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Hand-picked deals by our pirate teamLooking for Flights to Cornwall?
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Looking for Accommodations in Cornwall?
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Hotels in Cornwall: Plan Your Cornwall Vacation
Located in the UK's South West region, Cornwall has been one of the most popular vacation destinations for generations. Clearly, this popularity hasn't waned with time since it's still one of the best places for a UK beach vacation, which is why visitors travel to Cornwall England for vacations year after year.
Not only will you find pristine beaches and ruggedly beautiful coastal scenery, but you'll also find some of the country's best attractions, including the likes of the Eden Project, St Michael's Mount and the Minack Theatre.
If you've had a coastal vacation on your mind, Cornwall is a vacation destination that always delivers, so get ready for a Cornwall road trip! Check out our best and cheapest Cornwall vacation deals right here.
Cornwall vacation tips
Whether you go to Cornwall every few years or if it's going to be your first time there, there's always something new to discover. We've rounded up all our top tips so that you can get the most out of your Cornwall vacation this year.
Here's what you need to know before you go.
When is the best time to book flights to Cornwall?
Blessed with a subtropical climate (the average temperature exceeds 50°F for seven months of the year), you could argue that Cornwall is one of the few UK destinations where the weather is mostly on your side. That means you can book flights to Cornwall any time of the year! Here's what you can expect during each season in Cornwall.
☀️ Summer: We have to start with summer, as this is undoubtedly the busiest vacation season in Cornwall. This is when prices will be highest, and you'll need to book your accommodation well in advance. But this is also when the weather will be the best, events and festivals will be in full swing, and all attractions will be open and busy.
🍁 Fall: While fall brings in cooler temperatures and slightly more unpredictable weather, this is a great time to be in Cornwall. You'll feel like you have many attractions to yourself, although some of these may start to wind down by only offering weekend opening hours. You'll get much better deals, and autumnal Cornwall is simply stunning.
❄️ Winter: Yes, this is the rainiest season for Cornwall, but picture this: cozy pub visits, attractions with no lines and lovely walks (when the sun does come out). Winter is a unique time to be in Cornwall, but it's also the closest you'll get to seeing what it's like to live in Cornwall outside of the peak tourist periods.
🌸 Spring: We're big fans of traveling during shoulder seasons, so springtime in Cornwall won't be an exception to this rule. This is when temperatures start warming up, coastal areas and gardens start to bloom, and attractions/tours start to operate again. Plus, it's not too busy, apart from the ever-popular Easter weekend break!
Getting to and around Cornwall
Depending on where you are traveling in the UK, a flight to Cornwall may be in order. Cornwall Airport Newquay is the region's main airport, located just outside Newquay on the northern coast. For others, you'll be traveling to Cornwall by car or public transport. Cornwall road trips can be a blast for families and solo getaways.
Regardless of how you get there, you'll most likely need a car to get around, especially if you're planning to explore broadly or visit far-flung locations in Cornwall. While public transport is available between major Cornish destinations and attractions, this will be affected by which season you're traveling in, with most services being offered in summer.
You can rent a car once you arrive, with car rental agencies being located at Cornwall Airport Newquay and most major destinations in Cornwall.
Where to book Cornwall hotels
Covering a whopping 1,375 square miles, Cornwall is a large county, and there are many destinations within it where you could book hotels to stay in Cornwall. With so much choice available, we thought we'd highlight four of our favorite Cornwall vacation destinations. You could base yourself in one of these destinations or include them within a multi-stop vacation in Cornwall.
St Ives
Receiving numerous accolades over the years, from the UK's best seaside town to the best family vacation destination in the UK, St Ives is one of those destinations that seems to be eternally popular. Located on Cornwall's northern coastline, St Ives offers a postcard-perfect beachfront and is home to five beaches. If you've been dreaming of a beach vacation, then St Ives should be your top choice.
In addition to sea and sand, St Ives is known for its art scene, with galleries and shops offering an opportunity to pick up something local and unique. You can also expect a decent selection of pubs and restaurants, where the seafood is particularly good. But remember - everyone loves St Ives - so you'll need to book your accommodation in advance!
Newquay
Another seaside town on Cornwall's northern coast, Newquay is a top choice for a family beach vacation or a relaxing romantic weekend by the sea. But it's equally famed as a surfing hotspot, where it's even claimed to be the surfing capital of Britain. This makes Newquay a top choice for visitors who love watersports, from surfing to kite surfing and wave skiing. And if you're a novice, there are plenty of surf schools happy to teach you the basics.
