Polzeath

The beach at Polzeath in North Cornwall
Polzeath

Polzeath rivals Bude for Cornwall's second surf capital after Newquay. Bustling in the summer, it's a good place to get surf lessons, buy surf gear or just give it a go. There is quite a lot of parking (on the top of the beach itself).

There is a beach at all stages of the tide. Down the left side of the beach there are some good rockpools at low tide. The rest of the beach is very flat and sandy, which can make for some long rides (and paddles!) if you are surfing, but also means in the shallows the waves are small which makes it safer for small children to paddle or surf than some of the steeper beaches further north. It's lifeguard patrolled and there is usually a separately flagged malibu area to avoid surfers mowing down swimmers. To the left along the coast path are a number of smaller beaches. Also to the right onto Pentire Point there are a couple of small beaches.

The tide goes out and comes in a long way so bear that in mind to avoid floating picnics. In the event of such a catastrophe or for those more inclined there are a number of cafés around the beach and even a grocery shop. There is often an ice cream van on the beach in the Summer so parents may want to be armed with change to avoid diplomatic incidents.

There is some great walking on Pentire Point with great views over The Rumps. The visitor centre in Tintagel has a leaflet (costing 60p) for a 5 mile circular walk from Polzeath out to Pentire Point which has lots of information about the history of the area.

Weather forecast for Polzeath

Current surf conditions at Polzeath

Directions to Polzeath from Tintagel

Take the B3314 through Delabole and past the turnings to Port Isaac and Trelights. Take the right turn signposted to Polzeath. Further along this road forks. Take the LEFT fork to Polzeath not the right fork to "New Polzeath" or "Pentireglaze" (which are on Pentire Point).

Walks to Polzeath

New Polzeath to The Rumps (4 miles)

The walk starts near the coast at the Lead Mines National Trust car park and heads out onto the coast path. The route follows the coast onto Com headland where there a stunning views of Port Issac Bay. The coast path continues to Rumps Point where you can walk through the fortifications out onto the headland. The coast path continues to Pentire Point where there are views across the Camel Estuary and on to the beach at Pentireglaze. The route finally heads inland at New Polzeath along lanes towards Pentire Farm to complete the circular walk.

Polzeath to St Enodoc Church (4 miles)

The walk starts at Polzeath Beach and follows the coast path known as "The Greenaway" around past a number of small beaches with pretty purple-and-green striped rocks. There also are lots of good rockpools to explore at low tide. The route rounds Trebetherick point and descends onto the beach at Daymer Bay before heading through the sand dunes to St Enodoc Church - the burial place of Sir John Betjamen. The route then loops inland across fields and a couple of golf courses back to Polzeath.


Photos of Polzeath on Flickr

More information on Polzeath