Where is the Best Place to Holiday in Cornwall

Golden beaches, turquoise waters, quaint fishing villages, and endless adventure, Cornwall is one of the UK’s most loved holiday destinations. Whether you’re drawn by its world-class surf, the foodie scene, or simply want to relax with your family by the coast, Cornwall has something for everyone. But with so many incredible spots to choose from, you might be wondering, where is the best place to holiday in Cornwall? In this guide, we’ll take you through some of Cornwall’s most iconic towns and hidden gems, helping you decide on the perfect base for your next getaway or even a future holiday home.

Best Places to Holiday in Cornwall

Cornwall is blessed with some of the most beautiful locations in the country, but here are some of the very best, each with its own unique charm.

Padstow – A Foodie Haven

• Practicalities: Pretty Padstow North Cornwall, well connected by road, around 30 minutes from Newquay Airport.
  
• Why Visit? Padstow is a picturesque North Cornwall town on the Camel Estuary, known as Cornwall’s culinary capital with its celebrity chef restaurants, cobbled streets, and harbourside charm.
  
• Atmosphere: Padstow feels both lively and relaxed, with its picturesque harbour at the centre of daily life. Fishing boats unload the day’s catch alongside leisure craft, while the waterfront buzzes with seafood restaurants, cosy pubs, and boutique shops. Despite the summertime bustle, there’s an easygoing charm, where visitors linger over ice cream, watch the tides shift, and soak up the timeless character of a Cornish fishing town.
  
• Best For: Couples and foodies looking for a romantic retreat.
  
• Our closest holiday park: Padstow Holiday Village
  

Plan your trip: Your 7-Day Itinerary for North Cornwall

St Ives – The Artist’s Retreat

• Practicalities: St Ives is one of the most famous seaside towns in the county located down in West Cornwall, accessible by train via the scenic St Ives Bay Line.
  
• Why Visit? St Ives is famed for its golden beaches, Tate St Ives and vibrant art scene, and is also a watersports haven with surfing at Porthmeor Beach, paddle boarding, sea kayaking and coasteering, making it a picture-perfect destination for families and culture lovers alike.
• Atmosphere: St Ives radiates an artistic and welcoming charm, blending its rich creative heritage with laidback, dog friendly vibes. The town feels both vibrant and family-friendly, with winding cobbled streets, whitewashed cottages, and a bustling harbour that give it a storybook air. Art galleries and studios spill their influence onto the streets, reflecting the town’s reputation as a hub for painters and sculptors. Whether you’re wandering through its galleries, relaxing on the sand, or tucking into fresh fish and chips, the atmosphere is one of creativity, community, and simple seaside joy.
  
• Best For: Families, art enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a coastal stroll with the dog.
  
• Our closest holiday park: Cornish Meadows Holiday Park
• Plan your trip: A 7-Day Itinerary for Exploring West Cornwall

Newquay – Surfing Capital

• Practicalities: Newquay has excellent transport links with its namesake airport just 5 miles away, as well as good road access.
  
• Why Visit? With world-class surf at Fistral Beach and plenty of lively nightlife, Newquay is Cornwall’s adventure capital. Surf schools, coastal paths, and family attractions make it a versatile choice.
  
• Atmosphere:Newquay is lively, youthful, and fizzes with the thrill of the waves. Known as the UK’s surfing capital, it carries an adventurous, outdoorsy spirit that attracts both seasoned surfers and families looking for seaside fun. Its sweeping sandy beaches, especially Fistral and Watergate Bay, are world-famous for their surf breaks, giving the town a buzzing, energetic edge.
  
• Best For: Teens, active families, and surf enthusiasts.
• Our closest holiday park: Sun Haven Holiday Park.
• Plan your trip: Your 7-Day Itinerary for North Cornwall
  

Fowey – A Peaceful Escape

• Practicalities:Fowey sits on Cornwall’s south coast, easily reached by car or bus, yet it remains quieter than many nearby destinations. The town lies on the beautiful Fowey Estuary, part of the Polperro Heritage Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 
• Why Visit? Fowey is a tranquil harbour town that feels delightfully unhurried compared to Cornwall’s busier hotspots. Its narrow streets are lined with independent shops, cafés, and galleries, perfect for a leisurely wander. The surrounding coastline offers scenic walks with stunning estuary and sea views, ideal for both gentle strolls and more adventurous hikes. Literature lovers will be drawn to its strong connections to Daphne du Maurier, whose stories were inspired by the town’s enchanting scenery and atmosphere.
• Atmosphere: Relaxed, quiet, and picturesque. 
• Best For: Older couples or those seeking a slower pace.
• Our closest holiday park: Penmarlam Lodge Retreat
• Plan your trip: Your 7-Day Itinerary for South Cornwall

