I have never discovered a coastline pretty enough to distract all 7 leaders of the G7 long enough for them to agree on something, but if I had to (for the memes), my first thoughts would be to send them to Cornwall.
Oh wait…
Anyway, Cornwall is a magical place, where coastlines make geographers go ‘agh’ and almost everyone has won an award for their award winning pasties. There is excellent surfing, a nice range of ice creams, and great camping.
But where in blazes are you to store your dinner jackets amidst these bloody hedgerows?!?
An excellent question, and one that will be shortly defeated in my RAVISHINGLY SMOOTH guide to where to stay in Cornwall. Full of the sauciest coastlines, gnarliest waters and most tempting chippies in all of the land…
Please don’t rain.
Are you a rare UK backpacking soul who has managed to escape the overrated clutches of London? Are you ready to be pleasantly surprised by the buzz of the Cornish coast and quality of pasties?
Excellent! There is a wealth of amazing holiday accommodation just ready to pounce upon your holiday quids and make you a very happy boy.
Enjoy this collection of my top 3 places to stay in Cornwall 🙂
Cornish Countryside Retreat | Best Airbnb in Cornwall
There is something satisfyingly British about this amazing converted barn property. Located in the midst of the rolling fields of Zennor village, it’s only a short hop from St Ives, and has brilliant access to the rugged north Cornish coastline. If you fancy a beach holiday that will repair the unknown lung damage of the city, then this gorgeous rural retreat will certainly help…
With room for up to 4 guests it makes a great stay for small families or groups of friends, and the upstairs living room has exceptional views.
Cohort Hostel, St Ives | Best Hostel in Cornwall
This recently renovated hostel is located in the centre of the market town of St Ives. It’s close to the beach and coastal path, and there is the option of embarking on boat trips to nearby fishing villages!
There are heaps of great independent shops and lots of cafes, coffee shops and pubs. Rooms come complete with pod bunk beds, each with its own light, socket, USB plug, and storage locker.
Talland Bay Hotel | Best Hotel in Cornwall
Centred in 2 acres of well-kept gardens, this hotel offers a coastal location that is possibly unbeatable. Each room is individually designed, which may be one of the reasons this hotel keeps winning awards. It feels fairytale-esque, with bright spaces, a refreshing amount of green, and quick access to the beautiful local coastal paths. As my pick for the top hotel in Cornwall, it is suitably charming, artistic, and could probably placate a Saudi Prince.
The Terrace Restaurant serves rosette-winning cuisine, and offers vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. With everything going for it, even the best holiday rentals in the UK look meagre and downcast in comparison…
Looking for something sexier and more romantic? There are plenty of good accommodation options around the county, but why not consider booking into one of the best lodges in Cornwall instead?
Cornwall Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Cornwall
St Ives
St Ives is our pick for the best place in Cornwall to stay if you’re visiting for the first time. It is set in the south of Cornwall and is known for its white-sand beaches, winding narrow alleys, colourful fisherman’s cottages
Penzance
Set on the south coast of Cornwall, Penzance is a tropical paradise. Boasting one of the mildest climates in the UK, here you can enjoy warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and even naturally occurring palm trees.
Newquay
Newquay is a village located in northern Cornwall known for its gorgeous beaches and striking coastal views. A popular resort destination, Newquay attracts tens of thousands of travellers every year to enjoy its stretches of golden sand
Bude
Bude is the northernmost town in Cornwall, sitting right on the border with Devon. A haven for outdoor adventurers, Bude boasts beautiful beaches, exquisite wildlife, great water quality, and fantastic conditions for surfing.
Looe
Looe is a small and picturesque town located on the southern coast of Cornwall. Divided into by the River Looe, this town boasts a pretty harbour, pretty sand beaches and an absolutely stunning coastline.
Cornwall is a massive and spectacular county located in southern England. It is one of the most isolated and unique parts of the country and is a popular holiday destination for domestic and international travellers. Cornwall’s coolest places to go are scattered all around the county.
Whilst there is good public transport between large settlements, experiencing the best of Cornwall is best done with a vehicle. This makes road tripping in Cornwall an excellent option! The prevalence of hidden coves, flirtatious beaches, and ambient villages makes it a gem that is underrated world wide.
St Ives is a popular tourist town that’s located in southern Cornwall. It has a number of high profile attractions and white-sand beaches, including a good selection of shops, restaurants and cafes.
