Cornwall is the embodiment of an English coastal paradise, packed with natural beauty and local charm. From quaint harbour villages hidden between jagged green cliff faces to wild rolling hills and moorland, it’s one of the most beautiful spots in the country.
You’ll find remote farmhouses, cottages, and even estates and castles spread out across the rural inland areas. However, most Cornwall visitors come for the seaside charm and coastal cuisine. In fact, the Newquay area is pretty much the birthplace of English fish and chips!
Cornwall’s popularity means it’s chockablock full of holiday homes. In seaside towns like Bude, Falmouth, Fowey, and Looe, you will be spoilt for choice with stunning seaside cottages and coastal manors boasting exquisite ocean views. Youngsters might prefer the cultural vibe and party atmosphere found in St. Ives, Newquay or Padstow.
As one of the few beach holiday spots in the country, flood waves of holidaymakers make their way to this adventurous coastline every summer. So, get ahead of the pack and book the best holiday rental in Cornwall using this extensive list of accommodation!
Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Holiday Rentals in Cornwall
Brand-New 5 Bed Cottage with Sea Views
- > $$
- > 8 Guests
- > Scandinavian influenced architecture
- > Elevated above Carbis Bay
Refurbished 2 Bed Stone Cottage
- > $
- > 4 Guests
- > Exposed beam ceilings and brand new fittings
- > Surrounded by farmlands in North Cornwall
Contemporary 1 Bed Condo with Fireplace
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Luxurious new interiors with a clawfoot bathtub
- > In the heart of the idyllic town of Mousehole
4 Bed Beach House with Lawn
- > $$$
- > 7 Guests
- > Bright coastal interiors with three parking spaces
- > Secluded in Praa Sands, meters from the ocean, bars, and shops
Refurbished 11 Bed Castle on Riverfront
- > $$$$
- > 22 Guests
- > Updated interiors and huge grounds with a pool
- > On the banks of River Tamar on the Cornish border
Looking for other types of accommodation? Check out our guide to Where to Stay in Cornwall!
Types of Accommodation in Cornwall
Bed and Breakfasts and Boutique Hotels
The UK has always been a hotspot for quaint B&Bs found throughout its rural towns and villages. For those looking for a relaxing break from the city scene, Cornwall is home to some of the most charming and luxurious bed and breakfasts in the UK.
Whether you choose a low-key harbour-side guesthouse or an ultra-luxurious boutique hotel on a private golf course, you will always be treated like royalty at these top B&Bs.
The best thing about B&Bs is the heightened level of service guests receive. From housekeeping to general concierge service and best of all – dining service, B&Bs are a great call for all sorts of travellers. We recommend them for couples and small families who are looking for a break from everyday life.
Cottages and Cabins
As with any rural area in the UK, you’ll never be too far from the closest cottage or cabin. Often, these cottages will be steeped in history too. Walk in the steps of ancient shepherds or spend a night in a refurbished barn for a unique and authentic English countryside experience.
By definition, cottages and cabins are usually small homes made from either stone or wood. They usually have low ceilings, cozy wooden interiors, and let’s not forget, a wood-burning fireplace.
Located in more rural and secluded areas, cottages and cabins are the ideal holiday homes in Cornwall for couples, families with young children, babies or traveling with pets, and generally anyone who wishes to spend some time away from the city in the great outdoors.
Beach Houses and Villas
Cornwall has an abundance of self-catering holiday rentals to accommodate tourists visiting its turquoise oceans and pristine beaches. Depending on the size of your travel party, you could find yourself a picture-perfect beach house for a small family, or even a massive coastal estate to accommodate 15 people.
Naturally, this type of holiday rental is ideal for families, groups of friends, and even large gatherings of people.
Many of these homes are perched on the hills above the coastline, offering incredible ocean views from almost every window or balcony. If you’re looking to splurge, find yourself a home with a private hot tub and swimming pool overlooking the ocean.
A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!
An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.
Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and ditch the plastic.
Grab an eSIM!Top 20 Holiday Rentals in Cornwall
Cornwall is a must when you’re visiting the UK. Dive into this list of accommodations and get inspired for your next trip to this South-West English paradise!
Best Overall Holiday Rental in Cornwall | Brand-New 5 Bed Cottage with Sea Views
- $$
- Scandinavian-influenced architecture and a large garden
- 8 Guests
- Elevated above Carbis Bay
Modern, elegant, and funky – the perfect combination for a holiday in the sun! This stunning new home draws heavy influence from Scandinavian architecture. Using wood, glass, and stunning modern fittings, this space will make you feel like you’re on vacation from the moment you enter.
Better yet, the five-bedroom home is super affordable for what it offers. It includes tons of games and toys for children, as well as a huge outdoor space for the entire family to enjoy.
