Holiday Homes in Cornwall

Nestled in the South West of England, Cornwall is a well-known UK holiday gem. Offering up picturesque seaside villages, harbour towns, rugged countryside and cliffs galore, it’s a nature lovers dream. Our properties are dotted around the whole of Cornwall so you can discover the idyllic seaside views on the south coast or try your hand at some surfing on the north coast!

With all this region has to offer, it makes the perfect holiday spot for all ages. Whether you’re looking for an adventure-filled family holiday or a romantic getaway, our holiday homes in Cornwall are the best of the best. Think cosy cottages by the sea, dreamy evenings in the hot tub and plenty of outdoor space to walk the pooch!

Why visit?

  • Idyllic sandy beaches and quaint fishing towns give Cornwall endless charm.
  • It’s a family holiday hotspot filled with outdoor activities for all ages (especially watersports - surfing, paddle boarding and windsurfing to name a few).
  • The deliciously fresh fish is hard to beat and what’s better than a fish supper on the beach?

Read the Cornwall Travel Guide


Why stay with us?

Style and character are everything at Oliver’s Travels, and our collection of handpicked villas in Cornwall have this in spades.

We have destination experts who know the ins and outs of all our regions, picking villas that aren’t only unique, but also in the best locations. What's more, our villas are 100% family-friendly, and have the ‘wow’ factor.

Our helpful concierge team are on-hand to make your stay extra special. Whether you want a fully-stocked fridge, a local in-house chef to cook your meals, housekeeping or any other extra service – consider them your holiday genie, who will happily grant your wishes.

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Holiday Homes in Cornwall : Our Top Picks

Why visit

Cornwall is a natural playground for all things outdoorsy. Famous for glistening azure waters, golden sandy beaches and often known to have the warmest climate in the UK, you can get your tan on without hopping on a plane! But it’s not all just about lounging on the beach. If walks along dramatic coastlines and clifftop hikes are up your street, you’ll be rewarded with some glorious sea views.  And for water-sports enthusiasts, family holidays in Cornwall will provide you with an array of surfing hotspots, with options for adults and little ones alike.

 

Take the Pooch

The great outdoors won’t just suit you and your family, your four-legged friends will adore the lush countryside and coastal walks! With over half of our holiday homes in Cornwall being dog friendly, your pooch is welcome to join in with the holiday fun!

 

Food and Drink

If you’re heading down to Cornwall, you’ll be sure to come across the famous Cornish pasty. With meat and veggie options, this local delicacy is exactly what you’ll crave after a long coastal walk. And for afters? How about a delicious Cornish ice cream or a traditional scone? But be sure to put the jam first before the cream or the locals will certainly call you out!


What Oliver loves

The friendly locals that are always willing to lead you to your destination or suggest some authentic things to do.

Best time to go

  • June or September – Miss the busy summer period and go before the schools are out for summer holidays. This way you’ll be able to experience the real Cornwall without the crowds. The weather should be good too.
  • July and August – If you’re taking the kids, make sure to book far in advance to guarantee a good spot. Cornwall is a very popular destination in the summer months so booking ahead is vital!
  • Winter months are quiet and cosy with annual Christmas markets and even the Montol Festival to celebrate the midwinter solstice.  

Top facts

  • Watch out for seagulls – they’re known to be fearless and will happily nab your ice cream if you’re not careful!
  • Pack suncream as it’ll likely be hotter than you expect.
  • Catch a beach sunset – the colours are magnificent and make a perfect backdrop to a romantic evening stroll.

Best beaches in Cornwall

Where do we even begin? Cornwall is the motherland when it comes to pretty sandy beaches and stunning blue waters. With a variety of large, popular beaches and smaller, secret coves, you’ll be seriously spoiled for choice!


Water-sports are a huge part of Cornish life so pack your wetsuit or brave it with a bikini because you’ll want to experience the surfer lifestyle. Or if you’re taking the little ones, why not hire some body boards for an afternoon of seaside fun?


If you fancy a morning dip or a lazy day on the sand, our Cornwall beach cottages offer leisurely walks to the beach so you don’t even need to hop in the car. But if you’re looking to explore all that Cornwall has to offer, there are many beaches a short drive away that are definitely worth the visit.

Oliver’s Hidden Gem

Nestled in a deep cove and surrounded by grassy headlands, Port Joke Beach in Newquay is a hidden secret and will likely be clear of tourists. It’s only reachable by foot but it’ll be worth it for the quiet, cosy vibe.

This shingle beach offers up idyllic views of Looe Island and the intriguing rockpools will be a hit with all ages. Dogs are welcome all year round!

Sheltered from extreme winds, this beach is a safe place to learn to surf. Take a lesson with the surf school or rent a surfboard locally and try out those gnarly waves!

Known as one of prettiest little towns in Cornwall, you’ll want to give St Ives Harbour Beach a visit for the cute fishing boats, sandy beach and seafood restaurants.

