Quick answer: A week in Cornwall costs £700–£1,200 for a family of four in self-catering, and May, June and September are the months that make it work.
Cite this page: Atravel.uk, “Cornwall from the UK”, updated 12 November 2026. https://atravel.uk/destinations/cornwall/
Cornwall is 300 miles of coastline, fishing towns and surf beaches at the end of a long drive. It repays planning more than most UK destinations: the difference between a good week and a frustrating one is which coast you pick and when you go.
When to go
- Best months: May, June and September — warm, dry, quieter
- Cheapest months: November to March, when much of the coast closes
- Avoid: August, when the A30 becomes a car park
What it costs
| Self-catering cottage, per week | £600–£1,400 |
|---|---|
| Return train, London to St Erth | £90–£180 |
| Car hire, per week | £180–£320 |
| Cream tea for two | £12–£18 |
Typical ranges from our partner searches, 2026-11-12. Both the season and the booking window shift these figures.
Getting there
Five hours by car from London on the M5 and A30, or the train to St Erth with a branch line to St Ives. Newquay has flights from Gatwick, Manchester and Edinburgh in summer, which saves the drive.
Pricing the trip? See what a weekend in Cornwall costs, line by line.
What to see
- St Ives for the Tate, the harbour and the light
- The South West Coast Path between Zennor and St Ives
- Eden Project, half a day and worth the ticket
- Padstow to Rock by ferry, and the Camel Trail by bike
Where to stay
St Ives for a town break, Padstow for food, Falmouth for a working harbour, and the Lizard for space and dark skies.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car in Cornwall?
Practically, yes. Trains reach the main towns but the beaches and coves need a car or a long bus ride.
When is the sea warmest?
Late August and September, at about 17°C. It is cold by Mediterranean standards all year.
Is Cornwall good out of season?
October is lovely and half the price. From November many places close for the winter.
Also worth a look
- Bristol: Harbourside, street art and the best food in the south-west.
- Bath: Roman baths, Georgian streets and a spa you can swim in.
- Cardiff: A castle in the middle, a bay at the end of the street.