Beaches near Magpie Cottage
Beaches
The popularity of Polzeath has grown over recent years. This results from the combination of a beautiful sandy beach, laid back beach town feel and ideal conditions for learning to surf. The beach itself is enormous at low tide, extending around half a mile in all directions. At high tide however the beach shrinks to just a small patch of sand in front of the village.
Polzeath is one of the safest beaches along this stretch of the North Cornwall coast with its gently shelving sand and seasonal lifeguard cover. Along with all the facilities and water quality you would expect from a Blue Flag beach Polzeath is a great family beach. Another great feature is the parking on the beach - yes, actually on the beach!
Polzeath is located just north of the Camel Estuary in the lee of Pentire Point. The beach is only around 2 miles from Padstow as the crow flies but crossing the estuary makes for a significant detour and in fact Port Isaac is a shorter drive.
This area is rich in both sealife and birdlife with dolphin sightings common along with the odd puffin too.
Dogs are not allowed on the beach between 10am to 6pm over the summer months.
Polzeath beach is approx a 10 - 15 min drive from Magpie Cottage. There is also a bus service directly from the cottage to the beach.
124 locals recommend
Polzeath Beach
South West Coast PathThe popularity of Polzeath has grown over recent years. This results from the combination of a beautiful sandy beach, laid back beach town feel and ideal conditions for learning to surf. The beach itself is enormous at low tide, extending around half a mile in all directions. At high tide however the beach shrinks to just a small patch of sand in front of the village.
Polzeath is one of the safest beaches along this stretch of the North Cornwall coast with its gently shelving sand and seasonal lifeguard cover. Along with all the facilities and water quality you would expect from a Blue Flag beach Polzeath is a great family beach. Another great feature is the parking on the beach - yes, actually on the beach!
Polzeath is located just north of the Camel Estuary in the lee of Pentire Point. The beach is only around 2 miles from Padstow as the crow flies but crossing the estuary makes for a significant detour and in fact Port Isaac is a shorter drive.
This area is rich in both sealife and birdlife with dolphin sightings common along with the odd puffin too.
Dogs are not allowed on the beach between 10am to 6pm over the summer months.
Polzeath beach is approx a 10 - 15 min drive from Magpie Cottage. There is also a bus service directly from the cottage to the beach.
On the north coast of Cornwall is Lundy Bay, close to Polzeath and Port Isaac, it is a small sheltered rocky cove. The name is believed to come from the fact that the cove faces Lundy Island in Devon some 80 miles away. Another explanation is that there were once puffins here and the ancient Norse name for these is lundy.
At low tide, a beautiful sandy beach is revealed along with plenty of rock pools making great for families with kids. However, access to Lundy Bay involves a bit of a hike off the beaten track. It's a pleasant walk though, through an open field into a stunning wooded valley which allows you to walk down to the beach via a sloping path or up to the cliff to take in the breathtaking views.
There is a small National Trust car park nearby. However, unless you get there early on a sunny, summer's day you won't find any spaces.
There is a seasonal ban on dogs from Easter to 1 Oct.
Lundy Bay is approx 10 - 15 min drive from Magpie Cottage.
15 locals recommend
Lundy Bay
On the north coast of Cornwall is Lundy Bay, close to Polzeath and Port Isaac, it is a small sheltered rocky cove. The name is believed to come from the fact that the cove faces Lundy Island in Devon some 80 miles away. Another explanation is that there were once puffins here and the ancient Norse name for these is lundy.
At low tide, a beautiful sandy beach is revealed along with plenty of rock pools making great for families with kids. However, access to Lundy Bay involves a bit of a hike off the beaten track. It's a pleasant walk though, through an open field into a stunning wooded valley which allows you to walk down to the beach via a sloping path or up to the cliff to take in the breathtaking views.
There is a small National Trust car park nearby. However, unless you get there early on a sunny, summer's day you won't find any spaces.
There is a seasonal ban on dogs from Easter to 1 Oct.
Lundy Bay is approx 10 - 15 min drive from Magpie Cottage.
A small and sheltered beach on the north Cornwall coast, Port Gaverne beach is a north west facing beach in a narrow cove just east of the quaint fishing village of Port Isaac.
