The 24 best fishing holidays in Cornwall in 2023

As one of the best fishing destinations in the UK, Cornwall is host to plenty of stunning sea fishing marks and a plethora of coarse fishing lakes and holiday hotspots for the avid fisherman.

From the stunning beaches and backdrops of St. Ives to Cornwall’s rugged northern coastline and more sedate southern tips, Cornwall’s sea fishing is among the best in the UK. Particularly when you take the weather into account. When it comes to coarse fishing getaways, the family-friendly holiday parks and more fishing-friendly lodges have something for everyone.

We’ve whittled it down to just 24, but Cornwall has a host of excellent fishing holiday parks, cottages, apartments and lodges for you to choose from. If you’re in the market for another fishing holiday in the southwest, then check out the best fishing holidays in Devon and the best fishing holidays in Dorset.

What’s on this page?

How did we pick the best fishing holidays in Cornwall?

Cornwall is our favourite fishing destination in the UK, so it’s safe to say we’ve stayed in a wide variety of fish-friendly locations and cottages. So we based the below fishing locations on;

What is the best fishing holiday in Cornwall?

For coarse fishing fanatics and for those looking for a peaceful getaway with some beautiful on-site accommodation and outdoor activities, we recommend Nanpusker Lakeside Lodges. The two lakes are stocked with some fantastic carp and the property is close to some excellent beach fishing marks around St. Ives.

If you’re after more of a sea fishing getaway, then we recommend Trecarrack – a three-bedroom holiday home in one of our favourite fishing destinations – St. Ives. With multiple outstanding beaches to fish from and rocky marks from the South West Coastal Path, it’s a fantastic fishing getaway.

The best coarse fishing holidays in Cornwall

Here is an overview of the best coarse fishing holidays in Cornwall. From family-friendly lakes stocked with silvers to specimen carp prowling around more ardent anglers, there’s something for everyone.

Nanpusker Lakeside Lodges

Nanpusker Lakeside Lodges is a picturesque fishing getaway with four luxury waterside lodges complete with two private fishing lakes. Each lodge has its own private jetty, veranda, parking and fishing access. For glamping enthusiasts, there are some shepherd’s huts on-site too.

The two lakes – Leo’s and Eleanor’s – are stocked with mirror and common carp up to almost 30lb, tench to almost 10lb and a pond designed for children stocked with silver like roach, rudd and skimmers. Landing mats, nets and certain tackle/bait can be provided, just make sure you ask prior.

If you’re after some sea fishing, then Nanpusker is just a ten-minute drive to the beach at Hayle and close to one of our favourite fishing marks in Cornwall – Godrevy Point. If you need to take the family out on a non-fishing day trip, then Paradise Park in Hayle is a fantastic option. With super walking and cycling routes nearby alongside the beautiful touristy town of St. Ives, Nantusker is a wonderful getaway.

Parkdean Resorts – White Acres

Parkdean Resorts – White Acres is less of a fishing holiday and more of an all-around family trip where you can also do some fishing. Perfect for mums and dads who need a little break. Which, we presume, is everyone. The sheer volume of things to do is pretty staggering – adventure golf, playgrounds, walking trails, swimming pool, spa, fishing lakes… The list of amenities is both long and fruitful. Perfect to keep the kids busy while you’re out there fishing. You can get the kids interested in fishing on some of the beginner-friendly lakes.

With a permanent, on-site fisheries team, the lakes are kept in excellent condition with some having recently undergone a complete renovation, with new pegs with wheelchair access added to Python Lake. Other lakes including Pat’s Pool,, Jenny’s Pollawyn, Python, Trelawny, Acorn and Twin Oaks have all been recently restocked, some with specimen species.

White Acres is arguably the best family-friendly fishing complex in Cornwall.

Meadow Lakes

Meadow Lakes is a pretty, well-maintained holiday park with four private fishing lakes surrounded by beautiful wildlife and tranquillity. The Cornish countryside is always beautiful, and Meadow Lakes is no different.

The four lakes have been recently restocked with ghost carp, common carp, mirror carp, bream, roach, rudd and tench. Fishing is free if you’re staying in the park, but day passes are available to buy for non-residents at just £10. A fantastic, family-friendly park with fishing options for kids and more seasoned anglers alike.

