The Best Places to Stay in Cornwall in 2025

Tucked away in North Cornwall’s far eastern corner, Bude is a fantastic place to stay, especially for families. With a stunning collection of beaches both in the town and nearby such as Widemouth Bay and Summerleaze (home to the famous Bude Sea Pool), this coastal town offers a classic British seaside holiday experience. A little more removed from the main tourist trail, Bude is a great jumping-off point for exploring North Devon as well as gems like Crackington Haven. The town has a lively yet laid-back feel, with plenty of surf schools, coastal walks, and independent shops, and perhaps the Duchy’s most quirky attraction – the Bude Tunnel. Bude’s Jazz Festival is a highlight of the cultural calendar, bringing together talented musicians for a weekend of fantastic live performances. Whether you want to catch the waves, relax on the beach, or explore the rugged Cornish coastline, Bude has something for everyone.

A buzzing maritime town with an artsy vibe, Falmouth is a must-stay destination in Cornwall. Known for its spectacular natural harbour, this town boasts a fantastic events calendar, including the Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival, Falmouth Week, and the much-loved Oyster Festival. History lovers will enjoy exploring Pendennis Castle and the National Maritime Museum, while beachgoers can bask on any of Falmouth’s four stunning town beaches. The town also offers gorgeous gardens such as Trebah and Glendurgan, which are perfect for peaceful strolls. With its world-class promenade, creative arts scene, and excellent seafood restaurants, Falmouth is a great choice for those who want a bit of everything—beaches, culture, history, and a thriving local food scene.

Think Cornwall’s serene south coast, and Fowey (pronounced foy) is often the first place that comes to mind. With its historic harbour, winding streets, and stunning river views, this town oozes charm. Fowey is known for its literary connections, being home to the famous writer Daphne du Maurier, and its annual Fowey Festival of Arts and Literature attracts book lovers from all over. The town’s waterside setting makes it ideal for boat trips, sailing, and kayaking, while the South West Coast Path offers incredible walks with breathtaking sea views. A range of boutique hotels, cosy cottages, and riverside guesthouses make Fowey a top choice for a relaxing getaway. Plus, with some excellent seafood restaurants and traditional Cornish pubs, there’s plenty to enjoy after a day of exploring.

Known as the gateway to the Lizard Peninsula, Helston is a fantastic base for exploring one of Cornwall’s most dramatic and beautiful regions. This historic market town is home to the famous Flora Day celebrations, where the streets come alive with dancing and festivities. Staying in Helston gives visitors easy access to some of Cornwall’s most breathtaking spots, including Kynance Cove, Mullion, and Lizard Point—the southernmost tip of mainland Britain. The nearby Helford River is a haven for wildlife lovers and those looking for peaceful riverside walks. With a mix of traditional inns, cosy B&Bs, and countryside cottages, Helston is an ideal choice for those who want a quieter stay while still being within easy reach of Cornwall’s stunning coastline.

Looe offers a classic seaside experience with a working harbour, a sandy beach, and plenty of fresh seafood. Divided into East and West by the river, this town has a friendly atmosphere and is a great place for families. Crabbing on the harbour wall is a local tradition, and boat trips to Looe Island or fishing excursions are easy to book. There are plenty of places to stay, from harbourfront hotels to cosy holiday cottages. The coastal walks here are some of the best in Cornwall, leading to Talland Bay and Polperro. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed seaside break or a base to explore the south coast, Looe is a solid choice.

Mevagissey is a proper old-school Cornish fishing village, with narrow streets, a historic harbour, and some of the best fresh fish you’ll ever taste. The town has a friendly, relaxed feel, and it’s a great spot for boat trips, whether you want to head out on a fishing boat or take a ferry to Fowey. Mevagissey is also home to some great pubs, cafés, and independent shops, and it’s just a short drive from the Lost Gardens of Heligan, one of Cornwall’s most famous attractions. Accommodation ranges from harbourside guesthouses to holiday cottages with sea views, making it a perfect place for a relaxing break. It does get super rammed in summer so our tip would be to stay here in the shoulder seasons.

Newquay is known as Cornwall’s surf capital, but there’s much more to this town than just waves and beaches. While Fistral Beach draws surfers from all over, Newquay has been shaking off its party-town image in recent years, becoming a more family-friendly destination. With zoos, aquariums, and great coastal walks, it’s an ideal holiday spot for all ages. The Boardmasters Festival brings music and surf culture to the town each summer, and there’s no shortage of cafés, restaurants, and bars with incredible sea views. From beachfront hotels to self-catering apartments, Newquay has plenty of options for every budget.

Padstow has become one of Cornwall’s most popular destinations, thanks in large part to its reputation as a foodie hotspot. Home to Rick Stein’s seafood restaurant and a host of other top-notch places to eat, this harbour town attracts food lovers year-round. Beyond the food, Padstow offers beautiful scenery, boat trips, and easy access to the Camel Trail, which makes for a great cycling route to Wadebridge. The nearby beaches, including Hawker’s Cove and Treyarnon Bay, are perfect for a day by the sea. Whether you’re staying in a luxury hotel or a traditional cottage, Padstow makes for a great base to explore the north coast.

