Where to Stay in Cornwall (Best Places & Areas)

👉 Jump to: Best Places to Stay in Cornwall | Neighborhoods & Areas | Tips | FAQ

I’ve visited Cornwall countless times and spent many happy holidays there with friends and family. 

If it’s your first time in Cornwall, I suggest staying in Falmouth to experience a little bit of everything Cornwall has to offer. The Sandy Duck is my top hotel pick in the area because of the views! Although my #1 overall hotel pick is Portmellon Cove Guest House, located in the relaxing area of Mevagissey. This charming guest house has beautiful gardens and sea views.

Knowing the best places to stay in Cornwall will give you a headstart in your holiday planning. Besides Falmouth, I’ll share some great places to stay, from popular foodie destination Padstow to the rural and wild Lizard Peninsula.

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Best Places to Stay in Cornwall

Just looking for a quick answer on the best places to stay in Cornwall? Here are my top picks: 

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – Portmellon Cove Guest House
• 🗺️ Best Location – The Headland Hotel and Spa 
• 💎 Best Luxury Hotel – Carbis Bay and Spa Hotel
• 👪 Best for Families – YHA Penzance
• 🛎️ Best Boutique Hotel – The Sandy Duck
• 🛣️ Best off-the-beaten-track – Housel Bay Hotel
• 🛏️ Best Budget – Blue Room Hostel Newquay 

Ok, let’s do a deep dive of the best areas and neighbourhoods in Cornwall: 

8 Best Areas to Stay in Cornwall

Cornwall is best known for its beaches, towns and villages dotted around the coastline. 

North Cornwall is known to be wilder with rugged cliffs, rocky outcrops and long sandy beaches, whilst South Cornwall offers rolling hills, smaller coves and a quieter feel.

Cornwall is a fairly compact county and you can easily travel between areas.

Falmouth

👉 Best Area For First-Timers | ✨ Best Falmouth Hotels: The Sandy Duck • Rosemullion Hotel • St Michaels Resort, Falmouth 

Falmouth has a bit of everything for everyone, whether you want a relaxed beach day at Castle Beach, a historic trip to Pendennis Castle, a mooch around shops or a night out. The charming coastal town will give first-timers a good taste of what Cornwall has to offer. 

You’ll find lots of great accommodation options in Falmouth including The Sandy Duck, a gorgeous boutique hotel with sea views.

Falmouth is in South Cornwall and well-located for exploring the county by bus, train, car or boat. A scenic ride on the Fal River by boat is a memorable way to take in the local Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

Pros of Staying in Falmouth:

• Lots of great places to eat and drink
• Good location and transport links
• Variety of activities and attractions

Cons of Staying in Falmouth:

• It can be busy in peak season
• Hotels can be pricey

Newquay

👉 Best Area For Surfing | ✨ Best Newquay Hotels: Blue Room Hostel Newquay • The Headland Hotel and Spa • The Quies, Newquay 

Newquay is a surfer’s haven and home to some of the UK’s best surfing beaches. Many surfers hit the waves at Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay, where prestigious surfing events like the National Championships are held. The Blue Room Hostel Newquay is a highly rated surfers hostel with a homely feel and very reasonably priced stays.

Newquay has a lively atmosphere and nightlife, particularly during the summer, and is also known for its annual Boardmasters Surf & Music Festival. 

As well as pleasing party-goers, Newquay is a family-friendly destination and a popular choice for chilled coastal getaways. A 5-star luxury stay overlooking Fistral Beach in The Headland Hotel and Spa is sure to leave you feeling pampered. 

Newquay is well connected with a train station, local bus services, and a small international airport. 

Pros of Staying in Newquay:

• Good transport connections 
• Great beaches and coastal destinations
• Lots of places to eat and drink
• Decent accommodation options

Cons of Staying in Newquay:

• Accommodation can be pricey 
• Area can be busy, especially in summer 

St Ives

👉 Best Area For Arts & Culture | ✨ Best St Ives Hotels: Carbis Bay and Spa Hotel • Harbour View House • Green Apple Bed and Breakfast

St Ives is a postcard-perfect seaside town with white sandy beaches and turquoise sea. The town’s charm and quality of light has attracted artists for over a century and is now a firm favourite on the UK’s art scene. 

You can visit the likes of Tate St Ives, the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, and many independent art galleries. There’s also rich history and heritage to explore and a thriving food scene.

Just outside of St Ives, the luxurious Carbis Bay and Spa Hotel offers direct access and views across Carbis Bay beach, one of the best beaches in Cornwall. St Ives can be reached by bus and train, but a car makes it easier to explore the area. 