At low tide the beach is made up of sand and shingle with plenty of rock pools and caves. During the summer months it can often get quite busy being especially popular and safe for families. Port Gaverne is also one of a few dog friendly beaches in the area
The coastpath here provides some stunning cliff walks and views to take in, while at high tide the area is excellent as a diving beach. Port Gaverne is occasionally used by locals to launch small boats as there is a slipway and easy access from the road.
Although most facilities can be found in nearby Port Isaac there is a good pub just off the beach.
The easiest place to park is in Port Isaac village which is just over a half mile walk from the beach. There is some roadside parking at Port Gaverne, but it is very limited.
Port Gaverne is less than 5 mins drive from Magpie Cottage, or a 15-20 min walk (downhill!!).
29 locals recommend
Port Gaverne
A small and sheltered beach on the north Cornwall coast, Port Gaverne beach is a north west facing beach in a narrow cove just east of the quaint fishing village of Port Isaac.
At low tide the beach is made up of sand and shingle with plenty of rock pools and caves. During the summer months it can often get quite busy being especially popular and safe for families. Port Gaverne is also one of a few dog friendly beaches in the area
The coastpath here provides some stunning cliff walks and views to take in, while at high tide the area is excellent as a diving beach. Port Gaverne is occasionally used by locals to launch small boats as there is a slipway and easy access from the road.
Although most facilities can be found in nearby Port Isaac there is a good pub just off the beach.
The easiest place to park is in Port Isaac village which is just over a half mile walk from the beach. There is some roadside parking at Port Gaverne, but it is very limited.
Port Gaverne is less than 5 mins drive from Magpie Cottage, or a 15-20 min walk (downhill!!).
Port Isaac's popularity has exploded over recent years largely due to its association with the TV series, Doc Martin where it is known as 'Port Wenn'. This attractive village is built around the equally attractive historic harbour which also serves as the beach. Once a busy port, shipping slates from nearby Delabole and importing coal from Wales, the harbour itself is much quieter these days. There is still some fishing from Port Isaac and the crab pots littered around the harbourside are testament to this.
The beach at Port Isaac stretches out to the twin piers at low tide revealing an expanse of sand. As this is also the harbour you will have to share it with the small fishing fleet which is left stranded with the tide. There is a small stream and plenty of rockpools which provide endless entertainment for children. Port Isaac is sheltered from the prevailing winds by high cliffs to the west.
The beach and harbour are the centre of the village. This gives easy access to all the facilities including public toilets on the harbourside. There are some good places to eat overlooking the beach and plenty of shops on Fore Street.
The town's main car park is some distance from the harbour and beach, situated up the hill on the edge of the village around 10 minutes walk away. There are parking spaces on the beach itself. However, it is advisable to park above the high water mark or to keep a very close eye on the tide.
Port Issac is a 5 min drive from Magpie Cottage.
Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round.
258 locals recommend
Port Isaac
Port Isaac's popularity has exploded over recent years largely due to its association with the TV series, Doc Martin where it is known as 'Port Wenn'. This attractive village is built around the equally attractive historic harbour which also serves as the beach. Once a busy port, shipping slates from nearby Delabole and importing coal from Wales, the harbour itself is much quieter these days. There is still some fishing from Port Isaac and the crab pots littered around the harbourside are testament to this.
The beach at Port Isaac stretches out to the twin piers at low tide revealing an expanse of sand. As this is also the harbour you will have to share it with the small fishing fleet which is left stranded with the tide. There is a small stream and plenty of rockpools which provide endless entertainment for children. Port Isaac is sheltered from the prevailing winds by high cliffs to the west.
The beach and harbour are the centre of the village. This gives easy access to all the facilities including public toilets on the harbourside. There are some good places to eat overlooking the beach and plenty of shops on Fore Street.
The town's main car park is some distance from the harbour and beach, situated up the hill on the edge of the village around 10 minutes walk away. There are parking spaces on the beach itself. However, it is advisable to park above the high water mark or to keep a very close eye on the tide.
Port Issac is a 5 min drive from Magpie Cottage.
Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round.
Port Quin Beach is an unspoilt cove facing the Atlantic Ocean that sits in a deep rocky inlet between Port Isaac and Polzeath. A narrow and sheltered cove with a rocky beach, it is only accessible at low tide when rock pools appear.
Forming a natural harbour Port Quin, like many coastal villages, once had a thriving pilchard fishing industry. There was mining here too, but over the years both industries went into terminal decline with the village eventually became deserted. The cove and village of Port Quin are owned by the National Trust.
