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Find your perfect self-catering holiday cottage on the Cornish coast

Coastal self-catering breaks in Cornwall

If there is one part of the United Kingdom that can rival our mainland European neighbours in terms of stunning coastline and beaches, it is the beautiful county of Cornwall. Covering England’s rugged southwestern base, Cornwall is arguably the country’s most picturesque and sought after area, drawing tourists from all over the UK (and further afield). It is widely agreed between England natives that if Cornwall had guaranteed sunshine all summer long – like its rival destinations in Spain it would be renowned as one of Europe’s best beach holiday destinations.

Cornish short break cottages

To really get under the skin of Cornwall, you ideally need between one and two weeks and should opt for self-catered accommodation. The reason for this is simple: you don’t want to be tied down to eating in one place at the best of times, especially not when you are in the Cornish Riviera, as it is affectionately known in some quarters. Seafood restaurants are particularly good in the county, thanks to its seafaring history and abundance of coastal towns and villages, and you can't leave Cornwall without sampling a Cornish cream tea!

You might be wondering what type of accommodation you would stay in for a coastal summer holiday in Cornwall, and where exactly to visit? Well, you’ll be pleased to know Cornwall has something for everyone – no matter if you’re looking for a short cottage break in a historic town, or a week-long surfing holiday based in a self-catering villa just 200 feet from the beach.

Newquay

One of the most popular parts of Cornwall is Newquay – a surfing destination that attracts visitors from across the country every summer. Situated on Cornwall’s northern coast, this surfing town is renowned for its fine beaches, which boast some of the best waves this side of the Atlantic Ocean. Fistral Beach is always bustling with families and groups of friends, and is perfect for that quintessentially British day out at the beach. With strong surf, ice cream vans galore (and hopefully some decent sunshine), you would be hard pushed to find a better beach day out for the family than at Fistral Beach. Nearby Crealy Adventure Park is perfect for an all-weather family day out, with lots of rides and attractions as well as a wide range of animals to pet and feed.

Cottages near Crealy Adventure Park Newquay

If you fancy trying your hand at surfing in Newquay, there are plenty of surf rental shops where you can get kitted out with wetsuits and surfboards at a reasonable price. Alternatively, beginners can pick up body boards on the cheap throughout the town, which is an ideal way to introduce children to the world of water sports.

While Newquay is great for a family holiday, it is also incredibly popular with teens and young adults, thanks to its reputation as a lively coastal party town. Thanks to an influx of fun-seekers in the warmer months, nightlife in Newquay is buzzing, with bars and nightclubs offering good drinks deals and a place to dance the night away until the small hours of the morning. Naturally, this isn’t what families will be looking for, but a night in a comfortable chalet or cosy self-catering cottage can be equally rewarding – particularly if you have Wi-fi and a television.

Hayle and St Ives

For a far more relaxed vibe, Cornwall’s southwestern coast is the perfect place to visit. Hayle and St Ives are two beautiful coastal towns that both boast huge expanses of golden sand and a vast array of holiday homes to choose from. St Ives especially is a stunning part of the country, and has its own harbour, beaches and train station for easy access to other parts of Cornwall.

Self-catering accommodation near Hayle and St Ives

The picturesque St Ives is no doubt the perfect destination for a week spent in a luxury holiday home, which would leave even the most stressed out soul feeling calm and collected. The town used to be commercially dependent on fishing, and this heritage is obvious throughout, with museums and shops dedicated to its nautical past. It is also teeming with wild flowers and gorgeous cobbled streets, which make it a fantastic place to visit for a romantic getaway. There really can be no better way to share a day in Cornwall than a walk through St Ives’ town centre, visiting its many hip clothes shops in the process, before enjoying some of the country’s best fish, chips and clotted cream ice cream on the beach. Watch out for the army of seagulls inhabiting the town, though, as they are a brazen bunch, and won’t hesitate to pinch your lunch!

Find your perfect self-catering holiday accommodation

The Cornish coast has a fantastic selection of holiday rentals and you will find that unearthing your dream accommodation – whether that’s a quaint thatched cottage, a log cabin, a luxury white-painted villa or a budget apartment – has never been easier. Search specific tools allow you to define your cost allowance, location preference, number of bedrooms needed and even Wi-Fi availability. So, whether you want to bring two dogs along for the ride, need an apartment where you can host a party, or want a hot tub in your back garden – you’re catered for!

Pet-friendly cottages

But while there are hundreds of ways to experience Cornwall and its stunning coastline, one of the best beach holiday accommodation types must be the classic chalet, preferably equipped with its own roofed patio. A chalet holiday is perfect if you are travelling as a family, as they are usually set on quiet sites with other friendly holidaymakers, meaning the kids will have a chance to go and explore the outdoors and make some friends in the process. Often there will be a swimming pool on site too, which will keep kids and adults both entertained, while a local clubhouse provides the perfect setting in which to unwind with a glass of something special after a long day spent frolicking on the beach.