Perran Springs Holiday Park

Perran Springs Holiday Park is a resident’s only coarse fishing holiday park in Truro, Cornwall. The park has substantial caravan and camping accommodations, as well as pods for couples and families. Perfect for those of us who can’t quite be bothered with camping, but like the outdoors.

The three privately owned lakes offer match, specimen and ‘pleasure’ angling (their words, not mine) and are stocked with carp, tench, bream, perch, rudd and roach. The lakes themselves are in excellent condition, with numerous reed beds, lilies and underwater features that are excellent targets for all manner of fish.

The park itself is home to owls, deer, kingfishers, foxes and all manner of beautiful wildlife, with private access to walking trails that run past the Carn Moor Nature Reserve and Conservation Area. With a butterfly and bee garden and an on-site nature pond, it’s a fantastic place to take the kids.

The best sea fishing holidays in Cornwall

From stunning, rugged marks on Cornwall’s northern coastline to the calmer, more sedate beaches of Cornwall’s southern coast, the sea fishing holiday options are plentiful. Whether you’re a beach fishing addict or a rock-fishing lunatic, there are getaways for everyone.

Grandad’s Net Loft

Grandad’s Net Loft was originally built as a fishermen’s net loft and has recently been converted into a holiday home. In keeping with its past life, this property is something of a haven for fishermen looking for a short sea break. With extraordinary views from the clifftop and lovely walking and cycle route access, this is a fishing lodge with a romantic twist.

Less than a few hundred yards from some brilliant beaches and fishing marks (Porthleven, Loe Bar, Prussia Cove) that are well worth exploring. Particularly if you’re someone who loves lure fishing from the rocks or fishing for bass over rough ground when the tide is at its optimal level. The west side of Praa Cove and Rinsey Head are some fantastic places to start,

The Blue Cottage

The Blue Cottage is a simple, beautifully positioned riverside cottage with views over Fowey’s Harbour and the mouth of the river. A charming cottage that has been beautifully refurbished and – as it dates back to the end of the 16th century – has managed to maintain all the charm and elegance associated with that period.

When it comes to fishing, there are multiple excellent options to the west towards Polridmouth Cove. For beach fishing lovers, Lantic Bay and Lansallos to the east and Blackmore and Sandy Cove to the west are fishable. As you’re on the mouth of the river, there are multiple estuary fishing marks, tidal fishing opportunities and miles of kayak fishing spots up the River Fowey.

A romantic bolthole with a plethora of excellent sea and river fishing marks surrounded by some lovely pubs, restaurants and wildlife.

Lynton

Lynton is a lovely cottage situated on Cornwall’s southeast coast in the fishing village of Polruan. With exceptional views over the harbour, a stunning terrace and the option to BBQ and sit around the fire in the evenings, it’s a fishing break suitable for kayak fishermen, beach fishing lovers and lure fishing aficionados.

As above, there are multiple excellent fishing locations to the west towards Polridmouth Cove. For beach fishing lovers, Lantic Bay and Lansallos to the east and Blackmore and Sandy Cove to the west are fishable. As you’re on the mouth of the river, there are multiple estuary fishing marks, tidal fishing opportunities and miles of kayak fishing spots up the River Fowey.

Another lovely romantic break option for a couple or for a small family break.

Serenity

Serenity is a well-specced, first-floor apartment with two bedrooms, and a private balcony close to multiple beaches, fishing marks and stunning landmarks. Just a few miles from Marazion and the famous St. Michael’s Mount, the soft, lightly-bronze-coloured, sandy beaches and crystal-clear water are some of the finest in the county.

Regarding fishing, Praa Sands is a wide, shallow beach that throws up bass and tends to fish best around low tide. The area around the restaurants is a good spot to start, with some slightly rockier, rougher ground that fishes reasonably well for a couple of hours around low. Further afield, the areas around Prussia Cove and Cudden Point have some excellent sea fishing marks. Looking eastwards, Rinsey Cove and Rinsey Head are well worth a visit.

Clifftop Cottage

Clifftop Cottage is another lovely property in Porthleven with excellent sea views, a lounge side balcony and – crucially – access to some excellent fishing marks on Cornwall’s south coast.