Travel southwest from here and you’ll arrive in Penzance. It’s a pretty town, with St. Michael’s Mount taking centre stage and giving a ton of extra vista points.
Travel north along the coast to Newquay. The surfing capital of the UK, Newquay is a lively and vibrant town known for its beautiful beaches and stunning coastal scenery. It’s also where you’ll find the best nightlife in Cornwall.
Head north from here to Bude, which is the northernmost village in Cornwall. Here you can enjoy great food, drinks and sightseeing alongside unique nature and views. There are some fantastic holiday rentals to take advantage of in the area!
Finally, travel back down south to Looe. A town split into two parts, Looe has a fantastic selection of activities and attractions perfect for a family day out. From basking on the beach to animal encounters, Looe is a village that has it all!
Cornwall’s 5 Best Towns and Villages to Stay in
Cornwall is a place of tight turns, thick hedgerows and narrow roads. There are hundreds of stunning villages hidden amongst these labyrinthian roads, but which of these are the best?
Editors Note: In addition to the places listed here, you will want to explore Land’s End, Port Isaac, and the Lizard Peninsula to get a real feel for the best of Cornwall. There are some truly unbelievable coastal hikes to be had in these areas!
1. St Ives – Where to Stay When Visiting Cornwall for the First Time
St Ives is our pick for the best place in Cornwall to stay if you’re visiting for the first time. It is set in the south of Cornwall and is known for its white-sand beaches, winding narrow alleys, colourful fisherman’s cottages and its myriad of shops and pubs.
It’s also home to two high-profile attractions, the Barbara Hepworth Museum and the Tate Gallery. If you’re after incredible works of art by local artists, you won’t be dissapointed! It’s a sleepy, romantic town, and the perfect place to get away from the stress of city life and laze in a hotel with a private hot tub.
This vibrant and busy seaside town is also where you can excite your sense and dine on some of the best seafood in the UK. Whether it’s a plate of fish and chips or a bowl of fresh mussels, St Ives is a town where you can eat very well! It’s also home to some of the best cottages in Cornwall so you don’t have to look too hard to find an epic place to stay.
Amazing home with Bay Views! | Best Airbnb in St Ives
Enjoy the picturesque views of St Ives harbour that you’ve come to enjoy from the comfort of your own home with this ideally situated apartment. You’ll be mere minutes from the city centre, the beach and the surf. There are plenty of activities supplied for rainy days as well ( come on, this is England).
Luxury 5 star apartment with harbour views | Luxury Apartment in St Ives
This stunning luxury apartment is a little paradise for everyone visiting St Ives. With a top location close to the water, you can enjoy the glorious views of the golden sands at Gwithian and Godrevy Head. You’ve also got free parking here which is ideal if you’re planning some road trips.
Cohort Hostel, St Ives | Best Hostel in St Ives
This recently renovated school building is one of the best hostels in Cornwall. It’s close to the beach, great shops and lots of cafes and pubs. Rooms come complete with pod bunk beds, each with its own light, socket, USB plug, and storage locker. There’s also an in-house bar, lounge and laundry facilities.
Boskerris Hotel | Best Hotel in St Ives
Pristine and tastefully decorated, this gorgeous St Ives hotel is fit to give your holiday the class it deserves. With views that could freeze an ADHD kid (because they’re stunning), this hotel has a brilliant location minutes from the beach and the attractions of the town. Daily breakfast offers a la carte, continental or full English options, and you can hire bikes if you want to explore further afield.
Not only is this hotel equipped with one of the best roof terraces in existence, but there is also an on-site restaurant too. Living made easy…
Things to Do in St Ives
- Choose from a wide selection of beers at Pilchard Press Alehouse Micropub.
- Dig into a hearty Sunday roast at The Castle Inn.
- Get modern and discover the secrets of St. Ives via ebike!
- Eat delicious seafood at The Ocean Grill.
- Explore the Cornwall Coastal Path and prepare for breathtaking views.
- Go coasteering and explore the stunning cliffs around St Ives.
- Grab a pint at The Sloop Inn, the oldest pub in St Ives.
- Engage with something fabulously un-Cornish in the chocolate making experience.
- Relax on the golden sands of Porthminster Beach.
- See an incredible display of artwork at the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden.
- Surf or lounge at spectacular Porthmeor Beach.
