Penlaurel

Penlaurel is a detached three-bedroom cottage in Crackington Haven, sleeping six across a double, a ground-floor double, and a ground-floor superking twin. Two bathrooms serve the group. The 1.6km walk to Crackington Haven beach drops through the valley past the Coombe Barton Inn.

The hot tub sits outside, the games room includes a pool table, and an open fire takes the chill off the shoulder season. A BBQ and garden extend the outdoor space, and the changeover is Sunday - one of the less common days on the north coast, which can sometimes mean cheaper midweek rates in low season.

Crackington Haven beach faces north, picks up Atlantic swells, and sits beneath cliffs approaching 400 feet. The coast path towards Bude crosses High Cliff - at 731 feet the highest sheer cliff in Cornwall - making the northern stretch a serious day walk. Millook Beach is 5.1km along the coast. Widemouth Bay, favoured by surf schools, is 7.7km north. Boscastle is about 8 miles south. More on the area at Crackington Haven.

Best for groups of six who want a hot tub and games room alongside genuine coast path access. Less suitable for anyone not comfortable driving single-track lanes - Crackington Haven is reached via a steep descent.