Cornwall
To go straight to our list of the best places to stay in Cornwall click here.
All our Cornwall collections:
- Best places to stay in St Ives
- Best places to stay in St Mawes
- The best hotels in Mevagissey
- Two great hotels in Rock and Padstow
- Dog friendly hotels in Cornwall
- Best places to stay in Cornwall
At the farthermost reaches of England's West Country, with its scintillating coastlines, astonishing beaches, huge skies, bucket-and-spade seaside villages, wild moorland, secret valleys and deep, high-sided lanes it is one of the most memorable English holiday destinations.
The best places to stay in Cornwall can be found in the more popular haunts like St Ives and Padstow, but a large number are popping up in less touristy destinations and off the beaten track country spots.
Cornwall's north coast is known for its big waves, beloved of surfers and offers 60 miles of dramatic Atlantic Heritage Coast from Bude to Bedruthan – cliffs, coves, market towns, farmsteads and atmospheric Bodmin Moor.
Our favourite properties among the best places to stay in Cornwall are hotels which are either dramatically sited on the coast or lost in countryside, many of them reflecting the region’s chic image while still providing endless summer fun for families; others are cosy old favourites.
Best places to stay in Cornwall - South Coast
The south coast boasts sparkling seas, hidden coves, tropical gardens, working ports, charming harbour towns plus some of the best places to stay in Cornwall. Many rooms are booked up early in the summer tourist season so early booking is definitely advisable, but its always worth trying for something more last minute.
Smart Sophistication on Cornwall's South Coast
The Driftwood Hotel near Portscatho feels as much Côte d'Azur as Cornwall with its light, airy, cleanly stylish but very comfortable interiors. There is a semi-private beach at the foot of the garden, decked terraces overlooking the dreamy view and a romantic cabin halfway down the cliff.
A similarly smart spot on the south coast overlooking St Mawes Bay is the Hotel Tresanton, all natural materials, well chosen colours and quiet sophistication. They have a screening room (some might call it a cinema) and a private yacht.
More South Cornish Coast Hotels with WOW factor
Outstanding views of the sea come as standard in all of our best places to stay in Cornwall's south coast and the Old Quay House in Fowey with its estuary views make it perfect for boat watching. The outside spaces are excellent and the rooms are simply decorated but very comfortable.
The homely Arts and Crafts style Trevalsa Court Hotel on a dramatic cliff top near Mevagissey has an oak-panelled dining room and a private cove below.
Hotel in South Cornwall with added Celebrity Gold Dust
Jean Shrimpton's hotel, The Abbey in old Penzance is painted sky blue and is as striking from the outside as it is comfortable inside. More like a country house than a hotel with its ravishing mix of paintings and antiques, it has no restaurant but there is a good one next door.
Laid-back (with a Lovely Fire)
Along the coast at Mousehole is The Old Coastguard with its pleasing mix of palm trees and open fires. The emphasis is on fun in the huge bar, the restaurant and in the big garden leading to the sea. Everything is pretty laid back - a vibe that is almost unanimous amongst our choice of the best places to stay in Cornwall.
Best Places to Stay in Cornwall - The West Coast
Moving round to the West Coast and the best places to stay in Cornwall just keep coming.
The Mount Haven has incredible views overlooking St Michael's Mount and a pleasing Cornish abundance of palm trees. For an affordable treat it is very good value with lovely local produce such as Newlyn crab on the menu.
The Blue Hayes in buzzy St Ives has five bedrooms and a white balustraded terrace overlooking the harbour. A quiet oasis near the popular Porthminster Beach Cafe.
The Gurnard's Head Hotel in Zennor is an informal coastal gastropub full of character.Rooms are simple and tasteful with comfortable beds and all en-suite although the bathrooms have mostly showers not baths.
Best Places to Stay in Cornwall - The North Coast
The north coast has become a bit of a cliche in recent years. Teenagers going wild in Newquay....West London moving en masse to Rock and Padstow for August...etc, etc. However if you look hard enough, some of the best places to stay in Cornwall manage to avoid all that and offer unpretentious, quality accommodation to suit tastes and budgets across the board.
Family Friendly Luxury
The wilder North coast of Cornwall is where the surf beaches are and the popular holiday spot of Rock, home to the St Enodoc Hotel. It pulls off being both stylish and child friendly which has endeared it to the well-heeled families who flock to this part of Cornwall for beach holidays every year. One Michelin-starred restaurant and a seafood and grill reastaurant overseen by the same chef. A buzzy family paradise.