Less than a few hundred yards away are some brilliant beaches and fishing marks (Porthleven, Loe Bar etc) that are well worth exploring. Loe Bar itself is incredibly wide and has beach fishing access from one end to the other. Areas of rough ground and exposed rocks are visible and low tide, so make sure you scout the area for a likely-looking spot.

If you’re someone who loves lure fishing from the rocks or fishing for bass over rough ground, Loe Bar and – to the west – the west side of Praa Cove and Rinsey Head are some fantastic places to venture west to. Prussia Cove is also well worth exploring, particularly the area around Cudden Point.

Gunnedah Studio

Gunnedah Studio is a beautiful clifftop property on Cornwall’s rugged north coastline. Situated in Crackington Haven between Tintagel and Bude, the views from this holiday cottage are absolutely sensational.

With direct access to the beach at Crackington Haven, there are multiple beach and rock fishing marks on either side. At lower tide when the rocky ground is exposed the beach is well known for throwing up a few bass. And if you search for deeper pools of water from the rocks on either side of the beach, you should be able to find some pollock and wrasse in and amongst the weed. Three of the best fighting fish pound for pound in the UK.

If you can make it down to the rocks at Cambeak to the south or to Chevron Fold just north, the fishing options are plentiful.

Captain’s Rest

Captain’s Rest is a modern, really well-finished clifftop apartment on Prthleven’s main beach just north of the famous Loe Bar. With fishing access on your doorstep and fantastic options to the north and south, this lively town is a fantastic place for a fishing getaway. Some would even say it’s romantic.

Given its location on Cornwall’s south coast, you won’t be surprised to learn there are ample fishing opportunities almost on your doorstep. Loe Bar itself is renowned for fishing marks, whilst the area around Rinsey Cove and Prussia Cove to the north have some equally excellent rock and beach fishing marks that are easy enough to access.

Jacka Shack

Jacka Shack is one of the best breaks for kayak fishing enthusiasts. The direct beach club access provides beach sport hire and the private balcony is perfect for storing challenging pieces of kit. With access to the mouth of the East and West Looe River, the estuary kayak fishing is very good. Add in Looe Island Nature Reserve just off the coast and you’ll find it one of the best places to take the kayak out in the southwest

Set on the south Cornish hillside in the middle of a wooded valley, and located on the Millendreath Beach Resort close to Looe, this pretty apartment is easily accessible and rich in wildlife, outdoor activities and decent quality restaurants and pubs. Perfect for couples and young families looking for a fuss-free angling getaway.

For some beach and rock fishing marks, walking south down the coastal path towards Samphire Beach and Portnadler Bay is worth a visit. To the north, you have the rough ground of Plaidy Beach up towards Seaton Beach.

Fairwinds

Fairwinds is an incredibly quaint, quirky, family-friendly holiday cottage on the south Cornish coast. The beaches at Cawsands and Kingsand are well worth a fish, but if you’re looking for something bigger, then Tregantle Beach just around Rame Head in Whitsand Bay is worth a visit.

The reefs around Rame Head make for some really excellent bass, pollock and wrasse fishing and are fantastic for people looking for some slightly quieter marks than from the aforementioned beaches. If you’re looking for some kayak fishing marks, the rough ground and coastal reefs around Rame Head, the Breakwater and Fort Picklecombe are renowned for good fish.

Thanks to the multitude of family-friendly and outdoor activities, you and the family are spoilt for choice at Fairwinds.

Turnstone Cottage

Turnstone Cottage is a really well-furnished cottage with a private patio and estuary access in the incredibly popular tourist town, of Padstow. Bright, spacious and open plan, the three-bedroom property is great for small families who have an interest in fishing, walking and traditional tourist activities. With the National Lobster Hatchery nearby and St. Enodoc golf course opposite, there are plenty of things to keep you engaged outside of fishing.

With excellent access to the Camel Estuary and to fishing vessels from Padstow Harbour, the angling options on your doorstep are excellent. Following the South West Coast Path to the north, you’ll find some rock fishing marks around Pentire Point, The Rumps and plenty more around Port Isaac if you’re willing to put in the miles. To the south, the areas around Trevone Bay and Gunver Head are littered with decent fishing marks. Just be wary when climbing up and down the cliffs.

No 8 St. Catherine’s Court

No 8 St. Catherine’s Court is a two-bedroom penthouse apartment on Cornwall’s southeast coast. The beautiful property is one of the best fishing getaways to take your child thanks to the numerous family-friendly fishing marks in the area.

