The best places to stay in Cornwall for families

What is the best part of Cornwall to stay in with kids?

If you’ve ever visited Cornwall or read even a tiny amount about the area, you’ll know it’s a big county with lots of fantastic beaches, fascinating history and some great attractions for both children and adults. But where is the best place in Cornwall for a family holiday? It can be very difficult deciding which part of Cornwall to stay in so I’ve compiled this guide to help you (and me!) choose the best location, whether you’re travelling with tots or teens.

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Most people are drawn to Cornwall by its stunning coastline – there’s over 400 miles of it – but which beaches are best for little children and which are great for surfing? And where is the best place to stay in Cornwall without a car? I’ll be answering all these questions and more in this article.

Although Cornwall is a big place, it’s still possible to stay in one area and make a day trip out to another. If you’re staying in the south and fancy a visit to the north (or vice versa), the distance between the two is not great. The main thing to bear in mind is traffic en route and parking at your chosen destination – set off early if you’re heading somewhere popular.

Make sure you also take a look at my guide to the best things to do in Cornwall with kids for a great overview of things to see and do including a map of where they all are.

Bear in mind that Cornwall is extremely popular – if you’re planning to visit during August, expect high prices, accommodation which gets booked up quickly (a year in advance for places like St Ives) and beach car parks which fill up early. If you’d like to avoid the worst of the crowds, try visiting in the shoulder season (June and September) if you can, or get off the beaten track by staying in one of the quieter parts of Cornwall (the west and the Lizard see fewer visitors).

If you’re keen for your Cornwall family holiday to be a benefit rather than a burden to the local area, consider staying on a farm where you will be contributing more directly to the local economy. Avoid the well known spots, and seek out the quieter areas of Cornwall instead.

Here are some resources for booking farm stays in Cornwall:

Farmstay.co.uk

Cornish Farm Holidays

Featherdown Farms

Our first time visit to Cornwall for families

For our first family trip to Cornwall, we spent a week on the Lizard Peninsula followed by a week on St Mary’s on the Isles of Scilly.

We went at the end of July and it definitely felt a lot quieter than I was expecting – I think this was partly due to us avoiding August on the mainland of Cornwall and also choosing the Lizard. Aside from photogenic Kynance Cove, the Lizard is not as frequented as other parts of Cornwall.

From our base near Kennack Sands we did a day trip to the Minack Theatre and Porthcurno Beach as well as a brief stop at St Michael’s Mount on the way back to our holiday house. Otherwise, we just enjoyed the nearby beaches and the Helford river which easily filled a week. We included a stop at the Eden Project on our way down to the Lizard (and paid a visit to Stonehenge on the way back).

Obviously, there are lots of other destinations which are perfect for a first time trip to Cornwall but we were really pleased with our location.

Points to bear in mind for a first time trip to Cornwall

• Worried about over-tourism? Visit Cornwall in winter, at Easter or during one of the half terms. The sea may be chilly outside of the summer months but there are so many other amazing things to see and do in Cornwall besides racing into the icy Atlantic.
• If you’re on a budget, look for accommodation based on your how much you want to spend rather than your preferred location. There are many amazing places in Cornwall – the popular ones will be pricey but there are plenty of under the radar destinations which will be just as fantastic for a family holiday. Also, check when your kids’ last day of term is and when they go back in September. Sometimes a well-placed inset day can save you hundreds of pounds.
• Be prepared to compromise on what you want from your Cornwall holiday – it’s not always possible to stay somewhere within walking distance of beaches AND restaurants. The most desirable accommodation gets booked up very quickly – and it’s often astronomically expensive.
• If you’re visiting a popular place like St Ives, plan to arrive early or late – parking can be very tricky.
• Reservations are essential at many restaurants, aim to book ahead.
• Bring wetsuits – you’ll be able to stay in the water a lot longer.
• Stay somewhere rural and enjoy being off the beaten track. There are some amazing places to stay in Cornwall for families away from the busy tourist destinations. Prices will be a lot lower if you opt for a less well known part of Cornwall.
• Concerned about the long drive to Cornwall? Time your departure from home so you avoid the busiest times of the day. Make the drive part of the holiday by stopping at interesting places along the way – for a night, or just to break the journey.
• If you want to stay right in the centre of a town, such as St Ives, bear in mind that parking may be an issue and you might not have much outdoor space. If you want accommodation where the kids can play outside while you’re cooking dinner (or having a peaceful morning coffee), consider a property in a rural location.

