Fistral Beach

A Guide to Buying a Holiday Home in Cornwall

Image courtesy of Thomas McAtee/Shutterstock

Holiday homes

Cornwall truly has it all: miles of golden beaches, subtropical gardens, towering cliffs and charming fishing villages, all steeped in myth and legend. Rugged yet refined, wild yet beautiful, it’s an inspiring and ideal holiday destination.

With your own holiday home in this popular southwest England location, days can be spent by the beach, walking cobbled streets, or enjoying the vast countryside at your leisure.

Once you’ve discovered the Cornish setting that captures your imagination and chosen a park that reflects your lifestyle, the next step is an exciting one.

Take your time exploring the parks showcased here, each offering a distinctive atmosphere and a selection of beautiful holiday homes for sale. From contemporary coastal lodges to cosy countryside escapes, your own place in Cornwall could be closer than you think – ready to become the backdrop for years of unforgettable moments.

 

Image
Claire Tupholme, Content Editor: Travel/Campsites

Claire Tupholme Content Editor: Travel/Campsites

Claire Tupholme Content Editor: Travel/Campsites

As well as being the Content Editor for Travel and Campsites, Claire also looks after Premier Parks, which means she has seen her fair share of campsites and knows her way around Great Britain. Claire now loves to share her wealth of travel knowledge with other intrepid explorers.

Why buy a holiday home in Cornwall?

For everyone who likes to be beside the seaside, Cornwall is a dream. With hundreds of beaches, from secluded coves to family resorts, you could visit a different beach every day of the week. If you choose to base yourself here with a holiday home in Cornwall, then exploring’s half the fun. 

Cornwall is also an exceptional holiday destination for those seeking scenery, culture and adventure. Dramatic cliffs, rolling countryside and winding coastal paths create unforgettable views and invigorating walks. Picturesque fishing villages and historic harbours offer charm and fresh local cuisine. Visitors can explore ancient castles, mysterious stone circles and grand estates, or discover art galleries. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy surfing, sailing and cycling, while food lovers indulge in seafood and traditional Cornish pasties. With its mild climate, rich heritage and relaxed pace of life, Cornwall provides a refreshing escape in every season.

If owning a holiday home in Cornwall is tempting you, our Complete Guide to Buying a Holiday Home walks you through all the important things you need to know and consider first.

trawsdir-campsite-image-4
Photo courtesy of Trawsdir caravan park

Try our Campsite Finder!

We have an extensive database of campsites across the UK and Europe.

Whether you're looking for the perfect pitch for your motorhome, caravan, tent or to hire glamping accommodation or a holiday home or lodge, our exclusive Campsite Finder will help you choose your next weekend break, midweek getaway or summer holiday in the UK or Europe.

Image
Lost Gardens of Heligan
Lost Gardens of Heligan, image courtesy of oksanatukane/Shutterstock

What to do in Cornwall

In Cornwall, the coastline isn’t just scenery, it’s an experience. Some of the county’s most celebrated shores include Fistral in Newquay, St Ives Bay, and Summerleaze in Bude, each with its own distinct character. We’ve highlighted just a few here, but there are countless more waiting to be discovered – you can explore them all on the Visit Cornwall beaches page.

Fistral is iconic – the birthplace of British surfing and a vibrant hub for water sports, energy and water-side dining. St Ives Bay sweeps gracefully for over four miles, a stunning crescent framed by grassy dunes and ever-changing light. Just moments from the centre of Bude, Summerleaze offers something truly special: a unique saltwater sea pool, part natural rock formation and part man-made haven, refreshed daily by the tide.

Pentewan also deserves a special mention. Privately owned and beautifully maintained, its generous stretch of sand feels wonderfully secluded. On the shore, Cornwall Watersports invites visitors to embrace adventure, from paddleboarding and kayaking to windsurfing and wildlife boat tours – the perfect way to experience Cornwall from a different perspective.

