North Cornwall

North Cornwall really has something for everyone. There are so many beaches around us which are family friendly and life guard protected, then there are secluded coves and quaint fishing villages like Port Isaac and Boscastle. This region takes in the wild Bodmin Moor, rugged Tintagel, and sheltered towns like Wadebridge.

The North Coast of Cornwall is ideal for surfing, picking up the best of the Atlantic swell, and there are many places where you can pick up a board and learn, like Polzeath Beach, just round the headland and still part of the Camel Estuary. It’s not only surfing here though, local clubs in Padstow and Rock offer stand up paddle boarding, canoeing, banana boats, wind surfing, water skiing – and the list goes on!

Take a look at our guides to see the best of the beaches, restaurants, wonderful Cornish walks and days out around us. We also update our blog regularly so you can see what this great county has to offer.

Polzeath Beach, North Cornwall

Polzeath is a famous surfing beach with a little village and a lovely vibe. Located on the headland opposite Padstow it was a favourite spot of the late poet laureate, Sir John Betjeman and is captured in some of his verse. There are local shops, with a few pubs, cafés and restaurants. The waters are watched by lifeguards in the summer and there is plenty of space on this large sandy beach to sunbathe or get active.

If you are a fan of stunning walks then from this scenic spot you can follow the coastal path West from the beach and head towards Daymer bay and on to St Enodoc church. This peaceful site was buried by the sand dunes for century’s and is the final resting place of Sir John Betjeman. Heading East you take in fantastic coves, wildlife and rugged cliffs with New Polzeath, Lundy Bay, Trebarwith Strand and finally Port Isaac along the trail, but it is quite a climb.

If you prefer your adventuring on water rather than on foot then you are in for a treat! Here you can rent surf equipment, grab a lesson and take to the waves. 

Polzeath is quite a safe beach and there are surf schools on hand to help. You can now try stand up paddle boarding, a great activity for waves or flat water.

Padstow, North Cornwall

Padstow is very attractive fishing port – watching the boats come and go around the harbour whilst eating an ice-cream is a great way to relax. Padstow has a good selection of shops nestled in amongst the narrow streets to explore, galleries and boutiques sit alongside fish ‘n’ chips and fudge shops.

You can access the harbour village from Rock on the foot/bike ferry, or perhaps get on your bike and cycle the Camel Trail, a great way to take in the estuary views as it winds along the old railway beside the River Camel.

Famous for good food, Rick Stein has helped to put the great local produce firmly on the map. With charming cafes and restaurants for all tastes, Padstow really is a great place to wile away the day and only minutes away from our holiday cottages. Take a look at our Eating Out guide which includes Padstow.

With all that quality, it’s a town that fits a luxury holiday perfectly!

Rock, North Cornwall

Rock enjoys long stretches of fine sandy beaches on the Camel Estuary. You can sail, enjoy water sports, fish, and just a stroll along the beach is stunning – you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the dolphins as they follow the tide out to sea.

The Black Tor ferry runs to the nearby Padstow all year during the day, followed by the Rock Water Taxi at night. The village has a choice of upmarket restaurants and shops to visit. Golfers can enjoy the renowned St. Enodoc Golf course with its magnificent views.

Rock also has a selection of shops; a new Deli, fish shop, and Rock bakery makes a really good Cornish pasty!

Daymer Bay is a lovely safe sandy beach, right at the mouth of the Estuary and looking out towards the Atlantic, but it is sheltered from winds and swells.Near by is Polzeath, a popular surfing sandy seaside resort. Surf schools, board hire, beach shops and numerous beachside cafes and restaurants make Polzeath a buzzing place in the summer. 

Walkers can take the quieter route following the coastal path past New Polzeath and over the cliffs which inspired the famous Sir John Bejamin to write some of his celebrated verse.

Port Isaac, Cornwall

At Port Isaac, narrow winding streets lead you down to this picturesque Cornish fishing village – the back drop for TV’s Doc Martin, masquerading as the fictional Port Wenn. Doc Martin’s house is a big draw, and there are lots of other buildings that serve as locations in the series. This beautiful seaside village is also popular for its home-grown folk singing Fishermans Friends, who perform on summers evenings to a rousing crowd on the slipway – not to be missed!

There is a lovely selection of small teashops and restaurants in the port, as well as freshly caught fish, crabs and lobsters sold on the harbour front – maybe just the solution for a tasty supper…

This is a village that needs to be visited, whether in or out of season, and the harbour is the paragon of a Cornish fishing port if the tide is in or out. Our cottages are only minutes away, with quick access using less busy roads passing through Cornwall’s relaxing farmland.