Cornwall Accommodation Guide
Cornwall is one of Britain’s most popular tourist destinations due to its stunning coastline, sandy beaches and tranquil fishing villages. Located in the extreme south-west of England, Cornwall adjoins the county of Devon to the east. Cornwall faces the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west (making it a haven for surfers) and to the English Channel to the south.
Cornwall is also unique in that it is home to mainland Britain’s most southerly point (Lizard Point) and also England’s most westerly point (Land’s End). Both locations feature spectacular coastlines and are popular tourist destinations in their own right. Land’s End to John o’ Groats in Scotland (Britain’s most northerly point is a distance of 838 miles (1,349 km).
Cornwall was first settled by humans in around 10,000 BC. In the years that followed and in particular the Bronze Age (3,000 to 300 BC), local people built many megalithic sites. Using large pre-historic stones, they constructed many different types of structures such as stone circles and quoits. The creation of these impressive monuments presented enormous engineering challenges and many still remain today.
Historians believe that the name Cornwall is partly derived from the tribal name ‘Cornovii’ which has a literal translation of ‘horn people’ – the horn referring to their location at the end of the south-western peninsula of England. The latter part of the name (wall) was added by Anglo-Saxons as an adaption of ‘Wealas’ meaning ‘foreigners’.
The Duchy of Cornwall has its historic roots in Cornwall, being created in 1337. Prince Charles, current heir to the British throne is the current Duke and the title will pass to his son Prince William when he becomes king. The duchy owns 531.3 square kilometres (205.1 square miles of land across the UK and just over 2% of the county of Cornwall.
Interestingly, Cornwall retains its own language (Cornish) which is a Southwestern Brittonic language of the Celtic language family. A campaign to revive the language was initiated in the early 20th century and the language is still taught in schools alongside English.
Key Facts Of Cornwall
- County Town: Truro
- Land Area: 3,562 km2 (1,375 square mies)
- Population: 568,210 (2019)
- Average Temperature: (Summer 20 °C)
- Days Of Rain: Dry for 160 days a year
Best Attractions In Cornwall
Eden Project: The multi-award winning Eden Project near St. Austell in Cornwall and is consistently ranked as one of the top visitor attractions in the UK. Dominated by two huge enclosures, the Eden Project is home to thousands of plant species and aims to educate people about the dangers of global warming, deforestation and the importance of bio-diversity.
Cornish Seal Sanctuary: Situation next to the village of Gweek, this sanctuary for injured seals is one of the leading seal rehabilitation centres in Europe. At any one time there are usually over 70 seal pups in the santuary’s care. Visitors can also meet a large family of resident seals who were unlikely to survive in the wild… a great day out for all the family!
St Michael’s Mount: WIthouth question, St Michaels Mount is one of the UK’s most spectacular locations. St Michael’s Mount is a tidal island in Mount’s Bay which is linked to the mainland at low tide by a cobbled walkway. On top of the island you will find a 12th century castle and chapel that were built to rival Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy.
Best Accommodation In Cornwall
Ancarva (Near Kingsands): This incredible waterside holiday property is situated right on the bank of the River Tamar. Listed in the Sunday Times’ list “Best 50 British Holiday Cottages”, Ancarva is one of Devon’s most incredible holiday homes. Sleeping 6 people across 4 bedrooms, Ancarva also has its own private mooring jetty with direct access to the beach at low tide.
Lower Mellan Barn (Coverack): This beautiful barn conversion which sleeps up to 10 people is located 24 miles from Penzance. Situated in a quiet secluded location, Lower Mellan Barn offers stunning views out to sea. Coverack is a small fishing village on the Lizard Peninsula which is only a few miles from Lizard Point in Cornwall, the most southerly point of mainland Britain.
Woodlands Close (Padstow): This modern and contemporary holiday home in Padstow affords stunning views across the National Trust Trevose Headland. This incredible holiday rental sleeps 8 people across 5 bedrooms and can be booked with the two adjacent cottages (sleeping a total of 24 people). The three cottages are collectively known as the Treator Cottages.
Chynoweth (St Newlyn East): Looking very much like a converted barn, Chynoweth provides modern holiday accommodation in one of Cornwall’s most sought after settings. This modern and contemporary holiday house accommodates up to 10 people and includes a swimming pool, outside fire pit and cinema room!
Sea The View (Sennen): Sea the View (Sennen): If you are looking for a funky holiday home with an uber modern interior, you have found the perfect place! Sea The View overlooks the charming village of Sennen and provides accommodation for 4 people. Aside from this holiday house’s lavish interiors, the house also scores highly for its outdoor spaces which include a large hot tub!
Cathedral Cottage (Truro): Cathedral Cottage is a quaint Cornish Cottage that was built towards the end of the 19th century in 1881. Just 2 minutes walk into Truro, stay here if you are looking for accommodation near the centre of Cornwall’s only city. With a fascinating history, Truro exhibits some inspirational architecture and there is plenty to see and do.
Penleaze The Lodge (Bude): The nicest accommodation in Bude in our view, The Lodge is an open-plan wooden clad lodge with a mezzanine floor accessed via a spiral staircase. The Lodge has three bedrooms and a sofa bed sleeping a total of 8 people. There is also a hot tub here for relaxing afternoon after a trip to Tintagel (18 miles away). Rural chic meets urban cool!
Retallack Resort & Spa (Padstow): Ideally situated for family holidays in and around Padstow, Retallack Resort and Spa features several different types of accommodation for different group sizes. There is a nice restaurant onsite plus an indoor pool which is popular with all age groups.
Stay In Britain is the ultimate guide to places to stay and things to do in Great Britain. Whether you are looking for a luxury self-catering cottage, a cheap B&B for a weekend stay, a short break in a caravan park or a business-friendly hotel in the Cornwall area, we have everything you need. Enjoy your stay in Britain!
