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Cornwall has thousands of holiday homes, and scrolling through listings can eat an entire evening. We’ve picked nine properties across the county — rated 8.4 or above on Booking.com — that cover different budgets, group sizes, and locations. Whether you’re after a hot tub in St Ives or a lakeside lodge near Truro, there’s something here worth a closer look.
Waves End, St Ives
View on Booking.com | Sleeps 4 | 4 bedrooms | Rating: 9.8
A 4-bed house 650 yards from the beach with a hot tub, outdoor dining area, and off-street parking — three things that are hard to find together in St Ives. The kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering, with a dishwasher and washing machine for post-beach loads. The Tate Gallery is less than a mile away, and the harbour restaurants are a 10-minute walk. Best for families or small groups who want to be close to everything without paying hotel prices.
Bay Retreat Villas, Padstow
View on Booking.com | Sleeps 4 | 2 bedrooms | Rating: 8.4
A modern 2-bed villa in St Merryn, about 2 miles from Padstow harbour. The complex has a tennis court and shop on site. Each villa has a balcony and garden area. Pet-friendly, which matters if you’re bringing a dog to a part of Cornwall with beaches like Harlyn Bay and Constantine Bay nearby. Free parking and wifi. A solid base for exploring the north coast without paying Padstow centre prices.
The Engine House, Truro
View on Booking.com | Sleeps 4 | 2 bedrooms
Converted farm buildings with exposed beams and river views, 2 miles from the coast. The countryside location feels remote but Truro’s Cathedral, shops, and restaurants are a short drive away. Good for couples or small families who want quiet evenings and easy access to both the north and south coasts — Perranporth is 20 minutes north, Falmouth 20 minutes south.
2 Fernleigh Villas, Perranporth
View on Booking.com | Sleeps 6 | 3 bedrooms | Pet-friendly
A few minutes’ walk from Perranporth’s three-mile beach. Three bedrooms (one with bunks), full kitchen, washing machine. The Watering Hole — the only bar on a beach in the UK — is at the bottom of the hill. Perranporth hosts live music festivals through summer including Tunes in the Dunes. Good value for families, though a group of friends might draw straws for the bunks.
Ivy Cottage, Launceston
View on Booking.com | Sleeps 4 | Rating: 9.1 location | Pet-friendly
A countryside cottage on the edge of Bodmin Moor, surrounded by open moorland. Log fire, full kitchen, free parking. The local pub takes dogs. You’ll need a car — the nearest M&S is a 10-minute drive — but the coast is 30 minutes away. This is the pick for anyone who wants total quiet: no neighbours, no traffic, just moor and sky. Well-priced compared to coastal properties.
The Hideaway at Tregoose Old Mill, Newquay
View on Booking.com | Sleeps 2 | 1 bedroom | Rating: 9.8
A couples’ retreat in converted mill buildings backing onto open countryside, yet only 5 minutes from Newquay town centre. One double bedroom, compact living space, private garden. The appeal is the contrast — total quiet in the evening, Fistral Beach and Newquay’s restaurants by day. Rated 9.8 on Booking.com from repeat visitors. No children, no dogs — just two people and some peace.
Polgwedhen Lodge, Truro
View on Booking.com | Sleeps 2 | 1 bedroom | Rating: 9.7
The only lodge on the property, set beside a private lake. No other guests, no overlooking farmhouse — genuine seclusion. One bedroom with en-suite, kitchen with oven and fridge. Truro is 4 miles away for supplies and restaurants. St Agnes and its beaches are a 10-minute drive. On-site BBQ facilities mean you can stock up at the supermarket and spend entire evenings lakeside. Best for couples who want something more interesting than a hotel room.
Sea View House, Newquay
View on Booking.com | Sleeps 6 | Rating: 9.8 | Pet-friendly
Overlooks Newquay harbour and bay — the kind of view that justifies the name. Sleeps 6 with outdoor dining space, full kitchen, and parking. Pet-friendly, with cliff-top walks along Pentire and Towan Head starting from the front door. Several Newquay beaches allow dogs year-round. A good pick for larger families or a group of friends who want the beach and Newquay’s nightlife within walking distance.
Falmouth Self Catering Lodges
View on Booking.com | Sleeps 6 | Rating: 8.3
Lodges on a complex overlooking Falmouth Bay, 700 yards from the beach. The complex includes a restaurant, indoor pool, gym, and sauna — more facilities than most self-catering options. Full kitchen with washing machine and tumble dryer. Falmouth has some of Cornwall’s best restaurants, the National Maritime Museum, and Pendennis Castle within easy reach. The lodges suit families or groups who want self-catering flexibility with hotel-style amenities on site.
How to Choose
The right property depends on what you’re after. Here’s a quick guide:
- Hot tub: Waves End, St Ives
- Couples: The Hideaway (Newquay) or Polgwedhen Lodge (Truro)
- Large families/groups: Sea View House (Newquay) or Falmouth Lodges
- Dog owners: Ivy Cottage (Launceston), 2 Fernleigh (Perranporth), or Sea View House (Newquay)
- Budget: Ivy Cottage (Launceston) — countryside location keeps prices lower
- Best location: Waves End (St Ives) — hard to beat for beach access
Browse our full places to stay section for hundreds more options across Cornwall, including properties with hot tubs, dog-friendly cottages, and luxury retreats.