Bude – Cornwall’s Hidden Gem

• Practicalities:Bude is situated on Cornwall’s north coast and is easily accessible by road from Devon, making it a convenient base for exploring the region. Its location combines coastal charm with practicality, offering plenty of accommodation, parking, and local amenities.
• Why Visit?Bude is a relaxed, welcoming town often quieter than many of Cornwall’s more famous destinations. It’s perfect for nature lovers and active visitors, with dramatic clifftop walks, rugged coastline, and expansive sandy beaches ideal for swimming, surfing, or simply soaking up the sun. Dog owners will appreciate how many beaches and trails are dog-friendly, making it easy to bring the whole family along. With a mix of coastal beauty, outdoor activities, and a laid-back vibe, Bude offers a charming escape from the crowds.
• Atmosphere: Friendly, outdoorsy, and relaxed.
• Best For: Walkers, dog owners, and those looking for a quieter break.
• Our closest holiday park: Cornish Meadows Holiday Park

Falmouth – History & Maritime Magic

• Practicalities:Falmouth sits on Cornwall’s south coast and is well connected by train, road, and ferry links, making it an easy destination for both day trips and longer stays. The town has a good range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and accommodation, making it convenient for visitors.
• Why Visit?Falmouth is a lively maritime town with a rich history and a thriving cultural scene. Key attractions include the National Maritime Museum, Pendennis Castle, and a bustling waterfront full of cafés, pubs, and galleries. The presence of Falmouth University brings a youthful energy, while regular events and festivals add to the town’s dynamic character. 
• Atmosphere: Cultural, bustling, and welcoming.
• Best For: History buffs and those who enjoy a waterside walk.
• Our closest holiday park: Cornish Meadows Holiday Park
  

Perranporth – Wide Sands & Wild Trails

• Practicalities:Perranporth is conveniently located just a short drive from Truro, making it central for exploring both the north and south coasts of Cornwall. The town has essential amenities, including shops, cafés, and parking, and its easy access by car makes it a practical choice for day trips or longer stays.
• Why Visit? Perranporth is famed for its expansive three-mile sandy beach, perfect for families, paddlers, and sunbathers alike. The surrounding area offers scenic nature trails and cliff-top walks, ideal for those who enjoy exploring Cornwall’s rugged coastline. Surfing, beach games, and peaceful strolls along the shore make it a versatile destination for all ages.
• Atmosphere:Spacious, friendly, and outdoorsy, Perranporth has a relaxed, open feel. Wide sandy beaches and natural landscapes create a sense of freedom, while the small-town charm and welcoming locals make it feel homely and inviting.
• Best For:Families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking for room to roam and a classic Cornish beach experience.
• Our closest holiday park: Sun Haven Holiday Park

Looking to Come and Go as You Please? Where to Buy a Holiday Home in Cornwall

Cornwall isn’t just a wonderful place to holiday, it’s also a dream location to own a holiday home. Here are some top spots to consider:

Fowey

Peaceful and idyllic, perfect for those who want a slower pace of life.

Mawgan Porth

A beautiful beachside spot, popular with families and holiday home buyers.

Padstow

Foodie heaven with excellent holiday home potential, thanks to its year-round popularity.

St Ives 

Buying a holiday home near St Ives gives you access to its beautiful scenery, golden beaches, thriving art scene, and vibrant cultural life all year round.

Discover holiday homes for sale in Cornwall, perfectly situated in stunning locations that offer both comfort and the freedom to escape here whenever you wish.

FAQs: Where to Go on Holiday in Cornwall

What is the best town to use as a base in Cornwall?

Padstow and Newquay are excellent bases for exploring the north coast, while Hayle is a brilliant, central Cornwall springboard. When it comes to the south, Fowey is a short drive from Looe, St Austell, Saltash and St Mawes.

Where to go in Cornwall for the first time?

St Ives and Newquay are perfect starting points offering beaches, attractions, and a little bit of everything.

Can you enjoy Cornwall without a car?

Yes, towns like St Ives, Falmouth, and Newquay have good public transport and plenty to do within walking distance.

What is the best part of Cornwall to stay in?

It depends on what you want, north Cornwall is for surfing and adventure, south Cornwall for history and quieter towns, and west Cornwall for stunning scenery.

Why Stay with Lovat Parks in Cornwall?

At Lovat Parks, we offer a welcoming base for your Cornish adventures, whether you’re glamping for a weekend getaway or holiday home hunting. Our Cornwall holiday parks provide family-friendly spaces to relax, are pet-friendly, so your four-legged friends can join in the fun, and operate as a certified B Corp, reflecting our commitment to sustainability, ethical practices, and respect for nature. Perfectly placed near Cornwall’s most beloved destinations, they make an ideal starting point for exploring everything this stunning region has to offer.

Where Will You Go?

Cornwall is a county of contrasts, bustling towns, peaceful villages, world-class beaches, and unforgettable adventures. The best place to holiday depends on the kind of experience you’re seeking, but wherever you go, Cornwall will leave you with lasting memories.

Ready to plan your trip or even make Cornwall your second home?

Explore our Cornish holiday parks