When it comes to fishing, there are multiple excellent options to the west towards Polridmouth Cove. For beach fishing lovers, Lantic Bay and Lansallos to the east and Blackmore, Readymoney and Sandy Cove to the west are fishable. As you’re on the mouth of the river, there are multiple estuary fishing marks, tidal fishing opportunities and miles of kayak fishing spots up the River Fowey.

Fowey’s deep water harbour is also a fun little spot to take the kids fishing. If you and the family or angling pals are feeling a little adventurous, then you can charter a fishing vessel from the harbour or try any of the numerous coves (like Readymoney) or the Town Quay. Fish Mag has a very solid guide for fishing in Fowey, which is well worth a read.

Infinity

Infinity is one of the most exceptional fishing breaks Cornwall has to offer. The clifftop property overlooks Whitsand Bay on Cornwall’s south coast and has almost unparalleled views from the private balcony. A private balcony we should add, that has a private hot tub, BBQ and sun loungers ready to go. The on-site beach access makes for some of the best fishing on the list and the property itself is a guaranteed winner for both you and your partner.

When it comes to where you should fish, Whitsand Bay itself has some very good beach fishing. View the beach at low tide to find the marks with gullies and rocks where bass come to feed when the tide is right. You’ll also stumble on some flatfish, particularly when fishing at night. To the south, Rame Head has some fantastic rock fishing marks and requires some careful negotiation when it comes to accessing them. Slightly further round, Cawsand/Kingsand offer some decent beach fishing too.

Trecarrack

Trecarrack is a three-bedroom holiday home in one of our favourite fishing destinations – St. Ives. A beautiful tourist town that shines in the sun and is so rich in both cultural and outdoorsy activities. St. Ives is truly one of the best holiday destinations in the UK, regardless of whether you fish or not.

Night fishing is commonplace on Porthmeor and Porthminster Beach, and whilst you can fish in the day, the beaches are very touristy, so night fishing tends to be a better option. If you follow the South West Coast Path to the west, Clodgy Point and Mans Head have some excellent rock fishing marks, particularly for bass. Further round, that stretch of the coastal path has multiple rock fishing marks and is home to a large seal colony. Both a good and bad sign for budding anglers. Even further round (you’ll need a car or bike to get here) is Gurnard’s Head, by the famous Gurnard’s Head Inn. This is one of the best fishing locations in Cornwall and is well worth the drive.

To the east past Hayle Beach, Upton Towans Beach and Gwithian Beach – all of which are known to have some good fishing marks – you’ll find Godrevy Point. Godrevy Lighthouse is home to another seal colony and the point itself has a number of fantastic fishing marks. The 10-mile stretch from Gurnard’s Head to Godrevy is rich in fantastic fishing marks and provides some superb walking and exploring options.

Baydream

Baydream is a three-bedroom cottage on Cornwall’s north coast near the ever-popular fishing village of Padstow. With an excellent private patio, outdoor storage and access to local tourist attractions and amenities, it’s a great option for a family getaway.

Constantine Bay itself is surrounded by popular fishing marks, with a plethora of bays, rocks and beaches all accessible either via the South West Coast Path and easy access to the River Camel estuary.

Almost on your doorstep is Trevose Head – which offers some excellent rock fishing – alongside three bays, including Treyarnon, Harlyn and Trevone. These bays offer some very decent flatfish and bass fishing depending on your setup, whilst the headlands are pretty good for pollock, wrasse and bass. Further north you’ll find Polzeath Beach which has been known to throw up some huge bass, but because it’s such a popular beach fishing late or early tends to be best.

Harbour Cottage

Harbour Cottage has some of the most spectacular coastal scenery Cornwall has to offer. Rich in wildlife, coastal walks and features you’d associate with an AONB, this property is a romantic little harbour cottage with excellent fishing access virtually on your doorstep. Try the harbour itself if you’re feeling lazy. A little further out, Warren Point has some very good rock fishing marks.

To the south, the Arthurian legend of Tintagel and Bodmin Moor are well worth a visit. Fishing wise Tramberly Cove, Bossiney Cove and some of the rock fishing marks around Barras Nose are with exploring. The walking routes around the South West Coastal Path are so stunning that even if you don’t catch anything, the day is always worthwhile.