Getting to Cornwall with kids

We decided to set off at 5am on our journey to Cornwall from our home in Hertfordshire. This meant we missed the rush hour of the M25 and made it to Honiton, in Devon, for breakfast. It also meant that we were able to incorporate a stop at the Eden Project on that first day.

If you’re wondering where to stop on your way to Cornwall, check out my comprehensive guide to fun places to break the journey which aren’t service stations. It includes plenty of nature reserves, farm cafes and other good value family-friendly places.

On our inbound journey, we stopped for a picnic lunch at Stonehenge which, even at the start of August, was still a brilliant experience.

The different parts of Cornwall

If it’s your first family holiday in Cornwall, here’s a brief summary of what’s what and where the various places are located plus some ideas of where to stay in Cornwall for families.

I’ve split Cornwall into the following areas (other websites might choose to split it differently):

• North Cornwall
• Mid Cornwall
• West Cornwall
• South Cornwall
• The Lizard
• The Isles of Scilly

North Cornwall

North Cornwall has some very popular coastal towns which draw huge numbers of visitors – Newquay and Padstow are the most well known. The north coast is famed for its long sandy beaches, powerful surf and foodie scene.

• Main towns and attractions: Bude, Tintagel, Camelford, Port Isaac, Polzeath, Padstow, Newquay, Perranporth, Portreath
• Well known beaches: Summerleaze, Crooklets, Bedruthan Steps, Harlyn Bay, Constantine, Fistral, Crantock, Godrevy, Gwithian, Hayle Towans, Holywell Bay, Lusty Glaze, Mawgan Porth, Mexico Towans, Perranporth, Porthtowan, Watergate Bay, Padstow’s Seven Bays
• Great for: surfing and body boarding, long sandy beaches, sea food restaurants, myths and legend, dramatic cliffs
• Cons: gets very busy in the summer, Newquay can be quite rowdy with teens and young adults – great if you’re a teen or young adult but not so great if you have little children.

Where to stay in North Cornwall with kids

There are endless websites offering self catering cottages and apartments,. I’ve detailed a few suggestions of where to stay in North Cornwall here. I’ve tried to pick places which I would enjoy staying at for readers who know my style of travel.

Macdonald’s Farm, Porthcothan

This holiday park near Padstow has a good range of accommodation options – camping, glamping and ensuite B&B rooms – perfect for multi generational families if the grandparents don’t want to camp.

The park is walking distance to Porthcothan beach and around 20 minutes’ drive to Padstow. There’s plenty to do on site with farm animals to meet, play area, a cafe and live music in the evenings.

Find out more about Macdonald’s Farm

St Tinney’s Farm Holidays, Otterham

This fairly small holiday park consists of lodges which share a heated outdoor pool and games room. There are lakes for fishing, nature trails and a bar-restaurant.

Find out more about St Tinney’s

Perran Sands, Perranporth

This holiday park is right on the beach at Perranporth and offers a really wide range of accommodation options and facilities. If you’re feeling optimistic about the weather (!) and you love being on the beach, you can shave money off your holiday cost by opting not to pay for the indoor pool.

Perranporth has three miles of sandy beach and it’s a brilliant beach for surfing, bodyboarding as well as sandcastle building, rock pooling and cave exploring. There’s also a seawater swimming pool. Perranporth is within easy reach of both Newquay and Truro.

Find out more about Perran Sands

Merlin Farm Holiday Cottages, Mawgan Porth

These stylish cottages offer the best of both worlds – access to the countryside and walking distance (20 minutes) to beach and restaurants.

Find out more about about Merlin Farm Holiday Cottages

Gwel an Mor, Portreath

If you have the budget for it, these luxury lodges, set in attractive grounds, have hot tubs, shared indoor pool and animal enclosures as well as a spa. You’re walking distance to the town and beach at Portreath.

Find out more about Gwel an Mor

Mid Cornwall

Mid Cornwall is home to Cornwall’s only city – Truro. It’s also a place of industrial heritage and great open moorlands. I’m tempted by the cycling opportunities – the Camel Trail and the coast-to-coast Bissoe Trail.

Main towns and attractions: Truro, Bodmin, Lanhydrock, Camel Trail, Bissoe Nature Reserve

Great for: Cornwall’s only city, open spaces, walks, historic sites, cycling trails. You’re likely to find better value accommodation away from the bigger name tourist attractions, it’s a good base for visiting a wider range of destinations.

