Cornwall was once described by DH Lawrence as ‘like being at a window and looking out of England’; not only is it the most southerly county in England, it also boasts the longest stretch of coastline, with almost 700 km of coastal scenery and more than 300 beaches.
Whilst the south facing coast has a softer atmosphere, of rocky smugglers coves, the rugged northern coast of Cornwall looks out on the Atlantic, and is particularly popular with surfers. The South West Coastal Path extends from Minehead southwards along the northern coast, offering outstanding access to amazing scenery, wildlife and historical sites.
Things to do on the North Cornwall Coast
The wide and sandy Fistral Beach, just west of Newquay, is perhaps the best-known location in the UK for surfing and extreme sports.
On the outskirts of Tintagel, visitors can explore the rocky outcrop and peninsula that, legend has it, is the site of King Arthur’s Castle, although the area is thought to have once been a Roman settlement, and the current visible ruins of the castle actually date from the 13th century.
World-famous for its ice cream, crab and Cornish pasties, Cornwall is increasingly attracting fine-dining enthusiasts; Jamie Oliver’s ‘Fifteen’ overlooking Watergate Bay, and Rick Stein’s multiple venues in Padstow, are just the most prominent establishments, but most towns can now boast excellent local restaurants, selling the very best of regional produce.
The North Cornish Coast was once one of the main areas for metal mining; Cornwall continues to be famous for its tin mining, although the last mine (South Crofty near Redruth) closed in 1998. The iconic ruins of tin mine chimneys and wheelhouses still scatter the countryside, many of them overlooking the coast, with their underground workings leading down to the sea.
Top Destinations
Bude - Although Bude was once a thriving port, handling shipping from Ireland, Wales and Bristol, the local coastline has always been known to be particularly treacherous: ‘From Padstow Point to Lundy Light, is a watery grave by day or night’.
Launceston - Known as the ‘gateway to Cornwall’, Launceston is a quintessential Cornish market town, with narrow mediaeval streets dominated by an imposing Norman castle.
Boscastle - One of the few remaining unspoilt harbour villages in Cornwall, thanks in no small part to its ownership by the National Trust, Bude is also an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Padstow & Wadebridge - Now an epicurean centre, Padstow is situated near to the mouth of the Camel Estuary; a five mile section from Padstow to Wadebridge forms part of the Camel Trail - a fabulous place for bird-watching. The trail extends a further 12 miles towards Camelford through beautiful mixed woodland.
Newquay - The county centre for surfing and parties, Newquay is also building a reputation for other extreme sports, such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, waveskiing and mountain boarding. Just outside the town the former USAF base now operates commercially as Newquay Cornwall Airport, connecting the county to major UK cities.
Perranporth- The three miles of sandy beach make the town a popular family holiday destination, with the fine local Golf Club and Perranporth Aerodrome adding additional leisure opportunities.
St Agnes - Steeped in mining history, with the famous Wheal Kitty and Polberro workings amongst those close at hand, St Agnes can also boast the last remaining tin production centre in Cornwall, utilising alluvial mining techniques. The town also offers great access for coastal walkers, with four varied beaches for holidaymakers.
Redruth – Said to take its name from the colour of a local stream, caused by the presence of iron oxide, Redruth is overlooked by Carn Brea, a giant granite obelisk erected in 1836 in memory of a mine owner and local philanthropist, Francis Bassett. The town was also the home of inventor William Murdoch, whose house is thought to have been the first in the world to be lit by piped (coal) gas.
St Ives – Long isolated by its coastal location towards the end of the Cornish peninsula, St Ives was ‘revealed’ to the outside world with the opening of the Great Western Railway line in 1877. An internationally renowned centre for arts, including the St Ives School of Artists in the late 1800s, and home in their time to Turner, Whistler, Virginia Woolf, Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore, the town is now the location of the award-winning building which houses Tate St Ives.
Land’s End – The headland on the Penwith peninsula is the most westerly point in mainland England, and looks out towards the Isles of Scilly, some 28 miles away.
