So, in no particular order, here are just some of our ideas for how to spend your bank holiday in Cornwall……feel free to add any of your own too.

5- Beaches. Best enjoyed when the sun comes out but obviously with the unpredictable British weather, the many beaches we have to choose from in Cornwall can all offer a multitude of ways to be enjoyed on even the wettest bank holiday in Cornwall; Kite surfing on the long sandy beach west coast beach at Marazion, or a simply gaze out of your cosy self catering holiday cottage at the beach outside. Little Quoit, sleeping 2, has spectacular views over Rocky Valley and Bossiney Cove, midway between Tintagel and Boscastle that can be soaked up from the relaxing conservatory.

4- Walks. Not just any old walk, why not try a Treasure Trail that means that everyone can enjoy a exploring new places, whilst venturing a little further perhaps than whet the local shops or pub has to offer! Or perhaps set a route and discover the spectacular paths running along Cornwall’s incredible coastline? A stay at Highertown Barn in Camelford would be the ideal base for a large group or family to spend a week discovering the wilds of Bodmin Moor.

3- Eat and drink. These two go hand in hand as Cornwall has some of the finest local ingredients that could make up a most memorable feast. Whether you decide that it’s one of Cornwall’s famous restaurants such as Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen or a picnic made up of local pasties and cream teas, washed down with some fine ale or scrumpy, you have the freedom to sample it all by staying in a self catering holiday cottage in Cornwall.

2- Golf. If you’re in the habit of spoiling a good walk (in Mark Twain’s opinion), with around 30 courses to choose from then Cornwall is just the place. A stay at the 3 smile property, the Old Chapel House, with 2 free memberships to Bowood Park Golf Club makes this four bedroom property just outside of Tintagel a must!

1- The Eden Project. Rain or shine, young or old; Eden is a place that should be visited at least once. With seasonal changes and interactive displays, Eden will entertain all ages and you can return day after day to enjoy it all.

And there you have it. A tough list to compile so let us know what you would’ve included or what you’ll be up to during your bank holiday weekend in Cornwall.

As notorious as the show, is the traffic. This can’t be helped and is a sign of the show’s popularity, however you can make it slightly easier for yourselves by staying at a holiday cottage near to the showground in Wadebridge, Cornwall. To make the most of your time at the showground, why not stay nearby at one of these self catering cottages and make a real holiday of it in Cornwall?

Hector’s House is a pleasant 19th century end of terrace holiday cottage tucked into a narrow lane behind the fine church in the peaceful village of Egloshayle, just a couple of minutes walk from the banks of the Camel River. Sympathetically furnished to compliment many original features, the cottage has exposed beams, two stone and slate fireplaces, and is ideally situated for easy access to the surfing beach at Polzeath and sailing centre of Rock on the lovely Camel Estuary barely a 15 minute drive.

Sleeping 5, The Cottage is a cosy and comfortable semi-detached stone built cottage in the small village of St Kew Highway only a ten minute drive from the picturesque fishing harbour of Port Isaac  and fifteen minutes from the magnificent beaches  of the Camel Estuary. An ideal location to beat the traffic into the Royal Cornwall Show and to use as a comfortable cottage base for your holiday in Cornwall.

Of course, you could go further afield as there is so much to see and do throughout Cornwall; take a look at all our holiday cottags in Cornwall and find your perfect break today.

Here at Cornish Traditional Cottages, we have a wide range of self catering holiday cottages that are dog friendly; combine that with an abundance of outdoor activities for both human and animal to enjoy and it’s bound for success. Cornwall boasts hundreds of coastal paths, many beaches throughout the year allowing dog access plus many pubs that will offer a welcome rest for both you and your dog.

South West Coast Path has a wonderful interactive map to suggest routes suitable for you to walk your dog according to your preferences and abilities; plan your walk to incorporate a beach that will allow access for your dog by using The Cornish Coast website. There’s a fantastic version that you can print out and pack, so you’re not left at loose end with no internet access.

To make the most of your visit to Cornwall, a quality self catering holiday cottage in a superb location will give you the freedom to explore at your own pace.  Take a look at just a few of our suggestions for a dog friendly holiday cottage, of course these are just a few of the many we have so feel free to search for our ‘Pets Welcome’ cottages on the website for the full range.