Pros of Staying in St Ives:

• A lot of accommodation options 
• Great art and cultural scene 
• Great selection of places to eat and drink

Cons of Staying in St Ives:

• Very busy and popular destination
• Expensive during peak season

Penzance

👉 Best Area For Families | ✨ Best Penzance Hotels: YHA Penzance • Carnson House Bed and Breakfast • Kings Arms

Penzance is the ‘end of the line’ for train journeys from London, and a starting point for exploring the West of Cornwall. Penzance is a scenic port-town with a thriving high street home to cute cafes, historic pubs, and art galleries. Penzance is near the famous St Michael’s Mount and is a gateway to visiting the Isles of Scilly.

Penzance is a more affordable destination with several family-friendly attractions and playparks, making it a great choice for families. The whole family can enjoy walking or wheeling up the Penzance promenade, which runs along the seafront and continues to the charming fishing town of Newlyn.

The YHA Penzance is an ideal place to stay for families, with affordable private rooms, a self-catering kitchen and the option to stay in a premium bell tent!

Pros of Staying in Penzance:

• Family-friendly parks and attractions 
• Affordable options more readily available
• Decent public transport connections 
• Good location

Cons of Staying in Penzance:

• Fewer high-end accommodation options and eateries

Mevagissey

👉 Best Area For a Relaxing Stay | ✨ Best Mevagissey Hotels: Portmellon Cove Guest House • Mevagissey Bay Hotel • Kerryanna Country House Bed & Breakfast 

Mevagissey is a gorgeous fishing village with shops, bars and restaurants tucked away in charming narrow streets. Mevagissey is a traditional Cornish village that would please many travellers. Its proximity to two of Cornwall’s most popular nature attractions makes it a great place to unwind. 

Mevagissey is just ten minutes away from The Lost Gardens of Heligan, a natural paradise full of mystery and magic. The lush gardens and Biomes of the world-famous Eden Project are only 20 minutes away.

Portmellon Cove Guest House is the perfect place to relax, with gorgeous gardens, stunning sea views and a traditional Cornish breakfast. 

Mevagissey is best reached by car as public transport around the area to the popular sites is limited. 

Pros of Staying in Mevagissey:

• Near two world-famous nature attractions 
• Close to great beaches
• Quieter than bigger Cornish towns

Cons of Staying in Mevagissey:

• Best explored by car 
• Busy during peak season
• Fewer accommodation options

The Lizard Peninsula

👉 Best Area For Exploring Off the Beaten Track | ✨ Best Lizard Peninsula Hotels: Housel Bay Hotel • Haelarcher Farmhouse and Helicopter B&B • The Top House Inn

The Lizard Peninsula is a rugged, rural Cornish destination home to remarkable geology, coves and caves, unique flora and fauna, and remote villages. At the tip of the Peninsula lies Lizard Point, the most southerly spot on mainland Britain, and Lizard Lighthouse. If you fancy staying in the lighthouse/holiday home, check out the stunning Bishop Rock.

A stay on the Lizard Peninsula suits more adventurous travellers who want to be off the beaten track. What the Lizard lacks in phone signal and public transport, it makes up for with incredible landscapes, coastal walks, and nature. 

You can admire the wild waves of the Atlantic from the luxury of your hotel room in Housel Bay Hotel and from their award-winning signature restaurant, Fallowfields.

Pros of Staying in the Lizard Peninsula:

• Rugged and beautiful landscapes 
• Off-the-beaten-track

Cons of Staying in the Lizard Peninsula:

• Best travelled by car 
• Few indoor attractions and activities
• Less choice of eateries and amenities

Padstow

👉 Best Area For Foodies | ✨ Best Padstow Hotels: Harbour Hotel Padstow • The Old Custom House • The Pickwick Inn & Oliver’s Restaurant

Padstow has earned a reputation as a foodie destination in Cornwall. The small fishing town boasts five eateries recognised in the Michelin Guide and several eateries run by well-known British Chef Rick Stein, including The Seafood Restaurant. 

To add to your Cornish culinary experience, make sure you sample some locally made drinks. You can try Padstow Gin at 17 Duke Street and local craft beer at The Tasting Rooms, with both establishments offering tasting experiences. 

Padstow is on the north coast of Cornwall on the bank of the Camel Estuary, a National Landscape home to rare plant species and otters. There are lots of great hikes in the area, including the Camel Trail from Padstow to Bodmin! Book a stay in the 4-star Harbour Hotel Padstow for stunning views across Padstow’s harbour.

Pros of Staying in Padstow:

• Renowned food scene
• Close for exploring stunning coastal nature

Cons of Staying in Padstow:

• Fewer public transport options
• Popular destination that can get busy 
• Not many accommodation options in the town 

Bodmin

👉 Best Area For History and Folklore | ✨ Best Bodmin Hotels: Bodmin Jail Hotel • Trewardale • Westberry Hotel

Bodmin is a historic town in the heart of rugged North Cornwall. Visitors often drive past Bodmin, over Bodmin Moor, on their way to coastal destinations. But there are many reasons to stay in Bodmin, not least to explore Bodmin Moor by foot.

