Our guide to luxury Cornwall holidays
Sitting at the southernmost nib of the nation, with surf-ready turquoise waters, trendy eateries, and miles-on-miles of sandy beaches, this is Britain’s answer to Bondi. Here's the insider's guide to luxury Cornwall holidays.
Some know it as the place that puts jam first, clotted cream second. Yes, there’s sand dunes and pasties and big-as-your-head scallop shells, but there’s a stylish underbelly to the English coast that flies in the face of those predictable seaside sojourns. Think secret sundowner spots, rollercoaster walking routes, and iconic Greek theatres that appear to be carved into the cliffside. From the warm breeze coming off the Gulf Stream to hidden coves where real treasures might be found, Cornwall is a place unto itself.
We know beach-luxe Britain. In our guide to luxury Cornwall holidays, you'll find the best places to eat, the top things to do, and all the must-see sights — from Michelin-starred restaurants to dog-friendly beaches to the swimming spots that only the locals know. When it comes to where to stay, there’s thoughtfully ornamented cabins, artist’s studios turned private pool houses, and chic coastal estates draped in hand-printed textiles. From the Lizard Peninsula to Bude, we’ve left no seashell unturned.
Locations in Cornwall
While Whitsand Bay brings sand as fine as sugar, the Tamar Valley invites wanderers to wind through woodland with kingfishers for guides; from Malpas to Mousehole, each pin on the map reveals Cornwall's character.
- Boscastle
- Bude
- Coverack
- Crantock
- Gorran Haven
- Gwithian
- Helford
- Holywell Bay
- Looe
- Malpas
- Mawgan Porth
- Mousehole
- Newquay
- Perranporth
- Polperro
- Porthcurno
- Porthleven
- Portreath
- Sennen Cove
- St Agnes
- St Breward
- St Ives
- St Just In Roseland
- St Newlyn East
- Tamar Valley
- The Lizard
- The Roseland Peninsula
- Trebarwith Strand
- Trelion
- Wadebridge
- Whitsand Bay
- Widemouth Bay
Collections in Cornwall
From woodland love nests to country kingdoms fit for family hide-and-seek sessions, our curated collections whip up visions of invite-only health clubs, private chefs, heated pools, and hot tubs. Half the fun is in the searching.
Luxury Homes with Tennis Courts
From Victorian vegetable stores to fairytale millhouses, our luxury homes with tennis courts bring the best of Wimbledon to the country.
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Coastal Retreats
From modern beach houses to bohemian self-catering cottages by the sea, spend days watching the waves in one of our luxury coastal cottages.
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Dog-Friendly Escapes
Luxury self-catering for dog-friendly escapes, these coastal cottages and country retreats are designed with discerning hounds in mind.
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Couples´ Retreats
From Valentine´s breaks to honeymooner´s hideaways, these luxury cottages were designed for couples with romance in mind.
View collectionLazy Sunday Stays
Craving a luxury weekend break but can´t escape the Monday meeting? Take advantage of our Lazy Sunday stays affording generously late check-outs.
View collectionElopement Weddings
Whether a luxury home by the sea or grand country manor, run away to enjoy the elopement wedding of your dreams at a unique private home.
View collectionLuxury Homes with Pools
Feel the heat? Choose from our luxury holiday homes with swimming pools. Indoors, outdoors, heated, natural... we have them all.
View collectionFamily-Friendly Self-Catering
Unique family-owned homes creatively designed with relaxation in mind, our luxury child-friendly holiday cottages offer stress-free escapes.
View collectionLarge Self-Catering Groups
Our larger luxury self-catering homes and big country houses are just the ticket for a celebratory luxury group gathering.
View collectionLuxury Homes with Hot Tubs
Plot your escape to one of these exclusive, hand-picked luxury self-catering cottages with hot tubs for a truly relaxing and rejuvenating break.
View collectionLuxury Homes with a Private Chef
From romantic breaks where dessert is always on the menu to celebration homes where chefs make the family favourites; see our homes with catering.