Port Quin Beach is a quiet and peaceful spot that is popular mainly with experienced walkers because of its location that can be accessed from the South West coastal path down a steep slope. It is also often visited by people taking part in snorkelling and kayaking.
There is a seasonal dog ban between Easter Day and 1 Oct. Parking is extremely limited and it is a 10 min drive from Magpie Cottage.
39 locals recommend
Port Quin
Port Quin Beach is an unspoilt cove facing the Atlantic Ocean that sits in a deep rocky inlet between Port Isaac and Polzeath. A narrow and sheltered cove with a rocky beach, it is only accessible at low tide when rock pools appear.
Forming a natural harbour Port Quin, like many coastal villages, once had a thriving pilchard fishing industry. There was mining here too, but over the years both industries went into terminal decline with the village eventually became deserted. The cove and village of Port Quin are owned by the National Trust.
Port Quin Beach is a quiet and peaceful spot that is popular mainly with experienced walkers because of its location that can be accessed from the South West coastal path down a steep slope. It is also often visited by people taking part in snorkelling and kayaking.
There is a seasonal dog ban between Easter Day and 1 Oct. Parking is extremely limited and it is a 10 min drive from Magpie Cottage.
The ever popular beach of Trebarwith Strand is located around two miles south of Tintagel. It is one of the few easily accessible beaches along this stretch of North Cornwall coast. Now owned by the National Trust the name comes from the Cornish 'Trebervedh Sian'.
The beach at Trebarwith Strand is a long stretch of golden sand backed by flat rocks and beyond these steep cliffs. At low tide the beach extends almost a mile , however as the tide pushes in this all but disappears leaving just the rocks at the base of the cliffs. If you do visit the beach make sure you check the tides before going for a walk - each year a number of people need rescuing after becoming cut off by the tide.
Along the length of the beach are several caves set in the high cliffs, particularly towards the village end. Some of these are quite deep and little eerie if you fancy exploring. The many rock pools along the Strand are less intimidating and contain a wealth of sealife. These little pools make the ideal place for crabs, shrimps, small fish such and the like to hide until the tide returns.
With plenty of facilities and a seasonal lifeguard service Trebarwith Strand is a great family beach. Please not though, only swim when the lifeguards are on duty. Locally it is perhaps best known as a surf beach which picks up plenty of swell. The cliffs at the southern end also provide a little shelter from the wind.
Just around the corner from the main beach is a little cove which has the remains of a harbour. This is Port William (hence the name of the pub) which was formerly used in the export of slate. Another industrial legacy at the Strand is the gully-like pathway carved into the rocks at the beach entrance; this was carved out hundreds of years ago when sand and seaweed were taken from the beach by farmers.
Over the years Trebarwith Strand has been used as a location in several films. These include the 1974 film, "The Seaweed Children", "Saving Grace" (2000), "Oscar and Lucinda" (1997) and the 1996 production of Shakespeare\'s "Twelfth Night". All testimony to this beach\'s stunning natural beauty.
The main car park is set a little way up the valley and takes has around 130 spaces. There is a smaller car park closer to the beach along with a handful of roadside spaces.
Trebarwith Strand is 10 min drive from Magpie Cottage. Dogs are allowed all year round.
73 locals recommend
Trebarwith
The ever popular beach of Trebarwith Strand is located around two miles south of Tintagel. It is one of the few easily accessible beaches along this stretch of North Cornwall coast. Now owned by the National Trust the name comes from the Cornish 'Trebervedh Sian'.
The beach at Trebarwith Strand is a long stretch of golden sand backed by flat rocks and beyond these steep cliffs. At low tide the beach extends almost a mile , however as the tide pushes in this all but disappears leaving just the rocks at the base of the cliffs. If you do visit the beach make sure you check the tides before going for a walk - each year a number of people need rescuing after becoming cut off by the tide.
Along the length of the beach are several caves set in the high cliffs, particularly towards the village end. Some of these are quite deep and little eerie if you fancy exploring. The many rock pools along the Strand are less intimidating and contain a wealth of sealife. These little pools make the ideal place for crabs, shrimps, small fish such and the like to hide until the tide returns.
With plenty of facilities and a seasonal lifeguard service Trebarwith Strand is a great family beach. Please not though, only swim when the lifeguards are on duty. Locally it is perhaps best known as a surf beach which picks up plenty of swell. The cliffs at the southern end also provide a little shelter from the wind.
