Top 10 Best Places to Stay in Cornwall

Located in the South West of England, with one of the country’s sunniest climates and most fascinating environments, it comes as no surprise that Cornwall is regularly voted as the UK’s favourite holiday destination.

We’ve created a helpful guide to assist you in choosing where’s best to stay in Cornwall. So pack up your pooch, get your sunnies on, make sure those walking shoes are in the boot and fill your car with lots of smiley faces, ready for an adventure.

Discover our top 10 places to stay in Cornwall…

1. Bude – best for family beaches

If you are like us and don’t ever want to leave your four-legged friends behind, Bude in North Cornwall is the ideal holiday destination for the whole family to enjoy.

Summerleaze Beach has the perfect combination of sand, sea and surf and is dog-friendly all-year-round. Backed by grassy sand dunes, colourful beach huts and a beautiful part-natural, part-man-made sea pool, the beach is sure to provide hours of family-friendly entertainment.

Crooklets Beach is just as desirable, perfect for a more laid-back setting and serious surfing fanatics. A trip to Bude would also not be the same without strolling through the pretty streets lined with independent stores, hiring a pedalo boat along Bude canal or stopping off at the many family-friendly restaurants to try some local delicacies.

For more information, browse our Bude Travel Guide.

2. Falmouth – best for local history

Falmouth is a thriving harbour town, steeped in local history with attractions appealing to families, foodies and art enthusiasts. Be sure to visit the National Maritime Museum and journey through time discovering the sensational influence of the sea on Falmouth.

The beautiful, sub-tropical Trebah Gardens is another alluring attraction with an abundance of exotic plants and wildlife, perfect for whiling away an afternoon. Get your history fix with a visit to the impressive Pendennis Castle, built by Henry VIII in the mid 1500s and overlooking stunning views of Falmouth and the bay below.

For more information, browse our Falmouth Travel Guide.

3. Fowey – best for relaxing

With beautiful scenery and a tranquil energy, Fowey is one of the best spots in Cornwall for a relaxing getaway. This romantic seaside town has influenced much creativity and is built above the Fowey Estuary. Journey on a river cruise and discover the literary inspiration behind the legendary Wind in the Willows tale by Kenneth Graeme.

Escape to the secluded Readymoney Cove and relax on the sandy shores or find a peaceful spot along the estuary to watch the sailing boats pass through. There are a number of delightful spa retreats located in the town, which are ideal for unwinding and taking some well-deserved time out, either by yourself or enjoy with loved ones.

For more information, browse our Fowey Travel Guide.

4. Looe – best for nature lovers

Discover some of the county’s most magical wildlife and nature in the beautiful town of Looe. It’s home to the fascinating Looe Island Nature Reserve, where visitors can immerse themselves in a magical haven of precious habitats, woodland and peaceful scenery.

Looe is unique for encompassing some of Cornwall’s most special sights and visitors should not leave the area before making a beeline for the incredibly amusing Monkey Sanctuary. Meet the monkeys and learn more about the wonderful work the sanctuary does to rescue and rehabilitate them.

If you venture a little further outside of the main town you will discover Talland Bay, a truly beautiful Cornwall hidden gem. The picturesque scenery here is ideal for those who enjoy spending time in the great coastal countryside and if you’re lucky, you may spot a grey wild seal.

For more information, browse our Looe Travel Guide.

5. Newquay – best for surfing

Brimming with adventurous activities, Newquay is the place to stay for an invigorating getaway and is globally-renowned for attracting surfers to its stunning beaches with ideal conditions.

Head to the highly popular Fistral Beach, with its vast expanse of golden sand making it the ideal location to sit back and spectate the sea of surfing enthusiasts. There are so many other things to do and see in this lively, energetic town; have an adventure down at Newquay Zoo, visit Trerice, a charming 16^th century Tudor manor house or dine in the many family-friendly establishments serving delicious Cornish foods.

For more information, browse our Newquay Travel Guide.

6. Padstow – best for seafood

Padstow is a charming working port and the best place to stay in Cornwall for enjoying locally-caught seafood delights. Fishing has evolved into the town’s most popular pastime, with many of the fishermen supplying the local culinary scene. Foodie lovers must pay a visit to one of Rick Stein’s seafood restaurants, which are highly regarded and dotted around town.

As well as finding some of the best fish and chip restaurants in the country, there are plenty of other choices to eat in Padstow, including Michelin starred eateries, cosy bistros and vibrant, welcoming pubs.

For more information, browse our Padstow Travel Guide.

7. Penzance – best for walking

Walking through the splendours of Penzance guarantees you an audience with some of the very best Cornish sights and historical landmarks. Take a walk along the impressive South West Coast Path to reach destinations including the beautifully dramatic Minack Theatre and incredible Land’s End headland.

In town, expect charming independent shops, stunning architecture and be sure to visit Chapel Street, which is steeped in local history. Keep your walking shoes on and catch the low tide for a trip over to St Michael’s Mount. Possessing panoramic views of the coast with spectacular sightings of dolphins, seals and basking sharks, this picturesque island promises feelings of romance and delight.

For more information, browse our Penzance Travel Guide.

8. St Ives – best for culture

Often referred to as the cultural hub of Cornwall, St Ives has transcended in recent years to contain a flourishing collection of museums and exhibitions, whilst boasting an impressive art scene. Tate St Ives displays iconic pieces of work illustrating modern Britain, portrayed by artists with bonds to the local area.

The Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden in St Ives are another example of the bustling cultural atmosphere. The town also has a welcoming charm and contains lots of traditional seaside favourites as well as dog-friendly beaches.

For more information, browse our St Ives Travel Guide.

9. Tintagel – best for natural beauty

The birthplace of the legendary King Arthur lies on the West Coast of Cornwall and features many spectacular sights and stunning natural landmarks. Delve deeper into the local history with a trip to Tintagel Castle. Set high above the sea on a rugged headland, these medieval ruins remain a pivotal setting for creativity and imagination. Wonder safely below the castle to discover Merlin’s Cave; an impressive formation located in a beautiful secluded cove.

St Nectan’s Glen is another spectacular sight in Tintagel. This ancient area of woodland is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and features awe-inspiring waterfalls, which are unveiled through walking around the enchanting wooded footpath. The dramatic high cliffs and inspiringly beautiful scenery make Tintagel the best place to stay in Cornwall for experiencing natural beauty in all its finest glory.

For more information, visit our Tintagel Travel Guide.

10. Truro – best for local heritage

Embrace Cornwall’s heritage with a stay in Truro, where you will uncover much of the county’s culture by visiting the many churches, gardens and museums. Lying in the heart of the city is Truro Cathedral, a stunning Gothic building built at the turn of the 20^th century, establishing Truro as the UK’s most southerly city.

The Cornwall Heritage Trust is another central fixture, created to preserve and protect some of Cornwall’s most iconic places. Spend a sunny afternoon in Victoria Gardens, catch a live show in the Hall of Cornwall or discover more about the local history in the Royal Cornwall Museum. Walking through the city centre and admiring the impressive architecture will warrant you a warm sense of community and guarantee you a desire to return.

For more information, browse our Truro Travel Guide.

Book one of our fabulous, hand-picked Cornwall cottages for a holiday packed with adventure and awe-inspiring scenery. Also browse our Places to Stay in Cornwall guide.

Image attribution: Falmouth Bay, Looe River, St Ives Sculpture Park,via flickr 22 nd & Fowey Estuary, Fistral Beach and Tintagel via flickr cc 2.0