Inday Harrison
21 January 2026
Cornwall has long been a favourite destination for those seeking breathtaking coastlines, charming villages, and a touch of rustic luxury. The county’s holiday cottage scene continues to impress with a mix of traditional Cornish charm and modern comforts.
This year, holidaymakers are seeking properties that not only boast picturesque settings but also offer unique features; think wood burners, sea views, private gardens, or easy access to Cornwall’s famous beaches.
In this guide, we’ll showcase the top cottages across Cornwall for 2026, highlighting properties that combine stunning locations, unique character, and modern comforts for an unforgettable getaway.
No.1 | sleeps 4 guests
This stunning two-bedroom property in Bude is a beautifully designed Cornish gem flooded with natural light and luxury features. With picture-perfect views across the golden sands and turquoise waters of Crooklets Beach and the award-winning golf course, this luxury property is ideal for a couple, small family or group of friends. Guests can also enjoy easy access to Bude’s town centre, with a plethora of shops and eateries to suit all tastes.
Good to know
- Highlights: Breathtaking panoramic sea views | luxury interiors | outdoor shower, sauna and storage for surfboards
- What’s nearby: Definitely visit Bude’s famous Sea Pool, grab a delicious brunch from Electric Bakery and then take a circular 2-mile walk to the beautiful and unspoilt Sandymouth Beach. On the way, you will pass Bude Castle, which was built on floating foundations by the inventor of limelight.
- Why guests love it: “Watching and listening to the waves a stone's throw from an amazing apartment was a grand way to spend the week, the view is spectacular and yes, we did venture into the sea!” – Marion
The Pilot House | sleeps 10 guests + 3 dogs
This stunning, spacious home in Polruan has fabulous views over the River Fowey. It is ideal for large, multigenerational families or large groups of friends and comes complete with a games room, hot tub, enclosed garden, EV charger and ample private parking. Set in the picturesque village of Polruan, this property is a fantastic base for discovering South Cornwall’s most quaint and beautiful villages, quiet coves and glorious countryside.
Good to know
- Highlights: Stunning views of the river | stylish property | private hot tub
- What’s nearby: Try the circular 4.2-mile coastal walk to Lantic Bay for turquoise water, white sand and shingle backed by cliffs. Some sections may be a little challenging with some steep ascents/descents and rugged terrain, but it's well worth it!
- Why guests love it: “A wonderful house for a family gathering! It was extraordinarily comfortable with large rooms and bathrooms and wonderful views from the living areas. We ventured into Fowey a couple of times and discovered the beauty of Polperro.” – Karen
The Retreat | sleeps 2 guests
This delightful private annexe in Fowey is another one of our top properties for 2026. With far-reaching views, The Retreat is perfect for couples wanting a tranquil getaway near the picturesque town of Fowey. This property is attractively presented, offering a cosy, open-plan living space for guests to spend quality time in. Explore the coastal path, seafood restaurants and beaches surrounding you in this idyllic corner of Cornwall.
Good to know
- Highlights: Cosy couples bolthole | far-reaching countryside views | tranquil garden
- What’s nearby: Cross the river via the Polruan Ferry, and step into the buzz of Fowey. The town's narrow streets are lined with chic restaurants, including Bufala and the Old Quay House, as well as hidden bookshops, art galleries, and a wealth of local producers.
- Why guests love it: “Lovely clean accommodation with everything you need. Lovely friendly owners who really care that you have a good time. The welcome pack was really fantastic. The view from the living room is spectacular. Would definitely stay again.” – Barbara
The Retreat
Wind in the Willows | sleeps 2 guests + 2 dogs
This pretty studio-style cottage in Gooseham near Bude is set amongst stunning gardens. Filled with period charm and features, it's easy to see why this property is one of our favourites for 2026. Wind in the Willows is in a lovely secluded setting at the end of a long, gravelled drive and is perfectly placed for touring the whole of North Cornwall and North Devon.
Good to know
- Highlights: Set amongst stunning gardens | period charm and features | secluded setting
- What’s nearby: Follow the coast path towards Morwenstow for dramatic scenery and hidden coves or wander inland for sleepy lanes and ancient churches. Hawker’s Hut has great views across the Atlantic and was once the refuge of the eccentric Reverend Stephen Hawker.
- Why guests love it: “An idyllic cottage with gorgeous gardens that the owners were happy for us to wander around and make use of. Cottage had everything we needed, even treats, bowls and towels for the dogs. The owners were really friendly and welcoming and full of hints of where to visit locally.” – Daniel Roy
Wind In The Willows
Stargazing Cottage | sleeps 2 guests
Stargazing Cottage is a stylish property in St Just near Penzance, ideal for those wanting to discover world-famous landmarks such as Land’s End, The Minack Theatre and St Michael’s Mount. This deligthful property is surrounded by luscious green fields that stretch out to the sea; the perfect backdrop for a relaxing Cornish getaway.
Good to know
- Highlights: Surrounded by luscious green fields | close proximity to popular landmarks | light and airy interiors
- What’s nearby: For breakfast/brunch, head to the Dog and Rabbit café for one of their delicious full Cornish breakfasts. Take a short drive to Cape Cornwall, a dramatic headland and park at the National Trust car park, and be sure to visit Geevor Tin Mine UNESCO site to explore Britain's largest preserved mining site.
