Cornwall’s cottage holidays have surged in popularity, offering a blend of picturesque landscapes, unique cultural heritage, and a variety of leisure activities, making it a premier destination for travellers seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure. Here’s why Cornwall self catering holidays have become a preferred choice for many.
Diverse Accommodation Options
Cornwall offers a wide range of holiday cottages catering to different preferences, from dog-friendly retreats and coastal cottages to luxury properties with hot tubs and sea views. Whether it’s a traditional fisherman’s cottage in Padstow, a contemporary accommodation overlooking Fistral Beach in Newquay, or a large holiday home near the Eden Project, Cornwall provides an array of options to suit every need.
Fal Cottages represents a prime example of this diversity, offering a stunning collection of Cornish cottages, homes, and apartments across Cornwall, including locations around the scenic Fal Estuary and the Roseland Peninsula. Their portfolio includes properties that are dog-friendly, have parking, feature EV chargers, and boast sea views, catering to the modern traveller’s needs.
The accommodation options extend beyond just cottages. Cornwall is renowned for its holiday cottages & self-catering holidays, offering the highest density of award-winning accommodation in the region. These cottages provide a blend of luxury and the true Cornish feel, set in stunning surroundings that offer a perfect base for adventures.
The region also caters to a broader spectrum of preferences and budgets, with options including hotels, camping and glamping, bed and breakfasts, hostels, and more. This ensures that whether visitors are looking for sheer indulgence, a home away from home, pitch-perfect camping, or hand-picked value hostels, they’ll find suitable accommodation in Cornwall and a quick search for “where to stay in Cornwall” will offer up a huge range of options.
Stunning Natural Beauty
Cornwall is home to some of the UK’s best and cleanest beaches, with many holding Blue Flag status. Its 300 miles of coastline feature hidden coves, sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and crystal-clear waters. Every village boasts its own beach, offering ample choice for beach lovers.
Dramatic Coastlines and Serene Beaches: Cornwall is home to some of the UK’s most breathtaking coastlines, featuring towering cliffs that plunge into the azure waters of the Atlantic. The 300 miles of coastline are dotted with hidden coves and vast sandy beaches that have drawn visitors for centuries. Praised for their beauty, spots like Porthcurno, Kynance Cove, and Fistral Beach offer picturesque settings for sunbathing, surfing, and coastal walks and are perfect for family holidays Cornwall.
Lush Countryside and Mystical Moorlands: Beyond the coast, Cornwall’s interior landscapes are equally compelling. The rolling hills and verdant valleys of the Cornish countryside are crisscrossed with winding paths and dotted with quaint villages. Bodmin Moor offers a more rugged terrain, with its sweeping moorlands, granite tors, and rich archaeological heritage, providing a stark contrast to the coastal scenery and a haven for walkers and history enthusiasts alike.
Enchanting Woodlands and Rivers: Cornwall’s woodlands are steeped in legend and beauty, with ancient forests such as Tehidy and Cardinham Woods offering tranquil retreats. The Fal River runs through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, winding its way through dense forests and past historic estates, offering leisurely boat trips that showcase the tranquillity and scenic splendour of Cornwall’s riverine landscapes.
Flora and Fauna: The county’s diverse habitats support a wide array of wildlife. From the marine life in the surrounding seas to the birdlife in the estuaries and the moorlands, Cornwall’s natural beauty is enhanced by its biodiversity. The Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Eden Project also contribute to Cornwall’s reputation for horticultural excellence, with vast collections of exotic and native plants set in stunning landscapes.
Cultural Landscapes: Cornwall’s natural beauty is deeply intertwined with its cultural heritage. The Cornish landscape has inspired artists, writers, and poets for generations, influencing works that celebrate its rugged cliffs, wild moorlands, and serene beaches. From the artistic colony in St Ives to the mythic tales of King Arthur at Tintagel, the landscapes of Cornwall are as much a part of its cultural identity as its history and traditions.
Exceptional Culinary Experience
Cornwall is known for its exceptional seafood, Cornish pasties, and clotted cream. With many celebrity chefs opening restaurants in the region, it has become known as the capital of fine dining in the UK. Local farmers’ markets and fishing villages offer fresh local produce and seafood, enhancing the gastronomic experience. Cornwall’s culinary scene is vibrant and full of innovation, tradition, and exquisite flavours, underscored by its Michelin-starred restaurants and celebrated chefs. The region’s dedication to fresh, locally sourced ingredients, combined with the creativity and skill of its chefs, has placed Cornwall firmly on the map for food enthusiasts seeking exceptional dining experiences.
Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen and Outlaw’s New Road in Port Isaac are standout destinations for seafood lovers. Nathan Outlaw, a protégé of Rick Stein, has made a significant impact on Cornwall’s dining scene, with his restaurants celebrated for their focus on the freshest seafood and sustainable practices.
Paul Ainsworth at No.6 in Padstow delivers modern British food with a focus on locally sourced produce. Ainsworth’s innovative and playful culinary style, alongside his signature dishes, offers a unique dining experience that combines taste with nostalgia.
Crocadon in Saltash is another gem, where former L’Enclume chef Dan Cox has created a self-sufficient farm and restaurant that serves clever seasonal menus. This establishment is a testament to Cornwall’s ability to blend culinary innovation with sustainability.
For those interested in sustainable gastronomy, New Yard Restaurant in Helston has been awarded a Green Michelin Star. The restaurant’s focus on using the freshest ingredients available each day to create an informal yet luxurious dining experience is commendable.
Other notable mentions include The Sardine Factory in Looe, known for its fresh seafood options, and Ugly Butterfly in Carbis Bay, which specialises in modern British seafood with a focus on sustainability.
Rick Stein’s influence on Cornwall’s gastronomic landscape cannot be overstated, with Rick Stein’s Cafe in Padstow offering a selection of international dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients, encapsulating the essence of Cornwall’s rich culinary heritage.
Festivals and Events
Cornwall’s vibrant festival and event scene is an integral part of what makes holidays in this picturesque region of the UK so unique and memorable. Whether you’re staying in a cosy Cornish cottage, a luxury holiday home, or a self-catering seaside retreat, there’s always a cultural celebration or community event that adds to the rich tapestry of Cornish life. These events offer visitors a deep dive into Cornwall’s cultural heritage, its thriving arts scene, and the natural beauty of its landscapes, from the rugged coastlines to the tranquil beaches.
Falmouth Oyster Festival: Celebrating the start of the oyster dredging season, this festival is a tribute to Cornwall’s maritime heritage and its culinary prowess. It features the best of Cornish seafood, cooking demonstrations by leading local chefs, and a variety of sea shanties and nautical music, making it a must-visit for foodies staying in holiday cottages or luxury homes across Cornwall.
Padstow Christmas Festival: A highlight of the winter season, combining local culinary talents, artisan markets, and festive entertainment. This event attracts visitors staying in holiday homes and cottages across Cornwall, offering a taste of Cornish hospitality and the chance to buy local crafts and delicacies, ideal for family holidays in Cornwall.
Boardmasters: A fusion of music and surfing, Boardmasters takes place against the backdrop of Newquay’s stunning beaches. It’s the ultimate event for those enjoying a self-catering holiday by the sea, offering live music, surfing competitions, and a laid-back vibe that epitomises the Cornish summer.
St Ives September Festival: A celebration of arts and culture featuring a range of musical performances, exhibitions, walks, talks, workshops, and films. For visitors staying in St Ives cottages or nearby luxury holiday homes, it’s a fantastic opportunity to engage with the local arts scene and enjoy performances in various venues around the town.
Port Eliot Festival: Held on the grounds of the Port Eliot Estate, this eclectic festival offers everything from live music and literary talks to wellness activities and food feasts. It’s an ideal event for those looking for a retreat in a Cornish holiday cottage, offering a blend of relaxation and cultural enrichment.
Polo on the Beach, Watergate Bay: A unique event combining the excitement of polo with the beauty of Cornwall’s beaches. For families and groups staying in holiday homes along the coast, it’s a thrilling spectacle that offers fun for all ages, with beach entertainment, live music, and gourmet food stalls.
These festivals and events highlight the diversity of experiences available in Cornwall, from culinary celebrations and music festivals to cultural gatherings and sporting events. They provide an enriching complement to the scenic beauty and relaxed pace of life found when staying in Cornish holiday cottages, luxury homes, or any of the region’s self-catering accommodations. Whether you’re drawn to the tranquillity of St Mawes cottages, the family-friendly beaches of Cornwall, or the luxury retreats scattered across the county, integrating these events into your holiday can transform a simple getaway into an unforgettable Cornish adventure.
In conclusion, Cornish luxury cottage stays provide a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, outdoor activities, and culinary delights, making it an irresistible destination for families, couples, and solo travellers alike. The region’s commitment to sustainable and community-focused tourism further enhances its appeal, promising memorable and meaningful experiences for all visitors.