North Cornwall Coast, No Kids
For those who would rather holiday without children, The Scarlet is purpose-built, eco-friendly and has lovely views of Mawgan Porth Beach through the many floor to ceiling windows.There is an infinity pool and a Ayuverdic spa and a no children policy.
For something altotgether less chi-chi on the North coast, The Old Rectory at Boscastle, where Thomas Hardy met his wife, is a cosy homely, welcoming B & B. Much of the produce for the breakfasts comes from the garden.
Browse through our list of the best places to stay in Cornwall and start to plan your visit. Please feel free to call or email a friendly guru for advice. Contact
The best hotels in Cornwall
- (2 hotels) St Mawes hotels
See all » 2 hotels in St Mawes
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Hotel Tresanton
St Mawes, Cornwall
A smart, classic coastal hotel overlooking the bay of St Mawes and beyond. Ideal for weekend or longer retreats with good walks and sailing nearby but otherwise few facilities within the hotel. Good restaurant.
31 rooms from $322Exclusive offer - Longing for Spring Offer!Restaurant - Specialises in fish and other local produce.Kids Club - Summer months onlyLively - Hip and happening.Sailing - Can be booked nearby. -
Driftwood Hotel
near Portscatho, Cornwall
Delightful seaside chic hotel in a stunning position, with semi-private beach and good food.
14 rooms from $306Exclusive offerGarden - Six acres of coastline leading to the beachGreat walks - Great coastal walks from the doorRestaurant - Michelin starred restaurantViews - Overlooks Gerrans Bay
See all » Other hotels in Cornwall
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Bedruthan Steps Hotel
Mawgan Porth, Cornwall
Excellent family-friendly beach hotel - modern but with great beach views, two pools, a kids club and a spa.
101 rooms from $225Child friendly - Wide range of activities for all ages.Views - Sweeping coastal viewsKids Club - Fully staffed.Cooking classes - Check for timings.Recommended by - Good Hotel Guide -
Driftwood Hotel
near Portscatho, Cornwall
Delightful seaside chic hotel in a stunning position, with semi-private beach and good food.
14 rooms from $306Exclusive offerGarden - Six acres of coastline leading to the beachGreat walks - Great coastal walks from the doorRestaurant - Michelin starred restaurantViews - Overlooks Gerrans Bay -
Hotel Tresanton
St Mawes, Cornwall
A smart, classic coastal hotel overlooking the bay of St Mawes and beyond. Ideal for weekend or longer retreats with good walks and sailing nearby but otherwise few facilities within the hotel. Good restaurant.
31 rooms from $322Exclusive offer - Longing for Spring Offer!Restaurant - Specialises in fish and other local produce.Kids Club - Summer months onlyLively - Hip and happening.Sailing - Can be booked nearby. -
St Enodoc Hotel
Rock, Cornwall
Breezy, family-friendly hotel with golf, and beach on the doorstep, in buzzy Rock. Sailing club and classes, rib rides and waterskiing.
16 rooms from $419Exclusive offer - Seaside specialSailing - Rock sailing club a few yards awayChild friendly - Childrens tea providedRestaurant - 2 star MichelinSurfing - Polzeath is within walking distance, or a short drive -
Old Quay House Hotel
Fowey, Cornwall
Contemporary style in charming Fowey, with fabulous estuary views from this perfectly positioned quayside hotel.
11 rooms from $290Exclusive offer - Food Foraging BreaksViews - Fabulous views over the estuary.Restrictions on children - No children under 13Sailing - Can be booked nearby.Great walks - Good for walkers. -
Trevalsa Court Hotel
Mevagissey, Cornwall
Romantic Arts and Crafts style coastal hotel, small and homely, on top of cliffs for a blowy Cornish escape.
14 rooms from $185Views - Great views from hotelGreat walks - Good for walkers.On the beach - Private beach accessible via a winding cliff pathDiving - Dive centre nearbyRecommended by - Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays -
Gurnard's Head Hotel
Zennor, Cornwall
A magnet for walkers looking for tranquillity, an informal coastal gastropub with simple accommodation, full of character.
7 rooms from $161Exclusive offer - Sunday lunch specialGreat walks - Excellent coastal walks to St IvesRestaurant - Excellent locally sourced foodViews - Sweeping coastal viewsSeaside - Ideal for a seaside holiday. -
The Abbey
Penzance, Cornwall
Jean Shrimpton's charming, characterful hotel in the heart of old Penzance, with an eclectic mix of art and antiques.