- View an incredible collection of iconic 20th-century art at the Tate Gallery St Ives.
- Watch boardmasters at the famous Gwithian Towans beach.
2. Penzance – Best Place to Stay in Cornwall on a Budget
Set on the south coast of Cornwall, Penzance is a tropical paradise. Boasting one of the mildest climates in the UK, here you can enjoy warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine, sandy beaches and even naturally occurring palm trees. Who says you need to leave Great Britain to enjoy a little fun in the sun!
Penzance is also our pick for finding cheap places to stay in Cornwall if you’re travelling on a budget. Not only is this village home to our favourite hostel, but it’s where you can find a good selection of good value and cost-conscious accommodation options.
Love to shop? Well, Penzance is for you. This village is the commercial centre for the Land’s End peninsula and has everything from high street stores to independent boutiques and it’s ideally located for visiting St Michael’s Mount.
Ocean View Penthouse | Best Airbnb in Penzance
If you like the idea of waking up to views right across the bay to St. Michael’s Mount, make this exceptional Airbnb one of your top choices! It is perfectly located between the beach and the town centre, which means you will never be far from where you want to be. With room for up to 4 guests, you can really steal some excellent value from this exceptional Penzance property. The living room is pretty unbelieva
Peaceful Country Treehouse | Stunning Treehouse in Penzance
Okay, this might not be one of the most affordable homes in Penzance, but the location and uniqueness of this stunning treehouse make up for it – we just had to put it on the list. Designed with a good eye for detail, you’ll be snuggling into bed on top of the forest and wake up to a beautiful sunrise view. The light-flooded living room is great for having a lazy day inside (no judgement!).
YHA Penzance | Best Hostel in Penzance
Hostelling is often a myriad of experiences. This hostel, for example, is located in a refurbished mansion amidst some truly beautiful gardens. Located around 20 minutes’ walk from the town centre & train station, it has a great location too! The atmosphere is relaxed (as all of Cornwall is), and there are some great spaces for chilling out. And a bar! One of the nicest hostels in the UK, for sure!
Hotel Penzance | Best Hotel in Penzance
Thanks to its excellent location, this is our favourite hotel in Penzance. It’s within walking distance of top tourist attractions, as well as great eateries, pubs, cafes and shops. You’ll enjoy comfortable and well-appointed rooms with a range of excellent amenities.
Things to Do in Penzance
- Admire the architecture and detail of the Egyptian House.
- Dine on tasty British fare at Harbourside Café.
- Improve your paddle boarding by taking a lesson from the pros.
- Enjoy the food, drinks and atmosphere at Admiral Benbow.
- Explore the shops of Chapel Street
- Go for a swim at Jubilee Pool, the UK’s biggest art deco seawater lido.
- Head out on a west coast adventure with a private tour covering local attractions and Poldark locations!
- Marvel at the luxurious sub-tropical plantings at Morrab Gardens.
- Stroll along the lengthy 1840s-style promenade.
- Take a day trip to nearby magical and mysterious St Michael’s Mount.
- Tuck into a splendid plate of fish and chips at Market Place Fish Bar.
- Wander around the Tanglewood Wild Garden.
3. Newquay – Best Area to Stay in Cornwall for Nightlife
Newquay is a town located in northern Cornwall known for its gorgeous sandy beaches and striking coastal views.
As a popular resort destination, Newquay attracts tens of thousands of travellers every year to enjoy its stretches of golden sand and its fantastic conditions for surfing. As the UK’s premier destination for surfers, Newquay hosts a variety of world-class events all throughout the year.
But, there’s more to this coastal community than hanging ten. Newquay is also where you’ll find a vibrant and lively nightlife scene; it’s home to everything from rustic pubs to fun dance clubs.
Between its poppin’ nights and lazy surf days, it’s the perfect area for backpackers heading down to the British holiday haven and is our pick for Cornwall’s best place to stay for the nightlife.
Beautiful Barn | Best Airbnb in Newquay
Perfect for a group heading down to Newquay for a weekend of beach days and pub nights, you’ll never be too far from a refreshing pint with this self-contained cottage. The cool garden courtyard combo looks great for a night in. It could be a great spot to enjoy the elusive English barbeque if you’re lucky.
