Have you decided on Cornwall for your next getaway but you’re unsure to where to stay? Then don’t fret, our guide to the best places to stay in Cornwall, based on our booking data, has you covered!
Often considered one of the most popular destinations for UK breaks, Cornwall is a stunning county tucked away in the southwestern corner of England that boasts some of the best beaches anywhere in the country that line its northern and southern coastlines.
But with so many fantastic towns and villages to consider staying at, it can be difficult to decide exactly where to spend your next Cornish escape. No matter whether you’re longing to be by the sea or you’d rather step back in time somewhere historic; there’s a place in Cornwall for everyone.
Keep scrolling to learn more about the best places to stay in Cornwall…
Best Places to Stay in Cornwall FAQs
Is North Cornwall better than South Cornwall?
Both North and South Cornwall are popular destinations for holidaymakers, each boasting their own unique attractions and experiences. North Cornwall is famed for its excellent surfing conditions at beaches like Fistral and Polzeath, while South Cornwall is best known for its calmer waters; perfect for sailing, kayaking and swimming. Read on to find out if North or South Cornwall is best for you!
Which side of Cornwall is warmest?
Typically, the South Cornwall coast tends to be warmer than the Northern coast. This is because it faces the English Channel, which is warmed by the Gulf Stream.
Why do people love Cornwall so much?
There’s a whole host of reasons why Cornwall is one of the most popular counties for tourists and holidaymakers in the UK. In short, it’s a region that’s steeped in history, as well as boasting its own unique culture, language and heritage. Not only is it home to some of the best beaches in the country as well, but Cornwall is also home to some of the most beautiful areas of countryside anywhere in the UK.
Why is St Ives so popular?
St Ives has long been known as Cornwall’s most popular tourist town, drawing in hundreds of thousands of visitors every year… and it’s not hard to see why! Home to a beautiful harbour, multiple award-winning beaches and a thriving art scene, there are very few reasons not to choose St Ives for your next staycation.
The 10 Best Places to Stay in Cornwall
1. Carbis Bay
Nestled on the North Cornwall coast overlooking St Ives Bay, the coastal town of Carbis Bay ranked top of the list of the best places to stay in Cornwall according to our booking data for 2023, with over 2600 holidaymakers choosing this stunning destination for their holiday!
Famous for its award-winning golden sandy beaches, this popular town is packed full of brilliant places to consider staying, as well as tonnes of well-renowned bars and restaurants to enjoy during your stay.
Not only that but the town is also connected to the St Ives Railway, offering visitors quick and easy access to neighbouring towns, making it a fantastic place to consider staying if you’re hoping to get the most out of your next holiday.
2. St Ives
Another stunning town nestled on St Ives Bay, St Ives has long been known as one of the best places to stay in Cornwall; in fact it was the second most popular location with our customers in 2023!
With an abundance of places to consider staying in the town, this little tourist town draws in thousands of visitors every year who flock to witness its award-winning beaches, fantastic restaurants and bustling bars, St Ives also has a thriving art scene that can be explored by visiting the many art galleries based here.
Not only that, but you’ll also find great attractions to visit like the Tate St Ives, one of the most popular galleries of its kind anywhere in the country.
3. Port Isaac
Tucked between the dramatic coastal cliffs in the heart of the North Cornwall coast is Port Isaac, despite being the 3rd most booked location in Cornwall, it remains a quaint village, a true gem out of these places to stay in Cornwall.
Made famous by the BBC series “Doc Martin”, this village is home to a popular surfing beach, as well as a handful of pubs, cafés and restaurants to enjoy whilst staying here. In fact, you’ll also find a host of other Doc Martin filming locations dotted around this village that might be familiar to you if you’re a fan of the show! You’ll also find Port Gaverne Beach just a stone’s throw away from the village too, which also makes for a great place to spend the afternoon soaking up the Cornish sunshine!
Not only that but with great connections to the rest of this stunning coastline, it makes for a great place to base yourselves if you’re looking to explore the heart of Cornwall on your next holiday.
4. Newquay
Known as a “Surfer’s Paradise”, Newquay is easily the best part of Cornwall for water sports. Perfect if you’re hoping to embark on an adventurous holiday; a shared sentiment for the over 1000 people that chose to holiday here in 2023.
Beach lovers will be in their element with a stay in Newquay thanks to its five fantastic beaches, Fistral, Towan, Great Western, Newquay Beach and Porth; often regarded as being amongst the best beaches in Cornwall. Spend hours with the family down by the shore where you can build sandcastles, splash around in the sea or try your hand at a variety of watersports.
Newquay is one of the largest settlements in the county, because of this it boasts plenty of exciting places to eat and drink; there is something for everyone to sample! There are also a whole host of attractions that are sure to keep everyone entertained. Enjoy marveling at marine life at the Blue Reef Aquarium or spend a whole day exploring the wonders of Newquay Zoo.
