August in North Cornwall is what it’s all about. It’s when the sun lingers late over the Atlantic, village fêtes fizz under blue skies, and the ocean beckons with its excellent swell and tranquil tidal pools. With the school holidays in full swing, it’s also the time when families, friends, and couples gather together for morning surfs, coast path walks, and al fresco beach suppers.

If you’re dreaming of a summer escape that blends luxury with the great outdoors, let The Point Holidays be your base for it all. And with discounted use of the golf and leisure facilities included with every booking, there’s every reason to plan a trip to this sought-after corner of the coast.

Where are the best beaches in North Cornwall?

Polzeath is the epicentre of North Cornwall’s surf culture, and August delivers some of the most consistent, confidence‑building waves of the year. Book a lesson with one of the excellent surf schools, like George’s Surf School, or simply rent boards for an early‑morning session when the water is less crowded. 

Prefer calmer seas? The sheltered coves around Daymer Bay and Rock offer ideal conditions for stand‑up paddleboarding, swimming, or dipping tiny toes in shallow waters. August’s warmer sea temperatures mean wetsuits become optional for hardy teenagers, while younger children will love rock‑pooling along the tideline. For added adrenaline, local guides, like Cornish Rock Tors in Port Gaverne, run coasteering trips – scramble, jump, and swim your way along dramatic headlands for a thrill-seeking family adventure. 

What are the best outdoor activities in North Cornwall?

Few paths rival the South West Coast Path in August. Wildflowers still fringe the clifftops, and the views toward Lundy Island seem endless in the summer sun. Families can tackle the gentle, two‑mile route from Polzeath to Daymer Bay, where ice cream awaits at the beach café, while keen hikers might strike out to The Rumps for a picnic on the clifftop. 

Cyclists should head for the Camel Trail – an 18‑mile traffic‑free and dog-friendly route tracing the estuary from Wenford Bridge to Padstow. We recommend hiring bikes, trailers and e-bikes from Wadebridge and pausing at the Atlantic Coach Express, a railway cabin turned café, for takeaway coffee and cake.

Where are the best restaurants in North Cornwall?

Known for its incredible foodie scene, North Cornwall is where you’ll find the likes of Paul Ainsworth’s The Mariners, Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant, and Nathan’s Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen. However, it doesn’t end there. Within walking distance of The Point, you’ll also find Four Boy’s and Fee’s Food in Rock, while Polzeath itself is known for stone baked pizzas at The Atlantic and seafood feasts at The Cracking Crab.  

We’d also recommend hopping on the ferry across the estuary from Rock to really enjoy the culinary delights that await in Padstow. You’ll find everything from traditional Cornish pasties to fresh-off-the-boat crab sandwiches, while the likes of Prawn on the Lawn, Prideaux Walled Garden and Bin Two beckon come evening.  

Just up the coast, Port Isaac charms visitors with narrow streets, sea‑shanty evenings, and traditional Cornish pubs. Pick up deli supplies for a beach picnic or take a seat on the harbour to watch the fishing fleet return to shore. Mid‑August brings the colourful St Merryn Carnival, where decorated floats, live music, and street food create a festival atmosphere well into the night. 

What should we do if it rains in Cornwall?

If clouds drift in, Cornwall’s attractions promise to keep everyone entertained. The world‑famous Eden Project unveils tropical biomes and summer science shows, while the Lost Gardens of Heligan promise rope bridges, hidden jungle valleys, and wildlife exhibitions for younger explorers. North Cornwall itself is home to local farm parks, like Macdonald’s in Porthcothan, which offers animal encounters, tractor rides, and the obligatory Cornish clotted‑cream treat. 

Back at The Point, the day is never lost: tee off on our 18‑hole golf course, join a family padel or tennis match, or unwind in the indoor pool, sauna, and steam room. And because we know even August can deliver a Cornish shower, our cosy Bear Bar offers the perfect vantage point for storm‑watching with a hot chocolate in hand.  

Where to stay in North Cornwall?

After adventure-filled days, step into a space that feels instantly like home. Our self‑catering cottages and contemporary apartments give families room to relax, cook together, and recharge for tomorrow’s agenda. Expect board games in the cupboard, surfboard storage by the door, and outside space to play and roam. Plus, our family‑run team lives and breathes North Cornwall; so, we can suggest where to head for a last-minute surf lesson, book you in for a yoga class, or share our favourite foodie spots for when date night calls.

Speak to our friendly team to secure your August getaway: 01208 863 000 | stay@thepointholidays.co.uk. 

Image credits: Camel Trail, Eden, and Lost Gardens of Heligan via Visit Cornwall | Sam Harris via Rick Stein’s | Padstow via Unsplash | All other images are our own.