The North Coast

There’s nothing shy or retiring about North Cornwall. In fact, it would be safe to say that this stretch of the Atlantic coastline, and the countryside adjecant, has a definite penchant for the dramatic, with each of the four main elements seemingly trying to one up each other constantly: teeteringly impossible cliffs (earth), thundering waves (water), a blazing summer sun (fire) and to top it all off, whipping winds (air.) Extending from Perranporth in the west and encompassing everything up and beyond Bude in the north, this huge area is a veritable playground that offers just about something for everyone.

Unless day turns to night and the whole planet goes topsy-turvy, the main draw of this part of Cornwall will always be its almost boastful array of absolutely world-class beaches. If miles of soft, golden sands are your thing (quite frankly, who’s isn’t it) then you can have your pick of some of the nation’s best with Watergate Bay, Perranporth, Widemouth Bay and Polzeath all on offer. These beaches are havens for families and watersports enthusiasts alike, with lifeguards constantly on watchful patrol in the high season, as well as clean sand and rock pools aplenty to keep little hands and minds occupied - and the big kids just as happy. Despite its popularity, there are still opportunities to escape the crowds on this expansive coast with beaches like Duckpool, Polly Joke and Porthcothan remaining relatively quiet, even in the summer months.

Chances are, you’re also planning a visit to the Cornish north coast to try your luck at the county’s favourite sporting pastime: surfing. Whether it’s the view of humbling, craggy cliffs stoically towering above you after you’ve wiped out for the fifth time in a row, the friendly grey seals that pop up next to you with silent nods of encouragement or the friendly and inviting surf community of towns like Newquay and Bude, there really is no better place to hang loose and get stuck in. If you want to get up close and personal with the rocks you try so hard to avoid as a surfer, try your hand at coasteering, an invigorating and unique way of seeing the coast and its wildlife in all its rugged beauty.

With stunning sands in every direction, it’s easy to ignore the other jewels up and down Cornwall’s north coast. There’s good roads all the way down the coast from Bude to Perranporth, with a slight diversion to Wadebridge to get around the Camel Estuary, but the best way of exploring the area is by foot.

With a good pair of walking boots on and with salty winds whipping your hair, you’re best placed to discover the hidden places like Bossiney Cove and Kelsey Head, as well as the gloriously limpid tidal pools of places like Trevone Bay and Crackington Haven. Choosing to walk also means you can properly take in the spectacular scenery dotted up and down this coastline; from King Arthur’s castle at Tintagel, the sublime rock formations at Bedruthan Steps or Holywell Bay with the Gull Rocks out past the constant surf. It’s these contrasting landscapes that make this side of Cornwall so fascinating, from the high cliffs of Morwenstow on the border with Devon, to the wide Camel Estuary and down to the long, long dune backed beach at Perranporth.

Once you’ve exhausted yourself walking or surfing, set aside some time for sightseeing in one of the many picturesque fishing harbours and villages along the coast. Padstow and Rock prove to be perennial favourites, with narrow winding streets, rows of pastel-coloured holiday cottages and delicious local fish served at restaurants on the quayside. But don’t forget places like Boscastle and Port Isaac, which are great places to explore or have an evening meal.

The north coast is definitely the place to be in the evenings, especially in the summer. Sit on the beach and watch the sun set into the surf with a bottle of wine and a blanket, chances are you won’t be alone, surfers are known to surf all night if the waves are right! Of course, if you don’t want to cater for yourself, there’s plenty of restaurants, café’s and bars where you can grab a pint and a plate of good food late into the evening.

Why not stay a little longer and explore everything this captivating region has to offer? Discover seaside apartments with breathtaking views, chic beachfront hotels, and a host of holiday resorts.

Plan your next coastal adventure and find things to do on the North Coast. Ride the waves at the famous surfing beaches, head out on the water on a boat trip, or even try your hand at coasteering.