5. Polzeath
Nestled on the edge of Hayle Bay, Polzeath is a popular seaside resort village nestled on the North Cornwall coast that visitors and locals consider the best part of Cornwall for surfing. Once a favourite destination for the famous poet John Betjeman, it’s a place that’s teeming with beachgoers and watersports enthusiasts during the summer months.
Upon arrival, you’ll be more than thankful for the spacious car park that sits right next to the beach’s entrance, allowing you to unpack and walk straight onto the golden sands the minute you arrive. After spending the afternoon soaking up the sunshine, heading straight into Surfside for a drink to enjoy the sunset is a must-do!
Boasting two award-winning beaches overlooking Hayle Bay, it’s easily one of the best places to stay in Cornwall if you’re hoping to spend as much time as you can by the sea. With loads of great seafood restaurants and cosy pubs to enjoy whilst here too, you simply can’t go wrong with staying in Polzeath for your next Cornish escape.
6. Crantock
Next on our guide to the best places to stay in Cornwall is Crantock. Resting on a coastal headland on the stunning North Cornwall coast, Crantock is easily one of the best places if you’re looking for the ultimate beach holiday destination.
With the wonderful Crantock Beach just a 10-minute walk from the village, you can park up and wander straight onto this vast stretch of golden sands to enjoy the best of the Cornish sunshine. Whilst here, make your way to Cargo Coffee for a drink and a bite to eat before hopping over to Scoop for a classic ice cream. After finishing up on the beach, heading back into the village to stop off for a drink and a bite to eat at the Old Albion Inn would make for the perfect way to round off the day.
For keen walkers, making your way across the tidal footbridge over the river will bring you to the nearby town of Newquay, also home to a host of other coastal hotspots like Fistral Beach. In the opposite direction, making your way west across the headland down the South West Coastal Path will take you past hidden beaches like Polly Joke and Holywell Bay, making this village one of the best places to stay in Cornwall for sun worshippers.
7. Mevagissey
A South Cornwall village that’s long been a hotspot for visitors and tourists, Mevagissey makes for a brilliant place to consider staying in Cornwall.
Situated just a few miles south of the bustling town of St Austell, this coastal village has a host of well-renowned seafood restaurants to enjoy whilst staying here, as well as the fantastic Polstreath Beach to the north.
Additionally, the Lost Gardens of Heligan can also be found less than a 10-minute drive away, making this coastal village one of the best places to stay in Cornwall.
8. Looe
Known for its rich maritime history, Looe is a bustling harbour town on the county’s southern coastline that’s easily one of the best places to stay in Cornwall. Split in half by the East Looe River, this town has always been popular with tourists and visitors who come to explore its historic streets.
When you arrive in the village, park up at the harbour car park before making your way along the banks of the river towards the centre, where you’ll pass through the oldest part of the village before reaching the amazing East Looe Beach.
After making the most of the town’s award-winning beach, why not stop off at The Beach Café for a bite to eat before making your way to one of the village’s great attractions like the Old Guildhall Museum & Gaol? After that, there’s also a host of maritime-themed restaurants and pubs dotted around both sides of the town that make for great places to stop off at the end of a busy day, one of the best and most iconic being the Smugglers Cott.
This picturesque fishing village was also used as the principal filming location for the popular BBC series “Beyond Paradise”, making it a great holiday destination for fans of the show.
9. Falmouth
One of the largest towns in the county and one of the best places to stay in Cornwall for boating enthusiasts, Falmouth is nestled right on the edge of the Carrick Roads and makes for a brilliant place to consider staying for your next holiday.
Home to the National Maritime Museum of Cornwall, a bustling quayside and loads of amazing restaurants to enjoy during your stay, this vibrant and exciting town has everything you could possibly need for an unforgettable break. Not only that but there’s also a host of brilliant beaches to enjoy here too, the most popular being Gyllyngvase and Castle Beach that are often considered to be amongst the best beaches in South Cornwall.
10. Tintagel
Rounding off our list of the best parts of Cornwall is the popular hotspot best known for its strong association with the legend of King Arthur. Tintagel has long been one of the best places to stay in Cornwall, especially for history enthusiasts!
Home to the iconic Tintagel Castle, arguably one of the most visited castles in England, as well as a host of other great attractions like Merlin’s Cave and King Arthur’s Great Halls, it makes for a unique and memorable place to consider spending your next holiday. In fact, this castle is so popular that it even features at the top of our list of the best castles in Cornwall!
Offering easy access to the rest of the North Cornwall coast and situated right by the popular Bossiney Cove beach, you’re bound to have a brilliant break when staying here.
Found the perfect place to stay for your next Cornish escape? If so, then be sure to take a look at our Cornwall Travel Guide before you go. If you’re still unsure though, then be sure to check out this complete collection of holiday cottages in Cornwall.