Found at the farthest reach of England’s West Country, with its rugged coastlines, beautiful beaches, bucket-and-spade seaside villages and wild moorland, Cornwall is among the most memorable of English holiday destinations. This is an enduringly popular region, with an impressive range of accommodation catering to a variety of tastes and budgets. Including everything from elegant spa hotels to cosy B&Bs, our pick of the best places to stay in Cornwall promises a characterful base from which to hit the beach, stroll through pretty towns or get joyfully lost in the countryside.
Some of our Cornwall collections:
Famed for offering some of the best surf in the UK, Cornwall is ideal for experienced wave-riders as well as eager beginners, with a number of surf schools geared towards helping you find your balance. Beyond the surf, the sailing and the countless blustery beaches, there’s stacks of culture and history to enjoy, too. Art aficionados will adore trips to the Millennium, Belgrave and Wills Lane galleries in artsy St Ives, craggy west Cornwall’s liveliest town, situated not far from the peninsula’s furthest point.
A visit to Henry VIII’s perfectly preserved St Mawes Castle also comes highly recommended, and ties in brilliantly with a stroll around the picturesque harbour of St Mawes, a trendy south-Cornish village renowned for its chic hotels and two terrific beaches. And don’t miss exploring The Eden Project, which showcases the unique biodiversities of climates from around the world, offering a top family day out with fantastic eco-credentials.
Cornwall’s north coast is best known for big waves — a huge hit with surfers — and for its 60 miles of dramatic Atlantic Heritage Coast, stretching from Bude to Bedruthan. Think cliffs, coves, charming market towns, quiet farmsteads and the hugely atmospheric Bodmin Moor. Bustling Rock and Padstow are favourites for good reason, and both are home to some lovely hotels, including one of our top family picks.
South Cornwall, on the other hand, is quieter and softer with sheltered coves, idyllic harbours and a more Mediterranean vibe. Arty Penzance is a charming harbour town in the south-west, known in part for the twentieth-century Newlyn School, an artists' collective based in an adjacent village. Book a room in Penzance for striking views of St Michael’s Mount, which is also visible from Marazion, an excellent choice for swimming, sailing, kitesurfing and windsurfing. Or for low-key charm and top-notch foodie spots, head further south to the cobbled lanes of Mousehole, a popular fishing village. Heading east, Fowey is also a wonderful base, nestled at the mouth of the River Fowey and home to a lively yachting regatta every August.
Whether you’re dreaming of clifftop rambles, fun family beach days or delectable seafood, Cornwall’s popularity is well-deserved. Whilst many of the best places to stay in Cornwall offer striking sea views, some of our favourites are tucked inland, promising plenty of privacy as you discover the hidden side of this beautiful region. With travellers planning their trips months in advance, book your stay early to avoid disappointment!