This ancient Celtic peninsula is a windswept land of cliff-flanked sandy beaches, starkly beautiful moorland and meadows filled with blooming wildflower. The age-old industry of mining may have had its day, but during the summer the county thrives on tourism, with vacationing families who come for a little seaside break away from the big cities. If you stay in a Cornwall vacation rental, you can expect the ruins of ancient castles, stately homes and English gardens, not to mention some of the best surf in the country and the renowned domes of the Eden Project.
One of the county's draws is the plentiful National Trust properties and gardens. You won't have to drive far from your Cornwall vacation rental to visit one of the stately homes surrounded by manicured English gardens. The list of attractions in Cornwall is exhaustive, but there are some standouts you shouldn't miss. The 700-year-old ruins of Tintagel Castle look like they came straight out of Games of Thrones, while the windswept Land's End looks out over the Atlantic and is England's most westerly point. The botanical gardens housed in the Eden Project's biomes are reason enough to visit Cornwall.
When you stay in a Cornwall vacation rental along the coast, you can make the most of the county's long list of activities. If you charter one of the yachts in the harbor, you could take it for a spin out at sea or join one of the sailing schools to learn how. Cornwall is Britain's premier surfing location and whether you're new to the sport or a seasoned pro, you'll find consistently good waves rolling up onto its shores. Off the water, the fun doesn't stop. There are some gorgeous coastal walks that wind around Cornwall's beautiful shoreline.
Weather-wise, you're always throwing the dice when you visit British shores but if you're looking for the most consistently good sunshine, try scoring a Cornwall vacation rental between July and August. If you catch it right, the Cornish summers can be glorious. If you don't mind a drop in the temperature, you could always try spring or fall and skip the summer crowds. The beaches might not be as appealing, but the attractions are always on-hand and if the heavens open, you could always dive into one of the cozy country pubs for a pint and a bite to eat.
Cornwall has a long and varied list of wildlife which thrive around the waterways, the moorland and the coasts. In spring, the meadows burst into color as the wildflower blooms and makes for the best season for spotting critters. Soaring peregrine falcons are not uncommon, nor are the rock doves in the county's towns. If you're walking, look out for colorful butterflies and dragonflies, particularly on the warm summer days and be careful not to step on hedgehogs that roll up along the footpaths. Down along the coast, seals congregate on the pebble beaches and rocks, while enormous basking sharks can be seen out at sea.
The nearest airport is in Newquay (NQY-Newquay Cornwall), located 12.3 mi (19.8 km) from the city center.
If you prefer to travel by train, Truro Station, Perranwell Station and Penryn Station are the main stations in the area.
From high-end houses to rustic log cabins, Vrbo has properties to match all tastes and budgets. Pack your bags and check out these top vacation rentals in Cornwall:
For even more great options, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the perfect Cornwall vacation rental for you.
Often set in secluded natural locations, log cabins offer a lovely retreat from the busyness of everyday life. If you're ready to switch off and take a break, take a look at these log cabins to rent in Cornwall:
Strapped for time but want a change of scene? A weekend escape will be just what you need. Reserve a couple of nights at one of these popular properties and get ready to feel completely refreshed when Monday rolls around:
If you're after someplace a little more personal than a tired old hotel room, you'll like our studio apartments in Cornwall. Whip up a meal in your kitchenette, read a book on the lounge and feel totally at home. Here are some of our cute and cozy studios:
Cornwall has short-term rentals to suit all tastes and budgets. Take a quick break in a cheap cabin, a luxurious lodge or whatever else tickles your fancy. Here are two popular options to consider:
A romantic weekend getaway in Cornwall is sure to feed the flame of passion. Light some pretty candles, take your partner by the hand and send sparks flying at one of these escapes:
Forget waiting in turn at the hotel breakfast bar or searching for a deck chair around the pool during your vacation. Round up your favorite people and give your getaway a major upgrade with one of these mansions for rent in Cornwall:
When it comes to who you vacation with, we believe the more people the merrier. If you're after somewhere with ample space for friends and family, one of these large group vacation rentals in Cornwall will tick your boxes:
Planning a vacation in Cornwall with your extended family and friends doesn't have to mean cramming everyone into a couple of rooms. If you're looking for someplace comfy where you and your gang can stretch out and unwind, one of these large vacation rentals might just fit the bill:
Get set to take your pick and cannonball right in. Here are a couple of top-notch house rentals in Cornwall where life is cooler by the pool: