As part of our Green Traveller's Guide to Cornwall, Jackie King picks out a selection of B&Bs, hotels, self-catering and camping.
As one of the England's most popular holiday hotspots, Cornwall has, not surprisingly, a fantastic and varied selection of places to stay. B&Bs tucked away in whitewashed fishing villages, country hotels on rolling estates, and glampsites with views of the sea – whatever sort of holiday you're on, be it a romantic retreat by the sea, a bucket-and-spade family holiday or an activity break with friends, you'll be able to find a place to suit you.
Our travel team has uncovered the very best of Cornwall's green places to stay – all of these places have been awarded the Green Tourism Business Scheme for their efforts. From the owners that rear their own pigs for breakfast bacon, to the wind turbines that power a 400-year old house, we salute each owner for doing their bit – and helping you have a greener holiday at the same time. We think we may have just found Britain's most carefully-sourced breakfast, too. Read on...
Google map: shows the location and details of all the places to stay, local food and drink, nearby visitor attractions and activities in our Green Traveller's Guide to Cornwall:
Green = Places to stay Blue = Local food & drink Yellow = Attractions Purple = Activities
Where to stay in Cornwall
Little Goonreeve Farm, Cornwall, England
Little Goonreeve Farm holiday cottages welcome you to indulge in as little or as much tranquil country life as you wish. Our two peaceful cottages are located to the west of the village of Mylor Bridge, situated within our small-holding. littlegoonreeve.co.uk
Higher Lank Farm, Cornwall, England
This B&B or self-catering farm holiday is most definitely for young families - you can only stay at this wonderful 500-year-old working farm if you have at least one child under 5. Expect a relaxing environment for parents, babies and toddlers. higherlankfarm.co.uk
Pendragon Country House, Cornwall, England
A former rectory, now an elegant, yet informal 5-star award-winning luxury guest house, where all rooms are individually decorated and furnished with antiques and rich fabrics. Meals include locally sourced food, for a true taste of Cornwall. pendragoncountryhouse.com
The Old Rectory, St Juliot, Cornwall
A fantastic, family-run historic house surrounded by beautiful gardens in the Cornish countryside. Meet a wide variety of friendly farm animals and enjoy home cooked meals made using ingredients sourced from the walled kitchen garden. stjuliot.com
Roundhouse Barn, Cornwall, England
Relax and unwind in luxury, multi-award winning 5 star self-catering accommodation on the unspoilt Roseland Peninsula. 3 converted 17th Century Cornish stone barns are packed with the latest mod cons and are in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. roundhousebarnholidays.co.uk
Trenethick Farmhouse, Cornwall, England
A wonderful farmhouse B&B located on an organic farm in the beautiful Cornish countryside. The rooms are comfortable and filled with character, the breakfasts are locally sourced and you'll even be able to bring your horse along with you. trenethick-farmhouse.co.uk
Bedknobs Bed and Breakfast, Cornwall, England
An elegant detached Victorian Villa with spacious and comfortable en suite bedrooms in an acre of secluded woodland garden just 5 minutes walk from Bodmin town centre. Ideal for exploring nearby Eden Project. bedknobs.co.uk
Orchard Lodge B&B, Cornwall, England
A 5 star bed & breakfast with gold award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme, Orchard Lodge has en suite rooms, an open fire for winter, relaxing garden for summer. Within 10 minute's stroll from Boscastle's historic harbour and coastpath. orchardlodgeboscastle.co.uk
Carnwethers Country House and Cottages, Cornwall
Located in England's smallest AONB on the largest island, St Marys, Carnwethers provides four, 4 star cottages in an acre of luscious tropical gardens. Just 5 minutes walk from the stunning Pelistry beach and the coastal footpath network. carnwethers.com
Redgate Smithy B&B, Cornwall, England
A lovely B&B surrounded by glorious garden brimming with wildlife. Beamed bedrooms, friendly owners, and lots of places to eat nearby. Start your day with a Full Cornish breakfast, with lots of local produce. redgatesmithy.co.uk
Schooner Point, Cornwall, England
Lovely Looe, with its rows of whitewashed fisherman cottages and colourful boats bobbing in the harbour. This B&B makes a great lookout for passing boats, hence the name – you never know, you might even catch sight of a schooner in the harbour. schoonerpointlooe.co.uk
Pentillie Castle, Cornwall, England
A turreted, 17th-century castle, 2,000 acres of grounds that reach to the Tamar, a natural swimming pool with bathing hut, beautiful food, gorgeous bedrooms...and it's supremely green, too. A boutique B&B with a difference. pentillie.co.uk
Trenython Manor Hotel & Spa Resort Cornwall
