Searches for ‘Secret Cornwall’ Up 225% as Brits Seek Out Under-the-Radar Coastal Escapes This Summer

Searches for ‘Secret Cornwall’ Up 225% as Brits Seek Out Under-the-Radar Coastal Escapes This Summer 

As UK travellers increasingly seek out quieter, more local coastal destinations, new data reveals a sharp rise in demand for lesser-known seaside spots.  

Analysing Google search data from the past 5 years, Perfect Stays found that searches for 'Secret Cornwall' are up 225% year-on-year, with a further 19% rise in the past 90 days compared to the previous quarter. 

This trend is mirrored on TikTok, where hashtags including #HiddenCornwall and #SecretCornwall have now surpassed 28 million views, with users actively sharing lesser-known beaches, villages and coastal walks. 

According to the luxury holiday specialists, this growing demand reflects a wider change in traveller behaviour. Joe Knight, Head of Sales and Guest Experience, says “We’re seeing a clear shift towards more considered travel. While popular destinations in Cornwall continue to perform strongly, there’s a growing curiosity around exploring beyond the obvious. Looking ahead, we’ve identified a number of lesser-known locations we expect to gain traction as this mindset continues to evolve.’” 

In response, Perfect Stays has identified the top five lesser-known Cornwall destinations for summer 2026, each paired with a standout property. 

Top 5 Hidden Cornwall Spots for Summer 2026 

Mousehole (West Cornwall) 

Often overshadowed by nearby St Ives, Mousehole has held onto a quieter, more lived-in feel, with a working harbour, narrow lanes and a strong sense of local character. It’s long attracted artists and writers, but increasingly it’s the food scene drawing people in, from small-plate dining at 2 Fore Street to seafood at Mackerel Sky and Argoe just along the coast in Newlyn. Nearby, Polgoon in Penzance also offers vineyard tours and tasting. Meanwhile, the Minack Theatre, carved into the cliffs, hosts open-air performances through the summer. For those who’d like to arrange a visit, the Perfect Stays Concierge team can happily assist with bookings and transport. 

Where to stay: Wharf House (Sleeps 6–10) Per 7 nights from £1,995, 3 nights from £1,695 

Coverack (Lizard Peninsula, West Cornwall) 

Set on the Lizard Peninsula - one of Cornwall’s least explored corners - Coverack offers a quieter, more dramatic take on the coastline. This is a place defined less by hotspots and more by landscape: wide open sea views, rugged cliffs and a strong sense of remoteness that’s increasingly appealing to travellers looking to switch off. 

There’s still plenty to do beyond the scenery. The village itself has a handful of cafés and pubs, while nearby spots like Kynance Cove bring some of Cornwall’s most striking beaches. The Cornish Seal Sanctuary and Roskilly’s Farm add a family-friendly element, while coastal walks along this stretch feel noticeably less crowded than those further north. It’s Cornwall at its most unspoilt.  

Where to stay: Compass Point (sleeps 8) Per 7 nights from £2,850, 3 nights from £2,650 

The most westerly working fishing port on mainland Britain, Porthleven has both a strong maritime heritage and a growing reputation for food. Centred around its double harbour, the town is home to a number of well-regarded restaurants, cafés and pubs, alongside fishmongers selling the day’s catch, with reservations and recommendations made easy with the help of the Perfect Stays Concierge team. 

It’s also known for its powerful reef break, attracting experienced surfers, while nearby coastal paths and the National Trust-owned Penrose Estate offer quieter walks around Loe Pool, Cornwall’s largest natural freshwater lake.  

Where to stay: Salt Spray (Sleeps 6–8) Per 7 nights from £1,995, 3 nights from £1,845 

Downderry (South East Cornwall) 

Often overlooked in favour of Cornwall’s better-known coastal towns, Downderry is one of the county’s quieter stretches, with a strong sense of calm that’s increasingly hard to find. Set along the south-east coast, it offers a more low-key alternative. There’s a simplicity to the area with coastal walks that feel largely undiscovered, and just a handful of local spots like Bewshea's By The Beach. 

Where to stay: Sea Edge (Sleeps 6) Per 7 nights from £2,750, 3 nights from £2,550 

Trebarwith Strand (North Cornwall) 

A little further along the coast from Tintagel, Trebarwith Strand has a wilder, more rugged feel than many of Cornwall’s better-known destinations. Its tidal beach, which disappears entirely at high tide, gives the place a constantly shifting character, while the South West Coast Path runs straight through it, linking dramatic cliff walks with neighbouring spots like Port Isaac. 

What sets it apart is its location for surf and scenery alongside genuinely good food. The Port William pub sits right on the seafront with sweeping views, while a short drive brings you to Port Isaac. 

Where to stay: The Paddock (Sleeps 10–14) Per 7 nights from £2,350, 3 nights from £2,050 

ENDS 

Notes to Editors 

• TikTok data based on hashtag view totals for #HiddenCornwall and related terms (TikTok platform search, 2026) 
• Google Trends & Glimpse data collected for search term ‘Secret Cornwall’ looking at global searches. Data is correct as of 07/04/2026. 

Property images: 

The Paddock - Images: HERE 

Compass Point - Images HERE 

Sea Edge - Images: HERE 

Wharf House - Images: HERE  

Salt Spray - Images: HERE 

About Perfect Stays  

Perfect Stays is a luxury holiday rental company specialising in spectacular holiday homes in beautiful locations across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset. From stunning contemporary houses to waterside retreats and countryside cottages, all feature five-star facilities like private swimming pools and games rooms. Perfect Stays match guests to exclusive, hand-picked homes that are best suited to their needs and occasion.  

Breaking the mould when it comes to luxury self-catering holidays, Perfect Stays is about much more than opulent accommodation. Through a tailored approach and inclusive concierge service, their team of local experts can craft a personalised itinerary for the duration of your stay. From private chefs, wine tastings and in-house spa treatments, to foraging adventures and one-to-one surf lessons, the Concierge team will plan and book experiences on your behalf. Also on hand to take care of the practical details, from recommending baby-sitters and dog-sitters to making taxi reservations, Perfect Stays aim to create memorable, bespoke holidays that are hassle-free.  

Follow on: Instagram, Facebook and YouTube  

Website: https://www.perfectstays.co.uk/  

Press contact: perfectstays@lemongrassmarketing.com  

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Editors notes

Perfect Stays is a luxury holiday rental company specialising in spectacular holiday homes in beautiful locations across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset. From stunning contemporary houses to waterside retreats and countryside cottages, all feature five-star facilities like private swimming pools and games rooms. Perfect Stays match guests to exclusive, hand-picked homes that are best suited to their needs and occasion.

Breaking the mould when it comes to luxury self-catering holidays, Perfect Stays is about much more than opulent accommodation. Through a tailored approach and inclusive concierge service, their team of local experts can craft a personalised itinerary for the duration of your stay. From private chefs, wine tastings and in-house spa treatments, to foraging adventures and one-to-one surf lessons, the Concierge team will plan and book experiences on your behalf. Also on hand to take care of the practical details, from recommending baby-sitters and dog-sitters to making taxi reservations, Perfect Stays aim to create memorable, bespoke holidays that are hassle-free.