With temperatures climbing across the UK, Cornwall is looking set for blue skies, warm days and plenty of time outdoors. And while we’re certainly not complaining about sunshine on the north coast, we know that navigating a heatwave with children and dogs in tow can take a little extra planning.
The good news? Around Rock, Polzeath and Daymer Bay, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the warmer weather while keeping cool. From sunrise sea swims and shaded breakfasts to watersports, indoor activities and twilight golf, here’s how to enjoy North Cornwall when the temperature starts to rise.
1. Start your day with a sunrise swim
There’s something truly special about swimming in the sea at daybreak. The beaches are quieter, the light is softer, and the water is often at its calmest before the day gets going.
Daymer Bay and Rock are two of our favourite spots for an early dip, with sheltered, shallow waters that are ideal for gentle swimming. For those staying in Trebetherick, Greenaway is another beautiful option, with natural rock pools that are large enough to cool off in before breakfast.
2. Walk the South West Coast Path early
If you’re hoping to clock up a few miles during your stay, it’s best to head out early when the weather is hot. Not only will you avoid the strongest heat of the day, but the coast path is often quieter in the morning too.
Set off early and you’ll catch the coast at its calmest, with cooler paths underfoot and plenty of space for dogs to stretch their legs before the day warms up. With Rock and Daymer Bay remaining dog-friendly year-round, it’s one of the best times for four-legged friends to enjoy a proper run on the sand, before retreating to the shade as temperatures climb.
For walking routes, here are five you can follow from The Point at Polzeath.
3. Join us for breakfast at The Bear
After an early swim or coast path walk, make your way to The Bear for a sea-view breakfast. Open from 9am, our breakfast menu includes stacked pancakes, sourdough with smoked salmon and eggs, cooked breakfasts and granola bowls. And, most importantly; iced coffees.
With a sunny terrace, views across the coast and free parking on site, it’s an easy place to pause before heading back out for the day.
4. Retreat indoors for table tennis
Sometimes, when the heat is at its strongest, the best thing to do is step inside for an hour or two.
At The Point, we offer indoor table tennis hire in our studio, making it a great option for families, teenagers or anyone looking for a break from the midday sun. Simply book a table online, or pop into the Health Club reception to hire bats and balls when the studio is free.
5. Get out on the water
From Rock, Camel Ski School offers everything from paddleboarding and kayaking to waterskiing and wakeboarding, so you can head out onto the water at a pace that suits you.
Wavehunters are another brilliant choice, especially for wildlife watching and boat trips. Their RIB experiences take you across the Camel Estuary before heading out towards open water, where there’s always the chance of spotting dolphins, seals and seabirds.
A little further along the coast, Port Quin is a beautiful base for donning your wetsuits. Cornish Coast Adventures offer guided kayaking, paddleboarding and coasteering experiences in the area, making it a great choice for older children, teenagers and adventurous adults looking to cool down in the sea.
Right: Camel Ski School. Left: Wavehunters.
6. Surf and bodyboard at Polzeath
Polzeath and surfing go hand in hand – in fact, it’s even one of Gordon Ramsay’s favourite activities while holidaying nearby. With its wide sandy beach, rolling waves and choice of surf schools, it’s one of the best places in North Cornwall to get in the water.
Families, couples and beginners can book lessons with George’s Surf School, while those who already know what they’re doing can hire boards nearby and head straight for the waves. Bodyboarding also comes highly recommended, especially for children and teens wanting to spend an hour or two cooling off in the white water.
Once you’re back on dry land, an ice cream is almost compulsory. Stop by Cone Zone for a clotted cream cone – flake included, of course.
7. Make the most of twilight golf
When the heat of the day begins to ease, the fairways come into their own.
Twilight golf is a brilliant way to enjoy the longer summer evenings, with cooler temperatures, quieter tee times and some of the best views across the coast. At The Point, we offer discounted tee times from 3:30pm, alongside buggy and trolley hire if you’d rather save your energy after a hot day.
8. Cool off in your holiday home
One of the joys of a self-catering stay is being able to move at your own pace. On hotter days, that might mean lingering over breakfast, retreating indoors for a slower afternoon, or heading back from the beach for cold drinks on the balcony.
Stock up on fresh salads, local fruit, picnic provisions and chilled drinks from nearby delis in Rock, Daymer Bay and Polzeath, then settle in for an easy evening at your holiday home. Whether you’re dining al fresco, watching the sunset or planning tomorrow’s swim, there’s no need to rush.
Left: Trerokken. Right: Bowji.
Looking for a last-minute escape? Explore our collection of self-catering holiday homes in Rock, Polzeath and Daymer Bay for arrivals in the next fortnight, or speak to our friendly team: 01208 863000 or stay@thepointholidays.co.uk.
Image credits: Wavehunters | George’s Surf School | Camel Ski School | All other images are our own.
