The 16 Best Holiday Parks in the UK for 2025
Looking to make unforgettable memories or a place that has it all? Then read our blog on the best...
by Steph Boal / Travel Tips
Summer has officially arrived and here at Sykes Holiday Cottages, we know just how much you love making the most of it. That’s why we’ve put together a a jam-packed itinerary for Marazion – recently voted as your top summer short break destination.
With a beautiful beach and unbeatable location – just a stone’s throw from some of the best attractions in Cornwall – we’re not surprised that so many Brits want to visit Marazion this summer.
Whether you’re looking for a guide on how to make the most of your time in Marazion or you’re still undecided about where to visit this summer, our guide has you covered.
The ultimate summer getaway starts here! See which destinations made our shortlist and get our insider guide to 48 fun-filled hours in Marazion…
In our 2025 Sykes Staycation Index, we found that almost half (48%) of all 2025 bookings to date have been short breaks, a staggering 41% increase from 2023.
This trend shows us that you’re eager to experience more locations that fit more easily into busier schedules and are often more cost-effective. Therefore, as part of our mission to deliver unforgettable holiday experiences, we’ve commissioned research to understand which places and activities are most popular this summer.
Marazion came out on top, with 22% of Brits choosing this beautiful village as one of the top three locations they’d most like to visit during a summer short break. This aligns with the 48% of Brits who want to go on a beach/seaside holiday during the summer!
Also featuring in the top five are Brighton and Clovelly, with 20%, Brixham with 19% and Holy Island, also with 19%. With breathtaking sea views in all of these locations, we aren’t surprised that they topped the list of the best summer short break destinations.
With our research into the best places for a summer short break in mind, we decided to compile the best things to do in Marazion into a handy 48-hour guide!
From where to stay, places to eat and incredible things to do, our guide has all you need to plan an unforgettable break in one of the UK’s best seaside spots.
Following in the footsteps of our spring short break itinerary for Port Isaac, we put this summer itinerary to the test, with the help of Charlotte, winner of our UK short break tester competition, and her family.
Take a peek at what they got up to, check out their favourite moments and scroll through their stunning holiday snaps. Plus, don’t miss our handy itinerary packed with the best things to do in Marazion!
Read on to plan your short break in Marazion today…
However you arrive – by train, bus or car – take a moment to relax, get comfy and settle into your new base. Unpack, unwind and ease into holiday mode as you soak up your surroundings and start getting to know your home for the next couple of days.
No stay in Marazion would be complete without sampling some of the local fish and chips. After travelling to the village and unpacking, an easy and delicious dinner is the best way to end the day.
There are countless fish and chip shops in Marazion! However, we’d recommend grabbing your favourite chippy order from The Tudor Chippy, which is just a stone’s throw away from the beach. Get your chips to take away and end the day watching the sunset behind St Michael’s Mount.
If you’d rather sit down with your loved ones to plan your adventure, then book a table at Cutty Sark, which is known for its mouth-watering fish and chips!
After a great night’s sleep, your holiday really begins! Marazion is perfectly placed to explore Penzance, a beautiful Cornish town with lots to see and do! You can either hop in the car for a 15-minute journey or catch the number 15 bus into town. If you’re looking to get your steps in first thing in the morning, then walking to Penzance along the South West Coast Path is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Marazion.
Once you reach Penzance, take your time to explore. We’d recommend stopping at the beautiful, Grade-I listed Egyptian House on Chapel Street. This colourful building dates back to 1835 and is a must-see while in Penzance.
If the weather is nice, then be sure to head down to Jubilee Lido, the largest seawater pool in the UK! It’s the perfect way to cool down on a summer’s day and offers beautiful views across the sea. If you’re looking for a swimming spot during your stay in Marazion, this is the place!
Another must-visit attraction to tick off during your stay in Marazion is Land’s End. Recognised as the most south-westerly point of mainland Britain, it has become a popular tourist destination, and we aren’t surprised as it’s a beautiful place in the UK to visit.
Be sure to get your photograph next to the world-famous sign, before exploring everything this unique landmark has to offer. There’s truly something for everyone here; get competitive with the 15-hole indoor adventure golf course, or meet the farmyard animals at the 200-year-old Greeb Farm.
There is even an on-site bar and restaurant, so you can enjoy delicious food in the most spectacular setting. Don’t forget to grab an ice cream that you can enjoy as you admire the far-reaching views across the rugged Cornish coast.
No visit to Marazion would be complete without enjoying a picnic on one of the Cornish beaches that are within easy reach. We’d recommend either visiting Nanjizal Beach, a haven that is best known for being a popular wild swimming spot in Cornwall, or Porthcurno Beach, an idyllic setting that could easily be mistaken for an exotic beach in the Mediterranean.
Charlotte, our UK short break tester, and her family chose to visit the golden shores of Porthcurno. Here you can soak up the sun, thanks to the region’s microclimate, or you can take to the azure water to splash around. If you’re into watersports like paddleboarding or surfing, then Porthcurno Beach is a must-visit attraction during your stay in Marazion.
We’d also recommend bringing a pre-packed picnic so you can enjoy a spot of lunch in one of the most picturesque locations near Marazion.
After enjoying your lunch to the soundtrack of the crashing waves, you can follow the South West Coast Path, one of the best walks in the UK, to the Minack Theatre. This is a fairly tricky walk, but the views across the coast make it worth it. However, if that’s not possible for you, you can also head inland and arrive at the theatre by car.
