With its pounding surf, soaring cliff tops, excellent beaches, delightful restaurants and top nightlife, north Cornwall has got everything. Fancy an exhilarating hike along the cliffs, how about trying that most invigorating of sports, surfing, or what about just chilling out on a magnificent beach and just watching the action. On Cornwall’s north coast your day will end with colour in your cheeks, fresh air in your lungs and a big grin on your face.
Boscastle
Hotels
|
Guest Houses
An unspoiled Cornish village located in a valley on the rocky Atlantic coast. The surrounding coastline and Boscastle’s historic harbour is owned by the National Trust and has been declared an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. the unspoilt village of Crackington Haven has a magnificent family-friendly beach.
Bude
Hotels
|
Guest Houses
Famous for its fantastic beaches and superb surf, Bude is located on the Atlantic Heritage Coast of Cornwall. The South West Coast Path runs through this area so why not take an exhilarating walk along this amazing coastline or if you prefer more sheltered inland walks, why not try the historic canal towpath from Bude to Helebridge, if walking is not your thing, you can take a bike. Bude’s famous international jazz festival is in August/September, an ideal time to experience the relaxed atmosphere of the traditional Cornish resort.
Newquay
Hotels
|
Guest Houses
This is the renowned UK capital of surfing, so whether you are an accomplished surfer or a tentative beginner, the trendy surfing culture and atmosphere of Newquay will sweep you up. Newquay has more than ten beaches so you will be spoilt for choice. Crantock with its small river and sand dunes, Towan in the centre of town, Tolcarne where over 200 steps lead you down the cliff and Porth with its easy access for families. But for serious adrenaline junkies make for the pumping surf at Fistral, the UK’s most famous surfing beach and home to the Boardmasters world surfing competition in August. Or a trip to Lusty Glaze will allow you to try many land, water and cliff based sports. Watergate Bay is home to the ‘Extreme Academy’ where you can try your hand at mountain boarding, wave skiing and kite surfing. Watergate Bay is also the home of Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant.
But Newquay is not just about beaches, children will love Newquay Zoo, Trenance gardens, the Blue Reef Aquarium and Dairyland Farm World are naming but a few of the family attractions on offer. Add a huge range of restaurants, cafes and Cornwall’s most renowned nightlife and there is plenty to keep adults entertained as well.
Padstow
Hotels
|
Guest Houses
While Padstow is rightly famous for its seafood restaurants including Rick Stein’s legendary venues, the surrounding area deserves the limelight too. Padstow’s busy harbour has many shops, galleries cafes and gourmet food shops which to explore. There is also plenty of historic pubs in which to while away an enjoyable evening. On May Day the famous ‘Obby ‘Oss cavorts around the town during the towns famous spring festivities. You can also catch the small foot ferry over to Rock to view the town from the other side of the Camel River and try your hand at sailing, fishing, windsurfing or water-skiing. To the east of Padstow there are the magnificent beaches of Daymer Bay and Polzeath, while to the west there is Harlyn, Trevone and Constantine Bay.
Perranporth
Hotels
|
Guest Houses
Perranporth’s vast beach stretches for over three miles, find a secluded spot for a doze in the sand dunes or head for the waves for a surf or invigorating swim. Have a wander into town to explore the shops or pop into one of the traditional pubs for a pint and a delicious meal. Lowender Peran celebration in October gives you a chance to join in the traditional Cornish heritage.
Porthtowan
Hotels
|
Guest Houses
The blue flag beach at Porthtowan offers both excellent surfing and a safe place for families. Why not visit the Blue Bar, a favourite surfers’ hang out, order a refreshing drink and watch the sun set over the Atlantic Ocean.
St Agnes
Hotels
|
Guest Houses
A traditional Cornish tin mining town is now part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, the friendly community of the waterside village of St Agnes offers an excellent surfing beach and amazing cliff top walks. The mysterious, half ruined old tin mines which are surrounded by the distinctive landscape and dramatic cliffs has inspired both local and national artists and the village is now a centre for arts and crafts. There are many galleries and craft shops to explore when in St Agnes.
Tintagel
Hotels
|
Guest Houses
Getting to Tintagel Castle is a test of stamina and your head for heights as you have to cross a bridge over the raging sea below and then there is a steep climb up the steps to the castle itself. It was once an ancient settlement and military outpost and now surrounded by the legend of King Arthur. Once at the castle it is easy to see why this island would be an excellent look out point and very easy to defend. The castle is now in ruins, but when exploring this inhospitable spot it is easy to imagine the castle as it once was in King Arthur’s day. Look down to the beach below to Merlin’s cave and try to spot his face in the cliff side. After a hard morning exploring the castle why not relax in a pub over a pint and a Ploughman’s lunch and reflect on the unexplained history you have just witnessed.
Wadebridge
Hotels
|
Guest Houses
This busy market town is a great base for exploring the Camel Estuary, and an excellent place to join the Camel Trail; take a leisurely bike ride (or you can walk) to enjoy the amazing sandy coves, magnificent headlands and the clear waters of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In June the Royal Cornwall Show comes to town, this is a showcase for Cornwall’s farming community, there are all kinds of animals on show and you can expect to see everything from combine harvesters to Cornish Yarg cheese.