To the north, Cambeak has some fantastic platforms for rock fishing and Saint Gennys Beach are well worth travelling to if you have the time and wherewithal. It’s a lovely walking route.

Louie’s Loft

Louie’s Loft is another stunning St. Ives property with panoramic sea views of one of our favourite beaches – Porthmeor. The bifold doors open onto a private balcony with a picture-perfect view. A beautiful spot to spend the day reading, relaxing or just setting up your fishing gear.

Night fishing is commonplace on Porthmeor and Porthminster Beach, and whilst you can fish in the day, the beaches are very touristy, so night fishing tends to be a better option. If you follow the South West Coast Path to the west, there are so many fishing marks you’re spilt for choice. But you really need to explore the area and take a travel fishing rod or two with you for convenience.

To the east, there are numerous fantastic fishing marks including Hayle Beach, Upton Towans Beach and Gwithian Beach and – our personal favourite – Godrevy Point. Godrevy Lighthouse is home to another seal colony and the point itself has a number of fantastic fishing marks.

Chapel Rock View

Chapel Rock View has one of the best sunset and sunrise views Cornwall has to offer. The private patio and garden overlooking Perran Beach is one of the most relaxing in the southwest. With outstanding walking routes, sea views and lovely amenities nearby, this property is fantastic for fishermen and – heaven forbid – your partners.

Fishing-wise, Perran Beach offers some good fishing for flatfish and bass but is quite tidal, like a lot of the surfing beaches on Cornwall’s north coast. The tide can come in hundreds of metres, so make sure you’re aware of the risks and optimal fishing times.

To the north, Holywell Beach is a very decent fishing beach, particularly for bass, flatfish and mackerel. Holywell has some decent rock fishing marks but they can be a little tricky to climb down. So be wary. The headline around West Pentire has some equally excellent rock fishing marks and is absolutely worth exploring. Just be wary of the number of surfers in the area.

Salty Sea Dog

Salty Sea Dog is a very attractive seafront apartment on Cornwall’s north coast. With access to a quiet beach down at Trebarwith Strand that is one of the very best small, rocky beaches in Cornwall. Slightly further north is the village of Treknow, a slightly larger cluster of properties with a couple of shops.

Trebarwith Beach can be fished in its totality at low tide, but be wary. If you are fishing on the right-hand side of the beach you can be completely cut off at high tide. It isn’t the most productive fishing mark in Cornwall, but, as it’s on your doorstep, it is certainly worth a fish.

Another mile or so north and you’ll bump into Tintagel, which is a charming little tourist town that has some surprisingly good fishing marks nearby. Fishing wise Tramberly Cove, Bossiney Cove and some of the rock fishing marks around Barras Nose are with exploring and are within walking distance from Tintagel.

Gulland

Gulland is a beautiful first-floor property on Port Isaac’s coastline, with stunning clifftop views over the bay and harbour. The large clifftop garden, patio and parking access are perfect for outdoor lovers. With Port Isaac right on your doorstep, along with the South West Coast Path, the walking and amenity access is perfect for no-fuss getaways.

Fishing-wise, there are some fantastic rock fishing marks right on your doorstep. Castle Rock has some particularly excellent, accessible shore fishing spots. If you go south from Port Isaac, there are multiple shore fishing marks you can access from the South West Coast Path on the way to Doyden Castle right up to The Rumps and Pentire Point. A fantastic headland with some marks that are relatively easy to access and stretch far out to sea.

Whilst Port Isaac itself isn’t the best for even moderately serious fishermen, it’s a prime spot for mackerel and harbour fishing, so a great option to get the kids interested.

Godrevy

Godrevy is a beautiful, top-of-the-range holiday home in St.Ives overlooking the magnificent Godrevy lighthouse. One of our favourite fishing spots in Cornwall. With absolutely stunning views from a private patio, this three-bedroom property is a fantastic fishing getaway for you and the family.

With direct access to the South West Coast Path, there are some fantastic marks to the west, including Clodgy Point and stretching all the way to Gurnard’s Head and beyond. Of course, the beaches around St. Ives offer some excellent fishing options, particularly at night. To the east Godrevy is another excellent fishing mark – reinforced by the large seal colony that live on Godrevy Lighthouse.

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