the sea below and stretching out into the distance over Mount's Bay. Located near the charming coastal village of Praa Sands, perfect for exploring southern Cornwall.

'A truly 'one off' property. The living space is absolutely exceptional. The view is amazing and there is lots of space. The property is well stocked with everything that you need for a week away.'

'We had a fantastic stay in this cosy cottage. When you wake up you can see directly onto the sea, the view from the property is terrific. The fireplace warms the living room up well.'

The Merry Sailor - Mousehole - Cornwall - UK

Do you fancy sitting right next to the idyllic seaside harbour of Mousehole at your own harbourside cottage? Eat on the terrace next to the lapping waves. These historic walls house 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and suit 4 guests, whispering stories of the sea. Relax here with your fully-equipped kitchen or stroll to cafes and restaurants. Mousehole was once described, by Thomas Hardy, as 'the loveliest village in England'. Its beauty remains and it is now set in a declared 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'. Penzance and the majestic St Michael’s Mount are within easy driving distance. Pack a picnic and you can finally make it to Land's End.

Fowey: South West Coast Path Guided Walk

Padstow: Guided RIB Sealife Safari (Rigid Inflatable Boat)

Penzance: Land's End Boat Tour with Wildlife Guides

4.9 / 5 (58 Reviews)

'Wet, wild and wonderful. We had a really excellent trip, got to see bluefin tuna, seals and porpoise, and lots of sea birds. My son and I had such a good time, and the guides were very knowledgeable about the wildlife and local history. 10/10 would recommend.'

Fauna - to keep an eye out for

Hedgehog - Erinaceus europaeus

Hare - Lepus europaeus

Otter - Lutra lutra

Birds - twitch and spot these gorgeous local species

Cornish Chough - Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax

Peregrine Falcon - Falco peregrinus

UK Puffin - Fratercula arctica

Flora - fancy a wander among the wildflowers? Walk the cliffs of Cornwall for rugged scenery and wonderful colourful displays.

Cornish Heath - Erica vagans

Bluebell - Hyacinthoides non-scripta

Common Bird’s Foot Trefoil - Lotus corniculatus

Cornish Seal Sanctuary - this is a charity that rescues and rehabilitates Grey Seals from around the Cornish Coastline. Visit the centre, or arrange an experience like 'breakfast with the seals' or 'keeper for the day.' Located in the village of Gweek, Cornwall, close to Helston and the Helford River.

Stay at Fairytale Cottage at Praa Sands just 20 km or 12 miles from the Sanctuary.

Cornish Birds of Prey Centre - this is a rescue centre for injured or neglected birds of prey and other animals, run by volunteers. Open for visitors and perfect for children. Located at Winnards Perch, between St Columb Major and Wadebridge.

Stay at Sugar Flowers Cottage just 50 km or 30 miles from the Centre.

Tintagel Castle - dating from 1233, on the west coast in the north of Cornwall, this stunning ruined castle is on a clifftop looking over the Atlantic ocean. Associated with the myth of King Arthur, Merlin, Guinevere, and the Knights of the Round Table, the castle is mysterious and magical. Located at Bossiney Road, Tintagel.

Stay at Blackberry Cottage on Pulrunny Farm near Boscastle to visit this castle, just 8 km or 5 miles from the farm.

To get to Truro in the centre of Cornwall

• Fly into London Heathrow Airport LHR
• Drive 400 km or 250 miles, perhaps visit Stonehenge on the way...

Coaches to Cornwall are run by many different companies departing from central London and stopping in Truro, Redruth and Bodmin. Shortest journey times are 7 hours.

Trains to Cornwall are run by the Great Western Railway and depart from Paddington station in London to Truro, Redruth, or Bodmin Parkway. Shortest journey times are just under 5 hours. Alternatively, catch a sleeper from London to Penzance which is a relaxing way to travel, the duration of the journey is about 8 hours.

Arrange your hire car for your journey, choose from petrol, electric or hybrid vehicles.

By Katia Luz, sharing my fairytale bush cottage, discovering enchanting, charming, whimsical cottages, cabins and cosy little places to inspire your dreams. Contact Me. About Me.

I trust you have enjoyed the magic of My Fairytale Cottage. Bon Voyage!