Home to the annual Boardmasters festival, featuring surfers and musicians alike, Newquay has great options for drinking and dining, as well as a larger range of accommodations on offer. It's a fantastic destination that offers variety and guaranteed beach time.
Padstow
Another northern Cornwall staple, Padstow is perhaps best known for its food, thanks to Rick Stein and other celebrity chefs who have restaurants here. But this isn't just a destination for foodies. Padstow offers a unique opportunity to vacation within the setting of a historic yet working fishing harbor. Apart from being able to feast on the freshest seafood, Padstow is surrounded by some truly beautiful natural scenery.
There are many beaches in the vicinity, as well as the chance to explore the Camel estuary. One must-visit spot for natural scenery is the Bedruthan Steps, located seven miles away. While it's still a popular destination, it's not as busy as St Ives or Newquay, making Padstow an ideal choice for a quieter vacation in Cornwall, especially for nature lovers.
Falmouth
For something a little different, book a vacation in Falmouth, a seaside town on Cornwall's southern coastline. This gives you a base to explore the southern parts of the county, although there's plenty to see and do in Falmouth itself. There's the natural deep-water marina, as well as the rows of art galleries, restaurants and independent shops. For history fans, there's Pendennis Castle, which gives you lovely views over Falmouth.
There are also a number of beaches in the vicinity; some are ideal for families, while others are known for their reliable surfing and watersports conditions. Falmouth is a vibrant town with a full roster of events throughout the year, and the food options are really good – seafood is the obvious winner here.
The best things to do in Cornwall
If you're already sold on the idea of a Cornwall vacation and are busy planning your time there, you've probably already realized how much there is to see and do. And there are genuinely no wrong answers, as the attractions here are so good.
After checking into your Cornwall hotel, here are some of our favorite things to do in Cornwall.
Walk out to or catch a boat to St Michael's Mount (tide depending!)
Catch a glimpse of the future at the Eden Project
Step back in history at Tintagel Castle
Visit the beautiful Minack Theatre
Find a real secret garden at the Lost Gardens of Heligan
Take in the view from Pendennis Castle
Go surfing or book a surfing lesson
Buy some art in St Ives
Stay for the sunset at Land's End
Cornwall vacations for families
Check out our top family-friendly vacation tips below 👀
Money-saving tips for families
Look out for deals on lodges, caravan parks and vacation homes that fit the full family. You’ll often find better prices than booking multiple hotel rooms, and you’ll have the bonus of kitchen facilities, which will save you a fortune on eating out. Plus, if you get a dreaded rainy day, you'll have a bit more living space.
Pack a lunch for days at the beach; prices at the main tourist beach spots can be expensive.
Bring board games and outdoor toys to keep the kids entertained at the beach.
Money-saving tips for couples and groups
Opt for stays that are outside the school summer vacations, when demand is at its highest and prices for accommodation can skyrocket.
You can find a few Travelodge and Premier Inn hotels dotted around that won't break the bank.
If you're traveling as a group, price up lodge stays and Airbnbs where you can split the cost.
FAQs about Cornwall vacations
Q: When will I find the most Cornwall hotels available?
A: The summer months are busiest, and the prices for flights to Cornwall and Cornwall hotels will be the highest, too. You'll find more hotels in Cornwall available in the spring and fall seasons.
Q: What should I pack for a Cornwall vacation?
A: While summers are warm in Cornwall (around 68°F), UK weather can be unpredictable. Regardless of the season, always pack layers, including waterproof jackets. If you're planning a beach vacation, bring along swimsuits, sunscreen and outdoor toys if you have kids. Bring walking shoes if you're planning to hit the trails.
Q: What should I eat?
A: Don't miss out on Cornish pasties! Other must-eats include cream teas and fresh seafood. For something totally unique, you could try Stargazy pie.
Q: Are all Cornwall beaches dog-friendly?
A: Some Cornwall beaches will be dog-friendly all year round, while others will have restrictions during the warmer months. It's best to check ahead (either at your accommodation or the nearest tourist office) before visiting the beach.
Q: What is Cornwall known for?
A: Put simply: sun and sea. A longer answer includes things like Cornwall's long history, vibrant annual festivals and the unbeatable coastal landscapes.
Q: Is Cornwall expensive?
A: Yes and no. Cornwall vacations can be expensive if you visit during the peak summer season, especially for Cornwall hotels and flights to Cornwall. You can save some money by opting for self-catering options or by choosing to book during quieter months.
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