Beaches

A trip to Cornwall wouldn’t be complete without visiting one of the sandy beaches right on our doorstep. Here at The Olde House, we are just a 10 minute drive from some of the UK’s most popular beaches. Take a look below at some of the ones that are closest to us.

Polzeath

Polzeath is considered one of the best surfing beaches in Cornwall, especially for beginners and that’s why it’s home to our Surf Club. It’s manned by lifeguards in the summer months and is also Blue Flag rated which means it’s particularly clean and nice.

There are restaurants and surf shops peppered along the beachside including one of our favourite restaurants, The Waterfront.

Budding surfers are given a 10% discount on lessons as guests of The Olde House. Find out more about our Surf Club.

Parking: Pay & display is available on the beach & the cliffs.

Dog friendly: Seasonal dog ban. Dogs are welcome between 1st October

Daymer Bay

Daymer Bay is a large sandy beach which is perfect for a family trip to the seaside. Found between Polzeath and Rock, its gently sloping sands mean the water is shallow and gentle waves lap the shore, great for little ones who enjoy a splash about. The rock pools are home to lots of little sea creatures, which inquisitive kids will enjoy.

For the energetic, Brae Hill overlooks Daymer Bay and offers a challenging hike with rewarding views over Padstow and the Camel Estuary. Visitors can also follow the coast path to Polzeath or Rock.

Parking: Pay and display parking

Dog friendly: All year round.

Rock

Rock is the sailing centre of North Cornwall and is also a popular spot for windsurfing and water skiing. Tuition is available on a daily basis and is suitable for all ages.

There are several walks and footpaths around the beautiful village of Rock. One of the paths leads to the quaint St. Enodoc’s Church which is around 800 years old and found next to the rolling dunes of Daymer Bay, which famously submerged the church in the 18th Century.

A ferry across the estuary to Padstow leaves on a regular basis from Rock and there are several cafés and restaurants within a short distance of the beach.

Parking: Car parking is available in the village & there is a small pay & display car park near the ferry slipway.

Dog friendly: Dogs are welcome all year round.

Lifeguards: No lifeguard cover

Port Quin

A peaceful sheltered inlet on an outstanding stretch of unspoilt coast. Port Quin was once a bustling fishing port on the rugged north Cornwall coast. Today, Port Quin is a peaceful, sheltered inlet. Surrounded by spectacular coastline, Port Quin Bay sweeps westwards towards the distinctive headland of the Rumps.

Take a walk west from Port Quin & you’ll find Epphaven Cove and alongside Lundy Bay, sitting in a secluded valley thriving with rich flora and fauna. This tranquil spot is perfect for bird watching and is a haven for butterflies and wild flowers.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/port-quin

7 Bays

A 20-25 minute drive away are the 7 bays either side of Trevose Head, which is now owned by the National Trust.

Trevone – a sandy, family beach with rock pools. Lifeguards in summer. Good facilities. Car park. Seasonal dog ban.

Harlyn – a long stretch of safe, sandy beach, with some rockpools at low tide. Lifeguards in summer. A 150m walk from the beach to the toilets. Plenty of parking. Dog friendly: All year round.

Mother Iveys – small beach with no facilities. No lifeguards. No parking, but parking at Trevose Head & enjoy a lovely walk to the beach. Dog friendly: All year round.

Boobies Bay – sandy beach at low tide only. Fantastic rockpooling at low-mid tide. Lifeguards in summer. No facilities. Park at Trevose Head or Boobies Lane & walk. Dog friendly: All year round.

Constantine – good surfing on this wide sandy beach. Small coffee van & takeaway. Toilets. Lifeguards in summer. Very limited parking. Dog friendly: All year round.

Treyarnon – the perfect family beach. Sandy beach, rockpooling & even a couple of caves to explore. Lifeguards in summer. Good facilities, toilets & plenty of parking. Dog friendly: All year round.

Porthcothan – Long sandy beach with some rockpooling. Car park with toilets. Small beach cafe & shop. Dog friendly: All year round.

Watergate Bay

Famous for its popularity as a surfing destination, Watergate Bay is a two mile stretch of sand on the north coast of Cornwall. The large, open bay picks up a lot of swell from the Atlantic and attracts visitors from all over the world. With plenty of sand and rock pools, Watergate Bay is ideal for family days out.

The Beach Hut

Parking: Pay and display parking

Lifeguards: Lifeguard cover in the summer.

Dog friendly: All year round