5 Fistral Beach | Modern Apartment in Newquay
Overlooking the beach, you’ll get rid of your hangover in no time! The luxury apartment is equipped with the best amenities, making it possible to cook yourself – less money for food means more money for drinks at the bar. Located in a very central but quiet area, you’ll be able to have a very peaceful sleep too. It’s truly the perfect place for nightlife enthusiasts.
Newquay International Backpackers | Best Hostel in Newquay
This homey place is one of the best hostels in Newquay. It’s the perfect home away from home for surfers and party animals as it’s just steps from both the beach and great bars. This hostel has a sauna, a kitchen, a comfortable lounge and a garden with fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs.
Pentire Hotel | Best Hotel in Newquay
The Pentire Hotel is in a fantastic location for walking to the best bars, pubs and restaurants in Newquay. They offer comfortable and spacious rooms with modern amenities. There’s also a fitness centre and pool table on site. All of this combined makes this our recommendation for where to stay in Newquay.
Things to Do in Newquay
- Bask in the sunshine and enjoy the views at Lusty Glaze beach.
- Dance until dawn at Berties Nightclub.
- Experience the thrills (and chills) of a coasteering experience. Test your mettle!
- Drink beers at the Cribbar.
- Eat a delicious Sunday lunch at Merrymoor Inn Pub by the Beach.
- Eat amazing seafood at The Fish House.
- Enjoy a quirky night out at Whiskers.
- Become part of the beach crowd by trying out surfing for the first time and booking a beginner’s surf lesson!
- Go for a stroll along Towan Beach.
- Learn to surf at Fistral Beach.
- Party the night away at Basement Bar.
- Sip urbane cocktails at Tom Thumb Bar.
- View colourful fish, sea creatures and aquatic animals at the Blue Reef Aquarium.
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Grab an eSIM!4. Bude – Coolest Town to Stay in Cornwall
Bude is the northernmost town in Cornwall, sitting right on the border with Devon (which has it’s own vacation gems). A haven for outdoor adventurers, Bude boasts beautiful beaches, exquisite wildlife, great water quality, and fantastic conditions for surfing. It’s where you can enjoy everything from climbing epic sandstone cliffs and hanging ten, to lounging on the beach and basking in the sun.
Our pick for the coolest village in Cornwall, Bude is where you can enjoy the best of both worlds. As well as its spectacular scenery, Bude offers amazing restaurants, fun shops, cosy cafes and plenty of things to see and do. You definitely won’t be bored by making your base in charming Bude.
The Old Hayloft | Best Airbnb in Bude
Soak in all of Cornwall’s historic charm from this cool little hayloft-come-cottage. It’s perfectly situated if you’re looking to enjoy dramatic coastal walks and charming local cafe culture. Set on a massive 22-acre property, it’s dog-friendly too if you’ve got a furry best friend!
Kingfisher at Lynstone Lakes | Unique Cabin in Bude
Looking for peace and quiet? You’ve found the perfect spot. This unique fishermen cabin is located right on a lakefront with almost no neighbors around. Wake up to the sound of nature and enjoy your morning coffee while looking over the mirror-like water. The Bude city centre is only 5min by car in case you want to go back to normal civilization or want to stock up the fridge.
The Edgcumbe | Best Guesthouse in Bude
This guesthouse is in the perfect location for exploring Bude with sweeping sea views of Summerleaze Beach and plenty of shops and eateries nearby. Family owned and run, this guesthouse provides a clean and comfortable accommodation complemented by a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Breakfast may just be the star of the show here, but those who miss out can still enjoy a brew at the cafe-style bar!
Sea Jade Guest House | Best Hotel in Bude
Thanks to its fantastic location, this is our pick for where to stay in Bude. It is close to a variety of restaurants and cafes, as well as the town centre. Comprised of seven rooms, this guesthouse is outfitted with charming and modern necessities. Guests can also enjoy a delicious breakfast each morning.
Things to Do in Bude
- Dine on fresh seafood at Life’s A Beach.
- Eat a delightful tapas at Te Bank Tapas and Grill Restaurant.
- Enjoy the madness of a taster surf session, getting wiped out, and listening to advice you don’t have the skill to replicate.
- Explore the grounds of The Castle Bude.
- Kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast at Temple.
- Listen to great live music at Bar 35.
- Sip a glass of Cornwall wine at The Barrel.
- Head out from Bude on a 2 hour coasteering adventure!
