FOR a Christmas that’s merry and bright, holidaymakers from the UK and beyond are set to flock to Cornwall as Bude and Port Isaac have been named the two most popular Christmas and new year destinations.

This is according to the UK holiday rental company cottages.com and its family of brands including English Country Cottages and Welcome Cottages.

The most popular towns in Cornwall for a Christmas and new year break, according to booking figures, are: Bude, Port Isaac, Newquay, St Austell and Padstow.

Steve Boucher, area manager for cottages.com in Cornwall, said: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year, not least for our local property owners who have achieved fantastic bookings this festive period.

“We wish all our holidaymakers and property owners alike a merry Christmas and a happy new year.”