Cons: obviously you do not have a beach on your doorstep but you are midway between the north and south coasts if you’re keen to visit both in one holiday.

Where to stay in Mid Cornwall with kids

Primrose Farm Holidays, near Truro

This looks like a great camping and glamping holiday farm near Truro. There’s a mix of camping pitches, caravanning and some en-suite glamping tents. There’s a cafe / bar on site and the owners sound really attentive.

Find out more about Primrose Farm Holidays

Hallagenna Cottages, near Bodmin

These good value cottages are perfect for families who enjoy walking – they’re right on the edge of Bodmin Moor. There’s a pub for evening meals within walking distance and the Camel Trail, ideal for cycling, is a five minute drive away.

Find out more about Hallagenna Cottages

Combe Mill Family Farm Holidays, near Bodmin

I love the sound of this family farm holiday in Cornwall. You’re within easy reach of so many brilliant days out including the Camel Trail (we love cycling), Bodmin Jail and Tintagel Castle. There are beaches galore to choose from too including Polzeath and Daymer Bay.

The accommodation at Combe Mill is good value and very family friendly with playrooms in some of the lodge accommodation, there’s also an indoor soft play at the farm. Little kids will love feeding the animals and taking tractor rides.

Find out more about Combe Mill

Tregolls Farm, near Bodmin

This looks like a really scenic spot to get away from it all. There’s a small play area, eggs to collect, and wide open spaces to explore.

Find out more about Tregolls Farm

Glynn Barton Cottages, near Bodmin

This collection of luxury cottages and glamping units is set in large grounds with everything a family could possibly want on site – from farm animals to a maze, indoor pool to soft play.

Find out more about Glynn Barton Cottages

West Cornwall

West Cornwall – which includes St Ives in the north and Penzance in the south – has a rocky coastline with fewer beaches than north or south Cornwall but it also receives far fewer visitors. Having said that, there are some fabulous stretches of sand – we loved Porthcurno and I have some very happy memories of visits to the epic sands of Whitesand Bay.

West Cornwall has some wonderful attractions – the Minnack Theatre and St Michael’s Mount are usually towards the top of the list of the best things to do in Cornwall while Land’s End pulls in plenty of tourists.

• Main towns and attractions: Hayle, St Ives, Land’s End, Minnack Theatre, Penzance, Marazion, St Michael’s Mount, Mousehole, Porthlevan
• Well known beaches: Hayle Towans and Gwitihan Towans, Porthmeor, Porthgwidden, Porthminster, Carbis Bay, Sennen Cove, Porthcurno, Praa Sands, Marazion
• Great for: wild rocky coastal walks, beautiful beaches, art, outdoor theatre, rock climbing, foodie scene at Porthlevan
• Cons: not as many beaches as you’d find elsewhere in Cornwall, long and slow journey to get there (but that means it is a bit quieter!)

Where to stay in West Cornwall for families

Wheal Rodney Holiday Park, near St Michael’s Mount

This good value holiday park offers the choice of camping and caravanning as well as lodges and glamping. Wheal Rodney is within walking distance of St Michael’s Mount.

Find out more about Wheal Rodney Holiday Park

Carn Towan Cottages, near Whitesand Bay

This collection of four cottages in shared grounds is within walking distance of Whitesand Bay and Sennen Cove village. Penzance is just eight miles away so if you fancy a car-free break in Cornwall, a stay at one of these cottages is a doable option.

Find out more about Carn Towan Cottages

Treganhoe Farm glamping, near Penzance

If you’re looking for luxury glamping in West Cornwall, this farm midway between Penzance and Land’s End looks unbeatable. This is a Feather Down Farm experience with fire pits, a pizza oven and the full off-grid experience.

Find out more about Treganhoe Farm

South Cornwall

South Cornwall is more sheltered than the north and west, with smaller beaches and coves. There are lots of picture-postcard harbour towns, luxuriant gardens, rivers and creeks. This is a good area for paddleboards and kayaks, rather than surfboards and bodyboards.

• Main towns and attractions: Falmouth, St Austell and historic Charlestown, Saltash, Liskeard, Looe, Polperro, Fowey, St Mawes, Lost Gardens of Heligan, Eden Project, Trebah Gardens
• Well known beaches: Durgan Beach, Gyllyngvase, Swanpool, Maenporth, Polperro, Talland Bay, Lekerock Cove, Whitsand Bay, Cawsand Beach
• Great for: sheltered beaches, kayaking and paddle boarding, beautiful gardens, rocky coves and rock pools, fishing villages and port towns, maritime history, boating
• Cons: the beaches are not as vast and the waves are smaller – minor cons, really.