Best Budget Holiday Rental in Cornwall | Refurbished 2 Bed Stone Cottage
- $
- Exposed beam ceilings and modern furnishings
- 4 Guests
- Surrounded by farmlands in North Cornwall
Looking for cheap accommodation in Cornwall but don’t fancy staying in a hostel? We’ve got you. This gorgeous cottage on a coastal farm is perfect for those on a budget, offering a private space for a great price.
The stone two-bedroom home has been recently remodelled and boasts contemporary furnishings. The central living space features a high ceiling with exposed wooden beams and tons of glass skylights, inviting natural light into every corner.
The homeowners have even provided surfboards for guests to use at the beach! And like a true beach rental, it has an outdoor shower to wash all that sand off when you arrive home!
Budget Tip: Dorms in Cornwall start from $10USD per bed. They’re the cheapest accommodation in the city. Search for hostels in the area!
Most Beautiful Holiday Rental in Cornwall | Relaxing 1 Bed Retreat with Farm Views
- $$
- Bright and spacious
- 2 Guests
- Surrounded by gardens and estuaries
Choosing the most beautiful holiday rental anywhere is no easy task. However, this gem of a cottage is an obvious pick. Perched above rolling hills in the countryside, the views from every window in this modern sanctuary are to die for.
With an equally as impressive interior, you’ll be treated with cosy pastel-coloured furniture and a wood-burning fireplace. Gaze out across the farmland as you prepare meals in the beautiful kitchen, which is flooded with natural light.
Most Luxurious Holiday Rental in Cornwall | Refurbished 11 Bed Castle on Riverfront
- $$$$
- Enormous grounds with a pool
- 22 Guests
- On the banks of River Tamar
Yes, you read right. This massive castle estate with eleven bedrooms is up for rent. Arguably one of the most extravagant rentals around, this huge home has been fully refurbished. It boasts stylish furniture and contemporary fittings, while still maintaining its old-world charm and glory.
When we say it’s luxurious, we mean it. We’re talking clawfoot bathtubs, Persian carpets in the bathrooms, regal four-poster beds, and fireplaces in the bedrooms.
The castle also includes access to extensive grounds, including a massive swimming pool. It is, without a doubt, one of the best holiday rentals in Cornwall for large gatherings and events.
Best Holiday Rental in Cornwall for Families | 4 Bed Beach House with Lawn
- $$$
- Bright coastal interiors & three parking spaces
- 7 Guests
- Praa Sands, metres from the ocean, bars, and shops
Tucked between daisy bushes only a few steps from the beach, this gorgeous family home spares no expense for details. Influenced by a mixture of French Provence and coastal interiors, the home features pale pastel colours and warm wooden touches.
This spot is perfect for families, offering a spacious deck with outdoor dining and lawns for kids to run around on. The homeowners have even provided access to a travel cot and highchair, ideal for those travelling with young kids.
Best Holiday Rental in Cornwall for a Weekend | 2 Bed Coastal Cottage with Sea Views
- $
- Cosy beach cottage with coastal-themed interiors
- 4 Guests
- A few minutes from Cadgwith Beach
Ditching the city for a weekend staycation or simply passing through on a Cornish road trip? We’ve found the top beach holiday rental in Cornwall for your short weekend visit. Perfectly located on a pristine two-acre plot of land, it’s within walking distance to the beach, local pubs, and eateries. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining and activities, so you can make the most of your limited time.
The quaint garden cottage follows a coastal theme, with lots of pale blue, red, and white touches. With wooden sailing boats, coastal art, and lighthouse figurines decorating the space, every corner of this home screams ‘seaside holiday’.
Best Holiday Rental in Cornwall with a Pool and Jacuzzi | 8 Bed Georgian Estate with Pool and Jacuzzi
- $$$$
- Four separate cottages and a manor house
- 18 Guests
- Manor estate in Bratton Clovelly
This gorgeous stone-built manor house is the perfect spot to gather with friends or family. The interior is simply furnished with everything you might need to feel right at home. Enjoy a fully-equipped kitchen with new appliances, a wood-burning fireplace, and cosy bedrooms.
The best part of this rental has to be the huge grounds. This estate could easily be mistaken for a medieval city. Take a walk through the moorland, play some tennis, or splash about in the private pool and Jacuzzi. There’s even a gym if you’re up for some holiday training.
Super Accessible Holiday Rental in Cornwall | Oceanside Boutique Hotel with Pool
- $$$
- Wheelchair accessible building with beautiful ocean views
- 2 Guests
- On the coast by Portscatho, near bars and eateries
Set against a backdrop of lush overgrown cliffs, overlooking the beautiful Portscatho Bay, this quaint inn offers easy access to the local town and coast. This holiday rental in Cornwall is also wheelchair friendly, making it great for guests with limited mobility.