Avoid the tourists on this lesser known beach, ideal for windy days kitesurfing or calmer days kayaking. It also makes a great place for a leisurely walk on the sand.

This small and sheltered beach is a firm favourite with the locals. Rock pools make it a fun spot for little ones and the village built around the harbour makes it convenient for grabbing some lunch.

Rated one of the best beaches in Cornwall, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the Caribbean. And just a short walk to the Minack open air theatre, you can catch some Shakespeare by the sea.

Things to do

You’ll never be stuck for things to do in Cornwall but you may have a hard time squeezing in all the amazing things it has to offer! From sparkling beaches and tantalising water-sports to hotspots drenched in history, you’ll have a whole range of activities lined up.


Cornwall is proud of its traditional and comforting atmosphere that makes it feel like a home from home. But be careful to book in advance or visit out of high season to beat the crowds.

Top activities in Cornwall

  • Visit the Eden Project and experience the world’s biggest indoor rainforest. And for all you adventure seekers, you can take a zipwire across the project for added thrills.
  • Make the most of this natural wonderland and get involved in some foraging walks.

  • Try something new or indulge in a much-loved pastime, with a horse riding lesson along the coast.
  • Experience a romantic sunset on the beach – pack a picnic and admire the glorious colours of the sky.
  • Try a Cornish pasty for a real taste of Cornish history. But watch out for hungry seagulls that won’t be scared to steal it straight from your hand.
  • Take a step back into history by visiting the medieval church and castle on St Michael’s Mount which can only be reached via a man-made causeway at low tide.

St Michael's Mount

Oliver's Hidden Gem

Take a 30-minute journey from Port Isaac to visit the 60 foot waterfall, St Nectan's Kieve. You’ll reach this magical site by walking through an ancient woodland which kids are sure to love!

Towns and villages

Known for its idyllic harbour scenes and traditional vibe, it’s no shock that Cornwall is brimming with picture-perfect towns and villages. Whether you’re on a couples retreat or a family holiday in Cornwall, dazzling beaches, quaint independent shops and breathtaking heritage guarantee there’s something for everyone.

 

We have a range of luxury cottages in Cornwall for cosy stays or check out our holiday homes for larger groups (some even have hot tubs!). 

 

You may want to hire a car to explore all that this wonderful region has to offer, from large cities to sleepy countryside villages and pretty seaside towns. That’s why we’ve found you some of our favourite places scattered around this marvelous region.

Oliver’s Hidden Gem

Looking for some Cornish history? Polperro offers a quiet way of life but its rich history will keep the whole family intrigued. Visit the Polperro Heritage Museum to discover exciting stories of smuggling!


A pretty setting with so much to offer, this ancient Cornish fishing village is the perfect place to get away from it all. Admire the 18th-Century cottages, explore the quaint clifftop paths or dabble in some water-sports.

Renowned as one of the most beautiful spots in the South, St Ives will surely take your breath away. Crystal-clear waters and pretty fishing boats line the harbour while The Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden add to the elegance of this delightfully arty town.

Looking for a bit of hustle and bustle for a busy day out? Falmouth offers a quirky high street filled with independent shops and art galleries and you’ll even be able to catch some live music at multiple venues. And boasting one of the largest deep water harbours in the world, you’ll find an array of waterfront restaurants specializing in locally source seafood and traditional dishes.

This harbourside town not only offers independent shops and restaurants but it’s also surrounded by an expanse of golden, sandy beaches. Take a boat out to Looe island to catch incredible views across the sea that reach as far as Devon!

The charming and unique little fishing port of Mousehole makes an idyllic day out with the family. Stroll along the cobbled streets, picnic on the golden beach or catch a show at the famous open-air Minack Theatre with a scenic view of the coast. Kids will also love gazing at the colourful fish in the aquarium!

Nestled on the north coast, Padstow has always been a firm favourite for family holidays in Cornwall. Crabbing with the kids in the rockpools is a must before grabbing a bite to eat at one of Rick Stein’s seafood restaurants. Or settle down on the harbour front with some fish and chips and admire the pretty fishermen’s cottages and calming stillness of the evening sea.

Getting Around

By Car

Cornwall is probably best reached by car, with simple routes from both London and Manchester. Although a long drive, its mainly along dual carriageways so you’re unlikely to get lost! Having a car on holiday will also come in handy when visiting different towns. Visit in May or early September for reasonable weather and dry roads, without the summer traffic!


By Train

The most popular way to travel to Cornwall by train is to get a train from London Paddington to Newquay. It takes around 5 hours but the views are more than worth it.


By Bike

Renting or taking a bike is also a great way to discover Cornwall. Think easy morning cycles to neighbouring towns for a spot of breakfast or perhaps a day excursion on one of many cycle routes.


By Boat

It would be rude to ignore the beautiful Cornish coast and what better way to enjoy it than renting a boat? Try your hand at some sailing or book yourself onto a yacht for a luxurious day out.

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