Situated in a private peaceful location on the Southern side of Bodmin Moor. A 16th century homestead surrounded by our own fields and wild flowers with panoramic views of the surrounding moor. Roughtor, Alex Tor, Garrow ...
Lakeside Cottages are two well appointed properties located in a peaceful pastoral setting between Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor near the Tamar Valley. The renovated barns are located on a 70-acre estate and are available for ...
Set high above the rugged Cornish coast, encircled by rolling countryside, our self-catering cottages offer a perfect base for your holiday. With majestic scenery throughout the seasons and with direct access to Sandymouth ...
Situated within a private, peaceful valley location just up the footpath from the Beach at Crackington Haven, between Bude & Boscastle on the spectacular North Cornwall Coast, the perfect base for exploring all the ...
Wheel Lodge, Higher Hendra, St Teath, Bodmin, Cornwall
Converted single storey barn on working family farm.
This comfortable cottage has double bedroom, shower room and open plan dining/living/kitchen room. It has its own garden with patio and parking. Situated adjacent to ...
Accommodation comprises of entrance hall, leading to a large lounge with window to the front and patio doors opening out onto its' own private courtyard garden. Off the lounge is the compact kitchen with breakfast bar ...
No 15 Tregoodwell, Tregoodwell, Tregoodwell, Camelford, North Cornwall
Number 15 is just perfection, nestling between its neighbours in the quiet hamlet of Tregoodwell, off an unmade lane with parking just in front of the cottage. Over 200 years old and for a time the local pub. this charming ...
This charming renovated 300-year-old cobb holiday cottage boasts many original features, including a large, granite fireplace, slate floor and low beamed ceilings, small front patio style garden. One of a pair, it is ...
Wake up to the sound of the waves in this beautifully appointed ground floor holiday apartment, just yards from the shore of the stunning Porth Beach. Porth, with its sheltered cove, golden sand, beachside pub and ...
The perfect seaside holiday retreat, this pretty apartment is an ideal base for those wanting to stay in the peace and tranquillity of the countryside with lovely south-facing views towards Maer Lake Reserve, but within ...
In the heart of unspoilt countryside near the wonderful surfing beaches of Polzeath, Treyarnon and Constantine plus glorious cliff top walks and coastal rambles within easy reach. This delightful, 19th-century, converted ...
All Seasons, St Teath, Bodmin, Camelford, Cornwall
This detached holiday cottage is set in the village of St Teath, just 200 yards from the village pub/restaurant, and has a woodburner, secluded garden and a conservatory. It is ideally situated to visit the many ...
These modern, bright and well-equipped holiday apartments stand in a commanding position with panoramic views from the front across the stunning Port Isaac Bay. Each apartment boasts at least one en-suite bedroom and all ...
These modern, bright and well-equipped holiday apartments stand in a commanding position with panoramic views from the front across the stunning Port Isaac Bay. Each apartment boasts at least one en-suite bedroom and all ...
These modern, bright and well-equipped holiday apartments stand in a commanding position with panoramic views from the front across the stunning Port Isaac Bay. Each apartment boasts at least one en-suite bedroom and all ...
These modern, bright and well-equipped holiday apartments stand in a commanding position with panoramic views from the front across the stunning Port Isaac Bay. Each apartment boasts at least one en-suite bedroom and all ...
This detached lodge style holiday home set on a small touring site, is surrounded by countryside and is very close to the beautiful north coast of Cornwall. Ideally situated to enjoy all that this area has to offer ...
Mullacott Park is situated close to the stunning and dramatic North Devon coastline. This well maintained holiday park has a wide selection of lodges to choose from offering a comfortable place to stay during your visit ...
Atlantic View, Treligga, nr. Port Isaac, Tintagel, Cornwall
This charming Cornish holiday cottage sits in the small, peaceful hamlet of Treligga and is surrounded by stunning NT land in an AONB. Surfing beaches nearby with Tregardock within walking distance and Trebarwith Strand a ...
