Polly Joke Beach, Newquay
What Oliver Loves
Early mornings by the water – before the beaches fill and the towns wake up properly, when everything feels a bit more local.
Holiday Homes in Cornwall
Find Your Extraordinary
Cornwall Holiday Home
Cornwall centres around the coast, but the experience is more specific than that. The north coast brings surf beaches like Polzeath and Watergate Bay, exposed to the Atlantic and often windy, while the south coast is calmer, with harbours and estuaries around places like Fowey and the Helford. St Ives draws people for its beaches and galleries, Padstow for food and the harbour, but they’re only part of the picture.
Our collection of homes in Cornwall puts you close to that, from houses within walking distance of the beach to larger stays suited to family holidays and time away with friends. You can also explore more across the South West, wider England or browse our collection of Britain and Ireland holiday homes for further inspiration.
Why stay with us?
Style and character define every Oliver’s Travels home. Our destination experts know England well, handpicking homes in Cornwall for their setting, privacy and proximity to the coastline and towns.
Once you book a holiday, our Concierge Service is here to help with all things planning and recommendations, from local experiences to in-house chefs, to make your stay truly extraordinary.
Why visit Cornwall?
Cornwall is built around being outside. The coastline shapes most of the experience – beaches, coastal paths, and time spent in or near the water. On the north coast, places like Polzeath and Watergate Bay are known for surf and open stretches of sand. The south coast is calmer, with smaller beaches, estuaries and harbours around Fowey and the Helford.
Walking is part of most days, whether that’s along the South West Coast Path or shorter routes down to the water. It’s just as common to spend time on the beach, swimming when the tide allows or staying put for the afternoon. For families, it’s easy to fall into a routine of beach in the morning, something to eat, then back again later in the day.
Food is straightforward and local. Pasties are everywhere and best eaten warm, usually after a walk. Seafood is just as present, especially in places where boats are landing nearby. Bakeries, ice cream shops and small cafés tend to set the pace of the day more than anything planned.
St Michael’s Mount
Cornwall: At a Glance
Coastline – Sandy beaches, smaller coves and the South West Coast Path linking it all together
Towns and harbours – St Ives, Padstow, Fowey and smaller working ports along the coast
Food and drink – Seafood, bakeries, farm shops and a strong local food culture
Outdoor time – Walking, swimming, surfing and days spent by the water
Setting – Coastal first, with countryside and moorland just inland
Top Tip
Stay within walking distance of the coast. Being able to head out early or return in the evening without driving makes a real difference.
Getting to and around Cornwall
By train
Direct trains run from London Paddington to Truro, St Austell and Penzance, with connections onwards to smaller towns.
By car
A car gives you the most flexibility, especially for reaching smaller beaches and moving between different parts of the coastline.
By air
Newquay Airport offers domestic and some European routes, with onward travel needed to reach most towns.
On foot
Sections of the South West Coast Path are easily accessible and often the best way to explore locally.
From the blog…
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