Catherine Arthur
03 November 2026
From stunning sandy beaches and timeless fishing villages to world-class attractions and a thriving food and drink scene, Cornwall attracts many visitors as there is something for everyone. But what do holidaymakers enjoy most about a holiday to Cornwall?
Cornwall Uncovered forms part of The UK Uncovered survey, conducted by holidaycottages.co.uk and promoted through nine regional sister brands, including Cornish Horizons. The survey received 19,166 responses from the holidaycottages.co.uk customer database and regional social media channels.
The results show that Cornwall’s coastline and local foodie experiences remain the biggest draws, but there is also a strong interest to go beyond the obvious: to uncover hidden gems, support local businesses and enjoy some peace and quiet.
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Cornwall is the UK’s most recommended destination
There’s something special about Cornwall that stays with people long after they’ve returned home. People don't just visit Cornwall. They fall in love with it, return time and time again, often across multiple generations and recommend it to family and friends.
It's no surprise that Cornwall has the highest visitor advocacy of any UK destination, with 75% of people surveyed awarding the maximum score of 5 out of 5, and an outstanding 94% rating their experience 4 or 5 out of 5.
The beaches tops the Cornwall holiday ‘to-do’ list
Unsurprisingly, the beautiful beaches and coastline remain at the heart of a Cornish holiday, but the adventures don't stop there. Other popular things to do which people enjoy include:
- 95% visit beaches or coastline
- 84% enjoy food and drink experiences
- 71% explore historic sites and castles
- 70% enjoy road trips or scenic drives
- 69% enjoy wildlife and nature activities
- 68% go walking or hiking
Top 5 seasides in Cornwall as voted by you
From cobbled streets and independent art galleries to golden beaches and stunning coastal views, Cornwall is home to some of the UK's favourite seaside towns. In our top spot is St Ives, which was voted as the best seaside town in Cornwall and by a clear margin. Other favourites include:
- St Ives – 373 votes
- Padstow 112 votes
- Newquay – 88 votes
- Looe – 73 votes
- Fowey – 69 votes
Cornwall is a year-round destination
Summer will always be a favourite time for many to visit but Cornwall's appeal extends far beyond the peak holiday months. In fact, 61% of those surveyed choose to travel outside the peak season to get better value.
With lower accommodation costs, greater availability and more space to explore, autumn, winter and spring offer a chance to experience a different side of Cornwall.
From crisp coastal walks and cosy pub lunches to quieter attractions and empty beaches, there's something special about experiencing Cornwall at a slower pace, which leads nicely into our next section about peace and quiet.
In search of peace and quiet
In an increasingly busy world, many visitors are looking for somewhere they can slow down and switch off. Whether it's a quiet beach at sunrise, a coastal walk along a secluded section of the South West Coast Path or a picturesque village tucked away from the busier tourist hotspots, Cornwall offers exactly that.
More than 70% of those surveyed rated Cornwall highly for peace and quiet (4 or 5 out of 5) with 58% actively choosing to travel somewhere considered a hidden gem.
One respondent summed up the appeal:
“It feels like we can breathe every time we visit Cornwall. The sea and countryside are very relaxing and bring inner peace, which is very difficult to get at home.”
Supporting local
Experiencing somewhere new isn't only about the landscape and attractions. Cornwall's independent businesses are at the heart of what makes the destination so special. 96% of those surveyed say that supporting local businesses is important whilst on holiday.
And when we asked what businesses visitors seek out when exploring Cornwall, these types of local businesses featured highly:
- 89% cafés
- 82% local pubs
- 65% farm shops
- 61% independent retailers
- 60% local food producers
- 56% local craft makers
So, what have we learnt from our uncovered survey?
- Beaches and beyond: Whilst the stunning beaches and coastline remain the biggest draw, visitors are also attracted by the exceptional food and drink scene, rich history, scenic landscapes and opportunities to connect with nature.
- Look beyond the hotspots: With 58% actively choosing to travel somewhere considered a ‘hidden gem’, there’s a real desire and interest to uncover hidden Cornwall.
- Support local: Supporting local businesses matters to visitors, with 96% holding this as a holiday value, reinforcing the value of Cornwall's independent businesses and local producers.
And perhaps that's what uncovering Cornwall is really all about. Beyond the famous beaches and iconic landmarks, it's the hidden corners, friendly local businesses, fascinating history and authentic experiences that leave a lasting impression. However, many times you visit, there's always more of Cornwall waiting to be uncovered.
Stay with us in Cornwall
Whether you want to spend time on the beach, explore the countryside or discover Cornwall's cafés, pubs, farm shops and independent businesses, browse our collection of Cornwall cottages to find a base for your next trip.
Methodology: Cornwall Uncovered forms part of The UK Uncovered survey, conducted by holidaycottages.co.uk and promoted through nine regional sister brands, including Cornish Horizons, between March and May 2026. The survey received 19,173 responses from the holidaycottages.co.uk customer database and regional social media channels. Findings are based on the survey respondents and should not be interpreted as nationally representative unless otherwise stated.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.