Top 10 Reasons to Choose a Self-Catering Cottage in Cornwall

With spring around the corner, you might be thinking ahead to Easter and the summer holidays. The potential for taking time out of the everyday is exciting, and it’s time to start making plans. Whether you want a family beach holiday, an outdoorsy hiking break, or something different, Cornwall has you covered. Let’s talk about why you might want to choose a self-catering cottage in Cornwall for your next UK break.

A view of St Ives, Cornwall, looking across the water towards the houses set into the hillside. Many of these are self-catering cottages in Cornwall
Image by Åsa K from Pixabay

A self-catering cottage holiday is the perfect way to experience Cornwall. All the comfort of a home base, and the freedom that comes with keeping to the  routine that suits you best. Want to eat out every night? No problem. Need to feed the little ones early and then settle in with a takeaway and a bottle of wine once they’re asleep? Easy.

Why Choose a Self-Catering Cottage in Cornwall?

Here are our top 10 reasons to choose a self-catering cottage in Cornwall for your next holiday.

1. Freedom and Privacy

With a bed and breakfast, you’re often expected to stay out all day, and you’re tied to the scheduled mealtimes. Not so with a self-catering holiday. You have a whole house to hang out in, just like at home, and you’re free to come and go as you please. You’ll have complete privacy to enjoy your holiday however you choose.

  • Everyone has their own space, making it easier to maintain family harmony.
  • No dress code or set mealtimes. No need to make tired children conform to restaurant behaviour standards.

2. Home Comforts and Flexibility

Self-catering gives you the flexibility to create your own schedule. If you want to alternate long days out with quieter chill-out days at ‘home’, then you can do that. If you’re an early bird who likes to be up and out at the crack of dawn, that’s fine too. You also have all the comforts you’re used to at home, and that goes a long way if you’re travelling with children.

  • Laundry facilities are available whenever you need them.
  • A well-equipped kitchen to produce meals any time of day or night.

3. Cost-Effective Holidaying

Hotels can be prohibitively expensive, especially for large families. Self-catering offers a more affordable option. It also gives you more control over your spending, particularly when it comes to food.

  • Manage food expenses by choosing to cook at home rather than eating out all the time.
  • Enjoy family evenings in rather than relying on expensive entertainment every night.

4. Enjoy Local Produce

When you choose self-catering, you put yourself at the heart of the local community. Take advantage of that by seeking out the shops and markets selling Cornish produce. Buying local, wherever you’re staying, lets you enjoy new taste experiences/

  • Investigate farm shops on your travels and bring home something tasty for dinner.
  • Look out for roadside honesty boxes for fresh eggs, homemade cakes, jams, and all kinds of delights.

5. Family Friendly

Travelling with children in tow can be hard going. Being away from home disrupts heir routine, and it’s not always easy to get familiar foods or stick to a reasonable bedtime if you’re staying in a hotel.

  • Clear information upfront about cots, high chairs, and other equipment.
  • Many cottages have garden space, or access to play areas.

6. Romantic Getaways

Not everyone has children, and if you do, you might not always bring them with you. A self-catering cottage in Cornwall works for couples seeking escape from the everyday as well.

  • Hot tubs, fireplaces, and beautiful views, can make the perfect romantic break.
  • Enjoy the privacy of having your own space without noise and disruption from others.

7. Pet-Friendly Breaks

If you’re planning a week of long walks and eating outside at pubs, it seems unfair to leave your dog at home. Luckily, there are lots of options for pet-friendly self-catering holidays.

  • Well-behaved dogs are welcome in lots of cottages.
  • Cornwall has plenty of dog-friendly beaches and walking trails, even in peak season.

8. Unique Accommodation

Self-catering offers more variety than the typical hotel room. Don’t let the term ‘self-catering cottage’ deceive you. You can find everything from traditional stone-built cottages to glass-fronted beach houses.

  • Choose from a huge range of property types.
  • Everything from a romantic shepherd’s hut to a 14-person house for a big family gathering.

9. A Home Base While Holidaying

If you choose your holiday location carefully, you can set yourself up with the perfect base to explore. Choose Newquay for its sandy beaches and nightlife, or St Ives for its artistic heritage. Wherever you end up there will be plenty to explore … and you can choose a different home base next time around.

  • Explore at your own pace and discover local secrets along the way.
  • Choose a location that suits your plans and interests.

10. Immersion in Cornish Culture

Life is different in Cornwall, and that’s reflected from the pub to the market and everywhere between.

  • Find out about the beaches that don’t make it into the tourist guides.
  • Explore the mining heritage that saw Cornish folk travelling across the globe.

Something for Everyone

Self-catering holidays are the perfect choice for families and couples alike. Choose from a huge range of options – there’s something to suit everyone. 

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Liz Barrett is a freelance writer from Cornwall. She helps holiday cottage owners attract more bookings with regular, fresh, location-specific content. Get in touch to find out more.