
Heading to Cornwall but not sure where to stay with your family and your dogs (if you have one)? It quite often depends on what you’re planning to do on your holiday, so we’ve highlighted some of the best places to holiday in Cornwall (no matter the weather) and what you can get up to there to help you out.
From verdant forests to miles of craggy granite coasts; sandy beaches to quaint fishing villages; unique architecture to open moors and everything in between, the county of Kernow is as diverse as anywhere else and full of incredible Cornwall destinations that you need to visit. Here are just ten of the many places in Cornwall that we think are worth the trip.
If you would rather jump right into browsing exciting staycations, take a look through our beautiful holiday cottages in Cornwall.
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Padstow - best for foodies
If you’re wondering where to go in Cornwall for excellent grub, then Padstow is by far one of the best places in Cornwall for a foodie break. Dine out each night during a trip to this charming seaside town.
While Rick Stein has left his footprint throughout much of the rest of Cornwall, in Padstow you will find four of his restaurants to tempt your taste buds. If you’re a keen cyclist, Padstow is also a great place to stay as it is also the start and end of the popular Camel Cycle Trail.
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Newquay - best for surfers
One of the most popular holiday destinations in Cornwall, Newquay is where to head if you enjoy a lively atmosphere, busy bars, and water sports. It’s a great place to celebrate a special occasion with a group of friends, such as a hen or stag do or even a birthday.
Newquay attracts surfers from around the world due to its consistent waves and stunning beaches. It also regularly hosts surfing events and competitions such as the annual Boardmasters Festival making it one the best places to holiday in Cornwall if you love surfing breaks. Its famous beaches include Watergate Bay, Great Western Beach and Fistral Beach, and many of its beaches are even dog-friendly. For more Cornwall beach ideas read this inspirational guide.
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St Ives - best for art lovers
Home to Tate St Ives, the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden as well as several smaller galleries, St Ives is the art centre of Cornwall and one of the best places in Cornwall for any of you creative types out there.
St Ives attracts well-known artists, events and exhibitions throughout the year, so you can’t go wrong if you're looking for Cornwall's art scene. Likewise, St Ives is a vibrant and busy seaside town with several things to do. There are also numerous popular beaches in the St Ives area, so if it’s a traditional bucket and spade holiday with your little ones that you are looking for, then St Ives will certainly tick that box too.
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Fowey - best for couples
For those who enjoy literary history and like to discover the inspiration behind the works of much-loved authors, Fowey is one of the top places to stay in Cornwall. Here you can discover Kenneth Graeme’s inspiration behind his famous tale on the delightful Wind in the Willows River Cruise along the Fowey Estuary.
Not only that, but you can follow in the footsteps of the well-loved literary name, Daphne Du Maurier, visit her favourite haunts and see where much of her inspiration came from for her writing. There are plenty of unique attractions to discover here too. With the medieval and Georgian buildings as a romantic backdrop and the winding streets and natural harbour to explore, Fowey is a wonderful choice for couples deciding where to stay in Cornwall.
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Port Isaac - best for walkers
Any idea where that popular TV series about bad-tempered Doc Martin is filmed? Well, if you stay in Port Isaac you might recognise some of the town and maybe even some of the places in the area.
Why not see if you can find the house that’s used as the outside of Doc Martin’s house and the surgery? Even if you've never watched this popular programme, Port Isaac is a great place to stay in Cornwall and you'll soon fall in love with it. It's a particularly excellent holiday destination if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Set along the beautiful rugged coastline, it’s the perfect spot for walkers with its easy access to the South West Coast Path.
If you love the peace and quiet of a village on the coast, take a look through this list of characterful fishing villages in Cornwall for more choice on where to stay by the sea
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Truro - best for adult groups
Bustling Truro is a top place to stay in Cornwall for families as there's plenty to keep everyone entertained and lots of nearby attractions children will love. It's a top Cornwall destination as it is so central, you could venture up to St Austell or down to Falmouth from this great holiday setting.
If shopping is a staple activity on any of your holidays, then stay near Truro. On top of your usual high street stores, the bustling town offers a popular farmers’ market on Lemon Quay every Wednesday and Saturday, and a pannier market alongside a fantastic array of independent gift and jewellery stores. Explore the quaint streets and later relax in one of the many vibrant bars, restaurants or coffee shops.
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Looe - best for small families
If you want an all-round holiday for the whole family then try Looe where you'll discover a wealth of things to do. This scenic destination is one of the best places to stay in Cornwall if you are seeking rest and relaxation.
A pretty harbour town, here you can enjoy a bucket-and-spade day out on the sandy beaches, explore the stunning coastline on the South West Coast Path or take a boat trip to nearby Looe Island, a thriving nature reserve. Nearby, you also have plenty of family days out in the form of the Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary, Seaton Valley Country Park and much more. There are lots of free things to do with your kids in Cornwall too.
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Falmouth - best for history buffs
For a little bit of an insight into Cornwall’s rich naval history, in Falmouth, you will find the National Maritime Museum which, over time, has been the start and finish point for many historic voyages and is still a top place to stay in Cornwall if you love sailing.
Even if history isn’t your thing, Falmouth is one of the best places to go in Cornwall as it's a vibrant, creative and exciting town, often hosting big events such as Falmouth Oyster Festival. It’s a great one for families because there are so many children’s attractions nearby, boat trips and National Trust properties, houses and gardens with packed event schedules to accommodate the little ones.
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Bude - best for big families
The great thing about Bude is that it is located right on the Cornwall and Devon border, so you will have the best of both worlds during your holiday. One of the best places to stay if you enjoy catching a wave during your travels, head to this North Cornwall town for excellent surfing.
You can choose to explore further into Cornwall or pop over the border and explore the rugged North Devon coastline. If you're holidaying with the family, from the little ones right through to Grandma and Grandad, then Bude is a fantastic choice. It's one of the best places to stay in Cornwall for families and is packed with shops, restaurants, cafes, family attractions, things to do and sandy beaches, it doesn't get much better than this.
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Penzance - best for view seekers
While much of Cornwall is perfect for a romantic holiday, residing in the shadow of St Michael’s Mount makes Penzance undoubtedly one of the first and finest choices for us and is quite possibly the best place to stay in Cornwall for fantastic sea views.
St Michael’s Mount is a curious and beautiful island with a striking castle, stunning views and beautiful scenery. Accessed either by the causeway or by boat from nearby Marazion, it offers the perfect romantic day together and regularly makes the cut on 'best of' lists as one of the best places to visit in Cornwall. You'll also find the charming fishing village of Mousehole close by, with its pretty harbour and famous annual Christmas light displays.
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Stay in a self-catering holiday cottage in Cornwall
Stay at one of our wonderful holiday cottages in Cornwall. All across The Duchy, we have one of the largest and best ranges of rented holiday accommodation from modern sea view apartments to rustic fisherman's cottages. Where will you and your loved ones stay on your next holiday to the South West of England? Discover Cornwall today.
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