Where to stay in South Cornwall for families

Tregarton Park, near Mevagissey

This family run campsite only accepts couples and families and is particularly suited to younger children. There’s a heated outdoor pool, decent playground and a tennis court. It’s a 10 minute drive to Mevagissey.

Find out more about Tregarton Park

River Valley Holiday Park, near St Austell

As a keen cyclist, I love the location of this family-run holiday park. It’s just off the Pentewan Valley Trail so you can cycle to the beach or to St Austell. This makes it a good choice for a car-free holiday in Cornwall, it’s also on a bus route.

River Valley features a choice of camping or holiday homes and there’s an indoor pool, play area and games room so it suits a range of ages.

Find out more about River Valley Holiday Park

Pentewan Sands Holiday Park, near St Austell

Pentewan Sands has its own beach with water sports facilities, heated indoor pools, and various eateries. This is a large holiday park with a range of accommodation choices including camping and lodge stays.

Find out more about Pentewan Sands

Poltarrow Farm Holidays

This collection of upmarket farm cottages share an indoor pool, games room and toddler play room making it a great choice if there’s a range of ages in your family or group.

Find out more about Poltarrow Farm Holidays

The Lizard Peninsula

The Lizard Peninsula dips south into the Atlantic Ocean. It feels less visited than other parts of Cornwall but still has enough to see and do for families. We loved the pretty fishing villages of Coverack and Cadgwith and had great fun escaping the incoming tide at Kynance Cove. The Helford River was perfect for paddle boarding – I’d love to return and explore further upstream.

We visited Kennack Sands a few times – it’s a big sandy beach with a cafe near the car park and rockpools at low tide. On my next visit, I’d like to check out the Terence Coventry sculpture park.

• Main towns and attractions: Helford, Helston, Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Gunwalloe, Mullion, Lizard Point, Cadgwith Cove, Terence Coventry Sculpture Park, Coverack, Roskilly’s
• Well known beaches: Dollar Cove, Kynance Cove, Poldhu Beach, Polurrian Beach, Mullion Cove, Kynance Cove, Church Cove, Kennack Sands
• Great for: getting off the beaten track, quiet coastal path walks, pretty fishing villages, amazing ice cream at Roskilly’s, paddle sports on the Helford River
• Cons: long drive from popular Cornish “attractions”

Where to stay in the Lizard with kids

Little Trevothan, near Coverack

This looks like a lovely family-run campsite, a short drive (half hour walk) to the pretty fishing village of Coverack. There are static caravans for those who’d prefer not to camp, along with a games room, play ground and a small shop.

Find out more about Little Trevothan

Trenance Farm Cottages, near Mullion

This collection of good value holiday cottages are a great choice for multi-generational family holidays in Cornwall. There’s 12 units, converted from farm outbuildings, with a choice of one, two or three bedrooms. The farm is within walking distance of Mullion Cove and there’s also a shared outdoor pool.

Find out more about Trenance Farm Cottages

Heath Farm Cottages, near Coverack

This little collection of farm cottages looks attractively furnished. They are located less than a mile from the coast and just over a mile to pretty Coverack village.

Find out more about Heath Farm Cottages

Parkdean Sea Acres Resort, near Kennack Sands

This Lizard holiday park is in a great location, a short walk down the hill to the long sandy beach of Kennack Sands.

There’s a range of accommodation options, an indoor pool, cafe and restaurant. The clifftop location offers great sea views.

Find out more about Parkdean Sea Acres Resort

The Isles of Scilly

Leave your car in Penzance and take a trip back in time – experience a holiday with fewer vehicles, fewer people, fewer attractions but lots of space, empty beaches and endless sea views. We loved the Isles of Scilly!

• Main towns and attractions: Hugh Town is the only town of any size (and it’s pretty tiny), Tresco Abbey Garden. It’s all about the beaches on the Scillies
• Well known beaches:  Porthcressa, Pelistry Bay, Porth Hellick, Porthmellon – St Mary’s; Gugh Bar, St Agnes; Great Bay – St Martin’s; Pentle Bay – Tresco
• Great for: getting away from it all, walking, beachcombing, kayaking and SUP, cycling, swimming with seals, boat trips
• Cons: if you’re unlucky with the weather there isn’t a great deal to do on the Scillies other than visit the beach and go for walks so ensure you bring a wetsuit and some wet weather gear “just in case”.

