Find and book the perfect Cornish b&b or holiday cottage in Polzeath
Visit Polzeath: a surfer's haven!
This small coastal village in Cornwall, England, is home to one of the best beaches in the country, and the water here is so predictable and fantastic that Polzeath is known around the world as an incredible surfing spot. Polzeath is split into the old and the new – but both parts are equally as fab. With an amazing stretch of golden sand, a nature reserve nearby, rock pools on the beach, and occasional dolphin spotted in the shores, you can't go wrong! For the hikers among you, make sure you check out the trail that travels along the coastline, visiting anywhere from Daymer Bay to New Polzeath and Pentire Point, taking in miles of beautiful countryside and coastline as you go.
Best Time to visit Polzeath
Polzeath is in Cornwall, which means it's one of the best places to visit in England in terms of climate. Situated on the south westerly corner of the country, the weather is so nice here that there are even some tropical plant species that thrive along the coast. Spring is the prettiest season, with fields of daffodils and tulips bringing the first signs of warmer weather, while the interesting coastal wildflowers also begin to bloom – making those sunny trails around the beach all that more pleasant. The summer is hands down the best for Polzeath, however; the town really shines during the warm summer months, with beautiful sunsets gracing the horizon and warm inviting waters for swimming.
How to get to Polzeath
Thanks to its location right in the south west corner of the country, the closest airport is Newquay 10 miles away, where travellers can grab a taxi or hop on the bus to make up the remaining distance. Newquay airport is linked with destinations across the UK – including London Heathrow, London Southend, Guernsey, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Belfast, Newcastle, and the Isle of Man - Europe, Middle East and the United States – keeping Cornwall connected with the rest of the world. Alternatively, travellers could take the scenic drive down via the M5, M6 and A30 – the countryside in the south of England is some of the prettiest in the world – or hop on a train to the nearby Bodmin Parkway Station, which is a 40 minute bus ride away from the seaside town.
Where to book holiday accommodation in Polzeath
Seascape Hotel
Definitely the best holiday rental in Polzeath if you love surfing, as the Seascape Hotel collaborates with the Surf's Up Surf School, offering all of their guests surf lessons during their stay. The hotel itself overlooks the Polzeath beach, offering up endless views of the sea and sunrises / sunsets, as well as being close to the centre of the village and the surrounding stores.
Porteath Barn
The Porteath Barn is a bed and breakfast in Polzeath that dates back to 1851, although it wasn't converted into holiday accommodation in its current form until 1995. The space has been converted to make the most of the amazing ocean views that surrounds the property, set over 5 acres in a valley that opens right onto the sea front. It is also connected to National Trust land at the shoreline, and guests at the Barn can get here using various footpaths.
Honeysuckle Hill
This self-catered holiday apartment in Polzeath is a secluded and beautiful chalet bungalow that catches both the morning and afternoon sun – perfect for those early risers looking to watch the sunrise, or the sun-seekers wanting to catch a tan throughout the whole day.
What to do in Polzeath
Polzeath Beach
Polzeath beach is one of the best beaches in the country – seriously, it won an award for this, thanks to its easily accessible location and fantastic slow breaking waves – perfect for any enthusiastic surfers. In 2017 it was awarded the Blue Flag Award, one of the world's best voluntary eco-labels. The beach itself is a long stretch of beautiful golden sand right on the doorstep of the town, stretching half a mile in all directions.
St. Enodoc Church
This Grade I listed building dates back to the 12th century, on the site of a cave where Saint Enodoc lived as a hermit – according to legend. It's right next to the beach, and as a result it was practically buried in sand dunes for 300 years, between the 16th and 19th centuries. Even today, the banks of the sand dunes are level with the church's roof in some parts.
Daymer Bay
Found along the east side of the River Camel estuary, Daymer Bay is a beautiful golden sand beach and bay lined with sand dunes. Just behind the dunes is the site of the famous St. Enodoc's Church, where John Betjeman, an English poet, writer, and broadcaster, is buried.
Pentire Head
Home to Pentire Steps beach, Pentire Head is roughly a one square mile that contains a headland and peninsula. The headland makes up the Pentire Peninsula Site of Special Scientific Interest thanks to the incredible wildlife and animals that call this place their home, including a number of predatory bird and even grey seals. For any sailors, head out to Puffin Island just a mile north-west of Pentire Point, or the Mouls is to the north-east.
Explore North Cornwall
Cornwall's north coast encapsulates the traditional Cornwall you'll have seen in movies, TV shows and old photographs. Complete with lofty cliffs, sweeping bays, perfect surfing waters, a stay in Polzeath is never complete without travelling along the entire northern area of Cornwall. Make sure to check out the Camel Trail, an 18-mile trail that goes all the way through the beautiful Cornish countryside, visiting a disused railway line and running through a Site of Special Scientific Interest as well as a Special Area of Conservation. For the most part the trail is completely traffic free, following the River Camel from Padstow all the way through to Poley's Bridge on the north Cornish coast. There's also the Prideaux Place, an Elizabethan country house first built in 1592, containing numerous collections of amazing artworks, fine furniture, and the famous Prideaux Porcelain Collection. There is also a deer park found in the grounds of the house, containing one of the oldest park herds in the country. According to legend, if the deer that call this park home die out, then so will the Prideaux family – who have inherited the manor house for 14 generations. To really make the most of Prideaux Place and the surrounding area, why not book a night in the amazing B&B accommodation in Padstow, and really make a road trip of your visit to Cornwall.