How much does a vacation to Cornwall cost?

There are no nonstop flights from the US East Coast to Newquay (NQY). Most travelers connect through London or another UK hub.

Round-trip economy fares from New York, Boston, or Washington to London typically start at about $700 in the off-season and often exceed $1,000 in summer. These tickets generally include one checked bag (up to 50 lbs) and one carry-on. Business class fares start around $1,400, with summer rates often closer to $2,000.

From London, you can continue on to Newquay with Eastern Airways or British Airways. Economy fares usually start around $160–200 round trip. These regional flights don’t offer business class, and baggage limits are stricter (about 33 lbs checked and 22 lbs carry-on).

Another good option is to fly into Bristol (BRS) from London or via a European connection. From there, you can easily continue to Cornwall by rental car or train.

Low-cost carriers also serve routes into London, with fares as low as $45–50 one way, but keep in mind that luggage fees and extras add up quickly.

You can find 3-star hotels and B&Bs in Cornwall starting from about $65 per night. 4-star accommodation generally begins around $110, while 5-star stays start at roughly $165. Breakfast is usually included in these prices.

Cottages are also widely available to rent in Cornwall, offering excellent value for groups. Beyond that, travelers can choose from a broad range of options, including rental apartments, campsites, and hostels.

When choosing accommodation, it’s smart to consider location — staying closer to your planned activities helps minimize travel time and costs. Prices also vary by season and region, with summer rates typically the highest.

Many of Cornwall’s most popular activities fall in the range of $15–55 per person. Options include visiting Trengwainton Gardens or the Eden Project botanical gardens, taking a two-hour sealife safari, or riding the Bodmin and Wenford heritage railway.

Cornwall also offers plenty of free experiences — spend the day at Porthcurno Beach or walk a stretch of the South West Coast Path. Even a boat trip to St. Michael’s Mount is budget-friendly, with tickets costing just a few dollars.

For exclusive activities, expect to pay $90–235 per person. These range from a two-hour surf lesson in Newquay to a helicopter tour from St. Ives to Land’s End, or even a two-day surf and yoga retreat.

The most convenient way to get around Cornwall is to rent a car. Small cars start at about $90 per day, a mid-size car costs from $110, and SUVs or larger vehicles from around $150. Gasoline averages about $8.65 per gallon.Public transportation is also an option. Local bus tickets cost about $3, and National Express connects towns across Cornwall — for example, a 40-mile ride from St Austell to Penzance is about $9.Taxis typically charge a base fare of around $4 and then about $3.50 per mile. If you’re arriving by air via Bristol, you can take the train to St Austell for about $30 when booked in advance; the trip takes roughly four hours.

In inexpensive tourist restaurants, you’ll typically pay $22–40 per meal. A small pub or fast food spot is cheaper, where $9–11 is enough for a meal. A three-course dinner in a mid-range restaurant usually runs $60–130.

Regional specialties are part of the experience. A Cornish pasty costs about $4–5. A Cornish cream tea — which includes tea, fresh scones, and sometimes other snacks — is priced around $5–11. Classic English fish and chips are about $8–9.