- Why guests love it: “This cottage was 5*, beautifully designed, immaculate, the comfiest bed we have ever slept in and super king with the softest luxury bedding and towels. Lovely special touches left for us made it so special on arrival.” – Jayne
Stargazing Cottage
Seven | sleeps 4 guests
Cornish luxury doesn’t get much better than Seven in Bude. This beautiful apartment has panoramic views across the golf course, Crooklets Beach and the glistening ocean. Guests can immerse themselves in pure elegance and style with luxurious interiors throughout and stroll along the South West Coast Path or visit the plethora of shops, eateries and pubs all within half a mile.
Good to know
- Highlights: Outstanding coastal views | stylish interiors | less than 100 metres from the beach
- What’s nearby: Head to Summerleaze Beach, which is Bude’s sandy central hub and home to the sea pool. Try Life’s A Beach, which is a go-to spot for food and drinks and the perfect place for a sundowner after a day of surfing.
- Why guests love it: “So beautifully furnished, light and warm. Lovely comfortable beds, luxury linen and pillows. Everything we could possibly need is everywhere. The view is astonishing, even though we had the wettest/windiest stay of our week in December.” – Cheryl
Seven
Beeston Farmhouse | sleeps 4 guests + 2 dogs
Beeston Farmhouse in Marhamchurch is a delightful, detached cottage with far-reaching countryside views, located just 2.5 miles from Bude. Lovingly fitted and furnished in a contemporary style, this property is ideal for a relaxing break in Cornwall. With a suntrap patio, lawned garden and a fabulous selection of sandy surfing beaches close by, this property is a true Cornish gem.
Good to know
- Highlights: Peaceful countryside setting | close to some of the best surfing beaches | charming garden
- What’s nearby: Take a 2.9-mile walk to nearby Widemouth Bay to visit its wide, sandy bay and village. Have lunch at The Bay View Inn, which is a lovely seafront pub and restaurant with a dog-friendly section and a smaller bar area with a pool table.
- Why guests love it: “Very comfortable and spacious property, with all necessary facilities. Excellent location for exploring North Cornwall, in particular, the very relaxing Bude Canal and Upper Tamar Lake.” – Jan
Beeston Farmhouse
Laburnham | sleeps 2 guests + 2 dogs
This completely original beach chalet in Whitsand Bay near Millbrook was placed in About Time Magazine's Top 10: World's Most Spectacular Rooms with a View in 2019. Laburnham is a favourite amongst our guests. With reserved parking, uninterrupted views from Rame Head to Falmouth Point and comforting interiors, it's easy to see why this property is one of our favourites for 2026. This property also comes with the possibility of spotting dolphins and whales from the lounge.
Good to know
- Highlights: Outstanding views | dolphin and whale sightings | cosy interiors
- What’s nearby: Have breakfast at the Cliff Top Café to enjoy fresh coffee, breathtaking views and a free water refill station. Spend the day visiting Rame Head, which is a dramatic headland with a beautiful chapel.
- Why guests love it: “It's hard to describe in words how perfect this place is. It's breathtaking and had everything we needed. The garden was completely private and secure for our dog.”– Amy
Laburnham
Bluebell Cottage | sleeps 2 guests
This stylish lodge in St Just near Penzance has wonderful countryside views, is close to popular attractions, and is just a short journey away from the beautiful Sennen Cove and Porthcurno Beach. Guests can fall in love with this wow-factor property that’s tucked away in a completely secluded location, and enjoy everything that this stunning part of Cornwall has to offer.
Good to know
- Highlights: Private hot tub | peaceful secluded location | close to popular attractions
- What’s nearby: Take a 2.2 mile walk from St Just to Levant Mine, which is a lovely trail with industrial ruins set against the ocean. Alternatively, take a drive into Penzance to visit a plethora of independent stores, bakeries, coffee shops or visit the famous saltwater lido.
- Why guests love it: “Gorgeous cottage, much bigger than expected. It was absolutely spotless, and we were met by Peter, the owner, on arrival, who was really lovely and explained everything to us.” – John
Bluebell Cottage
Harbour’s Call | sleeps 4 guests + 3 dogs
Nestled into the heart of stunning Polperro, Harbour’s Call is a lovely two-bedroom retreat that offers families and their furry companions a cosy escape in Cornwall. It is a spacious cottage filled with stylish interiors and a roof terrace to enjoy, as well as garage parking. Set in the picturesque fishing village of Polperro, there are many shops, bars and cafes right on your doorstep.
Good to know
- Highlights: Amazing location | stylish interiors | close to the beach
- What’s nearby: Take a 2.5 mile walk along the South West Coast Path to Talland Bay to explore its hidden coves and fishing villages along the way or take a drive into Looe to have a delicious lunch at The Sardine Factory for fresh seafood.
- Why guests love it: “Harbour's Call is a beautiful, homely cottage situated in the heart of picturesque Polperro. The cottage was extremely clean, well equipped with comfy beds and the bonus of a garage nearby to park the car.” – Tiffany
Discover our holiday cottages in Cornwall
Are you planning a Cornwall getaway for 2026? We offer a handpicked selection of self-catering cottages throughout Cornwall, perfect for couples, families, or larger groups – and many are happy to welcome your four-legged friends.
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.