About The Area

PADSTOW AND SOUTH

Heading away from Padstow, walking along the coastal path, there are several sandy beaches within the Camel estuary.  Chapel Bar and St Georges Well are both reached on foot, whilst Tregirls can be reached both on foot and by car.  These unspoilt beaches are free from buildings and shops offering an idyllic getaway along the coast.

As you go around Stepper Point and head further south, the first main bay you will reach is Trevone which has both a sandy beach and a rocky beach, perfect for studying the rockpools.  Just a short distance further is Harlyn Bay, an half mile stretch of sandy beach, the ideal spot to try a spot of surfing.

Mother Ivey’s Bay on the other side of Cataclews Point is small and secluded with a steeply shelving beach, we then have Booby?s Bay with the greens and fairways of Trevose Golf and Country Club stretching back from the sands.

Moving south, the next bay along is Constantine, surrounded by sand dunes, swimming and surfing are very popular here but watch out for the water as this can be quite dangerous at times.

As we travel further we then reach Treyarnon Bay, a narrow sandy beach with rockpools and a large natural swimming pool accessible at certain tides.  A mile to the south is Porthcothan, bordered by cliffs, this tends to be a quieter beach, safe for swimming and surfing.

We then come to Bedruthan with its famous steps,  Legend has it that the outcrops were used as stepping stones by a giant ‘Bedruthan’ who used them to cross the bay.  Around the cliffs from Beduthan is Mawgan Porth, a large sandy beach with a small stream running through it and plenty of rockpools to explore.

Finally, the next bay around is Watergate Bay with its 2 mile long sandy beach and famous for its surfing and extreme watersports.

For more details of the areas see:


  • Padstow

  • Trevone

  • Harlyn

  • Constantine

  • Mother Ivey?s

  • Booby?s Bay

  • Treyarnon

  • Porthcothan

  • Mawgan Porth

  • Watergate Bay

NORTH OF PADSTOW



Heading across the estuary from Padstow we come to Rock with it?s sandy beach and watersports centre.  We then start to walk along the coastal path and we stumble across the long sandy beaches of Dalymer Bay and Trebetherick, perfect for building sandcastles and swimming.  This is Betjeman country and it is from here you can visit St. Enodoc Church, the final resting place of John Betjeman.

As you round the headland you will next come across Polzeath, famous for its surfing and as you round the cliffs above it there are spectacular views across the coastline.

Port Isaac is a small fishing village, made famous by the TV series ?Dr. Martin?, but still a working fishing port with narrow streets to explore, small gift shops to visit and bars and restaurants in which to try the freshly caught seafood.

For more details of the areas see:


  • Rock

  • Port Isaac

INLAND VILLAGES AROUND PADSTOW



North Cornwall is not just beaches, why not head inland and visit some of the small towns and villages surrounding the area, with woodlands, streams and walks to follow, this area is perfect for discovering hidden beauty spots.

On the edge of the Camel estuary you will also find the bustling market town of Wadebridge, with a sports centre, cinema and parks for the children as well as a larger range of shops.

For more details of the areas see:


  • St Merryn

  • St Issey, Little Petherick and Wadebridge

CORNISH TOWNS AND VILLAGES

As well as the towns and villages around Padstow, there are numerous places to visit within driving distance of the area.
See our guide to some of the local towns and villages to visit Cornwall Towns and Villages.