Whether you are looking for idyllic sunsets, that perfect wave, or space to let the kids runs wild, Polzeath is the ideal location for a family holiday, friends’ weekend, or romantic getaway. One of Cornwall’s finest and cleanest beaches, Polzeath is tucked inside the mouth of the stunning Camel Estuary and is a haven for novice and accomplished surfers alike.
With many warm rock pools along the edge of the beach, children can spend endless hours collecting shells and searching for crabs while mums and dads enjoy the breathtaking view out to Stepper and Newland. With a handful of beach side cafes, surfshops, boutiques, a newsagent, spar shop and post office, there’s no need to use your car throughout your stay. At the end of the day, when the sand has been dusted off, there are a number of pubs and bars from which you can enjoy a sunset pint, as well as some great restaurants if you are looking forward to a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.
Polzeath – Things we like to do
There are countless things to keep you occupied in North Cornwall. Here are a few of the things that our family love to do in the local area.
If we’re feeling peckish we’ll take take a five minute drive over to the playground of the rich and famous Rock, and hop on the ferry over to Padstow. Recently made famous by celebrity chef, Rick Stein, Padstow is a haven for foodies and families alike.
When we fancy fresh fish for dinner we’ll take a ten minute car trip to the picturesque fishing village of Port Isaac, home of the BBC’s Doc Martin. With its narrow winding streets, white washed fishing cottages, and slate fronted Cornish houses, Port Isaac never fails to take our breath away. You’ll find the freshest catch at Dennis Knight’s Fish Cellars or try Nicki B’s Pasty Shop for a fine steak and stilton pasty.
If the kids are feeling restless, we’ll wander up to Carruan Farm. Carruan is a working farm where kids can enjoy a tractor ride, watch the pig racing, or burn off some excess energy in the small soft play centre.
If it’s a bit of pampering that we’re after, we’ll walk up to the fabulous Cowshed Spa at the St Moritz Hotel. With six immaculate treatment rooms we always come out feeling revived and refreshed.
When we fancy a round of golf we head to the famous St Enodoc Golf Club which is a five minute drive away in Rock. As one of the finest links courses in the country St Enodoc challenges even the most accomplished golfers, with the added bonus of some of the greatest sea and estuary views of any golf course in the world.
If we fancy a surf, we will wander down to the beach to visit Andy at Wavehunters. Wavehunters is a surf company offering equipment hire and surf lessons for surfers of all abilities. Despite being pretty shoddy surfers, we always come away smiling from one of their lessons.
When a bit of exercise is needed, we’ll take a ten minute drive into the small market town of Wadebridge, where we’ll hire some bikes and enjoy the totally flat, riverside cycle ride either along the river to Padstow or though a peaceful wooded valley up to Poleys Bridge near Bodmin. The trail is a haven for birdwatchers and for parents, as if like us you have toddlers, they’ll be fast asleep in the back of the bike trailer within minutes!
When we are feeling really energetic, we’ll stick on our trainers and head along the speactacular South West Coastal Path which passes the end of our road. The views are utterly breathtaking and well worth the effort of some very steep paths and steps.
These are just a few of our favourite things to do. The opportunities for energetic days out of relaxing afternoons are endless.