7 rooms from $161Exclusive offer - Get away from it all break - Free Scilly Isles TripGarden - Perfect for tea or sundownersFull of character - Decorated with chandeliers, quilted bedspreads and French armoiresQuirky - An experience!Recommended by - Sawdays -
The Old Rectory
Boscastle, Cornwall
The house where Thomas Hardy met his wife, now a welcoming b&b - secluded, tranquil, romantic with seaview.
4 rooms from $113Eco - Greenest' B&B in Britain 2012Garden - Attractive outside space.Surfing - Nearest surf beach Crackington Haven (10 mins)Great walks - Lots of great walks on the doorstepRecommended by - Fodors, Good Hotel Guide -
Seafood Restaurant
Padstow, Cornwall
Breezy seaside rooms spread around 6 buildings, not really a hotel, an offshoot of Rick Stein's famous restaurant.
39 rooms from $177Restaurant - Rick Stein's famous seafood restaurant, bistro and cafeGreat walks - Great walks nearby, or take the ferry to RockFour poster beds - Nearly half the rooms have four postersFishing - Sea fishing by boatRecommended by - Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays -
Botelet
Liskeard, Cornwall
Charming and off-the-beaten track farmhouse b+b, set in rural Cornish farmland, with self catering cottages and yurts.
3 rooms from $113Restrictions on children - No children under 11Quirky - Shabby chicFull of characterSecluded setting - For escaping.Recommended by - Sawdays -
The Scarlet
Mawgan Porth, Cornwall
Relaxing, purpose-designed eco-friendly hotel overlooking Mawgan Porth beach, for fabulous sunsets. No children.
37 rooms from $306Spa - Ayurvedic treatmentsViews - Great views from hotelRestrictions on children - Not under 16Full of character -
Mount Haven
Nr Penzance, Cornwall
Soothing contemporary haven overlooking St Michael’s Mount, in a stunning position, with great sunsets in an uncrowded area.
18 rooms from $209Views - Great views of St Michaels MountOutstanding location - Unspoilt spot near the tip of CornwallSeaside - Ideal for a seaside holiday.Great walks - Good for walkers.Recommended by - Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays -
The Beach at Bude
Bude, Cornwall
Revamped B&B, now a boutique bolthole by the sea, overlooking the beach. Spacious airy rooms, a business centre and sun terrace keep all ages happy.
15 rooms from $201Surfing - Surfing on the beach with plenty of room to store surfboardsViews - Overlooks a beach on the Heritage Coast.Restrictions on children - No children under 12Seaside - Ideal for a seaside holiday.Recommended by - Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays -
Nansloe Manor
Helston, Cornwall
Grade II listed Georgian manor on the Lizard, within easy reach of the coast and Cornwall’s rugged mining heritage.
14 rooms from $193Restrictions on children - No children under 3 and no children under 11 in the Nansloe RestaurantSights nearby - Including the Minack Theatre, St Michael's Mount and St IvesSailing - Boats can be hired nearbyGreat walks - Good for walkers. -
Ennys
St Hilary, Cornwall
Historic Georgian estate providing a gateway to local activities and a fine B&B as a base.
4 rooms from $169Surfing - Surf lessons available via GlobalboardersYoga - Group classes and yoga weekendsGarden - Beautiful landscaped gardenKayaking - kayaking, creek canoeing, wild swimming, stand-up paddleboarding availableRecommended by - Frommers -
The Old Coastguard, Mousehole
West Cornwall
Fun, laid back hotel with good food and spectacular views out to sea. Rough edges, simple rooms, very hospitable.
14 rooms from $177Views - To St Michael's Mount and the LizardGarden - Tropical garden down to the seaQuirky - No TVs - and an eclectic mix of furnitureOutstanding location -
Fowey Hall
Cornwall
Small country house hotel overlooking the south Cornish coast, kitted out for families, with pool and spa - so beware if you have none in tow.
36 rooms from $282FamiliesViews - Great views from hotelKids Club - Fully staffed.Sailing - Can be booked nearby.Recommended by - Mr & Mrs Smith, Travel Intelligence -
The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate
St Austell, Cornwall
Traditional meets woodland contemporary at The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate. Large bedrooms are tastefully designed and the spa is top notch. If you prefer to self-cater they can offer 5 star Woodland Homes with all the hotel benefits.
65 rooms from $137Exclusive offer - Mid-Week Madness! May - JuneFour poster beds - For romantics.SpaGreat walks - Good for walkers.Swimming Pool - Indoor/outdoor
