Planning a summer trip in the UK often brings Cornwall to mind, a county celebrated for its diverse appeal. On its northern edge, a distinctive landscape unfolds; a compelling mix of wide-open beaches, dramatic headlands shaped by the Atlantic tides, and charming harbour towns bustling with character.
This part of the coast offers a truly unique kind of holiday, one centred on activity, expansive outdoor spaces, and a lifestyle deeply connected to the sea. It’s for those who relish packing a wetsuit alongside a good book. This guide moves beyond the obvious, focusing on the enduring allure of North Cornwall and how to make the most of a family summer here in 2026.
The Coastline: Choosing Your Stretch of Sand
The beaches here are characters in their own right, each with a different purpose. Finding the right one for the day is a satisfying local skill.
- For Young Families: Daymer Bay
Where the Camel Estuary meets the open sea, Daymer Bay offers a calmer introduction to the Atlantic. The water is typically sheltered and shallow, making it better suited for paddling and swimming than the area’s exposed surf spots. The dunes behind the beach provide a natural playground, and at low tide, the sheer scale of the sand is impressive. - For Surfing & Bodyboarding: Polzeath
Polzeath is rightly famous as a surf hub. The beach is a wide, welcoming crescent that funnels the Atlantic swell into consistent, manageable waves. It’s an ideal environment for learning, with several excellent surf schools based right on the sand. For those with more experience, it’s a reliable spot to find a good wave without the intensity of the region’s reef breaks. - For Dog Owners: Rock Beach
Across the estuary from Padstow, Rock provides a huge expanse of sand where dogs are welcome year-round. It’s a place for long, searching walks and games of fetch against a backdrop of bobbing sailboats. From here, you can follow the shoreline for miles or catch the passenger ferry to Padstow for a change of scene.
On Foot: Walks with Purpose
The South West Coast Path offers some of its most rewarding sections in this area. These are walks that justify a good pub lunch afterwards.
- The Approachable Classic: Polzeath to Daymer Bay
This two-mile stretch of the coast path is an essential North Cornwall experience. The trail is well-maintained and relatively level, but the perspective it offers over the coastline is magnificent. It’s a straightforward walk with maximum reward, ending at the calm waters of Daymer Bay. - The Dramatic Headland: The Rumps
For a walk that feels more like an expedition, the route out to The Rumps is hard to beat. Starting from the old lead mines near Pentireglaze, this circular walk takes you out onto a striking twin-headland, fortified since the Iron Age. The sense of exposure to the elements and the sheer cliffs make it a memorable outing for active families. - The Estuary Route: The Camel Trail
If you want to stretch your legs without the inclines of the coast path, the Camel Trail offers miles of flat, traffic-free walking and cycling. The section from Wadebridge towards Padstow follows the river, offering a different perspective on the area’s birdlife and landscape.
Family Activities Beyond the Beach
- Racquet Sports: Tennis & Padel
A holiday tournament is a great British tradition. Alongside well-maintained tennis courts, you’ll find a growing number of Padel courts in the area. This hybrid of tennis and squash is fast, easy to learn, and incredibly social – a perfect option for a mixed-ability family group. You can play padel on our courts at The Point. - Golf with a Sea View
The links-style golf courses in North Cornwall are shaped by the same landscape as the coastal paths. Playing a round here means contending with the sea breeze and enjoying expansive views from every fairway, offering a challenge for serious golfers and a memorable experience for casual players. Discover our golf course. - Outdoor Swimming
Beyond the surf, the clear Atlantic water here is fantastic for swimming. For a unique experience, the Victorian sea pool at Port Isaac, built into the rocks and refreshed by the high tide, offers a beautifully rugged spot for a dip.
The End of the Day: Outdoor Dining & Drinks
Summer evenings are best spent outside. North Cornwall’s dining scene has evolved well beyond pasties and pub grub.
Look for a terrace overlooking the Polzeath waves for a drink after an afternoon surf, or book a table at one of the excellent restaurants in Rock, where the focus is on fresh seafood and produce from the surrounding farmland. Even a simple pleasure, like fish and chips eaten on the harbour wall in Port Isaac, feels like a highlight. We may be a little bias, but we think our restaurant offers some of the best views in North Cornwall. Our Bear Bar also has a food and drinks menu with a large terrace, plus floor to ceiling windows.
Finding Your Base in North Cornwall
How you experience this part of Cornwall depends entirely on where you stay. Choosing a base that gives you easy access to the coast path, the beaches, and the activities that matter to you is key.
At The Point, our properties are chosen to do just that. We offer a collection of high-quality, self-catering homes-from-home; from contemporary cabins to large family houses. With our own golf course, tennis courts, and health club on-site, a stay with us removes the effort from planning your activities. It allows you to settle into the rhythm of North Cornwall life and create a holiday that is both relaxing and full of interest.