The Barnyard is ideally situated to explore the Cornish coast. Nestled in a quiet valley it is only a 30 minute walk to a sandy beach, ideal for surfing, water sports or cliff walks. Its central location means you are only ...
These semi-detached holiday cottages sit in a rural location beside the North Cornish Coast on the owner’s working beef farm. The farm has walks through the woods to Coombe Valley and visitors are able to view the farm ...
Barton Cottage, North Petherwin, nr. Launceston, Launceston, Cornwall
This spacious cottage, attached to the owner’s home, forms part of a 16th century farmhouse and is the ideal choice for a peaceful holiday. The property is located on the edge of the village of North Petherwin, close to ...
This well-appointed traditional holiday cottage is one of a row, ideally situated on a secluded lane in the heart of Newquay. Newquay has many attractions including tropical gardens, Sea Life centre, Creally Adventure ...
Adjoining the owner’s commended B&B, Bears Cottage is a tranquil retreat on the breathtaking North Cornish Heritage Coast, an AONB. Enjoying glorious views from the sunny patio across Widemouth Bay and Bude, and just a ...
Beech Cottage, Pyworthy, Holsworthy, nr. Bude, Holsworthy, Devon
At the end of a private tree-lined drive, Carpenter’s Tinney is the perfect holiday retreat on the edge of the owner’s small holding and just 8 miles from the North Cornish Coast. Outside you will find the hot tub, and ...
This adjoining property enjoys a peaceful courtyard setting, surrounded by open farmland, yet lies only one and a half miles from the bustling harbour town of Padstow with its excellent selection of restaurants, quaint ...
An idyllic retreat nestling in glorious countryside on the edge of Bodmin Moor, this single-storey detached holiday cottage is beautifully presented. Guests can enjoy the owner’s delightful gardens and the games barn ...
Situated just seconds from the golden sands of Perranporth, this holiday apartment enables you to get from bed to beach in less than 3 minutes! The beaches, countryside and quaint villages surrounding Blue Waves make this ...
Nestling on a hill with glimpses of the sea, this cosy beamed former fisherman’s cottage has been renovated and refitted. One of a pair, it has a number of original features including an ornamental Cornish range and ...
Minutes from the golden sands of Holywell Bay (1½ miles), this well presented detached cottage has all you need for a memorable stay, close to the North Cornwall Coast. The cliffs, beaches, countryside and quaint ...
Just a short walk from the centre of Bude and its glorious beaches, Brightlands Apartment enjoys stunning south facing views towards Maer Lake Nature Reserve. This refurbished, 2 bedroom, first floor holiday apartment is ...
Within walking distance of Padstow town centre with its quaint shops, picturesque harbour and restaurants. Under 10 minutes walk to the Camel Trail where you can hire a bike and ride through stunning scenery. Local ...
Enjoying wonderful views across the Camel Estuary this delightful first floor apartment (far right in photograph on water’s edge) is very conveniently set close to the heart of picturesque Wadebridge, with its fine ...
Carnkie Farm provides wonderful holiday accommodation in these single-storey adjoining properties, set on a small development of barn conversions. Surrounded by unspoilt countryside, it is an ideal base for visiting the ...
Adjoining the owner’s 150-year-old guest house but relatively private from it, this attractive double glazed holiday cottage, overlooks a good sized fully enclosed lawned garden, ideal for children. Completely ...
Chalet 81, St Merryn, nr. Padstow, Padstow, Cornwall
This two bedroom chalet is on the well presented Atlantic Bays Holiday Park, which is less than 2 miles from some of the most sandy beaches on the north coast. St Merryn itself has a small selection of shops, restaurants ...
Chenies Cottage, Summercourt, nr. Newquay, Newquay, Cornwall
Just 5 miles from Newquay, famous for its wonderful sandy beaches, rolling surf and excellent nightlife, this comfortable single-storey holiday cottage boasts a country setting. Adjoining the owners’ home it enjoys ...
United Kingdom cottages