Bella Vista is less than 15 minutes drive to the excellent beaches and stunning coastal walks at Sennen and Porthcurno. This beautifully presented, extremely spacious granite barn conversion is located in a peaceful rural hamlet just outside the village of St. Buryan. Furnished to a high standard, this attractive property is set in the middle of a small group of converted barns and approached by a long unmade lane with a gated gravel driveway which offers ample parking for 2 cars. Treat yourself and up to 2 dogs at this exceptional holiday cottage.

Orlando is an extremely comfortable and spacious detached bungalow, set on the edge of Tehidy Country Park, 250 acres of beautiful woodland and over nine miles of lake and riverside walks to explore that extend to the rugged cliffs at Bassett Cove on the North Cornish coast. Recently upgraded, the accommodation is deceptively light and airy and offers versatile sleeping arrangements with an enclosed garden and ample parking for 3 cars.

Stargazy is in a wonderful, unspoiled and romantic location, high up on Carburrow Tor, on the Southern edge of Bodmin Moor with an abundance of native wildlife and littered with Bronze and Iron Age remains. There is direct access onto the moors, ideal for exercising dogs and bird watching. The villages of St. Neot and Blisland are within a 15 minute drive respectively and have a traditional pub and small post office store and for a wider selection of amenities to town of Bodmin  is 7 miles away. The beaches on both the north and the south coasts are each a 30 minute drive away and Colliford Lake Park with an adventure playground, nature trails and lakeside walks is approximately 4 miles.

After all the walking, you’ll be in need of some of Cornwall’s finest refreshments and a chance to rest feet and paws. Doggiepubs will help you to find the ideal location that will give a warm welcome to both you and your well behaved dog. Never again will you consider leaving your beloved dog at home while you go off and enjoy a holiday without them  while you remember that ‘Happy pets are healthy pets.’

Whatever you need from a holiday, we’ll be sure to help you with our selection of Cornish cottage holidays. And remember, if you book for an Easter week in 2010 before the end of March, you could win £100 off the cost of your holiday*. Fantastic savings!

Why not spend time away making those memories that you can’t out a price on, or buy last minute at a petrol station? By booking one of the 250  quality self catering holidays that Cornish Traditional Cottages has around the county, everyone has a chance to get together and spend that all important time relaxing and having fun.

Don’t let being a large family stop you, at Carlean Farm at Gwithian near St. Ives you’ll find three fantastic barn conversions, ‘Skylark’, ‘Meadowside’ and ‘Cowslip’, each one a self-contained property within a 100-acre working farm. These attractive West Cornwall barns sleeps a total of 14 guests , with shared lawn and BBQ area with views across St. Ives bay, what could be nicer for all the family?

In a sought after location right on the waterfront in Fowey over on the Cornish Riviera, Tortington House is a decadent Victorian town house with panoramic views of Fowey harbour and the temptation of boat trips across the river to neighbouring villages. Beaches, shops, restaurants and entertainment are all within walking distance, if you can drag yourselves away from the breakfast balcony with sea views.

St. Petroc’s, a detached 18^th century house in Chapel Amble near Wadebridge on The Glorious Atlantic Coast of Cornwall, is a beautiful house sleeping up to 10 guests. If you’re worried about the unpredictable British weather spoiling your Cornish cottage holiday, a nearby farm complex offers the use of its heated indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, Jacuzzi, sauna and play barn, or just relax next to the open fireplace after a day’s exploring.  You can even rustle up a traditional Mothering Sunday feast in the large kitchen and family dining room at the house.

Tintagel Castle. This famed North Cornish castle, birthplace of King Arthur and home of Merlin the Magician some 800 years ago, has been surrounded in myth and mystery since. The magnificent castle, now in ruins, stands on Tintagel Island with the Atlantic waves crashing against the cliffs, adding to the dramatic feel to this magical Cornish landmark. At The Old Chapel House, less than a mile away you’ll be able to take a step back in time and enjoy the breathtaking views and soak up the fabulous history to be uncovered.

