Just booked a family holiday to North Cornwall and wondering what to pack? We asked our Head of Holidays, Jess Chilcott, for her tried-and-tested advice. Having worked in the holiday industry for several years and headed up our Holidays team since 2022, Jess knows exactly what families need for a relaxed stay by the coast. From beach days in Polzeath and paddleboarding in Rock to coast path walks, rainy-day plans and long lunches in the sunshine, a little forward planning can make all the difference.
Over to Jess for more…
One of the things our guests love most about this area is its relaxed, laid-back way of life. Here, days are spent exploring beautiful beaches, walking the coast path, lingering over long lunches and making memories with family and friends.
At The Point Holidays, we’re lucky to welcome many families back year after year – some have been holidaying in Rock, Polzeath and Daymer Bay for generations. They know exactly what to pack, what to leave behind and what they can pick up locally once they arrive. But if you’re visiting us for the first time, or it’s been a while since your last stay, here are my top tips for what to bring on a family holiday to North Cornwall.
Beach essentials
The beaches at Rock, Polzeath and Daymer Bay are some of the finest in the UK, so you’ll want to make the most of them. For long days on the sand, I’d recommend packing:
- Swimwear for everyone
- Beach towels, or you can hire them from us
- Sun hats and sunglasses
- High-factor sun cream
- A beach blanket
- A windbreak
- Buckets, spades and beach games
- Bat and ball for rounders on the sand
- Reusable water bottles
Polzeath is brilliant for surfing and bodyboarding, while Daymer Bay and Rock are ideal for calmer swims, paddling and picnics. If you’re staying close to the beach, it’s worth packing a larger beach bag that can be left ready by the door each morning.
Clothing for every forecast
Cornwall is famous for its fresh sea air, sunny spells and the occasional downpour – sometimes all in the same day. Even in summer, we always recommend packing layers. Bring:
- T-shirts and shorts for warmer days
- Jumpers or fleeces for cooler evenings
- A waterproof jacket
- Comfortable trousers or leggings for walking
- A smart-casual outfit for dining out
You’ll probably spend more time outdoors than you expect, so comfortable shoes are essential. Flip-flops or sliders are great for beach days, while trainers or walking boots are better for the coast path and countryside lanes.
For family adventures
Whether you’re exploring the Camel Estuary, walking to Daymer Bay or heading across the estuary to Padstow, a few practical extras are always worth bringing. I’d suggest packing:
- A backpack for day trips
- A cool bag or insulated rucksack
- Binoculars for spotting wildlife
- A picnic blanket
- Reusable snack pots
- A portable phone charger
- A lightweight towel for unexpected paddles
Binoculars are especially useful around the estuary and coast path, where you might spot seabirds, seals, sailing boats and, if you’re lucky, dolphins further out to sea.
For surfing, swimming and watersports
If your family is planning to spend time in the water, a little extra kit can make days out much easier. Don’t forget:
- Wetsuits, or hire them locally in Polzeath
- Rash vests for children
- Bodyboards or surfboards, if you have them
- A waterproof phone pouch
- A dry bag for valuables
- Water shoes for rock pooling
- Towelling robes or changing ponchos
There are plenty of places to hire equipment locally, so don’t worry if you don’t have everything already. Polzeath has surf schools and hire shops for boards and wetsuits, while Rock is a great for hiring paddleboards and kayaks.
What not to worry about
It’s easy to overpack for a family holiday, especially when children are involved, but there’s plenty you can arrange once you’re here.
Depending on the property you’ve booked, you may find items such as travel cots, high chairs or stair gates available to hire on request, so it’s always worth speaking to our team before you travel. Beach towels can also be hired from us, which helps save space in the car.
And if you forget something? Don’t worry. There are shops nearby for everyday essentials, as well as local businesses offering surf hire, bike hire, beach kit and watersports equipment.
Most importantly, bring your sense of adventure
Some of the best family holiday memories come from the simplest moments – watching the sun set over Polzeath, eating fish and chips by the sea, rock pooling at Greenaway, or heading out for an early morning swim before breakfast.
Cornwall has a wonderful way of slowing life down and helping families reconnect. However you choose to spend your time, we hope your stay is filled with fresh air, sandy feet and unforgettable moments together.
We look forward to welcoming you to The Point Holidays soon. Book online or speak to our friendly team: 01208 863000 or stay@thepointholidays.co.uk.
Image credits: Philly & Alan Stokes via Koto at The Point | All other images are our own.