Read my complete guide to the Scilly Isles here and check out things to do on the Scillies here.

Where to stay on the Isles of Scilly with kids

I’d recommend staying on the main island of St Mary’s for a family holiday on the Isles of Scilly. There’s more to see and do, more shops, more places to eat and a much wider range of holiday accommodation. Exploring St Mary’s by bike is great fun.

As the islands are so small, it doesn’t really matter where you stay, you’re never too far from anywhere. You’re most likely to be dictated by your budget and the availability. You need to start looking for Scilly accommodation about a year in advance.

Where to stay in Cornwall for toddlers

Toddlers will happily spend all day digging in the sand so most of Cornwall is a win-win for little kids and their parents. There are some beaches which are more sheltered than others but even places like Newquay, renowned for its big waves, have areas which offer a bit of protection from the elements.

My biggest tip for visiting Cornwall with a toddler is to avoid August if you can. Make the most of not being tied to school holidays and visit during June or September. Not only will places be much quieter but prices will be lower too.

If you don’t mind which area of Cornwall you stay in, it’s worth deciding how much you want to spend and what type of accommodation you want first and then see what’s available where. There are some brilliant farm stays in Cornwall for toddlers as well as holiday parks with lots of facilities including indoor pools.

One other factor to consider is how far you are willing to drive to your holiday destination. If you choose west Cornwall or the Lizard, you’ll be adding on an extra hour to your journey.

The more well known and popular parts of Cornwall such as St Ives and Newquay have lots of rainy day attractions and more facilities whereas the more remote spots in west Cornwall or the Lizard lend themselves better to families who prefer to enjoy the great outdoors.

As you might have noticed, I’m a big fan of the Scilly Isles. Most of these isles are car free and feel particularly safe for children. There’s a good range of sheltered beaches, lots of short boat trips and a particularly well appointed play area on St Mary’s. Just bear in mind that the journey to the Scillies is rather long.

Where to stay in Cornwall for teenagers

While much of Cornwall will appeal to children of all ages, there are some parts of the county which work particularly well for older teenagers and young adults.

Newquay for teens

Newquay is the surfing mecca of the UK and attracts hundreds of young people during the summer. It’s very much geared up for teens with coasteering, jet skiing, and laser tag on offer, plus indoor options like VR arcades, escape rooms, and bowling, as well as the well known Blue Reef Aquarium.

Bude family holiday with teens

This family-friendly resort town features a tidal sea pool for safe swimming, as well as excellent surfing, bodyboarding and coasteering opportunities. There’s also the canal for canoeing and kayaking. The Bude Monster Slip and Slide looks like a great outing too.

Falmouth holidays with teenagers

Teens will love paddleboarding and kayaking on the Fal River. They can also learn to sail or dive in Falmouth. Gyllyngvase beach meanwhile is good for swimming, as well as rockpooling in case they’re still into that.

As with Newquay, you’ll find plenty of typical teen-friendly attractions in Falmouth including VR rooms, bowling, laser-tag and paintballing.

Where to stay in Cornwall for water sports

Cornwall is a paradise for water sports, with a mix of surf spots, calm estuaries, and rugged coastline perfect for all kinds of activities.

The best beaches in Cornwall for surfing and body boarding

The north coast is a mecca for surfers with Newquay’s Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay drawing the most visitors. The long stretch of beach at Perranporth offers consistently good waves while Polzeath is a good bet for beginners. Bude meanwhile, is another reliable destination, less hectic than Newquay.

Heading to the west coast of Cornwall, Sennen Cove near Land’s End is a popular surfing spot while South Cornwall has good surf at Porthleven and Praa Sands.

The best areas of Cornwall for SUP and kayaking

Despite Cornwall’s famed surfing spots, there are plenty of sheltered areas for more sedate water sports. Even in the Newquay area, you’ll find some suitable places to paddle – the River Gannel when the tide is high offers good paddling just south of Newquay.

If you’re staying in Padstow, the Camel Estuary offers a wonderful backdrop for paddling.

Heading south, we enjoyed kayaking and paddleboarding on the Helford River – it’s a really peaceful spot. Elsewhere on the Lizard, Cadgwith Cove and Mullion Cove have interesting sections of coast to explore with caves and enticing inlets.

Falmouth is a popular paddle boarding and kayaking location – both the harbour and bay, and the River Fal.

Where to snorkel in Cornwall

I’ve heard good things about the snorkelling at Prussia Cove. It’s a quiet spot (no life guard) between St Michael’s Mount and Porthleven.