View collectionHoneymoons
Start married life with the ultimate romantic honeymoon in a luxury retreat, from cosy cottages to beach hideaways.
View collectionCountry House Breaks
Our exclusive collection of country houses includes luxury manor houses, opulent mansions with pools and beautiful private estates.
View collectionWorking Remotely
Discover luxury self-catering with inspirational home office spaces, allowing for both work and play on your holiday.
View collectionAlternative Group Option
Alternative holiday cottages for groups. Stay as a small group in one of our luxury self-catering holiday homes with our alternative group option.
View collectionHoliday homes 2-3 hours from London
Plotting a romantic escape from the city? These luxury coastal and country retreats within two to three hours’ drive of London are just the ticket.
View collectionEco-Friendly Escapes
Our luxury eco-friendly retreats include a beach hut Cornwall and a coastal cabin in Scotland. Good for the soul, and the planet.
View collectionBaby-Friendly Breaks
For families with a baby on board, our unique baby-friendly breaks provide luxury self-catering with safety, comfort and parents in mind.
View collectionSecret Garden Escapes
Our unique garden escapes feature woodland hideaways, secret garden cottages and exclusive private homes in Alice in Wonderland estates.
View collectionFilm and Photoshoot Locations
Whether you want a unique film shoot backdrop or luxury venue for a new product launch, these shoot and stay locations are one of a kind.
View collectionWaterside Living
Experience the charm and tranquility of living on the water´s edge at these unique waterside properties set by lochs, lakes, rivers or beaches.
View collectionWellness Retreats
Wellbeing venues with a difference, take exclusive hire of a private home for your next wellbeing, fitness or yoga retreat.
View collectionLuxury Solo Travel
Indulge in a little me time and create your own itinerary with an independent solo travel experience at an inspiring luxury homestay.
View collectionElectric Car Escapes
If you are looking for an eco-friendly holiday that supports your electric or hybrid car, these sustainable luxury properties will be just the ticket.
View collectionLong Let Holiday Homes and Properties
Relocating for work? Between houses? Make yourself at home! Enjoy a long let rental without the hassle at a private luxury holiday home.
View collectionCorporate Events
Our unique corporate event venues promise creative settings for inspired company retreats, ideal for team-building or company rewards.
View collectionSurf Retreats
Unique surfing holidays along the UK´s stunning coastline, where chic beach houses provide a luxury base for adrenaline-fuelled escapes.
View collectionValentine´s Breaks
Unique Valentine´s Day breaks for a get-away-from-it-all adventure, from iconic beach huts to remote woodland cabins for two.
View collectionUnique Hen Weekends
For sophisticated brides wanting an alternative hen weekend its got to be Unique Homestays. Think yoga barns, swimming pools and disco balls.
View collectionWilderness Retreats
Idyllic hideaways perfect for wild food foragers and barefoot wanderers, our wilderness retreats combine remote settings with natural style.
View collectionBoho Hideaways
Embrace your inner nomad with our boho cottages and hideaway homes, where eclectic décor and laid-back vibes combine to make the perfect boho luxury escape.
View collectionLimited Edition
Be one of the lucky few to stay in one of these unique private homes, available for only a select number of weeks per year.
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Things to do in Cornwall
Think spoken word poetry high on a hill, rock-pooling with only starfish for company, and carving through six-foot barrels. With lost gardens and hidden coves, Cornwall brings the feeling of being somewhere far, far away.
Healeys Cyder Farm
For a family-friendly day out, a tour of Healeys Cider Farm combines tractor rides for little ones along with cider tasting for parents ´researching´ this Cornish favourite!
Camel Trail
Why not hire a tandem on the Camel Trail from Wadebridge to Padstow? A great day out, especially when combined with fish and chips on the quay and a stop off at the fantastic Camel Valley Vineyard!