A glorious mansion hotel on the Cornish Riviera surrounded by acres of beautiful countryside and stunning sea views. With exquisite food, warm indoor pool & spa and luxurious interiors, this is the perfect seaside getaway. trenython.co.uk
Blue Seas Hotel, Cornwall, England
Overlooking Mounts Bay and with the promenade just yards away, Blue Seas Hotel has fantastic sea views and is ideal for a refreshing break. Breakfasts use local, fresh ingredients. blueseashotel-penzance.co.uk
The Scarlet Hotel, Cornwall, England
A gorgeous hotel built to the highest eco standards, overlooking the sea on the Cornish coast. Be pampered in the luxurious Ayurvedic spa, sample delicious locally sourced food or take some time out to reflect and enjoy the views. scarlethotel.co.uk
Bedruthan Steps Hotel and Spa, Cornwall
Unwind and refresh at this stunning hotel and spa in the natural and peaceful setting of the Cornish Coast. You'll be welcomed by a friendly team, sample home-cooked local food and be pampered in the Ocean Spa. bedruthan.com
Primrose Valley Hotel, St Ives, Cornwall
Stylish and modern hotel, built to an eco spec, overlooking the glorious Porthminster Beach. After a day on the beach or exploring St Ives, relax back at the hotel's spa and in the comfort of the individually designed bedrooms. primroseonline.co.uk
St Michael's Hotel & Spa, Cornwall, England
Fabulous seaside retreat: relax in comfortable, contemporary bedrooms, dine on fish caught in the bay, soak in organic products in the spa, gaze out to sea across south-facing subtropical gardens. It's kid- and dog-friendly, too. stmichaelsresort.com
Pedn Olva, Cornwall, England
Jutting out on a peninsula in colourful St Ives is this great hotel. Cabin rooms face seaward, the restaurant serves up a seasonal menu and there's plenty of car-free activities. Fall asleep to the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks below. pednolva.co.uk
The Alverton, Cornwall, England
Grade II-listed splendour in lively, likeable Truro. Gorgeous rooms have mullioned windows and modern flourishes, the restaurant serves up Cornish ingredients and there are lovely grounds to explore on lazy days. thealverton.co.uk
Hotel Penzance, Cornwall, England
A calm retreat with friendly staff, a fantastic restaurant and a monthly-changing exhibition of work by local artists. Rooms have a classical air, with plenty of little luxuries. Perfectly positioned in central Penzance for car-free activities. hotelpenzance.com
Ruthern Valley, Bodmin Moor, Cornwall
Small, family run holiday park in North Cornwall. Rural, wooded site with timber lodges, camping, camping pods, Wigwams. Very little light pollution so the stars are great! David Bellamy Gold Award, On The Camel cycle trail for family days out. ruthernvalley.com
Tregulland Cottage and Barn, Cornwall, England
Luxury, sustainable accommodation, for groups of up to 22 people, in 16 acre grounds with its own fishing lake and the UK's first indoor freshwater pool. A stone’s throw from Cornwall’s best beaches, fishing villages and hidden gems. tregullandandco.co.uk
Bosinver Farm Cottages, Cornwall, England
20 individual, award winning detached cottages on a farm in a hidden valley near the sea: easy access to all of Cornwall. 30 acres of wild flower meadows, woods, lake & friendly animals. Pool, tennis court, playbarn. Ambassador for the COAST project. bosinver.co.uk
The Travelling Post Office, Cornwall, England
The Travelling Post Office is a piece of history now converted into a beautiful and unique place to stay: this historic railway coach broke the 100mph barrier in 1904 and now boasts stunning views of the surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty railholiday.co.uk
Gwel an Mor, Portreath, Cornwall
A fabulous gathering of self-catering eco lodges above a beautiful beach in Cornwall, full service with a spa, indoor pool, wildlife centre and restaurant. Perfect for all the family and fully accessible. Like a five star hotel but without the price. gwelanmor.com
Cotna Eco Retreat, Cornwall, UK
Cotna is a beautiful organic smallholding near the coast in Cornwall. A magical glamping site with 3 yurts, strawbale barn & shepherd’s hut. Delicious organic food available and courses on foraging & cooking, sourdough bread & no-dig gardening. cotna.co.uk
Pollaughan Farm, Cornwall, England
Pollaughan Cottages, a home from home, has been lovingly restored with both children and the environment in mind. The relaxing little farmstead, near sandy beaches, provides guests with round the clock interaction with nature and wildlife. pollaughan.co.uk
Rosehill Lodges, Cornwall, England
On the beautiful Cornish coastline these luxury lodges are a great seaside retreat. Enjoy the cosy log burner, super king-size bed, outdoor drench shower, hot tub and dining al-fresco. Just a five minute walk to a sandy beach, bars and restaurant. rosehilllodges.com
Higher Menadew Farm Cottages, Cornwall, England
