A Cornish seaside escape is a classic British holiday for a reason: quaint cottages in hillside towns, Cornish ice cream, and raucous seagulls are all sights and sounds that resonate deeply with most of us. And after 18 months where travel has been difficult, to say the least, fleeing the city for a stay in a Cornish cottage is top of our agenda.
In fact, it's top of many people's agendas, which means the South West country is largely overbooked for summer – but it's not too late to organise an autumn or winter stay down on the coast.
The later half of the year can be equally as beautiful as summer in the Cornish countryside. The most alluring point of all is that you'll escape the crowds – the pretty towns, with their narrow streets, will be a whole lot nicer to explore without the flocks of tourists.
What's more, Cornwall also tends to experience higher rainfall over the summer than it does from September onwards, when there are clearer skies. Disclaimer: we aren't guaranteeing you perfect weather – this is the UK, after all.
If you're into food, autumn is the best time to go foraging in Cornwall's beautiful, diverse (not to mention beautifully diverse) landscapes. Elsewhere, the start of autumn means that dogs are allowed on beaches again.
And one of the most tempting points of all, autumn and winter are the perfect time to hole up in a gorgeous cottage.
Speaking of gorgeous cottages, award-winning rental company Classic Cottages offers serious staycation inspiration. More than 40 years of experience in the industry means this is a team that knows what they're doing – and they care about it.
The company only works with cottages and owners that meet its exacting standards. That includes everything from the best locations to making sure each house is kitted out with matching crockery and cutlery.
The team inspects the portfolio regularly, and when you stay with them you fill out a questionnaire at the end to make sure that the experience met your expectations.
Classic Cottages offers beautiful holiday homes to rent around the UK, but here are some of our favourites for a Cornish seaside getaway.
Find out more about Classic Cottages
Cornish seaside cottages: 5 to book this autumn
Cute in name, cute in nature: this picturesque cottage is nestled in the cliffs of Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes, and takes its name from the word for a surfer who rides with their right foot forward. This is a house designed for waterbabies, with a location that gets you down to the water in minutes. The patio is ideal for post-surf lunches or casual dinners – but if you're all worn out after your fun in the sun, friendly local pub The Driftwood Spars is just 50m away. Four bedrooms and two bathrooms make this ideal for families or groups – and it's dog friendly, too.
Sleeps 8. 7 nights from £1140
Perfectly positioned to make the most of its waterfront location, The Pierhouse has a waterside terrace just crying out for sun-drenched lunches and dinners that last long into the night. On the first floor, the sitting room has a bay window and juliet balcony so you can sit and drink in the seaside views. The two bedrooms both have en-suite bathrooms to give visitors their space and privacy, while a snug study is the perfect secret hideaway. If you want to leave your nest, The Pierhouse is just 200m from The Star & Garter in Falmouth, which offers forward-thinking food in cosy pub surrounds.
Sleeps 4. 7 nights from £620
A modern, Cornish take on a dreamy beach house, Rock has floor-to-ceiling windows that are pretty darn good at bringing the outside in. Everywhere you look you have a view over Portreath's sandy beach, but the best spot of all is the roof-top terrace. Did someone say… G&T? Crisp white linens and blue accents throughout reflect the seaside colours and give this house a hotel feel, and we're all for it. Bring or rent a bicycle to explore the old tram routes that'll take you from north to south, and at night, fall asleep to the sound of the waves and let your worries float away...
Sleeps 6. 7 nights form £1265
Tucked away on a cobbled lane, Potters Cottage is a proper hideaway. A classic seaside cottage interior hides sleek, comfortable interiors, decked out with everything to make the space your home away from home. Whether you're here for a time out or on a working holiday, you'll find everything you need at your fingertips – including Hole Foods Deli, selling delicious local goods, just over the road. The idyllic Mousehole is just outside your door, but for further-flung adventures, Newlyn and its fishing port is just a 20-minute scenic walk away.
Sleeps 5. 7 nights from £761
Sleeping 12, this Victorian house is calling out for a family gathering or group of friends. Each bedroom has its own bathroom, too, so everyone has their own space. At the house's beating heart is the garden, where a fire pit sets the scene for whiling away long evenings together, watching as the sun sets over the sea. When you aren't hanging out together at home, Port Isaac is ripe for exploring: from Nathan Outlaw's incredible restaurants to winding streets lined with independent shops, tea rooms and pubs, the quintessential Cornish town is your oyster.
Sleeps 12. 7 nights from £1318