King Arthur’s Castle, Tintagel
Descend the steep path from the village of Tintagel and explore the ruins of Tintagel Castle and Merlin’s Cave. Said to be the place where King Arthur was born, these clifftop ruins have Arthurian legend woven in stone.
Discover Cornwall´s Ancient Capital
Cornwall’s so-called capital, Truro, is a tiny city rich in history and home to a stunning three-spire Cathedral. Lose yourself on Lemon Street admiring local art galleries, Georgian architecture and seriously tempting independent coffee shops.
Watergate Bay
With a sweeping expanse of golden sand at the foot of the cliffs and some excellent eateries to choose from, a trip to Watergate Bay is a must. Hire surfboards from the Extreme Academy, walk the pooches on the dog-friendly beach.
Cornish Coast Path
Pick up the South West Coast Path and experience some of the UK´s most breathtaking seascapes en route. Nearby Polly Joke and Crantock have stunning walks and the beautiful Holywell Bay is dog-friendly beach year-round.
Art Galleries
A trip to west Cornwall is not complete without soaking in a little artistic inspiration; discover galleries hidden away down cobbled streets and visit St Ives to see how this corner of the world has inspired generations of artists.
The Poldark Trail
Discover the remains of ancient engine houses dotted on the north Cornwall coast path or, closer to home, follow in the footsteps of 18th century Cornish tin miners on an atmospheric tour of Poldark Mine in the Wendron Valley.
Saltwater Swimming
Mousehole has two small, safe and sandy beaches protected by the harbour walls. Beyond the harbour is a shallow children´s pool between the rocks. See if you can find the locals´ favourite swimming spot "Dicky Daniel´s".
Things to see in Cornwall
From hedonistic theatre experiences in Tehidy Woods to afternoons spent decoding art in Tate St Ives, Cornwall has coastal fortresses with links to the legend of King Arthur and helicopters that zip you to the Isles of Scilly.
The Eden Project, Bodelva
The largest conservatories in the world, cutting edge iconic architecture, awe-inspiring gardens, a rainforest... the list goes on! Also a great selection of events all year around, including concerts, ice skating and more...
The Minack Theatre
A stunning open-air theatre perched cliffside over Porthcurno Beach, The Minack Theatre is an inimitable experience. Take a cushion and a bottle of wine and watch one of the productions as the sun sets; dolphins make a regular unscripted appearance!
Padstow
The prettiest town in North Cornwall (made all the more famous by Rick Stein and his glut of eateries hidden within the tangle of lanes), it´s not all food here. Take a boat trip across the river to Rock, hike the coast path, or simply watch the comings and goings of the harbour.
Porthcurno
Porthcurno has a spectacular (though busy) beach and stunning walks along the cliff. It also houses the Telegraph Museum, which is great for children and tells the story of when the village housed the largest telegraph station in the world.
St Nectan´s Glen
This sacred and mystical site is just around the corner and not to be missed. See how the River Trevillet has carved its way through slate and punched through the original basin to form a spectacular 60ft waterfall and natural pool.
Perranzabuloe
The coastal parish of Perranzabuloe sits just south of Newquay, with brilliant displays of arable flora in summer when whole fields come alive with scarlet poppies and rare meadow plants. The coast path here is simply breathtaking.
Bedruthan Steps
The huge granite stacks rising from the beach were once, according to legend, stepping stones for the Giant Bedruthan. Access to the beach can be restricted by tide and rockfall but the coast path along the top is stunning.
Great Gardens
For garden-lovers, the much acclaimed Eden Project is well worth a visit, as are the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the numerous National Trust properties and gardens scattered across the county. Breathe in floral perfumes and explore under canopies of green.
Camel Valley Vineyard
Enjoy an afternoon at the Camel Valley Vineyard, Cornwall´s largest vineyard, located above the River Camel. These award-winning wines have been produced here since 1989 and are best enjoyed during a pitstop along the Camel Trail.
