Cornwall doesn't do things by halves. Dramatic cliffs give way to sheltered coves, working farmland rolls into ancient moorland, and fishing villages sit quietly at the end of roads that seem to lead nowhere in particular - until they do. It's a county built on contrast, and on good food from both land and sea.
The good news is you don't have to choose between the two. A rural farm stay gives you a peaceful, unhurried base - and Cornwall's beaches, harbours and market towns are never more than a short drive away. Visit Cornwall itself makes the point well: this is a county of moorland and walking trails and local food, not just sand.
Experience the Best of Coast and Countryside
What makes Cornwall work so well is the sheer range packed into one county. Rugged cliff paths and sandy coves sit a few miles from open farmland and quiet lanes. Woodland and moorland give way to harbour towns where the day's catch still comes in by boat.
- Rugged cliffs and coastal paths
- Sandy beaches and sheltered coves
- Open farmland and quiet country lanes
- Woodland, moorland and rural villages
- Harbour towns and fishing communities
Walkers in particular are spoilt here. Routes cross headlands and moorland, dip through woodland and farmland, and rarely feel like the same walk twice.
Choose Your Perfect Place to Stay in Cornwall
Where you stay shapes the whole trip - and Cornwall's rural accommodation covers a fair amount of ground, from self-catering cottages to farmhouse B&Bs and glamping under open skies.
Self-Catering Holidays in Cornwall
Self-catering suits the kind of holiday that runs on its own schedule. Families spreading out, couples after some privacy, longer stays that need proper breathing room - and, for many, a dog who's coming too. It's an easy fit for anyone who likes cooking with good local produce, or a group wanting shared space to come back to at the end of the day.
Plan the day at your own pace, put together a picnic for the beach, and head back to a quiet countryside cottage once the crowds have thinned out.
Browse self-catering accommodation in Cornwall and find a base that suits the way you like to holiday.
Bed and Breakfast Breaks in Cornwall
A B&B break is a good match for shorter stays - couples, solo travellers, walkers who want an early start and a proper breakfast before heading out. There's real value, too, in staying with hosts who actually know the area: which beach to head to before the tide turns, which pub does a decent Sunday roast, which cove nobody else seems to know about.
Farm Stay's Cornwall B&B collection leans into exactly that - farmhouse hospitality, local breakfasts, and easy access to the coast.
Take a look at Cornwall B&Bs and see what's on offer.
Glamping Holidays in Cornwall
Glamping is the middle ground for anyone who wants nature without the compromises of a tent. It works well for romantic escapes, family adventures and short countryside breaks alike - and there's something to be said for dining outdoors, then stepping outside later to properly dark skies and proper stars.
Shepherd's huts, cabins and pods turn up across the county, depending on what's currently listed. Farm Stay's Cornwall glamping collection focuses on comfortable, characterful stays surrounded by countryside, many within easy reach of the coast.
Explore Cornwall glamping holidays and see what unusual accommodation is out there.
A Cornwall Holiday for Every Kind of Traveller
Cornwall bends to whatever kind of break you're after.
- Family holidays - space to roam and beaches to explore
- Romantic breaks - quiet countryside and coastal views
- Dog-friendly escapes - farmland walks and welcoming stays
- Walking holidays - coast paths, moorland and woodland trails
- Food-focused breaks - local produce, farm breakfasts and seafood
- Glamping adventures - nature without giving up your comforts
- Peaceful short breaks - an easy reset from the everyday
Whichever describes your trip, there's a corner of Cornwall - and a Farm Stay property - built for it.
Find Your Farm Stay in Cornwall
Whether you're picturing a farmhouse breakfast, a quiet cottage evening or a night spent watching the stars from a shepherd's hut, Farm Stay has accommodation across Cornwall to match. Browse the full collection, or head straight to the type of stay that suits you best.
FAQs
Is Cornwall suitable for a countryside holiday?
Very much so. Beyond the coastline that gets most of the attention, Cornwall has plenty of farmland, woodland and open moorland - more than enough for a proper countryside break.
Can you stay on a farm near the beach in Cornwall?
In many cases, yes. A lot of rural properties give you access to both countryside and coast, though it's worth checking individual listings for exact locations and distances before booking.
What type of accommodation can I book in Cornwall?
Farm Stay's Cornwall collection covers self-catering, bed and breakfast and glamping - see self-catering, B&B and glamping for each collection.
Is Cornwall a good destination for families?
Yes - between the beaches, outdoor activities, animal experiences on working farms and family-friendly attractions dotted across the county, there's rarely a dull afternoon.
What is the best type of Cornwall accommodation for a short break?
B&Bs and glamping tend to suit shorter stays best, though it really comes down to the traveller and what's available - both are worth a look when time is tight.