A view of the Harbour at Portreath with the beach and village beyond.

Find My Favourite Holiday Cottages in North Cornwall

Holiday cottages in North Cornwall are surrounded by sandy beaches, rugged moors and ancient fishing villages. This wild region is best known for its spectacular coast, where smugglers once hauled their cargo ashore. The Southwest Coast Path covers its entire length. It passes ruined castles, laid-back resorts and sweeping bays where the sun sets on the Atlantic and waves crash against towering cliffs. Self-catering holidays in North Cornwall are particularly popular among walkers, surfers and anyone who wants to enjoy seafood straight from the harbour in cosy seaside pubs and restaurants.

The border between North Cornwall and Devon lies east of Bude, a lively resort and mecca for watersports thanks to its sandy beaches, canal and exceptional surfing conditions. There's a beautiful sea pool beneath the cliffs, revealed by the falling tide, and a variety of independent businesses, including Zuma Jay, one of Europe's oldest surf shops. West of Bude, Widemouth Bay is a long, sandy beach overlooked by a couple of good cafes, and nearby, Crackington Haven is a rocky cove where you can watch the waves from the comfort of the Coombe Barton Inn.

Exterior of a single-storey, vine-dlad, one bedroom holiday bungalow near Bude overlooked by mature trees.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Primrose End sits upon a smallholding with livestock in the North Cornwall hamlet of Broad Langdon near the village of Jacobstow. This romantic cottage for couples in North Cornwall features open-plan living space, a contemporary kitchen, a wood-burning stove, a rear lawned garden and a cosy double bedroom.

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A double-fronted stone cottage overlooks a sunny lawn edged with flowers.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Mill Cottage is a delightful two-bedroom holiday property near Tintagel in North Cornwall, nestled in a designated National Landscape. It offers families an idyllic getaway in the village of St Nectan’s Glen. The coastal cottage boasts gorgeous gardens surrounded by trees with a babbling brook.

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A wide tree-lined drive leads to a long, Boscastle holiday bungalow.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Anneth Lowen, a remarkable North Cornwall holiday cottage, welcomes couples, families, and friends to experience peaceful coastal holidays in the serene hamlet of Tresparrett near Boscastle. Recently refurbished to exacting standards, this pet-friendly 3-bedroom holiday home for up to five guests provides a comfortable rural retreat within easy reach of fabulous Cornish throughout the year.

Situated within a designated National Landscape, Anneth  Lowen occupies a spacious plot, providing an ideal escape for those seeking peace and privacy. The village, though rural, is just three miles from the stunning Cornish coast, boasting a host of remarkable beaches like Crackington Haven, Trebarwith, Bossinney, Bude, Widemouth Bay, Polzeath, Strangles, and Tregardock.

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Exterior of a single-storey cottage  surrounded by trees and flowering shrubs.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Mineshop Holiday Cottages are located in the heart of the stunning Mineshop Valley, a short walk through the fields and woodland to the beach at Crackington Haven near Bude in North Cornwall. Set in a secluded and tranquil spot, it's the perfect getaway for families, couples and dog owners.

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A waterfront terrace overlooks a harbour with small boats stored on the Quay.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Harbour Master’s House offers water frontage and luxury. The pet-friendly Cornish coastal cottage sits above the harbour at Portreath, within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and promises ocean views and a sea breeze, plus multiple balconies, coastal chic, a log fire and access to the delights of Cornwall.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Salty Sea Dog lies just a few steps from the beach in Trebarwith Strand and the ground-floor, pet-friendly beach apartment in North Cornwall lives up to its name combining joyful beach-themed décor with refinement and modern comfort plus views of the beautiful Cornish coastline. Sleeps 4.

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Open plan living area showing the dining, kitchen and breakfast bar areas, all overlooking a deck accessed via wall to ceiling French windows
Sleeps
7
Bedrooms
3

Treat yourself to a luxury stay in Newquay. This modern mews house has been designed with complete comfort in mind, with designer furnishings and stylish touches throughout. Within walking distance from the beach it also has a fab outdoor area, surfboard storage and private parking.

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Single storey exterior of a white-rendered bungalow with hanging flower baskets.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Palmer’s Lodge induces romance with its charming exterior, cosy, contemporary open-plan layout, fresh flowers and a bottle of wine upon arrival. The one-bedroom romantic cottage lies on the outskirts of Elgoskerry, surrounded by lush green meadows and beautiful beaches for which Cornwall is famed.

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Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

A newly renovated luxury Cornish holiday cottage full of character and charm is set amidst peaceful countryside. A short drive from Padstow, the Camel Trail, and many North Cornwall beaches, Glebe Cottage sleeps 8 in 4 ensuite bedrooms. It has a delightful garden with a private sunny patio and is dog-friendly.

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Continue westward, and you will reach Boscastle, a pretty fishing village with a witchcraft museum and Boscastle Bakery, known for serving some of the region’s best Cornish pasties. The clifftop town of Tintagel is famous for its ruined castle and association with King Arthur. A little further west, Port Isaac is home to steep, narrow lanes leading to a harbour that is overlooked by a pub, restaurants and fish cellars.

Polzeath has a lovely beach, surf shops, and cafes by the camel estuary. On the other side of the river, Padstow is a popular fishing town known for Rick Stein’s award-winning restaurants. Neighbouring Constantine is a large bay backed by dunes, and Newquay is a lively town packed with bars and nightclubs.

Travel inland from your North Cornwall holiday cottage, and you will discover atmospheric moors, fields and woods scattered with peaceful farming communities and charming market towns such as Wadebridge, Bodmin and Launceston. Explore some of the area’s little places, from fishing villages to historic mining communities.

Here are some of the prettiest villages for holidays in North Cornwall for you to explore:

Port Isaac: This picturesque fishing village is located on the rugged North Cornwall coast and is known for its narrow streets, whitewashed cottages, and stunning views of the sea. It’s a famous filming location for TV shows and movies (Doc Martin and Fishermen’s Friends) and has a working harbour where visitors can watch the fishermen bring in their daily catch.

Boscastle: This historic village is situated on the rugged North Cornwall coast and is known for its picturesque harbour, medieval buildings, and scenic walks. If you love quirky museums, be sure to include a visit to The Witchcraft Museum in the heart of the village. It’s an excellent place for starting and finishing walks along the South West Coast Path.

Tintagel: This picturesque village is famous for its association with King Arthur and is known for its historic castle ruins and stunning coastal scenery. The village also has a range of independent shops and cafes. Tintagel’s picturesque Post Office, now managed by the National Trust, is possibly the most photographed of post offices in the UK!

Padstow: This bustling fishing town, home of the Rick Stein, is situated on the River Camel and is known for its historic buildings, excellent seafood restaurants, and beautiful estuary walks. It’s a great base for exploring the Camel Trail, a popular cycling and walking route.

This historic fishing town is situated on the banks of the River Camel and is known for its bustling harbour, excellent seafood restaurants, and beautiful estuary walks. It’s also a popular sailing, fishing, and water sports destination.

St Agnes: This pretty village is located on the rugged North Cornwall coast and is known for its historical mining heritage, rugged coastal scenery, and little shops and cafes. It’s also close to several beautiful beaches. St Agnes has a fascinating history that spans back to the Bronze Age, and visitors can explore ancient monuments such as the St Agnes Beacon and the Bolster Bank Iron Age Hillfort. There are also historic tin mining sites and the Geevor Tin Mine, a museum that tells the fascinating story of the area’s mining heritage – all worth a visit.