Newlyn Filmhouse
Watch arthouse world films at this 1870´s granite fish cellar and smoker turned independent cinema. The two digital screens feature armchair and sofa style lumbar seating, and there´s a licensed bar. Book ahead.
St Agnes Beacon, Chapel Porth
A strenuous but worthwhile walk from the village; on a clear day views from St Agnes Beacon stretch all the way up and down the north coast, from Padstow to St Ives.
Where to eat in Cornwall
There's former WWII gun shelters turned pint-sized cocktail bars, wood-fired sourdough pizzas bringing hungry wanderers to beaches of Poldark fame, and Michelin-star restaurants where petit fours are served on miniature carousels.
The Fish House, Newquay
An award-winning restaurant run by chef Paul Harwood, so be sure to book early. Enjoy fantastic views out over the ocean, delicious fresh fish dishes, wonderful wine and a superb atmosphere.
Rick Stein´s Restaurant, Padstow
Enjoy simple seafood dishes with classic flavours at Rick Stein´s Seafood Restaurant. There is a seafood bar right in the middle of the restaurant where you can watch chefs assembling platters of oysters, langoustines and sashimi.
Sam´s on the Beach, Polkerris
Once a former RNLI lifeboat station, Sam´s on the Beach restaurant boasts a fantastic position right on the beach at Polkerris. Their menu features local seafood and pizzas from their custom built wood-fired pizza oven.
The Devonport Inn, Torpoint
A very popular traditional pub with characterful interiors displaying an eclectic mix of antiques! Owner Jerome is from Northern France and has the French passion for classic, uncomplicated dishes using the very best of fresh, local produce.
Rojano´s in the Square, Padstow
Rojano´s in the Square offers rustic Italian and Mediterranean influenced dishes in the heart of Padstow. Head along for flavourful feasts accompanied by fine wines.
Nancarrow Farm Feasts, Zelah
Nancarrow Farm, a stone’s throw from Libertine, hosts monthly feast nights. Hosting varied themes such as ´Tuscan Peasant Feast´, ´Valley of the Stag Feast´ and ´De Boule, Des Moules, De Fumée´, these spectacular culinary evenings book fast.
Paul Ainsworth at No. 6, Padstow
Paul Ainsworth and his team have something quite special here in the narrow backstreets of Padstow. Featured in the Michelin Guide, Paul´s Georgian townhouse offers attractively presented dishes and first class flavours.
The Beach Hut, Watergate Bay
The Beach Hut showcases local, seasonal produce in an outstanding location right on the beachfront at Watergate Bay. Presenting a 50% plant-based menu alongside great hot chocolates, plus an unrivaled view for supper.
2 Fore Street
Awash with white and blue, this chic French-style bistro on the harbour front enjoys views across Mount´s Bay as far as Lizard point. Try the brunch menu in their pretty courtyard and book ahead to dine in their popular restaurant.
Coverack Crab & Lobster
You can´t stay in a Cornish fishing village without sampling the fisherman´s catch of the day. Coverack delivers delicious lobsters and crabs pulled from the Atlantic that morning for a creamy bisque or throw on the barbecue with lashings of garlic butter.
Archie´s Loft, Coverack
A hidden gem in the village, this friendly fishing loft-turned-cafe serves home-cooked pizzas and fresh salads to take away or enjoy within their outdoor seating area overlooking the harbour. The perfect place to stop for a post-swim snack off the beach.
The Sorting Office, St Agnes
A small, quirky converted Post Office just up the hill from the cottage, serving artisan coffee and a wealth of homemade treats and cakes.
Journals about Cornwall
Traveller's tales of baby's first holiday, love letters to being barefoot on the beach, and owner's who recount their home's origin story; pluck a sprig of rosemary for your gin, and become engulfed in stories of life by the sea.
Lifestyle
The Cornwall food guide: 10 of the best places to eat
From Michelin-starred fine dining to farm-to-fork fare, Cornwall has become renowned far-and-wide for its flourishing food scene. Here is our pick of the county´s best foodie spots.
