Coastal Cornwall
A Tour Around the Cornish Coast
As it is surrounded by sea on three sides, Cornwall is home to the UK’s longest stretch of coastline. It is also one of the most revered and is always a popular destination for holidaymakers from within the country and across the globe. Our coastal cottages are dotted across the region, from the mighty waves in the North, to the dramatic cliffs of the West and the idyllic rivers of the South. To help you decide where to holiday on this varied coastline, we have written this ultimate guide to the Cornish coast.
Surf’s up in the North!
The North Coast of Cornwall is home to some of the best waves in the world. From Bude to Perranporth, these beautiful beaches are perfect for water babies and thrill seekers alike. Polzeath, just a short distance from the popular spots of Pentireglaze and Daymer Bay, is a gorgeous beach with great surf. Perfect for seasoned professionals and amateurs alike, there are plenty of surf schools, including Surfs Up Surf School, in Polzeath for you to get some lessons in during your holiday!
The North Coast is also where some of Cornwall’s loveliest harbour towns are located. Padstow is a fishing town turned culinary epicentre, after chef Rick Stein established his first restaurant in the town, The Seafood Restaurant, in 1975. Since then, Stein’s restaurants have attracted thousands to Padstow, but it thrives as a holiday resort in its own right too. With a vibrant mix of pubs, cafes and shops, Padstow has something for everyone. The towns of Rock and Port Isaac are equally picturesque. Check out our cottages in North Cornwall to make your trip to this charming part of the coast.
Natural Beauty in the West
St Ives is often regarded as the jewel of West Cornwall, where, as one of our local team eloquently put it: ‘all the natural elements conspire together to give it a unique light and beauty’. St Ives is indeed stunning, with its hodge-podge of houses and buildings surrounded by dazzling blue sea, making for a tremendous view. St Ives is also the perfect destination for art lovers, as it is home to the Tate at St Ives, part of the iconic family of modern art museums. There is also a Barbara Hepworth Museum in the town, which boasts a fantastic collection of her sculptures. Alternatively, check out the wealth of local artists’ galleries in the town to pick up a piece of authentic Cornish art.
If it’s views that you’re looking for then be sure to make a trip to Land’s End and look over the dramatic cliff’s edges to the Scilly Isles. Other highlights of West Cornwall with equally panoramic views include the Minack Theatre in Porthcurno and St Micheal’s Mount off the coast of Marazion. The Minack Theatre is an open air theatre inspired by ancient amphitheatres and is a truly remarkable way to experience live performance, so it is well worth checking out what shows are on whilst you’re in West Cornwall. We have holiday cottages across West Cornwall, including St Ives, Porthcurno and Marazion.
A Piece of the Med in the South
A Piece of the Med in the South
The Helford River in South Cornwall showcases the Mediterranean beauty of this part of the region. Dotted with whitewashed cottages (of which we have many, that you can book here) which perch on the river banks, this part of Cornwall thrives all year round, but particularly in the warm summer months. Helford is also home to the semi-tropical gardens, Trebah and Glendurgan which are well worth the trip if you love nature and colour.
Looe is a popular coastal spot in southern Cornwall and is still a working fishing village, making it a great place to sample some fresh seafood. The town’s beach is also well-known as a bit of a sun-trap, ideal for those looking to top up their tan. Other popular places include Megavissey and Fowey, both thriving seaside towns packed with amenities and things to do that make for the perfect weekend break or day trip. Falmouth is also in South Cornwall and is home to the National Maritime Museum, a family favourite, as well as Gyllyngvase Beach, ever-popular due to its soft sandy shores. You can browse our vast collection of South Cornwall Cottages here and start planning your holiday right away!
