There’s no two ways about it – Cornwall is one of the best places in the UK for a seaside holiday. It boasts everything from windswept stretches of sand and intimate little coves to family-friendly beaches with all the facilities you need for some fun in the sun. Whatever type of beach you’re after, the closer you are to the shore, the better. It was difficult to narrow down (there’s a lot of Cornish coastline), but our travel experts at Plum Guide have selected the very best Airbnb alternatives in Cornwall by the beach. Keep reading to discover your next home from home.

Explore our handpicked homes in Cornwall.

This home has so many features that make it a top choice on our list of Cornwall Airbnb alternatives by the beach. From the breezy attic room and the wood-burning stove to the private terrace with alfresco seating and a barbecue, the home ticks all the boxes for an ideal seaside abode. Nautical-themed decor can get a little cliche, but we think it works well here, with plenty of quirky features like the driftwood table and seaside-themed artwork. Plus, it's well-placed for exploring, with Porthleven Harbour just a five-minute walk away and the beach just a two-minute stroll in the other direction.

See more of this home.

Discover our collection of cottages in Cornwall.

Right on the golden sands of Porthmeor Beach, this home is ideal for small families or a group of friends (but be prepared to fight over the main bedroom, as it looks out right across the beach). Start and end each day on the balcony, breathing in the fresh sea air. There’s even a little table for alfresco breakfasts or sundowners. During the colder months, you can still enjoy the view from the living room’s squishy sofas. Nestled between two headlands, Porthmeor Beach’s azure waters are popular with surfers and swimmers. While you’re here, why not don your wetsuit and sign up for some surf lessons? For those who don’t fancy getting their feet wet, St Ives and all its sights are less than a twenty-minute walk away.

See more of this home.

Take a look at our Airbnb alternatives in Cornwall.

There’s nothing quite like a romantic getaway by the sea, strolling hand-in-hand along the sand and popping open a bottle of bubbly as the sun goes down. This one-bedroom apartment in Sennen Cove was made for romancing, with uninterrupted views of the sea from the large windows. There’s a coastal path right on your doorstep – the beach is just a two-minute walk away, and Land’s End (the most westerly point in Britain) is just over a twenty-five-minute stroll. After a day of seaside fun, indulge in a relaxing soak in the bedroom’s roll-top bath, which looks out over the water. End the night with a spot of stargazing using the home’s Celestron Short Reflector Telescope.

See more of this home.

Find the perfect beach home in Cornwall.

This home is perfect for surfers keen to be a short stroll from the waves. With a panoramic deck boasting stunning coastal views, it's no surprise it's one of our favourite Airbnb alternatives in Cornwall by the beach. There's an outdoor shower to rinse off after catching waves, a utility area where you can hang up your wetsuits and an alfresco dining table ideal for sunset dinners. Even when you're kicking back on the cushy sofa, you can still admire the scenery through full-length windows. It's less than ten minutes to the beach in Sennen Cove, with its golden sand and turquoise water. For even more picturesque views, don your walking shoes and hike the South West Coast Path.

See more of this home.

Check out our lodges in Cornwall.

Filled with floor-to-ceiling windows, this home is all about maximising those views of Swanpool Lagoon or Falmouth Bay, whether you’re in the kitchen, the dining room or the living area. Our favourite viewpoint, however, is the balcony. Complete with comfy seating, you’ll want to spend most of your time out here reading, chatting and enjoying home-cooked meals. With four bedrooms and a generously sized patio area, this is a great choice for families and large groups of friends looking to enjoy the Cornish sunshine. Its location is ideal for walkers keen to take on the South West Coast Path, but if you’re looking for something a little less strenuous, the sands of Swanpool Beach are just a five-minute stroll from home.

See more of this home.

Discover our luxury accommodations in Cornwall.

Set high above Fowey's famous Esplanade, this home has some of the best views in town. See all the way out across the harbour and Pont Pill, over to Polruan and the ruins of St Catherine's Castle. You'll naturally be drawn to the living room's large bay windows, complete with a seat to curl up with a book. When the sun's out, the best place to be is the terrace, complete with a barbecue and dining area. With vistas out across the water, this is where you'll want to have most of your meals. To cool down on hot summer days, take a five-minute stroll down to Readymoney Cove, a sheltered, sandy beach with calm waters.

See more of this home.

Browse our collection of Airbnb alternatives in Cornwall.

The first thing that you’ll notice about this home (aside from the huge open plan living space) is the stunning sea panoramas framed by the massive sliding picture windows – if you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll want to keep these open at all times. Step outside and you’ll find a lawn that stretches all the way to the sea – there’s plenty of space for kids to run around or to enjoy an alfresco meal. We love that you can wake up in the main bedroom and start each morning with coastal views from the comfort of your bed. The sliding doors lead straight into the garden, so you can sip on your morning coffee with your toes in the grass before getting ready for the day with a bubble bath in the spa-like bathroom. Fancy exploring the beach? The village of Downderry and its beach are just a quick walk away.

See more of this home.

Explore our lodges in Cornwall.

'Quirky' is the term we'd use to describe this home in Kingsand. Filled with bright colours, rustic furniture, and nautical curios, it has a homely feel that'll draw you in right away. Parents will love waking up to the main bedroom's views across Cawsand Bay, while little ones are sure to get a kick out of the giant binoculars and cosy window seats. Best of all, it's perched right on the seafront, so you can step outside and start building sandcastles in no time.

See more of this home.

Find the ultimate Cornish cottage by the sea.

Any seaside home should be bright and breezy, and this home certainly delivers. The minimalist design puts the coastal scenery front and centre – and on chiller days, the wood burner adds a cosy touch to the open-plan living area. That said, there's no doubt that the balcony overlooking the beach is the real draw here. From morning cups of tea to cocktails at sunset, it's the perfect spot to watch the waves roll in. Porthleven's sandy shore is right on your doorstep, with the town's harbour market, cosy pubs and delicious restaurants also just a stone's throw away.

See more of this home.

Take a look at our holiday rentals in Cornwall.

Going on a holiday with a large group of friends and looking for an Airbnb alternative in Cornwall by the beach? It doesn't get better than this five-bedroom home. Perched above the Newquay's sandy beach, you'll be spoilt for views from the many huge windows. The lounge is ample yet feels cosy and intimate with its plush sofas and soft throws – it's easy to imagine board games and movie nights around the fireplace. The bedrooms are equally as comfortable, with sumptuous bedding and plenty of sunshine streaming in through the windows. Naturally, the main bedroom is our favourite as you don't even have to get out of bed to admire the sea views. Outside, you'll find the home's best feature – its extensive terrace, complete with outdoor sofas and sun loungers. There are even gas-fired tables and patio heaters should the evenings turn chilly. This is seaside living at its finest.

See more of this home.

Check out our luxury accommodations in Cornwall.

This pet-friendly home in the exclusive Watergate Bay is perfect for solo retreats or couples getaways. Tastefully decorated with colourful furnishings and warm lighting, we love the open-plan kitchen and living space – you can even watch the chef in action from the breakfast bar. The home may be compact, but the French doors open up to let the outside in – there’s also a communal garden for sunny days. The beach is just a short walk away – a vast expanse of golden sands backed by dramatic cliffs. It’s a fantastic spot for watersports, and your host can even arrange bodyboards should you fancy getting out on the water.

See more of this home.

Explore our handpicked homes in Cornwall.