Interiors
Unique Homestays partners with The White Company
The White Company partners with Unique Homestays to launch an experiential holiday cottage in a first-of-its-kind collaboration for the luxury British brands. Think signature fragrances and glossy earthenware wrapped up in cob walls.
Owner Chronicles
From new build to ocean oasis; a life on the wild Cornish coast
In our latest owner chronicle, we head down to Cornwall’s charming coastal village of Gwithian to speak with owner, Melanie, about her modern, chic beach pad; Senara. Expect Cornish magic and endless views over Godrevy and St Ives.
Travellers' Tales
Birthday celebrations at glorious Gwendolyn
Having your birthday fall in January can feel like a disadvantage, what with the rest of the world mourning the festivities. But when a sepia-hued thatch overlooking the sea comes calling, all January blues are blown out the window.
Cornwall FAQs
Looking for advice on finding dog-friendly pubs? Want to know the most child-friendly locations in the county? If you have a Cornwall-specific query, you might find the answer here. For everything else, visit our general FAQs.
Are there any Michelin-star restaurants?
Yes. While Cornwall has no shortage of impressive eateries, there are a handful of Michelin-star restaurants that lead the pack. We include local restaurant recommendations with all bookings, which includes Michelin-star and Michelin-recommended spots, as well as firm favourites of the home owners that might fly under the radar.
Where is the best place to surf in Cornwall?
North:
- Watergate Bay, Newquay
- Gwithian, near Hayle
- Fistral Beach, Newquay
- Widemouth Bay, Bude
- Crantock Beach, Newquay
- Harlyn Bay Beach, near Padstow
- Polzeath Beach, near Wadebridge
- Porthtowan Beach, near St Agnes
South:
- Praa Sands, the Lizard Peninsula
- Porthleven Beach (reef – experienced surfers only)
- Sennen Cove, Penzance
- Porthmeor Beach, St Ives
Explore our Luxury Cornish surf retreat collection.
Can I take my dog on the beach in summer?
When it comes to Cornwall's beaches that are dog-friendly all year round, Gorran Haven, Plaidy Beach in Looe, and Summerleaze Beach in Bude are among our favourites. Each beach has different rules (especially in peak season, where dogs might not be allowed off-lead until after 5pm, for example), but our Homestays Specialists are on-hand to advise you about the best dog-friendly beaches in the area that suits your needs.
Are there any EV chargers nearby?
Yes, many of our luxury holiday homes have EV chargers on-site, giving you the peace of mind that you won't lose power in some of the nation’s remotest corners. Browse the collection of homes with electric chargers.
What are the best golf courses in Cornwall?
Some of our favourite links are:
- St Enodoc Golf Club, Rock
- Perranporth Golf Club
- Newquay Gold Club
- Bowood Golf Club, Camelford
- West Cornwall Golf Club in Lelant, St. Ives
- Trevose Golf and Country Club, Padstow
- St. Mellion Estate, near Saltash (Tamar Valley)
- Mullion Golf Club, Helston (England's most southerly course)
- Tehidy Park Golf Club, Nr. Camborne
- Lanhydrock Golf Club near Bodmin
We recommend that you contact the club(s) you are interested in to check non-member availability.
Where is the best place to go stand-up paddle boarding in Cornwall?
Tidal estuaries are a much safer option than the ocean; but note, in many of these estuaries the water empties at low tide. We recommend:
- The River Gannel, Newquay
- Helford River
- Fowey River
- The Camel Estuary, Wadebridge
Please note: never paddle board in the ocean when there are offshore winds as there is a risk of being carried out to sea. The Magicseaweed website is a good source of information about conditions and tides.
Own a property in Cornwall?
Are you the keeper of a wildflower-wrapped cabin? Or the custodian of a fanciful castle? From Penzance to St Ives to wild Bodmin Moor, we're seeking the nation's most unique homes to join our growing portfolio.