Kynance Cove beach. Take a walk, enjoy an ice-cream and frolic in the surf of this turquoise haven near to The Lizard and Helston in Cornwall. A scenic and inspiring panorama; caves and islands just waiting to be explored.Still as popular today as in the Victorian times- a real Cornish treasure. The Beach House on The Lizard lends itself to being the idyllic Cornish holiday hideaway and perfect base for the area.

St. Michael’s Mount. Lead your love to the mysterious cobblestone heart and explore the Mount and the castle that has seen life as a monastery, a fortress and port, all with its own mythical giant included. Feel the history as you make the journey to the lone island off of Marazion, West Cornwall. Finish the day with a perfect stroll along the beach at Marazion to watch the silhouette of the mount against the sinking sun. Take the weight off you feet at the end of the day in the wonderfully appointed Seascape.

Land’s End. The old Cornish name for it was ‘Penn-an-Wlas’, meaning ‘End of the land’. With its history of wreckers and smuggling, its colourful reputation and dramatic Cornish cliff edge location, you’ll find it difficult to not get caught up in the romance of such a place. Whether you’re sharing this with someone special or thinking of those miles away, why not record how many miles away your love may be with the famous sign post? Take a picture and let someone know you’re thinking of them before you head back to Holly Grove in the nearby village of Kelynack near to Sennen in Cornwall, for a relaxing self-catering holiday.

Zennor. For those who love a tale of love against all odds, where could possibly be better than Zennor? The legend tells of how the Squire’s son, Mathew Trewella, so blinded by the love for a mystery mermaid that had heard him singing at the church, followed her into the sea and beneath the waves, never to be seen again. As a reminder to all young gentleman in the village, the ‘Mermaid of Zennor’ can still be seen carved into the end of a pew in the local church. Book a self-catetring holiday at Victory Cottage and experience life in the centre of the traditonal and very popular fishing village of St. Ives and be lured by the scenery and enchanted by the legend.

Of  course Cornwall is a county renowed for the romantic and rugged, so the above are just a suggetion………why not add your own to our list to help soem other people out?

Couch’s Great House Restaurant in the picturesque coastal fishing village of Polperro, uses wonderful local suppliers to provide the ingredients for their inspirational menu’s. Richard’s passion and talent combined make this a restaurant to put on your list to visit for a meal or even an intimate celebration in the private dining room with an individually tailored menu.

To enjoy Couch’s Great House Restaurant, why not stay at Owl Barn, a large, newly converted  self catering  barn just outside of Looe for the ideal location for exploring the beautiful coastal scenery of Cornwall.

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Alternatively, go straight to our Late Availability page for your last minute self catering  Christmas and New Year getaway in a traditional Cornish cottage.

Balk at tradition by taking a dip on Christmas day in the indoor pool of the wonderful self catering cottage, Old Walls, in the coastal cove of Portmellon just outside of the picturesque harbour village of Mevagissey. Afterwards warm up next to the log burning stove before blowing away the cobwebs with a walk along the coastal path. 

If you prefer the more rural scenery of the rugged moorland then The Mowhay just outside of Lanlivery is an ideal setting for your festive celebrations. Set in its own garden and overlooking fields, you are still within easy access of some spectacular nature trails, the Cornish holiday cottage has its own direct access to Saints Way footpath and towards the south coast beaches.

Listen for reindeer hooves on the rooftops and sleigh bells ringing this Christmas or see in the start of a new year with your nearest and dearest with a holiday in Cornwall.  If this has whetted your appetite, take a look at some other spectacular self catering holiday cottages in Cornwall that we have.

The main events will run from Saturday 7th – 21st November, to include; a ‘Pudding and Pie’ night at Blue Plate, Downderry, Barista training at Purely Cornish Deli and a Foodie Mystery Tour held by Chef Nick Barclay and Andy Parritt from Purely Cornish.  

Wonderful displays from food4myholiday.com, Purely Cornish (still waiting for the Cornish Lust to kick in…), the Squid Ink restaurant in Looe and the enterprising Rob producing Cornish Biltong- coming to a pub near you!!

Be closer to the action by getting your friends together and staying this beautiful self catering cottage at Owl Barn, Trerulefoot. Sleeping 8 and for only £390 for the week beginning November 7th, could you afford not to?