Seven superb holiday cottages set in the Cornish countryside with fabulous facilities including indoor heated swimming pool. Ideally located for all Cornwall's attractions including beaches and gardens. Perfect for families and couples. stayingincornwall.com
Bolotho Barns, Cornwall, England
An ideal escape for couples, tucked away down a farm drive in the idyllic Cornish countryside. The five-star converted barns provide the comforts of a boutique hotel and are just a short distance away from the picturesque coastline. bolothobarns.co.uk
Treworgey Cottages, Cornwall, England
Gorgeous 18th Century cottages with their own private garden, log fire and antique furniture overlooking the Looe Valley and river. Delicious homemade food, on-site horse riding, tennis & swimming pool. treworgeycottages.com
Old Coach House at Windsworth, Cornwall, UK
An old stone coach-house on a 70-acre farm with half a mile of seashore. Cosy for 1 or 2 people, but can sleep 8. Offgrid, so a real change of lifestyle - it's fun living without the energy companies! Children, pets welcome. Wonderful for retreats. windsworth.org.uk
Tree Of Life Horsebox Holiday, Cornwall, England
A traditional wooden horsebox that has been renovated into a beautiful, modern living space for two people on a fully registered organic 'off the grid' smallholding in a wooded valley near to the Cornish Coast. treeoflifeorganics.co.uk
Trelowarren, Cornwall, England
Luxury cottages set in the sustainably managed Trelowarren Estate with heating via a biomass boiler using wood from the estate, an ozone pool, tap water fed by the estate’s springs and delicious local foods served at an award winning restaurant. trelowarren.com
Ring & Thimble and Peace & Plenty, Cornwall, England
Two lovely cottages on 25 acres of land, in the countryside yet only 2 miles from the centre of Penzance. Beautifully furnished and well equipped, these are not just standard self catering accommodation but homes you would aspire to live in. boscrowan.co.uk
The Green Cornwall, Cornwall, England
Luxury self catering cottages and house where history meets the finest contemporary style slap bang in the middle of Cornwall. A first class year-round holiday destination with its Cornish heart and soul still intact. thegreencornwall.co.uk
Callestock Courtyard Cottages, Cornwall, England
The six lovely barns and cottages have sleek, contemporary interiors (leather sofas, wood-burners, oak furniture) and there’s plenty to do without the car. Liz is a fabulous cook: expect cream teas and wonderful picnic hampers. Admirably green, too. callestockcourtyard.com
Merlin Farm Holiday Cottages, Cornwall, England
A collection of cool, contemporary cottages near the away-from-it-all beach at Mawgan Porth, last word in luxurious, eco-sensitive holiday accommodation. The views are of rolling hills but you can hear the crashing of the waves on the nearby beach. merlin-farm-cottages-cornwall.co.uk
East Penrest Farm, Cornwall, England
A sensitively converted barn on a fabulous organic farm in Cornwall. Fish for trout in the River Inny, ramble over the fields and enjoy the wonderful birds and wild flowers. A peaceful and idyllic place to stay. organicfarmholiday.co.uk
YHA Eden Project, Cornwall, England
Bed down in converted shipping containers in this fabulous eco-friendly hostel in the heart of the wonderful Eden Project. There's camping and bell tents available in the summer months, too. You're just a few minutes' walk to all the attractions. yha.org.uk
Ruthern Valley, Bodmin Moor, Cornwall
Small, family run holiday park in North Cornwall. Rural, wooded site with timber lodges, camping, camping pods, Wigwams. Very little light pollution so the stars are great! David Bellamy Gold Award, On The Camel cycle trail for family days out. ruthernvalley.com
Cornish Tipi Holidays, Cornwall, England
Not glamping, not tramping, just real camping made easy in a beautiful and private place. Sit round your own camp fire, fish and swim in the sparkling lake, drift through butterflies or run on the wild Atlantic beach. cornishtipiholidays.co.uk
Wooda Farm Holiday Park, Cornwall, England
Surrounded by forty acres of parkland, Wooda Farm offers holiday homes, cottages, caravans and tent pitches; it’s well placed for fishing and all the activities that Bude has to offer. The holiday homes sleep between 4-6. wooda.co.uk
Boswarthen Farm, Cornwall, England
A wonderful secluded campsite in the Cornish countryside boasting sea views of St Michael's Mount and the Lizard. Visit nearby St Ives and the famous Eden Project, or get active with surfing, swimming, biking and walking opportunities. boswarthenfarm.co.uk
Treganhoe Farm, Penzance, Cornwall
Treganhoe Farm in the Cornwall AONB has been in the James family for three generations, and is now run as a dairy farm with pigs and sheep. Visit the beach, famous Land’s End and "The Drift" reservoir, a lovely bird reserve and fly fishing spot. featherdown.co.uk
For more ideas for green holidays in the area, see our Green Traveller's Guide to Cornwall
