630 miles of beautiful South West scenery make up the South West Coast Path, with a big chunk of that being in Cornwall it’s time to explore the dramatic clifftops and golden beaches that line the shores of this popular county.
A seasoned walker’s repertoire is filled with mountain climbs, Lake District circulars and coast path adventures. Many people walk the South West Coast Path in chunks, covering a certain area in a certain space of time. Why not take a couple of weeks, book a cottage and walk out along the path every day of your break? If you stay by the coast, you’ll be minutes from the coast path and there’ll be no need to get in the car for the whole holiday.
Each of these cottages is either on the coast path or a short walk away. With coast path convenience comes beautiful sea views. It’ll be hard to decide whether to stay in and admire the view or get out in the fresh sea air for a brisk walk.
Trelowen
Fowey | Sleeps 8 + cot
Tucked adjacent to the coastal footpath above Polruan harbour, Trelowen is a beautiful home to be based for your walking holiday. Take the paths up and down the river or hop on the ferry and go shopping on Fowey. Retire to the hot tub to ease your aching feet after a long day of walking.
The Captain’s Gig
1.7 miles E of St Austell | Sleeps 5 + cot
A lovely 18th century terraced cottage that has probably appeared in the background of a Poldark episode or two. Sitting above the harbour at Charlestown gives you excellent views of the tall ships moored below. Step out into town for a quick circular or plan a whole day out on the South West Coast Path.
The Old Coastguard Station
Falmouth | Sleeps 4 + cot
Conveniently placed on Pendennis isthmus, just around the corner from Pendennis Point in Falmouth, this apartment has beautiful views out to sea and is so convenient for hopping on to the coast path for a day long jaunt or just the fifteen minute wander down to the local beach, Gyllyngvase.
Demelza
1 mile SW of Mullion | Sleeps 4 + cot
This luxurious apartment has picturesque views of Mullion Harbour and plenty of room to relax with a group of friends or family. Start your day with a dip in the pool at Mullion Cove Hotel (included in your stay) and then relax in the cove while bird watching or wander along the clifftops of the Lizard Peninsula.
Mr Blue Sky
Praa Sands | Sleeps 2
Surrounded by a panoramic of the Atlantic Ocean, including St Michael’s Mount, Mr Blue Sky is a seaside haven that you may never want to leave. This private glamping site has its own beach hut bathroom with a hot shower, flushing toilet and wash-basin along with everything you need for a comfortable stay.
The Nutshell
Marazion | Sleeps 2
The Nutshell is a bolthole for two at the heart of Marazion. The simple interiors have a clean but cosy feel and this is the perfect base for couples to explore some of the best places in west Cornwall, such as St Michael’s Mount, the Penzance Jubilee swimming pool and the Tate St Ives.
Oystercatcher
Sennen | Sleeps 5
You might never leave the glorious picture window of Oystercatcher but when you do, you’ll find the coastal path straight outside. Start your walking holiday in a beautiful location and discover the wild west of Cornwall around Sennen.
Polmina
6.2 miles SW of St Ives | Sleeps 2
Surrounded by Cape Cornwall, Zennor and St Ives, Polmina is a Cornwall escape that’s ideal for a couple who really want to get away from it all. The cottage is set up on the cliff with far-reaching views out to the Atlantic Ocean.
Rock
Portreath | Sleeps 6 + cot
The modern interiors and incredible views over Portreath beach make Rock a lovely place to call home for your holiday. When you fancy a little vitamin sea you don’t even need to leave the house. But being so close to the coast means you can hop on to the coast path for 5 minutes or 5 hours, it really is up to you.
Ocean Retreat
2.3 miles SW of St Agnes | Sleeps 2
You can see the sea from your bed in this beautiful home for two in St Agnes. Wander the village for your entire holiday or go further afield to Perranporth or head south to Falmouth. You’ll definitely be getting your fix of the coast in this Cornwall hotspot.
Tregwelen Shepherd’s Hut
1.2 miles SE of Padstow | Sleeps 2 + cot
Escape to this beautiful glamping location overlooking the Camel Estuary and only 20 minutes’ walk from Padstow. This shepherd’s hut is a special retreat with panoramic views and perfectly placed on the Camel Trail for walking the South West Coast Path between Padstow and Wadebridge.
Praxis
4.4 miles SW of Boscastle | Sleeps 2
A former artist’s studio, it’s easy to see how the location of this pretty home inspired creative minds. Sit on your balcony and watch the crashing waves of Trebarwith Strand and hop in the sea whenever you feel like it.
Lady Emma’s Cottage
1.8 miles NE of Kingsand | Sleeps 8 + cot
Standing alone on the edge of the Rame Peninsula, this is a quiet corner of the world to escape to for some down time and the chance to get a little bit closer to nature. Surrounded by a beautiful garden, woodland and the sea, you can relax in your own secluded haven. Plus, with a hot tub with sea views and a tidal shingle beach a short walk away, you might never leave Lady Emma’s.
Rockwater Cabin
2 miles W of Kingsand | Sleeps 3 + cot
Beautiful views aplenty from this cabin overlooking Whitsand Bay. Rockwater is a vintage 1930s cabin with a unique calm and tranquillity. From this vantage point you might catch a glimpse of dolphins and porpoises in the sea below and peregrine falcons and kestrels above. Walk straight on to the coastal path to explore this a leg of the south Cornwall South West Coast Path or just relax on your private deck.