Eden Project
The Eden Project, image courtesy of Muhammad Adeel Ahmed/Shutterstock
Truro
Truro, image courtesy of ian woolcock/Shutterstock

Must-visit places in Cornwall

Cornwall offers far more than its stunning coastline. Beyond the shore, you’ll find world-famous attractions, enchanting landscapes, and picture-perfect harbourside villages such as Polperro, Port Isaac and Mousehole – each brimming with character and charm.

At the heart of modern Cornwall lies the remarkable Eden Project, an awe-inspiring global garden housed within vast, futuristic domes. Step inside and you’ll journey through immersive climates and thriving ecosystems from around the world.

Along the rugged cliffs, the haunting ruins of Wheal Coates stand as a powerful reminder of Cornwall’s mining heritage, perched dramatically above Chapel Porth and the South West Coast Path – a view that lingers long in the memory.

Nature lovers will be captivated by the Lost Gardens of Heligan, a magical 200-acre landscape reclaimed from decades of wilderness and now one of Europe’s most celebrated garden restorations.

For something truly unforgettable, visit the Minack Theatre, an open-air stage carved into the cliffs and overlooking the ocean – a breathtaking setting brought to life by the vision of Rowena Cade.

Step into myth at Tintagel Castle, where dramatic ruins cling to the cliffs and stories of King Arthur echo on the wind.

And for a change of pace, explore Truro, Cornwall’s only city, where independent shops, bustling markets on Lemon Quay and inviting cafés offer the perfect opportunity to browse, linger and soak up local life.

Image
Wheal Coates
Wheal Coates tin mine, image courtesy of ian woolcock/Shutterstock
Aerial view of St Ives
Aerial view of St Ives, image courtesy of Robert Harding Video/Shutterstock
Minack Theatre
Minack Theatre, image courtesy of Maximum Exposure PR/Shutterstock

FAQs

  • How to buy a holiday home in Cornwall?​

    Purchasing a holiday home is a significant step, but it opens the door to effortless breaks and cherished time away whenever you choose. Our Complete Guide to Buying a Holiday Home walks you through every stage, from your first considerations and selecting the right park to navigating key expenses and arranging the right insurance, helping you move forward with clarity and confidence.

  • Where is best to buy a holiday home in Cornwall?​

    Will your perfect retreat be shaped by sweeping sea views and salty air, or nestled in peaceful countryside surrounded by rolling green fields? Perhaps you’re drawn to a lively park filled with facilities, entertainment and a welcoming community, or maybe you long for a quiet sanctuary where relaxation comes naturally and life moves at a gentler pace.

    When you’ve found the corner of Cornwall that feels right and a park that suits the way you like to spend your time, the real adventure begins. Browse the featured parks here, each with its own character and range of holiday homes for sale. Whether you prefer a modern lodge by the coast or a peaceful rural retreat, your own Cornish getaway may be closer than you imagine.

  • Where can you go in Cornwall with children?

    For bucket and spade days at the beach, Cornwall is ideal. You’ve also got a selection of wildlife sanctuaries, water parks, adventure parks, and indoor fun for rainy days, too.

  • Where to stay in Cornwall?

    In Cornwall, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the perfect setting for your holiday home – from clifftop parks overlooking the sea to peaceful retreats tucked away in rolling countryside.

    If you’re still deciding where your Cornish escape should be, take time to explore with our Campsite Finder. Many parks offer holiday home hire, giving you the chance to experience different locations, soak up the atmosphere, and truly picture yourself there before taking the next step. It’s the perfect way to discover the place that feels like home.

  • Are holiday parks in Cornwall dog friendly?

    Many holiday parks in Cornwall are wonderfully dog friendly, welcoming four-legged companions with open arms. Some offer dedicated exercise areas, and have scenic walking routes close by. Across the county, numerous dog-friendly beaches allow pups to roam, splash and explore year-round, making Cornwall the perfect escape for the whole family.

Sign up to our newsletter:

Subscribe Now