Bring your kids along to this stunning inn, which has lush gardens to explore, a stunning indoor pool, and a range of children’s toys and games for a rainy day.
However, we’re here for the family-style restaurant, which serves outstanding food throughout the day. If you prefer preparing your own food, the inn offers self-catering rental units too.
Most Central Holiday Rental in Cornwall | New Studio in the Heart of Cornwall
- $
- Brand-new furniture
- 2 Guests
- Outskirts of St Austell
Make yourself at home in this contemporary studio cottage in the centre of Cornwall. This two-person studio sits between the beach and woodland trails. You’ll also be close to some of the coolest places in Cornwall, including Charlestown, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, and the famous Eden Project.
If you’re interested in exploring the bigger Cornish cities, you’ll only have to drive 25 minutes to Newquay, Truro, and Padstow. Basically, you could explore the whole region from this central spot.
The studio itself is perfectly suitable for a short or long stay. It’s also super affordable, making it a great option for long stays and digital nomads.
Best Holiday Rental for a Large Family in Cornwall | Historic 13 Bed Manor Farmhouse with Pool
- $$$$
- Massive two-property home with tennis court and pool
- 27 Guests
- A mile from Bodmin Town
Bow down to the manor house of all manor houses. As one of the largest properties in the area, this thirteen-bedroom home is one of the best holiday rentals in Cornwall for hosting events. Be it a wedding, a birthday bash, or a party for no reason other than to enjoy the company of your best friends, this is the spot to host it.
Tucked away in the lush countryside, this Georgian manor consists of two properties that can be rented together as one. It’s been restored to its full glory, with beautiful pressed ceiling skirting, a grand piano, and pull-chain toilets. There’s even a brass Swedish Jacuzzi in the master bedroom!
When the weather allows, spend some time by the outdoor heated pool or get a crew together for some tennis. The opportunities are endless in this luxurious estate.
Best Holiday Rental in Cornwall for a Friends Getaway | Cozy 4 Bed Farmhouse with Glass Walls
- $$$
- Traditional farmhouse with modern contemporary architecture
- 8 Guests
- On a private farm in the Luxulyan Valley
As a major fan of glass walls and wooden interiors, this might just be my personal favourite rental of the lot. The star of this property is its open concept living space. An entire wall of floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors open out onto a spacious deck, which is partly covered by a glass ceiling.
The room is overflowing with natural light, made only better by the cosy linen furniture and wooden cabinetry. Pops of yellow cushion covers and eclectic geometric rugs complete the home.
Most Unique Holiday Rental in Cornwall | Colorful Shepherds Hut Studio with Jacuzzi
- $
- Bright wooden studio with garden
- 2 Guests
- On the North Cornish coast, close to Port Isaac
This tiny wooden hut looks like something straight out of a Disney film. Inside this tiny Cornish shepherd’s hut, you’ll find a fully-equipped kitchenette, perfect for cooking up your own basic meals.
The stand-out feature of this home is the private Jacuzzi which is heated using a wood-burning fire. Spend an evening soaking in the tub before returning to the cosy bed under the colourful bespoke stain-glass window. Trust us when we say, this self-catering holiday rental in Cornwall will be hard to forget.
Best Holiday Rental in Cornwall for Honeymooners | Sleek 1 Bed Apartment with Sea Views
- $$$
- Unique modern dark interiors with a private cave
- 2 Guests
- In the heart of Bamaluz Beach, walking distance to eateries and shops
This is easily one of the sexiest apartments we’ve come across. Black stone interiors, glass walls, and low lighting give the entire space a super sleek feel. Built with romance in mind, the home is perfect for two guests, featuring a stunning open-plan living area and a full gourmet kitchen.
Grab a bottle of wine and adventure down a step-ladder into your private cave retreat. This dark and moody space has a window overlooking the ocean and is the perfect spot to spend some quality time with your favourite person.
Best Holiday Rental in Cornwall for Nightlife | Elegant 4 Bed Beach House with Ocean Views
- $$$$
- Smart home with five floors and a spacious balcony
- 8 Guests
- In the heart of Newquay, close to the beach
Those on the hunt for a good pub or bar will enjoy the bigger Cornish town of Newquay best. Perched above the ocean in this coastal town, this home is equally as beautiful as it is central.
From almost every window in this beach holiday rental in Cornwall, you’ll be able to enjoy spectacular views of the sea and surrounding town. While the entire home is pretty new, with modern fittings and contemporary furniture, it’s the balcony that we love the most. Overlooking the busy beach through glass railings, this is the best spot to enjoy a drink with your mates before heading out for the night.
