Let’s face it: it’s hard to beat Cornwall when it comes to world-class ocean views. Lapped on three sides by the sea, this verdant peninsula is home to countless sandy beaches, natural harbours and rocky coves that never fail to leave onlookers tongue-tied in reverent awe. It’s little wonder, then, that Cornwall is as popular with holidaymakers as ever, appealing to everyone from salt-tousled surfers to coast path amblers, and from families with dogs to foodie fans looking to sample the county’s culinary delights.
With holidays in seaside cottages selling out in record time, now is the moment to secure your self-catering retreat before it’s too late. Have a look through our collection of dreamy properties and find your favourite, ready to set an agenda of relaxation and exploration in equal doses. With enough beaches for a lifetime of discovery, expect drawn-out picnics on clifftops, rejuvenating walks along stunning coastal paths, leisurely hours sunbathing on golden sands and evenings watching the most incredible sunsets streak the horizon.
Ready to fill your diary, here are just some of the things to look forward to during your seaside holiday in Cornwall 2021.
2021’s Big Plans for Cornwall
Following 2020’s restrictions, we can’t wait for Cornwall’s shops, eateries and attractions to fully open again in 2021, including the major reopening of Truro’s Hall for Cornwall. With something for everyone, the county’s array of artisan delis, shops, galleries and world-class restaurants will leave all generations raring to go.
Adding to Cornwall’s star-studded appeal, the release of the second Fisherman’s Friends film in 2021 comes as a particularly exciting announcement too. Based on real events, the film takes place in the traditional fishing village of Port Isaac (also home of the famous Doc Martin), and follows the true story of a group of local fishermen who took the world by storm with their haunting sea shanties.
Coincide your trip with the release of Fishermen’s Friends 2 and play out your own heart-warming adventure in a sea view retreat. Other notable events, in September the prestigious Tour of Britain Cycle Race will be coming to Cornwall and later in the year, the Cornish capital city of Truro will be enjoying its own transformation. Undergoing exciting new developments, Turo’s regeneration will include a revamped city centre, a new cycle network and developments to Truro Quays Harbour.
Paws for Celebration: New Dog Beach Restrictions
As no family holiday would be complete without all the pack, dog-friendly staycations are becoming more and more popular. Already one of the best locations in the UK for holidays with dogs, Cornwall has just made itself even more pet-friendly by announcing the relaxing of dog beach bans.
Originally spanning the months from May to September, the new restrictions will take place from July to August (excluding Blue Flag beaches) and be limited to the hours between 10am and 6pm. Excellent news for our floppy-eared pals, this means that you will have much more time to enjoy shoreside walks together, scattering pawprints along the sand.
Cornwall’s Best Sea Views
If there is one thing that Cornwall is not short of, it’s sea views. Boasting mile upon mile of coastline, you are never far from uninterrupted panoramas merging sea and sky in dreamy shades of blue. Pack up a bag with water and goodies and set out to explore some of our favourites.
To get started on your seascape voyage of discovery, the world-famous beauty spots of Kynance Cove, Porthcurno and Carbis Bay should definitely be on your 2021 bucket-list. Showing off the kind of natural aesthetics that would leave even the most seasoned wanderers speechless, it’d be hard to find more jaw-dropping sea views anywhere in the world.
Of course, the county is home to lots of painting-worthy beaches, some of which encompass miles of golden sands. If big is what you’re after for the perfect ocean scene, turn your attention towards Gwithian, Perranporth, Watergate Bay and Praa Sands – each one affording abundant space and views that’ll permanently capture your imagination.
Fun Events by the Sea
Admiring the sea from afar is fun, but sometimes you just can’t beat diving straight into the action. As long as the pandemic does not continue to cause disruption, 2021 is set for a full line up of family-friendly events by the sea, making the most of days in, out and on the water.
For a real taste of the ocean, we definitely recommend heading to one of the many food festivals that take place in Cornwall throughout the year.
Inviting you to sample mouth-watering fruits de mer and local delicacies, the Porthleven Food Festival in April, the St Ives Food Festival in May, Newlyn Fish Festival in August, Falmouth Oyster Festival in October, and the Padstow Christmas Festival in December are all brilliant.
Taking another step closer to the water are Cornwall’s array of boating and regatta days too. Winning the top prize for effort, Falmouth hosts the Fal River Festival in May, the Classics Regatta and Sea Shanty Festival in June, and the Falmouth Sailing Week in August. Elsewhere, there is also the Charlestown Regatta, Looe Lugger Regatta, Saltash Water Festival, regional RNLI Lifeboat Days and much more!
Walking Holidays 2021
Cornwall is one big network of coastal paths, country treks and wooded trails that simply beg for exploration. Whether you are hopping from sea view cottage to sea view cottage or simply staying put and exploring your surrounds, there are plenty of amazing walking opportunities to lure to this sunny pocket of the UK.
Ranking alongside New Zealand’s Milford Track, Chile’s Torres del Paine Trek and Alaska’s Chilkoot Trail, the rambling South West Coast Path has achieved global recognition as one of the most inspiring hiking trails in the world. And, excitingly, 300 miles of it are found in Cornwall. Comprising towering headlands, picturesque coastal valleys, estuaries, harbours and more, walkers of all ages and abilities can enjoy sections of the route and fall head over heels (metaphorically speaking) for the beauty of Cornwall’s coast.
As well as the South West Coast Path, Cornwall proffers lots of inland routes too. Renowned for its windswept drama, Bodmin Moor in North Cornwall is ideal for those looking for a wild escape, while the wooded trails of Cardinham and Tehidy are veritable havens for wildlife watchers and tranquillity seekers.
Must-See Cornish Attractions
One holiday in Cornwall really isn’t enough to discover all there is to see and do in the county, but it’ll certainly whet your appetite for more. Full of multi-generational activities and attractions that will appeal to all and create memories to share around the dinner table long after your holiday is over, you’ll soon be turning your trip into an annual tradition.
Some of the most popular attractions, Cornwall’s exotic gardens are awash with colour and heady floral perfumes thanks to the county’s temperate climate. Uncover a real-life Secret Garden with the Lost Gardens of Heligan or travel the globe from the Eden Project’s giant biomes. For gardens with beautiful sea views, Caerhays Castle Gardens, Trelissick Gardens and Tremenheere Sculpture Garden are unmissable.
As well as its gardens, Cornwall also boasts world-famous attractions. Listen out for the heartbeat of a giant at the island castle of St Michael’s Mount, watch the performance of a lifetime at the clifftop Minack Theatre, follow in the footsteps of King Arthur at Tintagel Castle and claim the title as the UK’s most southerly person at Polpeor on the Lizard.
Book Now
Fill your lungs with rejuvenating sea air and let your worries float away with a holiday in Cornwall in 2021. With our seaside cottages filling up fast, now’s the time to secure your private retreat and enjoy sea views from dawn ‘til dusk.
