Cornwall is an exceptional holiday destination. Here are seven incredible and best places to stay on your holiday to the South West.
From ancient woodland to miles of craggy granite coasts; world-class sandy beaches to quaint fishing villages; unique architecture to open moors and everything in between, Kernow (as it's locally known) is recognisably English only it's different. Nowadays, Cornwall is renowned for its beauty and it draws in the curious and the besotted all year round to come explore, surf, party, work and relax.
Cornwall, similarly to Wales and Scotland is very much its own country, even though it is still governed as an English county. The Duchy of Cornwall has its own distinct identity which includes it's own language, flag, food, traditions, and a long potted history of revolution and industry.
Read on to discover our seven incredible Cornish destinations, which include Padstow, Newquay, St Ives, Fowey, Port Isaac, Looe, and Bude.
1. Best for food | Padstow
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. It's easy to hire a bike and cycle along the former railway line to Wadebridge or Bodmin Moor.
Keen walkers will love the stretch of the South West Coast Path that skirts Padstow's harbours and follows the estuary out to see along the headland (via some pretty beaches). Catch a ferry over the river to Rock and spend a day on the beach at Daymer Bay, with it's sandy shore and rockpools.
Gourmet highlights in Padstow
Rick Stein's The Seafood Restaurant: Rick Stein's company runs several restaurants in Padstow and across the Duchy. We love the seafood restaurant because of it's welcoming atmosphere and its superb menu with oceans of choice.
Prawn on the Lawn: Book a table at this small but mighty fish and seafood restaurant with a menu that changes daily.
Paul Ainsworth's at No.6: Enjoy a classy evening out at this fine eatery in the heart of Padstow with a great choice of meals and a wine list to rival any of its local competitors.
Padstow cottages
2. Best for entertainment | Newquay
Newquay is party town as well as a hub for surfers from all over the world. It's also a superb destination for a family break too.
It is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Cornwall, and it's definitely where you should 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 due to its breaks and stunning beaches. It also regularly hosts surfing events and competitions such as the annual Boardmasters Festival. There are surf schools and places to hire boards and wet suits throughout the town. Its famous beaches include Towan Beach, Great Western Beach and Fistral Beach.
If you have brought your dog along to Newquay, many of of the local beaches are dog-friendly. For more Cornwall beach ideas read this inspirational guide.
Entertainment highlights in Newquay
Fistral Beach: The long and iconic Fistral Beach has been the backdrop for many surfing adventures.
Newquay Zoo: For a 'roarsome' family day out, Newquay Zoo is an unbeatable way to entertain the kids.
Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay: Like a companion piece to the zoo, Newquay's aquarium is unmissable.
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3. Best for art | St Ives
Incredible St Ives is the best place to go in Cornwall for art. There are lots of galleries where you can find everything from traditional landscape paintings, to large scale sculptures.
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.
St Ives and the South West Coast Path feature heavily in the popular book The Salt Path and it's accompanying film, released in 2025. We have written a cool guide to the Salt Path's locations too.
Art highlights in St Ives
Tate St Ives | The works of international and domestic art titans can be seen all year around at the eye catching waterfront gallery building.
Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden | St Ives' primo art gallery showcases Ms Hepworth's legendary flare for sculpture.
St Ives Boats Trips | During the warmer months, a boat trip to Seal Island and around the bay is a real treat. Take photos of the friendly seals too, so you can paint portraits of them later.
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4. Best for a couples' break | Fowey
Fowey is a magical Cornish holiday destination for lovers of literature and history. It's a good choice for a romatic couple's break too as there are lots of picturesque walks and cosy restaurants to try out of an evening.
For those who enjoy literary and like to discover the inspiration behind the works of much-loved authors.
In Fowey, 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 in Fowey to find. With the medieval and Georgian buildings as a romantic backdrop and the winding streets and natural harbour to enjoy, Fowey is a wonderful choice for couples of all ages.
Romantic highlights in Fowey for couples
St Catherine's Castle | A short walk around the estuary brings you to the ruins of St Catherine's Castle with champion views out to sea.
Readymoney Cove | Fowey's most lovely beach for a quite day of sun worship with a reading book.
National Trust - Lantic Bay | A classic destination for a day of walking and unrivalled views with your loved one. Great for swimming.
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5. Best for film and TV buffs | Port Isaac
Port Isaac embodies the chocolate box aesthetic to a tee - fisherman's cottages, fishing boats, cosy pubs, white washed walls, rugged cliffs and singing seagulls, it's all here.
Port Isaac is a brilliant place for walking the South West Coast Path. You can reach Tintagel to the north and Polzeath and Rock to the south in a few hours. The views are astounding.
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. It also featured in both Fisherman's Friends films, and the comedy film, Saving Grace.
Port Isaac is highly regarded for it's restaurants, particularly the two Nathan Outlaw affiliated ones - both of which offer exceptional seafood dishes.
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. For a more information read our handy blog about Port Isaac.
Highlights for film and TV buffs in Port Isaac
Brit Movie Tours | See al the locations used in Doc Martin and Fisherman's Friends on this fun tour.
South West Coast Path: Aspects of Doc Marten and Fisherman's Friends have used the local coastline for location shoots.
The Golden Lion: Get some stories about the local film shoots when you tuck into a plate of fish and chips at the Golden Lion.
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6. Best for young families | Looe
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.
Attractions for young families in Looe
Wild Futures, The Monkey Sanctuary | All kids love a monkey. Don't overlook this wonderful Looe visitor attraction.
East Looe Beach | A day of sandcastle building, paddling in the sea, and rock pooling is a superb way to while away the time in Looe.
Looe Island | Take the kids on a boat trip to the curious Looe Island. Boat trips are fun for all the family.
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7. Best for a surfing and beach holiday | Bude
Bude centres around it's massive (and we mean massive) beaches.
When the surf rolls out, acres and acres of sandy beach reveal themselves. There is even a sea pool blast into the rock for a semi-wild swim.
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. Neighbouring Widemouth Beach is just 1 mile south, and that is a surfer's favourite.
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.
Bude is 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.
Beach highlights in Bude
Summerleaze Beach | Bude's biggest and most fun beach is such a memorable place to enjoy quality fun time.
Bude Sea Pool | Set on Summerleaze, Bude Sea Pool is a large man-made rock pool, one of the best in the UK.
Widemouth Bay | Surfer's love this lengthy and atmospheric beach which will remind you of California.
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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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