Holiday cottages in Cornwall

Whether you dream of spending summer barbecuing, wild swimming or socialising, these stunning holiday cottages in Cornwall make the most of the county’s spectacular coastline

Best for barbecues

Ommen – Sennen

With two fire-pits, a barbecue and an outdoor shower, this gorgeous 18th-century fisherman’s cottage is ideal for those who love to combine long lazy summer days with the thrill of the grill and sociable alfresco living.

Ensconce yourself in comfortable sofas and chairs on the huge outdoor decking area, experiment with flame-licked flavours over the fire pits and get your fill of the expansive skyscapes above and stunning seascapes below.

Indoors, in the open-plan living area, you can enjoy light-drenched, laid-back coastal living at its best surrounded by bright skies and seas: sash windows offer fantastic views of Sennen Cove and the harbour below. Plus, there’s a marble-topped kitchen complete with beautiful designer kitchenware, should you want to craft delicious dishes from the abundance of local produce to be found in the region.

Ommen has been tastefully refurbished but still retains a good helping of trad charm. The cottage sleeps five (no kids under 12) and has three cosy double bedrooms.

Tip: Use the telescope to enhance those amazing views.

Find out how to book.

Best for wild swimming

Hallane Mill, near Charlestown

Outdoorsy types who enjoy wild swimming and a good yomp along the coast path will love this stunning retreat set within a secluded valley.

If you adore adventure – but without the thronging hordes – you’ll appreciate this peaceful cottage which offers plenty of outdoor spaces in which to play and relax. There’s a patio for alfresco dining, a lawned area for cocooning in a hammock or firing up the barbecue, and a secluded bench overlooking the beach for sea gazing. Best of all Hallane Beach is at the end of the garden, an ideal for a spot of wild swimming or paddleboarding.

Inside, a pretty pastel living room complements the awesome sea views – the window seat is a particular favourite with guests who like to lose themselves in a good book. The Shaker-style kitchen/diner meanwhile has all you need to rustle up delicious suppers to serve at the rustic farmhouse table.

Both bedrooms are lovely, but guests may just want to toss a coin for the one with the king-size bed and dreamy views. It sleeps four (no children under five).

Tip: Hallane Mill is ideal for a romantic getaway under the stars.

Find out how to book.

Best for socialising

Varcoe, Portscatho

If you’re researching fantastic holiday cottages in Cornwall to enjoy with extended family or a bunch of friends, then this retreat in the village of Portscatho on the Roseland Peninsula has plenty to recommend it. Varcoe is a mere pebble’s skim from the beach and just a short stroll from the centre of the village.

The space is super sociable: cook for your crew while they perch on stools in the kitchen/diner, enjoy memorable meals together while overlooking a fabulous vista, relax in front of an open fire in the sitting room or get competitive in the conservatory where you’ll find a table-tennis table and a pool table. French doors lead out onto a terrace with divine coastal views, an ideal spot for popping a bottle and gossiping.

After long days spent at the beach and exploring the Cornish coast, the array of versatile beds – everything from a luxurious king and ‘zip and link’ options to doubles and bunks – ensure there’s a spot for everyone to enjoy sweet slumber. It sleeps ten, plus there’s a cot.

Tip: There is access to the beach from the garden for those with sure feet.

Find out how to book.

Best for sea gazing

The Sea House, Coverack

Imagine a cottage where you can gaze upon stunning views from almost every room, listen to the sea lapping at the shore below and chill out in a light-flooded, gorgeous contemporary living space.

The Sea House, on the edge of the pretty village of Coverack, is a dream destination for those who love to sea gaze. The open-plan living area has floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping coastal views. All you need to do is mould your contours into the comfortable sofa and chill.

Double doors lead out to a high balcony where you can indulge in a tipple – or three – while watching swooping seagulls and the magical theatre of ever-changing light on the water. The kitchen, with its fabulous large worktop, also makes the most of the cottage’s incredible aspect.

If you’re lucky enough to end up sleeping in one of two bedrooms with views, you can sip your morning brew in bed while watching skies changing colour, clouds altering shape and seas shimmering in the transient light.

Coverack itself is a picturesque fishing village and home to a lovely beach, beautiful harbour and places to eat out. The cottage has three bedrooms and sleeps five, plus there’s a cot.

Tip: Unplug your devices and screens and watch the ever-changing power, movement and colour of the sea instead.

Find out how to book.

Best for cliffside serenity

The Hideaway at Polhawn

We all crave the buzz of touristy Cornwall with its indie shops and galleries, busy fishing ports and packed beaches – but there are other times when, if we’re honest, we dream of solitude, serenity and soul-soothing seascapes.

The Hideaway at Polhawn, tucked away in a breathtakingly beautiful coastal setting, is ideal for those moments when you want to rest and recuperate. 

There are plenty of activities to indulge in at this lovely holiday cottage to help you unwind and restore your mojo: lazy mornings under the covers gazing out to sea, curling up with a good book on the private terrace with the sound of the sea as your playlist, taking an exhilarating walk along the coast path or dining under open skies while drinking in the beauty of a summer sunset.

The living room and dining area are arranged as a showcase for picture windows which frame a soul-stirring view, perfect for cosy suppers with a side helping of Cornish magic.

Tip: Discover long stretches of unspoilt sand on the beaches of Whitsand Bay.

Find out how to book.

Wish to explore more cottages by the sea? Discover more coastal holiday cottages in Cornwall and South West holiday rental properties at Classic Cottages.

We choose the companies included in our 5 of the best features based on editorial integrity. Occasionally, some inclusions will be handpicked from clients with whom we have a commercial relationship.