Smooth, traffic-free journeys. Gloriously empty beaches. Rambling, ochre-toned strolls. No – it’s not some fictional autumnal paradise. Nor is it a clip from Poldark. It’s Cornwall in the cooler months, after the crowds have abated and the school holiday hordes have packed their bags. 

At its best, Cornwall, after the joy of summertime, delivers crisp bluebird days and an ocean heated by the months of sun and heat. At its worst you’ll get blustery, darkly romantic walks along the beach, cosy afternoons by the fire and a general appreciation for the grandeur of mother nature. No matter which end of the weather spectrum you get, Cornwall will put on a show, and you can discover a charming selection of sea view cottages in Cornwall with Aspects Holidays. 

The best way to see the region in these moodier months? With a sea view house. Endless vistas and large windows allow you to soak in your spectacular surroundings regardless of the weather. It means watching the Atlantic slam into the coastline from your cosy perch under a blanket on the couch. Waking up watching the sun rise across the horizon, and sipping a glass of red wine as the evening fog rolls through, subtly obscuring the water below. 

While Cornwall is awash with gorgeous homes, Aspects Holidays have a selection of the best on their books. Specialising in Cornwall and with a unique knowledge of the area, they offer enviable bases from which to start your Cornish adventure and, crucially, these homes will allow you to watch the ocean come and go, no matter the autumn weather.

5 sea view cottages in Cornwall to book this autumn

Thalassa

Falmouth

Watch fishing boats hum in and out, fall asleep to the light tinkering of moorings and wake up to the buzz of seagulls overhead – this house, on the fringes of Falmouth harbour, is the perfect place to watch life in this seaside town come and go. One of Cornwall’s larger destinations, Falmouth is awash with wonderful places to eat, shops to tinker through and galleries to explore, as well as serving as a great access point for the surrounding beaches and coastal paths. However you fill your days, coming home to this harbourside home and sitting on the sizable deck with the evening sun sweeping across the water below, you’ll feel holiday mode quickly ease on in.

Sleeps 8, from £790 a week

Aqua Vista Loft

St Ives

It doesn’t get much better than St Ives in the autumn. While ostensibly a beach town, St Ives comes into its own in the cooler months. With the crowds cleared out, its white sand beaches stretch for miles, beckoning you to stroll their lengths. The South West Coastal path – accessible from either end of the town – becomes free of traffic, and you can amble along with just the flora and fauna to keep you company. Awash with great places to eat and quintessential pubs, evenings can be easily filled by eating incredibly and making friends around cider-stained tables. This house, perched on a hill above Porthminster beach, provides the ultimate viewpoint from which to soak it all in. Its large, A-frame window will show off the passing of time like an ever-changing artwork, while the bright, airy interiors capture the light on even the greyest of days.

Sleeps 4, from £495 a week 

Saltwater Penthouse

Newquay

Sitting on a peninsula atop one of the country’s most famous surfing beaches, Saltwater Penthouse is the perfect place for those who like their view with a side of entertainment. No matter the weather or the temperature, wetsuit-clad surfers will continuously make their way out like a procession of seals, aiming to nab the perfect wave rolling in on the back of the wintry winds. Watching them carve their way to shore is a suitable replacement for anything Netflix can offer. What’s better, is you can watch it all from the comfort of your own personal hot tub, which might make it hard to draw yourself away. If you can find the willpower to venture out, Newquay has no shortage of things to keep you occupied, from salt-soaked walks to owl sanctuaries and even a sizeable zoo.

Sleeps 8, from £1391 a week

All Decked Out

Mawgan Porth

When you think about the quintessential seaside enclave, it’s probably Mawgan Porth that comes to mind. With just a handful of eateries (fish and chips obviously being the prevailing choice) and well-stocked convenience store that cooks up fresh Cornish pasties every day, and a stretch of white-sand beach that, depending on the weather, will either look like a tropical paradise or a stage for the power of mother nature, it should come as no surprise that Mawgan Porth has remained a well-kept secret of Cornish locals and regular holidaymakers. This property offers 180 degree views of the town and beach below, occupying an enviable position elevated high above the sands. With its modern interiors and light-flooded spaces, this is the perfect temporary home for your Cornish trip.

Sleeps 7, from £844 a week

The Blue Place

Newlyn

Named not just for the shade of its exterior, but also its impressive views out over the big blue beyond, this cosy cottage is the perfect bolthole for two. While Newlyn is a suitable destination for any Cornish holidaymaker, seafood lovers will be in heaven here. The working harbour means local fishmongers and markets get access to the freshest fish off the boats that roll in at every hour. Fancy downing tools for your stay? The local restaurants – such as Mackerel Sky – do incredible things with the amazing ingredients on offer. Outside of mealtimes, Newlyn is something of an artistic hub, with the filmhouse and art gallery keeping aesthetes entertained. Whatever you do with your days, starting your morning with a coffee on the harbourside terrace at your cottage, or finishing your day with a glass of wine while nestled up on the couch, will serve as the perfect punctuating points to an amazing autumnal getaway.

Sleeps 2, from £399 a week

Find out more at aspects-holidays.co.uk