The North Coast

There’s nothing shy or retiring about Cornwall’s North Coast. In fact, it would be safe to say that this stretch of Atlantic coastline 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 Gwithian in the south and encompassing everything up until 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 stretch of coastline 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, Godrevey 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 Porthtowan, 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, 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, the best way of exploring is by foot and you can happily spend a day beach-hopping via the South West Coast Path. With salty winds whipping your hair and a solid mining-trail underfoot, you’re best placed to discover the hidden inlets of Bossiney Cove and Crackington Haven, as well as the gloriously limpid tidal pools of places like Trevone Bay. Choosing to walk also means you can properly take in the spectacular mining scenery dotted up and down this coastline - the abandoned and crumbling engine houses of Cornwall’s industrial history are best enjoyed silhouetted against one of the area’s fiery amber sunsets and sunrises.

Once you’ve exhausted yourself swimming and surfing, set aside some time for sightseeing in one of the many picturesque fishing harbours and towns along the coast. Padstow and Rock prove to be perennial favourites, with winding cobbled streets, rows of pastel-coloured holiday cottages and delicious local fish served at restaurants such as Prawn on The Lawn and The Mariner’s, to name but a few. Take a moment though for the lesser-known towns such as St. Agnes, which has everything you could ever need within a ten-minute walk, including the seafront brunch-spot Schooners and Driftwood Spars micro-brewery.

Just because the scenery of the North Coast is dramatic, it doesn’t mean that the typically sedate Cornish pace of life doesn’t relaxedly rule the roost here too. Whilst locals might be up at the crack of dawn to catch the first of the day’s swell, they’re also likely to be the first back on the sands, or at one of the many buzzing bars and pubs on the beaches to enjoy a sundowner or two. If you’d like to join them, grab an excellent pizza and craft beer from The Cornish Pizza Co. and then head down to Porthtowan beach with a cosy blanket to enjoy it, whilst watching the slow descent of the sun’s golden orb into the crashing white waves - most likely not for the first, or last, time.