North Cornwall Holiday Cottages

Why Choose North Cornwall for Your Holiday

The north coast has a different character from the sheltered creeks and gentle harbours of south Cornwall. Cliffs are taller, the surf carries more weight and there is a ruggedness to the landscape that pulls people back to visit. Busy resort towns, such as Newquay, are just a twenty-minute drive from hamlets where you can hear the sea but not much else. Wadebridge straddles the Camel Estuary, Boscastle folds into a narrow harbour inlet carved by centuries of winter storms, and the clifftop path between Crackington Haven and Bude is, honestly, some of the most dramatic coastal walking you will find in England.

Families have a great time in North Cornwall as they get to experience Blue Flag beaches, lifeguard patrols, rock pools and surf schools. For a more peaceful break, former fishing villages along this coast have cottages where the nearest pub is five minutes down the lane and the nearest neighbour is a field away. Or go bigger with converted barns sleeping eight or ten, farmhouses with enclosed gardens and hot tubs overlooking the moorland.

Beaches and Surfing

British surfing was more or less born on this coast, and it has hardly left. Every summer, Fistral Beach in Newquay hosts competitions at the highest level. Polzeath draws beginners and families as the break is wide, sandy, and forgiving. Watergate Bay spreads two miles below sandstone cliffs with plenty of space between surfers. Harlyn Bay, tucked around a headland from Padstow, picks up clean swell when the rest of the coast is blown to pieces.

Then there are the beaches that do not make the brochures. Tregardock, reached by a steep path through a farmer's field, rewards the effort with dark rock formations and reliable solitude. Lundy Bay, a short walk south of Polzeath, somehow gets overlooked every August. And Perranporth has the Watering Hole, and a pub right on the sand.

Swimming, paddleboarding, coasteering, sea kayaking all have a home on this coast. Surf schools in Newquay and Polzeath take children from around the age of six, so this is the ideal family getaway.

Things to Do in North Cornwall

Tintagel Castle perches on a headland connected to the mainland by a footbridge that English Heritage opened in 2019. The Arthurian legends are optional, but the view is not. On a clear day the cliffs drop two hundred feet to water that is almost unbelievably green.

The Camel Trail runs along a disused railway from Padstow through Wadebridge to Bodmin, about twelve miles of flat, traffic-free cycling. Bikes can be hired at either end. The trail threads alongside the Camel Estuary for a good part of its length, and if you are quiet and a bit lucky, kingfishers, herons, and the occasional otter make appearances.

Walking is the obvious activity. The South West Coast Path covers every mile of this coast, and the sections between Boscastle, Tintagel, and Port Quin regularly appear in best-of lists for coastal walking in England. Further inland, Bodmin Moor has open moorland, Bronze Age stone circles, granite tors, and the source of the River Fowey.

Food and Drink

North Cornwall has a density of good restaurants that would be impressive for a city, let alone a stretch of coastline. Rick Stein put Padstow on the culinary map with his seafood restaurant, cookery school, deli, and fish and chip shop going strong. Paul Ainsworth runs No. 6 in the same town, a Michelin-starred restaurant in a Georgian townhouse. In Port Isaac, Nathan Outlaw focuses on Cornish fish with simple preparation that lets the ingredients do the work.

Beyond the famous names, the north coast is full of beach cafes doing good coffee and crab sandwiches, farm shops stocking local cheese and charcuterie, and country pubs where the menu changes with whatever the boats brought in. Cream teas remain compulsory. Cornish pasties are still the best walking lunch going.

Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages in North Cornwall

North Cornwall works well for holidays with dogs. Several beaches allow dogs all year, including Tregardock, Constantine Bay (outside the summer restriction zone), and Widemouth Bay. Others, Polzeath and Fistral among them, limit dogs between May and September but welcome them the rest of the year. The South West Coast Path has no dog restrictions along its full length.

We list dog-friendly cottages across North Cornwall, from small coastal places sleeping two to larger farmhouses with fenced gardens where your dog can run about freely. Use the dog-friendly filter to find cottages, then contact the owner directly to discuss the specifics.

Where to Stay in North Cornwall

Padstow sits on the Camel Estuary, famous for seafood and the ferry crossing to Rock. The Camel Trail starts (or finishes) at the harbour.

Port Isaac is the steep, narrow fishing village you might recognise from Doc Martin. Quiet, photogenic, and a short walk from Port Gaverne beach.

Newquay is the largest town on the north coast, with multiple beaches, a lively centre, and a regional airport with flights from across the UK.

Bude sits further north and has a different pace. Wide sandy beaches at Widemouth Bay and Crooklets, plus the Bude Canal for flat-water paddling and walking.

Rock and Polzeath face each other across the estuary mouth. Rock is the sailing crowd; Polzeath is surfing and family beach holidays.

Tintagel perches above the castle ruins. A small clifftop village with a dramatic setting that suits walkers and history enthusiasts.

St Agnes was a mining village built into the cliffs. Below it, Chapel Porth beach is flanked by ruined engine houses, probably the most photographed industrial remains in Cornwall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in North Cornwall?

That depends on what matters to you. Padstow if you care about food. Newquay for families and surfing. Port Isaac for peace and scenery. Bude for wide beaches and fewer crowds. All are within an hour's drive of each other, so whichever you choose, the rest of the coast is still accessible.

Are there dog-friendly holiday cottages in North Cornwall?

Yes. We list plenty of dog-friendly cottages in North Cornwall, and the coast has a good number of beaches that allow dogs year-round. The South West Coast Path is open to dogs along its full length.

How much does a week in a North Cornwall cottage cost?

It depends on size, location, and time of year. A small cottage for two might start around £350 a week outside peak season. A larger beachfront cottage in August will be more like £2,000 or above. Booking through Simply Owners means no booking fees: the price the owner quotes is the price you pay.

Book Your North Cornwall Holiday Cottage

Browse our holiday cottages in North Cornwall and get in touch with owners directly. Every property on Simply Owners is verified. There are no booking fees. Our Payment Protection plan covers your money from the moment you pay. Search by dates, guests, or what you need, and speak direct to the owner before you commit.