Cornwall’s South Coast is a far cry from the rugged wilderness of the North. Sheltering quaint fishing coves cloaked in greenery and studded with picture-perfect beaches, its mild, temperate nature makes it the perfect place to explore year-round. From its rich history, fascinating culture, diverse scenery, prestigious restaurants and plethora of activities and attractions, all the ingredients for an unforgettable self-catering stay in South Cornwall are there to be seized with both hands.

Sip Champagne in St Mawes, spy tall ships in Charlestown, weave through wooded valleys on the Looe Valley Line and sup oysters in Falmouth. With a luxury cottage in South Cornwall you will be able to fill each day with hearty doses of playtime and downtime, topped up with delicious local food and surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty. Romantic break, solo escape or family holiday with the dog, embrace the holiday vibes and settle into 'Cornish time'.

The Cornish take food seriously. Plucking produce from garden, land and sea, resident chefs expertly craft exquisite dishes to tantalise the taste buds of lucky patrons. Offering ample opportunity to sample these heavenly delights, all of South Cornwall’s towns and villages are graced with restaurants, bistros and tearooms waiting to welcome you in. Great news for even the most discerning of foodies!

Head to the seaside Falmouth, a nautical hub as popular for its olde-worde pubs as for its new-world restaurants, or visit Truro (Cornwall’s capital) for a wide range of high street favourites and independent bistros serving fabulous fodder. Fine dine and rub shoulders with the royals in St Mawes or for food somewhere quintessentially Cornish, pop an X over Mevagissey.

If you would like to glean some new gastronomical direction, Philleigh Way Cookery School on the Roseland offers cooking workshops. Work your magic under expert guidance and later pop nearby to Curgurrel Farm Shop in Portscatho to pick up some fresh local ingredients to take home to your luxury cottage in South Cornwall. 

As well as the huge number of foodie festivals in South Cornwall such as Mevagissey Feast Week, Fowey Food Week, Falmouth Oyster Festival and Truro Food Festival, there are also fantastic festivals dedicated to Cornish beverages throughout the year. The Gin and Cornish Drinks Festival in Truro and Falmouth’s Beer Festival are two that should definitely be on your list, whether you are looking for your tried and tested favourite or want to discover new great tastes.

Of course, a holiday in Cornwall wouldn’t be complete without an evening nestled in a cosy corner of a pub or afternoon on a sun-drenched sea view terrace. A real local’s pub with tons of character, the Front in Falmouth is soaked in history and truly atmospheric on a winter’s eve. For fantastic cocktails, wend your merry way to the Old Grammar School in Truro, or for pretty panoramas with your cuppa, head to Downderry’s Inn on the Shore, Looe’s Black Rock Bar or Talland Bay’s Beach Café. 

A pioneer in sustainability and multi-award-winner, the Eden Project should be atop your list for things to do in South Cornwall. Open throughout the year, it is as appealing when the sun is shining as when the rain is pouring; follow the paths around the rainforest and Mediterranean biomes and transport yourself hundreds of miles from home whilst rooted to the spot.

For coastal jaunts, take a boat trip out to sea from Polperro or enjoy a scenic cruise along the Fal River. While the Lost Gardens of Heligan near St Austell boast acre upon acre of tangled gardens for you to explore, St Mawes, Pendennis and Caerhays castles offer an insight into the area’s heritage. If you plan to enjoy your luxury retreat in May, the Black Prince Procession is a must-see too!

To round off your experience, make sure you save time for sand-between-toes adventures on one of the South Coast’s beautiful beaches. Rightly considered to be some of the best in Europe, you can take your pick of a sandy swathes and secret coves, from Falmouth’s Gyllyngvase to Torpoint’s Whitsand Bay to the Roseland’s Pendower Beach.