Penzance is the last big town before you hit the wild, rugged landscapes at the very edge of wild West Cornwall, making it a great base for exploring Land’s End, Sennen Cove, and the heritage mining sites at Botallack, Geevor and Levant. The town itself has an interesting mix of history and creativity, with spots like the Egyptian House, Penlee House Gallery, and the open-air Jubilee Pool. The harbour is a great place to watch fishing boats come and go, and if you’re heading to the Isles of Scilly, this is where the ferry departs. Accommodation ranges from grand sea-view hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses, and with plenty of pubs, seafood restaurants, and independent shops. Plus much of Penzance overlooks that Cornish icon that’s not to miss – St Michael’s Mount.

Perranporth is all about the beach—three miles of golden sand, rolling waves, and a surf scene that brings in both beginners and seasoned pros. The town has become a hub for music events, with the Tunes in the Dunes festival taking place right on the sand. It’s a great place for a beach holiday, with plenty of places to eat, drink, and soak up the sun. The Watering Hole, the UK’s only bar actually on the beach, is a must-visit. Whether you’re building sandcastles, surfing, hiking the cliffs, or just kicking back with a pasty and watching the waves, Perranporth is a proper Cornish seaside town.

Polperro is one of Cornwall’s most postcard-worthy fishing villages, with its narrow streets, whitewashed cottages, and tiny harbour. Staying here feels like stepping back in time, and with no cars allowed in the heart of the village, it keeps its peaceful charm. There are plenty of places to stay, from historic inns to seaside cottages with amazing views. Polperro is a great spot for coastal walks, with paths leading to Talland Bay and Looe, and it’s got a proper old-school feel with its little pubs, art galleries, and seafood spots. If you want a quiet, picture-perfect Cornish getaway, Polperro ticks all the boxes.

Shooting into the nation’s consciousness as the filming location for ‘Doc Martin’, Port Isaac has always been a north coast gem in its own right. With its higgledy-piggledy lanes and stunning views over the rugged coastline, Port Isaac is a fantastic place to stay. There’s a good mix of guesthouses, B&Bs, and self-catering cottages, many with incredible sea views. The coastal walks from here are some of the best in the Duchy, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a performance from the Fisherman’s Friends shanty group, who still sing in the village.

If you’re after great food, dramatic coastal scenery, and a proper Cornish harbour town, Porthleven is a top pick. Like Helston, Porthleven is a great gateway to the Lizard Peninsula as well as hotspots like Praa Sands. In recent years the town has built a reputation as a foodie hotspot, with an annual food festival that brings in top chefs and thousands of visitors. The harbour is lined with great places to eat, from cosy cafés to high-end restaurants. Porthleven is also famous for its waves—when the winter storms hit, photographers flock to watch the huge swells crashing against the harbour wall and spraying the clock tower. It’s got a laid-back vibe and plenty of places to stay, making it a great alternative to busier spots like St Ives.

One of Cornwall’s most famous holiday spots, St Ives has it all—beautiful beaches, a buzzing arts scene, and some of the best restaurants in the Duchy. The town is home to the Tate St Ives, the Barbara Hepworth Museum, and loads of independent galleries, making it a dream destination for art lovers. The beaches here are stunning, with Porthmeor being the go-to for surfers, while Porthminster is perfect for a chilled-out day by the sea. St Ives can get packed in summer, so if you prefer things a bit quieter, the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are ideal times to visit. With a huge range of places to stay, from boutique hotels to seaside cottages, St Ives is a great choice for a Cornish getaway.

As Cornwall’s only city, Truro is a bit different from the usual seaside holiday spots. It’s a great place to stay if you want to explore all corners of Cornwall, with easy road and rail links to the coast, moors, and everything in between. The city itself has a grand cathedral, a great mix of independent and high-street shops, and a thriving food scene. Truro is also home to the Hall for Cornwall, which hosts theatre, music, and comedy throughout the year. While it’s not by the sea, you’re never far from a beach, with spots like Perranporth and Falmouth just a short drive away.

Wadebridge might not be the first place that springs to mind for a Cornish holiday, but it’s got plenty going for it. Sitting on the Camel Estuary, it’s a top spot for cycling, with the Camel Trail running all the way to Padstow. It’s also a great base for exploring some of North Cornwall’s best beaches, including Polzeath, Harlyn Bay, and Constantine. The town itself has a good mix of places to eat, drink, and stay, and it’s got a proper friendly feel. If you want to be close to the coast but away from the big crowds, Wadebridge is well worth considering.

Trewena Cottages is an ideal base for a Cornwall holiday, offering a peaceful countryside setting on the edge of Falmouth. With easy access to Cornwall’s top attractions and beaches, guests can explore the South West Coast Path, visit hidden coves, and enjoy Cornwall’s vibrant food scene.

A great base for daytrips to iconic landmarks like St Michael’s Mount and the Eden Project as well as Cornwall’s best subtropical gardens and historic sites, there’s plenty to discover. Adventurers can kayak, surf, or sail, while those seeking relaxation can enjoy scenic walks and quiet beaches.

Run by welcoming hosts Rich and Hellen, Trewena’s cosy cottages provide comfort, privacy, and all the essentials for a relaxing stay. Offering the best of both worlds—tranquillity and accessibility—it’s the perfect spot to experience Cornwall at your own pace.