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 $93 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. ETA: From January 8, 2025, US citizens must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation for approx. $13 before travel.

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.