This spectacular open-air, cliff-side theatre is definitely one to tick off your UK bucket list. Open from 10am, you can enjoy exploring the theatre and its garden. If you’re looking to learn more about this landmark, be sure to book your tickets for a guided tour in advance from the Minack Theatre’s website.
You can even look forward to a show in this wonderful setting; the theatre hosts numerous plays and shows throughout the year, ranging from adaptations of Shakespeare to music acts. There’s something for everyone, making it the perfect thing to do near Marazion.
End your perfect day in and around Marazion with dinner at one of the town’s best restaurants. With unbelievable views across the majestic St Michael’s Mount, one of the best castles in England, you’ll be dining in style at The Godolphin Hotel. There’s no better place to toast your unforgettable holiday.
Kick off your third day in Marazion with a refreshing walk along the shores of Marazion Beach. Stretching for around a mile, there’s plenty of space for you to get your steps in.
As well as being one of the best places to visit in Marazion, it’s also a hub for watersports enthusiasts. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner either, as Ocean High watersports school is based in the town. Offering wingsurfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding and kayaking lessons, you might be able to pick up a new hobby during your summer short break.
After a morning by the beach or on the water, it’s time to explore St Michael’s Mount. Dominating the town’s skyline, this magnificent landmark is thought to date all the way back to the 8th century and today is still home to the ancient castle, subtropical gardens and church, where you can learn more about this magical island.
Time your visit right to enjoy a leisurely walk along the causeway. Be sure to check the tide times as once the causeway disappears, you’ll need to get a boat to and from the island. Boats operate between the 30th of March and 31st of October, and you can guarantee your crossing by buying a ticket to the island ahead of time.
Once you’ve explored all the hidden nooks of the island, it’s time to sit down for a delicious afternoon tea. The Harbour Loft on the island is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Marazion and is a great location for celebrations.
Choose from the regular afternoon tea, the vegan afternoon tea or the vegetarian afternoon tea. The children don’t have to miss out either, as they can tuck into the dedicated children’s afternoon tea. Sample an array of delicious savouries, mouth-watering sandwiches and delectable sweet treats, as well as homemade scones with Cornish jam and Cornish clotted cream.
With beautiful views of the harbour and amazing food, this is the perfect way to round off your trip to Marazion!
If this 48-hour itinerary, jam-packed with the best things to do in Marazion, has inspired you to book your next getaway, we have you covered.
With over 600 cottages within ten miles of Marazion, you’re sure to find your perfect holiday cottage among this collection.
Marazion is an idyllic coastal town and civil parish settled in West Cornwall. This beautiful town is around 6.5 miles from Penzance to the west and 8 miles from Porthleven to the east.
If you’re planning on getting to Marazion by car, then you’ll probably be searching for the town’s postcode, so you can set your Sat Nav up ahead of time. The postcode covering Marazion is TR17.
As with other popular Cornish towns, parking can be difficult to find as many properties don’t have their own allocated parking spaces. If your holiday accommodation doesn’t have parking, then don’t panic, here are some suggestions of where to park in Marazion:
There are two main car parks in Marazion to choose from. You can park in Folly Field Car Park, TR17 0ET, which is also know as the Long Stay car park, perfect for those looking to visit St Michael’s Mount or explore the town. This car park is pay and display and you can pay via the Just Park App. There is also an overflow car park opposite Folly Fields, available when the main one is full.
If you’re not planning on staying over 3 hours, then you can park in The Slipway Short Stay Car Park, TR17 0EQ. This car park is also pay and display.
We recommend visiting Marazion in summer and 22% of Brits agree, as they voted it among the top three destinations for a short summer break.
While the town may be a little busier, you’ll enjoy the best of the weather, so you can make the most of your time on the golden shores of Marazion Beach. After all, spending a day at the beach is one of the best things to do in Marazion.
Check out the weather in Marazion for the next 7 days below…
We wouldn’t be surprised if this 48-hour guide to Marazion has inspired you to book your next getaway here, with so many things to do, it’s the perfect place for both a short break and a longer holiday.
If that’s the case, then there are plenty of holiday cottages in Marazion for you to choose from! Whether you’re planning a romantic holiday by the sea or a fun-filled family adventure, there’s a Marazion cottage for everyone.
We’ve compiled a list of some of our favourites below…
This beautiful penthouse apartment offers views across the sea and St Michael's Mount. Marazion Attic sleeps up to four guests in two bedrooms and boasts an open-plan living space with unbeatable views.
This dog-friendly holiday cottage has incredible views across the sea. Sleeping up to four guests in two bedrooms, this wonderful holiday home even looks out over the iconic St Michael's Mount. With two off-road parking space, and a large garden it's the perfect choice for families, couples or friends.
Nana's House is a wonderful holiday cottage, perched just a stone's throw away from the beach in Marazion. This dog-friendly abode boasts two bedrooms and garage parking for one car. A wonderful setting for families, friends or couples looking to explore all Marazion has to offer.
Use our handy map, which showcases everything in our guide to the best things to do in Marazion. Click the button in the top left to view the activities by day.
Feeling inspired after reading our guide to the best things to do in Marazion? Book your next holiday with the help of these Marazion cottages. You can also use our Cornwall Travel Guide to help you plan your getaway.
by Steph Boal / Travel Tips
Hi, I'm Steph and I've spent the past three years uncovering the best places and hidden gems that make the UK so special. Writing ...
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