Cornwall (county), GB holiday rentals: cottages & more

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Destination guide

Explore Cornwall from holiday lettings

Surfers, walkers, beachcombers and families in search of a classic UK break all flock to Cornwall. Jutting out from the far-flung edge of England, it's hailed as one of the most beautiful counties there is. The south coast is a land of wide sands and rocky bays that can look positively Mediterranean when the sun shines. The north coast feels the brunt of the Atlantic, with windswept beaches that conjure rollers spraying sea salt into the air. Cornwall holiday rentals often hide in homey cottages and traditional fishing villages, forever cranking up the cosy factor and country charm.

Things to do

Attractions near your Cornish holiday rental

Cornwall's not just salt, sea and sand, mind you. It's also steeped in tin mining heritage and brimming with family attractions. Take the kids along to the immersive Flambards Victorian Village – which also features twirling rollercoasters and log flumes – or take them underground at Geevor Tin Mine to see how miners lived and worked. Wildlife lovers might prefer the Cornish Seal Sanctuary at Gweek on the beautiful Lizard peninsula, where rescued adults and pups splash in the pools. Budding military historians will love Henry VIII's Pendennis Castle, found soaring above the sea near Falmouth.

Activities

What to do near holiday homes in Cornwall

Cornwall's encompassed by the sea. The Atlantic Ocean washes one side and the English Channel buffets the other. Beaches and cliff walks are everywhere. Surfers can always find a fat left-to-righter to carve over along the northern beaches out of towns like Newquay and St Ives. Cornwall holiday rentals can be found in some seriously charming little spots. From Padstow to boat-bobbing Porthleven, they are packed with fishing cottages and acclaimed seafood restaurants. Find yourself surrounded by proper Cornish fare, such as pasties, or try a scone cream tea with clotted cream ¬ – in Cornwall, you put the jam on first!

Weather

Climate for your stay in Cornish holiday homes

Cornwall holiday rentals usually start filling up around May, which is when the warmer weather hits and when the hedges suddenly burst into floral colour. Things get super busy in the school holiday months of July and August – it's also the season with the most sun and least rain, so high time to hit the beach. However, those in the know opt for September, when the roads are far quieter and the sea is at its warmest. In winter, you can bag cosy pads in wave-splashed fishing villages, enjoying bracing walks along the cliffs and evenings by a crackling fire.

Natural features

Sea on sides in Cornwall

While the rolling countryside of central Cornwall is certainly beautiful – think green fields and undulating hills – there's really nothing quite like the coast. Great stretches of the county's 400-mile-long shoreline are protected in national parks or areas of outstanding natural beauty. There's Penwith Heritage Coast in the southwest, encompassing Land's End and its pebble bays and steep cliffs. There's Gwithian Towans, where spectacular lengths of white-gold sand host surfing swells aplenty. There's wild Trevose Head, where blustery gales roll in from the ocean. Seals,puffins, dolphins, basking sharks and porpoises all inhabit the waters, so keep those eyes peeled.

Beaches

Best beaches near holiday lettings in Cornwall

The tranquil beaches in Cornwall are one of its biggest draws. Holiday homes can be found near stunning beach locales like Fistral Beach, a sandy beach with dunes, cliffs and rough breaks for surfing, and Kynance Cove, a cove with soft-sand beaches and dramatic rock formations. You could also spend time at Gyllyngvase, a lively beach with a town backdrop and calm waters.

How to get there

Transport to and around Cornwall

The nearest airport is in Newquay (NQY-Newquay Cornwall), located 7.9 mi (12.8 km) from the city centre.

If you prefer to travel by train, Roche Station, Bugle Station and Luxulyan Station are the main stations in the area.

Good for couples

Couple's retreat in holiday homes in Cornwall

Cornwall has a peaceful atmosphere and array of idyllic locations to enjoy a couple’s retreat. Holiday homes are available near places like Eden Project, an eco park with artificial biomes with global plant life, and the Lost Gardens Heligan, a restored Victorian estate with acres of lush gardens, wildlife and a tea room. You could also explore Tintagel Castle, the legendary birthplace of King Arthur with clifftop sea views, castle ruins and a cafe.

Can I find a vacation rental around Cornwall (county)?

Yes, our 2021 property listings offer a large selection of 7,615 vacation rentals near Cornwall (county). From 3,666 cottages to 6,135 houses, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable stay with your family and friends. The best places to stay near Cornwall (county) for a holiday or a weekend are on Vrbo.

What are the most popular destinations to visit in Cornwall (county)?

There are many lovely places to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend in Cornwall (county). From Vrbo UK travelers, the most popular destinations to visit are:

St Ives: 1,651 vacation rentals
Newquay: 2,324 vacation rentals
Looe: 1,559 vacation rentals
Port Isaac: 1,319 vacation rentals
Penzance: 1,529 vacation rentals

And Vrbo UK offers you the chance to discover many other popular destinations in Cornwall (county)! Please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available in other popular destinations.

What are the main cities to discover in Cornwall (county)?

Whether you're traveling with family or friends, here are the cities with the largest selection of vacation rentals for a holiday trip or just for a weekend in Cornwall (county):

St Ives: 1,651 rentals
Newquay: 2,324 rentals
Looe: 1,559 rentals
Port Isaac: 1,319 rentals
Penzance: 1,529 rentals

For other cities, please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.

Can I find easy-access vacation rentals when traveling by plane to Cornwall (county)?

Yes of course. Our owners offer a large selection of vacation rentals near airports. The airports with a large selection of vacation rentals in Cornwall (county) are:

Newquay (NQY-Newquay Cornwall): 3,268 vacation rentals
Lands End (LEQ): 1,711 vacation rentals
Penzance (PZE-Penzance Heliport): 2,306 vacation rentals

For other airports, please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.

Near which points of interest can I spend my holidays in Cornwall (county)?

Vrbo UK offers a large selection of rentals near lovely places in Cornwall (county). From Vrbo UK travelers, the most popular points of interest to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend are:

St Ives Harbour: 2,584 rentals
North Cornwall Museum: 2,470 rentals
Eden Project: 3,722 rentals
St. Mellion Golf Club: 1,880 rentals
Cape Cornwall: 1,649 rentals

But there are many other points of interest around Cornwall (county) listed on Vrbo UK where you can find your place to stay. Just write your wanted destination in our search bar and have a look at our selection.