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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 Unique 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.

Inspiration on where to stay

Where to eat in Cornwall

There´s former WWII gun shelters turned pint-sized cocktail bars, sourdough pizzas bringing hungry wanderers to beaches of Poldark fame, and Michelin-starred restaurants where petit fours are served on miniature carousels.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Journals about Cornwall

Traveller´s tales of baby´s first holiday, love letters to being barefoot on the beach, and owners 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.

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Cornwall FAQ´s

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:

South:

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:

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 Cornwall´s most unique homes to join our growing portfolio.

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