Just around the corner from the main beach is a little cove which has the remains of a harbour. This is Port William (hence the name of the pub) which was formerly used in the export of slate. Another industrial legacy at the Strand is the gully-like pathway carved into the rocks at the beach entrance; this was carved out hundreds of years ago when sand and seaweed were taken from the beach by farmers.
Over the years Trebarwith Strand has been used as a location in several films. These include the 1974 film, "The Seaweed Children", "Saving Grace" (2000), "Oscar and Lucinda" (1997) and the 1996 production of Shakespeare\'s "Twelfth Night". All testimony to this beach\'s stunning natural beauty.
The main car park is set a little way up the valley and takes has around 130 spaces. There is a smaller car park closer to the beach along with a handful of roadside spaces.
Trebarwith Strand is 10 min drive from Magpie Cottage. Dogs are allowed all year round.
Good sized stretch of sand bordered by dunes and sandhills. It is comparatively off the beaten track compared to its neighbours, Rock and Polzeath which gives it a slightly more secluded feel.
The beach is within the mouth of the Camel Estuary so is pretty sheltered and has a gently sloping beach making it safe for swimming.
At south the end of the beach is the grassy mound of Braey Hill which is worth a climb for excellent views of the area. At the foot of the hill a little way from the beach is St Enodoc Church or Sinking Neddy as it is sometimes referred to due to it's close relationship with the sea and sand. It is here that the former Poet Laureate, John Betjeman is buried.
Dogs are allowed all year on Daymer Bay beach and there is a large carpark right next to the beach.
Daymer Bay is a 15 min drive from Magpie Cottage.
65 locals recommend
Daymer Bay
Good sized stretch of sand bordered by dunes and sandhills. It is comparatively off the beaten track compared to its neighbours, Rock and Polzeath which gives it a slightly more secluded feel.
The beach is within the mouth of the Camel Estuary so is pretty sheltered and has a gently sloping beach making it safe for swimming.
At south the end of the beach is the grassy mound of Braey Hill which is worth a climb for excellent views of the area. At the foot of the hill a little way from the beach is St Enodoc Church or Sinking Neddy as it is sometimes referred to due to it's close relationship with the sea and sand. It is here that the former Poet Laureate, John Betjeman is buried.
Dogs are allowed all year on Daymer Bay beach and there is a large carpark right next to the beach.
Daymer Bay is a 15 min drive from Magpie Cottage.
The village of Rock is located on the eastern shore of the Camel Estuary across the water from Padstow. It has a deserved reputation as an upmarket holiday destination and is popular with the yachting fraternity, not to mention the odd royal or two.
The beach here is a long stretch of golden sand following the estuary towards the coast. It is backed by sand dunes and behind these is the prestigious St Enodoc Golf Club. There is plenty of room along here and you should be able to find a spot even in the height of summer.
The waters here are generally clear and safe, being fairly sheltered. However, some regard must be paid to the tidal currents and abundance of water craft. Even if getting out on the water isn't your thing, just take in the view. The estuary here is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a haven for wading birds.
There is a seasonal dog ban from Easter day to 1 Oct. There is a car park if you drive through the village towards the beach.
Rock beach is approx a 15 min drive from Magpie Cottage,
29 locals recommend
Rock Beach
The village of Rock is located on the eastern shore of the Camel Estuary across the water from Padstow. It has a deserved reputation as an upmarket holiday destination and is popular with the yachting fraternity, not to mention the odd royal or two.
The beach here is a long stretch of golden sand following the estuary towards the coast. It is backed by sand dunes and behind these is the prestigious St Enodoc Golf Club. There is plenty of room along here and you should be able to find a spot even in the height of summer.
The waters here are generally clear and safe, being fairly sheltered. However, some regard must be paid to the tidal currents and abundance of water craft. Even if getting out on the water isn't your thing, just take in the view. The estuary here is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a haven for wading birds.
There is a seasonal dog ban from Easter day to 1 Oct. There is a car park if you drive through the village towards the beach.
Rock beach is approx a 15 min drive from Magpie Cottage,
Harlyn is known for being a great family beach. Located in the lee of Trevose head and with a northerly aspect it is slightly more sheltered than some of its west facing neighbours.
The wide crescent of yellow sand provides plenty of space and the waters here are generally safe for swimming during summer months, when there is lifeguard cover. There's lots to keep kids occupied too with rock pools, sand dunes and a small stream.