The rocky coast of the Lizard Peninsula is another good location for snorkelling – Porthkerris on the eastern side and Mullion Cove on the western side of the peninula are both popular.

My brother loved snorkelling with seals off the Isles of Scilly a few years ago. There’s one outfit who takes visitors out – book in advance as it’s a popular activity.

Where to stay in Cornwall without a car

The Man in Seat 61 will tell you everything you need to know about train travel to Cornwall (and elsewhere).

If you’re the type of person who thinks the journey is part of the holiday, I’d recommend taking the sleeper train to Penzance and then hopping on the ferry to the Isles of Scilly. The Scillies are perfect for a car-free Cornwall holiday – only residents of the islands are permitted to bring their cars over.

Back on the mainland, there are plenty of popular Cornwall destinations which are accessible by rail including Newquay, St Ives, St Austell and Falmouth. Any of these would make a good base for a Cornwall holiday without a car.

If you get itchy feet, there’s the open top Land’s End Coaster which travels along the coast from St Ives around to Penzance and then back via St Erth – perfect if you fancy a day out to one of Cornwall’s major attractions such as the Minack Theatre or St Michael’s Mount.

Where to stay in Cornwall for history lovers

I’m a big fan of outdoor art and open-air museums. Much of Cornwall’s past is woven into the landscape rather than locked behind glass, which makes it easier for families to experience in short, engaging visits. Choosing the right base can make all the difference, allowing you to combine historic sites with beaches, walks and unhurried days.

If you’re staying in north Cornwall, areas such as Tintagel, Boscastle or Padstow put you close to some of the county’s most dramatic landmarks. Tintagel’s steep paths and footbridge add a sense of adventure that older children usually enjoy, and the Arthurian legends help bring the ruins to life.

The south coast works particularly well for families, with a mix of calmer beaches and compact historic sites. Marazion is an excellent base for visiting St Michael’s Mount, where children can walk across the causeway at low tide or take a short boat ride when the sea comes in. Exploring the castle, harbour and terraces feels more like an adventure than a lesson in history. Further along the coast, Falmouth offers plenty of variety, with Pendennis Castle providing open spaces, cannons and tunnels that are ideal for younger explorers.

If you stay in mid-Cornwall, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to history with Bodmin, Lanhydrock and Charlestown to explore. Lanhydrock House is especially good with children, thanks to its contrast between grand rooms and everyday working spaces, as well as its extensive grounds for cycling and picnics.

Nearby Charlestown adds a different kind of historical interest. The small harbour, lined with tall ships and old warehouses, feels like stepping back into Cornwall’s maritime past. Its size makes it manageable with younger children, while older ones often enjoy recognising it from films and TV series.

In west Cornwall, basing yourselves near St Just or Pendeen gives easy access to Cornwall’s industrial history. Walking sections of the Tin Coast allows children to explore engine houses perched above the sea, turning history into something physical and memorable. Sites like Chysauster Ancient Village nearby offer a quieter experience, where children can wander through Iron Age stone houses and imagine life long before modern Cornwall took shape.

Off the beaten track in Cornwall

Each area of Cornwall has its less visited parts – even the really popular places. There’ll be a smaller beach near the big name beach or a quieter town close to one of the more famous ones. Generally, the harder to beach is to reach, the quieter it will be.

There are two areas of Cornwall which are noticeably quieter than the rest of the county – the Isles of Scilly and the Lizard Peninsula.

The Isles of Scilly are located several hours by boat (or a short plane ride) off the south west coast of Cornwall. You cannot bring your car – most people explore the islands on foot or by bike. This remote location puts a lot of people off visiting – along with the relative scarcity of accommodation.

We enjoyed a family holiday on the Isles of Scilly with our children and our parents – it suited all of us. There are plenty of sandy beaches, a good range of self catering accommodation, some good restaurants and stunning scenery.

The Lizard, meanwhile, has a sleepy feel to it – quieter roads, a few more spaces in the beach car parks, and a peaceful river, the Helford, to meander down. Lizard Point is the most southerly point on mainland Britain but feels much more lowkey than it’s south westerly counterpart, Land’s End.

Of course, the far west of mainland Cornwall, due to its remoteness, does attract fewer visitors than other parts of the county. While Land’s End is a popular attraction, the rest of the coastline is a good choice for visitors who’d like a quieter holiday in Cornwall. There are some fantastic clifftop walks and some secluded coves to explore.