Say ‘holiday in Cornwall’ and some people instantly reply ‘expensive’. But that need not be the case – there are plenty of more reasonable options, from a farmhouse B&B to a back-to-nature campsite.
WORDS BY ALICE WESTGATE
1. Corran Farm Bed & Breakfast, St Ewe
Mevagissey and the Lost Gardens of Heligan are close to this pretty slate-hung farmhouse, which combines the old-fashioned charm of log fires and beamed ceilings with the modern comfort of its en-suite rooms. You’ll get a complimentary cream tea on arrival and breakfasts include plenty of delicious local produce. Prices start from £34pp per night for a four-night stay, or from £36pp for a single night (corranfarm.co.uk).
2. Cartway Cabin, Port Gaverne
Book a stay at this self-catering cabin and you’ll find yourself right on the coast path, a 10-minute stroll from foodie Port Isaac. Surfing at Polzeath and Trebarwith Strand is close by, along with more sheltered spots such as Port Gaverne, Daymer Bay and Port Quin. In the evenings, you can relax in the wood-panelled cabin or eat dinner on your own private deck. Sleeps four, from £389 for seven nights (johnbraycornishholidays.co.uk).
3. Longships, Lizard
Stay on the southernmost tip of mainland Britain at Longships, a cottage at Lizard Lighthouse, a quarter of a mile from the village. There has been a lighthouse here since 1619 and the two distinctive white towers you see today were built in 1715. The house has two bedrooms, both of which have great sea views. Sleeps four, from £401 for three nights (ruralretreats.co.uk).
4. Guided walking holiday, St Ives
Head off the beaten track to hidden coves, sandy beaches and rugged headlands when you sign up for a guided walking holiday based at Chy Morvah, a country house near St Ives. You’ll enjoy two days of guided walking tailored to your interests and fitness level, taking in famous landmarks connected with the region’s rich maritime heritage. Prices for a three-night holiday with full-board accommodation start from £349pp (hfholidays.co.uk).
5. Bush Farm Wild Camping, Pillaton
When you arrive at this laid-back campsite near Saltash you’ll be given a map of the 200-acre rewilded farm so you can choose whereabouts to pitch up. The only rule is that your tent or campervan must be at least 50 yards away from your neighbour. It’s great for nature-loving families, and dogs are welcome. There are loos and showers, but no electrical hook-ups, and you’re welcome to bring your own fire-pit and forage for firewood. Camping costs £10 per adult and £5 per child per night (bushfarmcampsite.co.uk).
Read next… Top hot tub holidays by the sea
6. Fern Leaf, East Thorne, near Bude
Get away from it all at this wooden roundhouse with its own hot tub, set deep in the peace and quiet of the Cornish countryside. The perfect glamping retreat, it has a woodburning stove and a porthole in the roof so you can lie back and watch the stars on a clear night. Sleeps four, from £367 for a two-night stay (luxurycoastal.co.uk).
If you’re searching for a staycation hotspot for your Cornish break, try these top Cornwall hotels.
7. Bank Voles Nest, near Polperro
This holiday home sits in a small complex of similar properties that share a heated swimming pool (open from May to December) and a patio on which to relax and soak up the sun. It’s near Polperro, a pretty fishing village that has many regular boat trips running from its harbour, and is close to the beach at Talland Bay. Sleeps four, from £317 for seven nights (toadhallcottages.co.uk).
8. Chybean, Restronguet
Surrounded by the glorious sailing waters of the Carrick Roads, Chybean is a cosy 300-year-old cottage on a family-run farm near Mylor Bridge. A network of footpaths surrounds this dog-friendly house and the thatched 13th-century Pandora Inn is a short walk away via a creekside path. Small boats and paddleboards can be launched by prior arrangement from a private shingle beach that’s just 300 yards away. Sleeps two, from £290 for seven nights (creeksidecottages.co.uk).
9. The Net Loft, Mousehole
Set amid Mousehole’s famously narrow and winding streets, this historical property sits above the old village bark house, where fishing nets were treated in days gone by. It’s now a smart three-bedroom house that has an open-plan living space complete with characterful exposed beams and granite walls. Sleeps four, from £400 for seven nights (helpfulholidays.co.uk).
If you’re searching for fun for the whole family, and you’re not wanting to leave behind your beloved pooch, try out these dog-friendly hotels in Cornwall.
10. Sophanise, St Merryn
Sophanise is wooden lodge set in a 27-acre parkland holiday site in north Cornwall, within striking distance of several glorious sandy beaches and 10 minutes’ drive from Padstow’s famous eateries. You’ll love the comfortable home-from-home interior and the on-site facilities that include a children’s playground, a barbecue area, a small shop and a bar. Sleeps four, from £333 for seven nights (cornishhorizons.co.uk).
For more holiday inspiration check out the best family adventure holidays by the sea or dog-friendly beach holidays or pick up the latest copy of coast magazine for more ideas.
