Only the National Trust's ownership of Pentire Point and The Rumps has halted the spread of housing and allowed this part of the north Cornwall coast to remain breathtaking.
Traditional family sandy beach resort
Web: www.polzeath.co.uk
Polzeath lies on the opposite side of the Camel Estuary from Padstow. Its popularity increases year by year, as more holidaymakers discover its fine sandy beach and the long rollers provide fine surfing conditions. Even on a fine calm day you will find the white-capped 'big ones' sweeping in from the Atlantic, speeding you back to the golden beach on your surfboard. The old village lies at the head of the cove and plenty of parking space is provided for everyone. The beach is known as Hayle bay.
Pentire Point and The Rumps
Only the National Trust's ownership of Pentire Point and The Rumps has halted the spread of housing and allowed this part of the north Cornwall coast to remain breathtaking.
The coastal footpath going north from New Polzeath provides some spectacular views. There are paths cutting back across this headland via Pentire Farm, Pentireglaze Farm and the Old Lead Mine, this makes for pleasant and not too arduous circular walks, taking in Pentire Point and The Rumps. This is Betjeman country, and the late Poet Laureate is buried at St. Enodoc church between Trebetherick, where he spent so much of his life, and the great green swell of Brea Hill on the banks of the Camel Estuary.
Archaeological excavations at The Rumps have revealed the existence of an Iron Age settlement. Undoubtedly, the contours and shape of the land jutting out into the sea would have made natural defences against invaders from further inland.
Padstow Port Isaac Port Quin Rock Wadebridge
Cornwall's Beaches The Coastal Footpath Surfing in Cornwall