Bodmin is a great place to visit if you love history and folklore. There is a wealth of historical landmarks to discover, including Jubilee Rock, prehistoric standing stones and Bodmin Railway. Sites such as Dozmary Pool, nearby Tintagel Castle, and The Vale of Avalon are associated with the legendary British King, King Arthur. 

For more recent history, visit the 18th-century Bodmin Jail in all its haunted glory and even stay in Bodmin Jail Hotel, a unique boutique hotel! 

Bodmin and the surrounding area are best explored by car, although there are some bus and train connections. 

Pros of Staying in Bodmin:

• Great accommodation options in the area 
• More off-the-beaten-track and rugged Cornwall
• Lots of nearby historical sites and attractions

Cons of Staying in Bodmin:

• Best explored with a car
• Short distance to Cornwall’s coast

Tips for Staying in Cornwall

Be Prepared for the Weather

Cornwall is the only place in the UK with a sub-tropical climate, and the summers are typically warm. Cornwall sometimes gets wild coastal weather, particularly on the North Coast. Be prepared for your activities, whatever the weather, especially when exploring the coast.

Stay safe on the coast

It’s important to check tide times when you explore Cornwall’s beaches and coastline. There are lots of popular and appealing beaches and coves that get dangerous and cut off when the tide comes in. Familiarise yourself with the RNLI’s flags and support to help stay safe along the coast.   

Stay in hotels and holiday apartments

Cornwall is suffering from the boom in short-term rental properties, like many other popular tourist destinations. Some villages are disproportionately holiday rentals compared to decent long-term housing for locals. Travel responsibly and opt to stay in a hotel, managed holiday apartment, or private space in a property with a local.  

Consider camping

Cornwall has lots of great campsites, from basic sites to those with modern amenities. Camping is a popular holiday choice, especially for families. There are over 200 campsites in Cornwall listed on the useful site Pitchup.com. Take your pick of pitch!

Check transport in advance

The availability and reliability of public transport in Cornwall varies greatly between areas. Many bus routes are seasonal and subject to changes throughout the year. Always check up-to-date timetables and plan in advance. Traffic can also be an issue, so check your routes and roads before setting out to drive. 

Consider the pros and cons of visiting off-peak season

Prices can soar and places can get very busy during the peak season in Cornwall. This is roughly from May to September, and during British school holiday weeks. It is much cheaper and quieter to visit off-peak but many attractions and eateries are closed. It’s worth weighing up what you want out of your trip and thinking about when to go. 

Try local delicacies

Cornwall is home to a number of regional delicacies. Make sure you try a Cornish pasty (I recommend traditional) – a delicacy protected by European Protected Geographical Indication status. Cornwall is also known for producing delicious dairy products like clotted cream. A box of Cornish Fairings (tasty biscuits) has sustained me while writing this article!

Watch out for seagulls

Seagulls are harmless, common coastal birds in Cornwall, but they will happily steal your food. They swoop down, nab your freshly bought grub, and fly away. Don’t be fooled by their soothing calls and sometimes friendly appearance. Be on seagull alert if you’re eating outside! You have been warned.

Support local businesses

Try to support small, locally-owned businesses across Cornwall when you can. Look for independent hotels, restaurants and shops to have a more unique experience and support the local economy.

Appreciate Cornish identity and culture

Cornwall has a strong regional identity and many locals refer to themselves as Cornish before English or British. You’ll notice the Cornish language and Celtic influences around the county. From sea shanties to unique events, Cornwall has a rich cultural heritage to experience. 

FAQs

What are the best areas to stay in Cornwall for first-timers?

The best areas to stay in Cornwall for first-timers are Falmouth, Penzance, and St Ives. These three towns have nice town centres, gorgeous beaches nearby and a number of local attractions. They also have good transport links for exploring other areas.

What are safe areas to stay in Cornwall?

Cornwall is generally a safe place to stay. All the areas I have recommended in the article are safe to stay in. Most tourist accommodations and amenities are centered around popular and well-visited areas in Cornwall that are very safe. 

What are the best parts of Cornwall to stay on a budget? 

Newquay and Penzance are the best parts of Cornwall to stay on a budget. These parts of Cornwall offer more affordable accommodation options and a range of eateries and shops to suit lower budgets. 

What are the best parts of Cornwall to stay with kids? 

Penzance and Mevagissey are the best parts of Cornwall to stay with kids. These two destinations have local family-friendly attractions and family-friendly accommodation options. They are more affordable and less packed with tourists than other parts of Cornwall.

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I hope you feel inspired by the amazing options you have when choosing where to stay in Cornwall. Traveling more around the UK? See my guides on where to stay in Cardiff, Bristol, and Wales next.