There is a carpark by the beach and dogs are allowed all year round.
Harlyn Bay is approx 30 - 40 min drive from Magpie Cottage.
56 locals recommend
Harlyn Bay Beach
Harlyn is known for being a great family beach. Located in the lee of Trevose head and with a northerly aspect it is slightly more sheltered than some of its west facing neighbours.
The wide crescent of yellow sand provides plenty of space and the waters here are generally safe for swimming during summer months, when there is lifeguard cover. There's lots to keep kids occupied too with rock pools, sand dunes and a small stream.
There is a carpark by the beach and dogs are allowed all year round.
Harlyn Bay is approx 30 - 40 min drive from Magpie Cottage.
A favourite beach for surfing but can often be unsafe for swimmers because it faces west and can have some serious rips. There are lifeguards there during the peak summer season, so take notice of the flags and if they are out find somewhere more sheltered like Harlyn Bay.
The bay has rock pools to the left and sand dunes to the right and gentle headland walks in either direction.
At low tide it connects with it's sister beach, Booby's Bay, giving a crescent stretch of more than half a mile of golden sand with plenty of room for picnics and beach games. At high tide it changes to a shelving beach and Booby’s Beach can only be reached by a path near the golf course.
Nearby St Merryn has pubs, restaurants and cafes and Padstow is also close.
And just in case you are interested, this was a favourite holiday haunt of Margaret Thatcher's while she was prime minister.
Constantine Bay is approx 30 - 40 min drive from Magpie Cottage.
60 locals recommend
Constantine Bay
A favourite beach for surfing but can often be unsafe for swimmers because it faces west and can have some serious rips. There are lifeguards there during the peak summer season, so take notice of the flags and if they are out find somewhere more sheltered like Harlyn Bay.
The bay has rock pools to the left and sand dunes to the right and gentle headland walks in either direction.
At low tide it connects with it's sister beach, Booby's Bay, giving a crescent stretch of more than half a mile of golden sand with plenty of room for picnics and beach games. At high tide it changes to a shelving beach and Booby’s Beach can only be reached by a path near the golf course.
Nearby St Merryn has pubs, restaurants and cafes and Padstow is also close.
And just in case you are interested, this was a favourite holiday haunt of Margaret Thatcher's while she was prime minister.
Constantine Bay is approx 30 - 40 min drive from Magpie Cottage.
Trevone is a popular beach with both surfers and families. The main beach is sandy inlet that is actually far deeper than it is wide. To either side of this expanse of golden sand are rocky ledges which are home to some great rock pools.
However, if it's rock pools you're after try the aptly named Rocky Beach (Newtrain Bay) next door. Here you'll find not only great rock pools to explore but a big tidal pool ideal for splashing around in.
With its gently sloping sand swimming is generally safe at Trevone and RNLI lifeguards are present in the summer months. Please note there can be a strong rip current on the right side of the beach at times.
The rocks in around Trevone are of particular interest and the area is Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Of particular interest though is the blow-hole known as Round Hole; an 80ft (25m) deep hole in the cliffs formed from a collapsed cave.
The beach is located around 2 miles west of Padstow making it easy to get to from this popular town. On the minus side, with all Trevone's great features, it can get quite busy in the summer.
Trevone Bay is approx a 30 - 40 min drive from Magpie Cottage.
19 locals recommend
Trevone Bay
Trevone is a popular beach with both surfers and families. The main beach is sandy inlet that is actually far deeper than it is wide. To either side of this expanse of golden sand are rocky ledges which are home to some great rock pools.
However, if it's rock pools you're after try the aptly named Rocky Beach (Newtrain Bay) next door. Here you'll find not only great rock pools to explore but a big tidal pool ideal for splashing around in.
With its gently sloping sand swimming is generally safe at Trevone and RNLI lifeguards are present in the summer months. Please note there can be a strong rip current on the right side of the beach at times.
The rocks in around Trevone are of particular interest and the area is Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Of particular interest though is the blow-hole known as Round Hole; an 80ft (25m) deep hole in the cliffs formed from a collapsed cave.
The beach is located around 2 miles west of Padstow making it easy to get to from this popular town. On the minus side, with all Trevone's great features, it can get quite busy in the summer.
Trevone Bay is approx a 30 - 40 min drive from Magpie Cottage.