- Soak up some rays at Crooklets Beach.
- Surf or swim at spectacular Summerleaze Beach.
- Swim in Bude Sea Pool, a man-made saltwater tidal pool.
- Unleash your inner archer with lessons at Red Elk Archery.
- Wander out to Compass Point.
5. Looe – Top Place to Stay in Cornwall for Family Holidays
Looe is a small and picturesque town located on the southern coast of Cornwall. Divided by the River Looe, this town boasts a pretty harbour, pretty sand beaches and an absolutely stunning coastline.
It’s the perfect place to rent an eco-lodge, with rooms for the kids and enjoy a variety of activities and attractions, as well as good shopping and delicious restaurants. That’s why Looe is our pick for where to stay in Cornwall for families.
An all-around holiday destination, there are plenty of things to see and do in Looe that will enchant travellers of all ages. From coastal hikes and sandy beaches to wildlife encounters and historical landmarks, this small Cornwall town is bursting with opportunities for family fun.
It’s the ideal location if you plan on heading to the Royal Cornwall Museum, Eden Project or traversing the outstanding natural beauty of the South West Coast Path.
Stunning Riverview Home | Best Airbnb in Looe
Accommodating up to 4 people, this Riverview apartment is perfect for small families. The luxurious but comfy design makes everyone feel welcome at an instant – it’s like a home far away from home. The best part: Enjoy your morning coffee on your private balcony while looking down on the harbour before heading off to the nearby Eden Project or South West Coast Path. A truly priceless view!
Penwyn Bed and Breakfast | Best Guest House in Looe
Sea views, a delicious breakfast, and private parking are all easy wins for this Looe B&B. If you’re looking to have a comfortable Cornish stay that is superbly British (the guesthouses always are), you cannot do better than this property. There is free Wi-Fi, and some fantastic hiking nearby!
This B&B is cosy, comfy, and perfect for supporting a holiday in Cornwall. The centre of Looe is not much more than a few minutes’ walk away, and the rooms are super bright!
The Gate Cornwall | Best Hotel in Looe
Clocking in as one of the top hotels on the Cornish coast, The Gate Cornwall offers a range of room sizes that are excellent for families! Boasting a style I would describe as ‘rustic instagrammable’, it is neat, carefully presented, and has amazing gardens. However, this is a property you will want to book with a car, as it is located a few kilometres away from the centre of Looe. While it walkable, you don’t want to be lugging all of your baggage!
Great views, comfy rooms, and an excellent house staff make this a top property.
Things to Do in Looe
- Dine on savoury dishes at Chennai Indian Fusion.
- Dive deep into local history at the Old Guildhall Museum & Gaol.
- Eat excellent fish and chips at The Coddy Shack.
- Channel your artistic side and enjoy an abstract wave painting class. Especially if it rains, this is a great way to pass the time!
- Enjoy a filling and delicious full English breakfast at Daisy’s Café.
- Learn about the fishing industry at The Old Sardine Factory Heritage Centre.
- Spend a day relaxing at Millendreath Beach
- Run, jump, laugh and plat on the sands of East Looe Beach.
- Take a day trip to the Porfell Wildlife Park & Sanctuary.
- Take in the the outstanding natural beauty of the South West Coast Path.
- Visit nearby Looe Island.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs on the Best Places to Stay in Cornwall
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Cornwall and where to stay.
What To Pack For Cornwall
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Cornwall
Cornwall is not known for being overly dangerous, but you should always keep an eye out on tight country roads and jagged cliffs. And at the pub. Seriously though, you can always get blindsided by a truck or blatant thievery, so make sure the UK’s magnificent NHS/someone else’s money has got your back!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Choosing a Place to Stay in Cornwall
Cornwall is one of the most beautiful places in the UK. It has stunning sandy beaches, scenic views, areas of outstanding natural beauty, world-class surfing and plenty of shopping, dining and nightlife options. A relaxing holiday destination, there’s something for everyone in Cornwall, UK.
Just remember that many of these popular towns suffer through most of the year and rely heavily on summer tourism to bring them healthy sustenance. They’re populated with second homes, which can make them seem unbelievably quiet at certain times of the year.
Just like anywhere in the world, it has its problems, so please be kind to the Cornish Coast!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around United Kingdom.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Cornwall.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in Cornwall to plan your trip.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Europe.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Europe backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
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!