Best Holiday Rental in Cornwall with a View | Charming 1 Bed Cottage with Farm Views
- $$
- Tranquil farm studio
- 2 Guests
- Perched above rolling farmlands in inland Cornwall
Whether you’re in the moorland, the lush countryside, or by the sea, Cornwall is overflowing with beautiful vistas everywhere you look. Perched on a hill in the countryside, this homey cottage is no exception. In my opinion, it has some of the most incredible farmland views you’ll ever lay your eyes on.
Grab a drink and head straight for the Jacuzzi deck to enjoy the views in luxury. While you’re there, make sure you pay the friendly local goats and livestock a visit in the neighbouring pasture!
Most Romantic Holiday Rental in Cornwall for Couples | Contemporary 1 Bed Condo with Fireplace
- $
- Luxurious new interiors
- 2 Guests
- In the heart of the idyllic town of Mousehole
This traditional Cornish beach cottage is full of surprises. From the outside, you would never expect the exquisite contemporary architecture and stylish furniture that fills this luxury holiday rental in Cornwall. Wrought iron and glass bring an element of sleekness into the space, while the wooden wallboards give the home a warm and inviting feel.
The entire upstairs loft section is a retreat dedicated to good sleep and wellness. Run a hot bath in the clawfoot tub and head upstairs with a cup of tea for some relaxation and restoration.
Best Tiny Home Holiday Rental in Cornwall | Quaint Shepherds Cottage with Fireplace
- $
- Views of surrounding livestock farms
- 2 Guests
- In Trelill on the North Cornish coast
Although this shepherd’s hut is super tiny, it is bursting with character and charm. The eco-lodge in Cornwall is basically a converted old train compartment that sits on a railway line hidden between trees. Perfect for couples or even solo travellers, the spot boasts a private wood-burning Jacuzzi that’s ideal for stargazing on a clear evening.
When the weather cooperates, make sure to explore the surrounding farm, which has a small lake and is scattered with livestock. In fact, these farm animals will be your only neighbours!
Best Beach Holiday Rental in Cornwall | Spectacular 4 Bed Beach House with Deck
- $$$
- Huge outdoor deck with panoramic ocean views
- 8 Guests
- A road up from the beach in Whitsand Bay
This exquisite self-catering holiday rental in Cornwall exceeds all expectations. The classic beach house sits in a prestigious residential neighbourhood and is one of the most beautiful on the street.
As you walk through the front doors, you’ll be greeted with warm neutral tones and coastal-themed interiors. Crisp white linen and artisanal wooden cabinetry and furniture give the home a super inviting feel.
Best of all, this doesn’t seem like any old holiday rental designed for visitors. It has tons of real-life authentic touches that will make you feel right at home.
Best Rural Holiday Rental in Cornwall | Secluded 1 Bed Farm Cottage with Jacuzzi
- $
- Surrounded by miles of green pastures
- 2 Guests
- In the small town of Perranarworthal near Falmouth
Calling all city-dwellers – if you’re sick and tired of the traffic and daily hustle, make your way to this remote converted stable cottage in the Cornish countryside for some well-needed recharging.
Although basic (and extremely well priced), this space has been completely refurbished with new furniture, a clawfoot bathtub and rain shower, as well as a magnificent kitchen.
If you’re feeling lazy, head down to the local honesty farm shop and pick out your favourite home-cooked meal. Oh, and one more thing, this rural and affordable cottage even includes access to a private jacuzzi.
Best Pet-Friendly Holiday Rental in Cornwall | Countryside 1 Bed Stable with Views
- $
- Converted stable house with log burning fire
- 2 Guests
- Located in the Cornish countryside in Withiel
This is one of those homes that is so cosy, you will never want to leave. These old farm stables have been converted into an upscale luxury holiday rental in Cornwall, perfect for couples or solo flyers travelling with pets.
With endless walking paths and trails leading into the moors and countryside from the front door, your dogs will be forever thankful you brought them along.
The home is so secluded that you may feel like you’re the only person in the world. However, you’ll still only be a short drive from the town of Padstow and Wadebridge.
Final Thoughts
From the inland countryside to the moorland to the rugged coastline, Cornwall is one of the most diverse coastal regions in the UK. The county has both a relaxing and an adventurous wild side, making it a great destination for a range of visitors.
Whether you’re popping over from London for a short staycation or visiting from further afield, there’s a holiday home in Cornwall for everyone.
Choose from refurbished stables, barns, and cottages in Cornwall, or go big and rent out a huge countryside estate.
Find out how YOU can support the site.
We’re a big site with a big team and this job isn’t always easy. But we do it because we love it – we love providing epic and free content. We love the knowledge that our content keeps you adventuring. We don’t ask for money, but if you’d like to find out how you can help the site in more organic ways, click the button below.
Thank you for your support 🙂
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
