Cornwall was once described by DH Lawrence as ‘like being at a window and looking out of England’; not only is it the most southerly county in England, it also boasts the longest stretch of coastline, with almost 700 km of coastal scenery and more than 300 beaches.
Whilst the south facing coast has a softer atmosphere, of rocky smugglers coves, the rugged northern coast of Cornwall looks out on the Atlantic, and is particularly popular with surfers. The South West Coastal Path extends from Minehead southwards along the northern coast, offering outstanding access to amazing scenery, wildlife and historical sites.
Things to do on the North Cornwall Coast
The wide and sandy Fistral Beach, just west of Newquay, is perhaps the best-known location in the UK for surfing and extreme sports.
On the outskirts of Tintagel, visitors can explore the rocky outcrop and peninsula that, legend has it, is the site of King Arthur’s Castle, although the area is thought to have once been a Roman settlement, and the current visible ruins of the castle actually date from the 13th century.
World-famous for its ice cream, crab and Cornish pasties, Cornwall is increasingly attracting fine-dining enthusiasts; Jamie Oliver’s ‘Fifteen’ overlooking Watergate Bay, and Rick Stein’s multiple venues in Padstow, are just the most prominent establishments, but most towns can now boast excellent local restaurants, selling the very best of regional produce.
The North Cornish Coast was once one of the main areas for metal mining; Cornwall continues to be famous for its tin mining, although the last mine (South Crofty near Redruth) closed in 1998. The iconic ruins of tin mine chimneys and wheelhouses still scatter the countryside, many of them overlooking the coast, with their underground workings leading down to the sea.
Top Destinations
Bude - Although Bude was once a thriving port, handling shipping from Ireland, Wales and Bristol, the local coastline has always been known to be particularly treacherous: ‘From Padstow Point to Lundy Light, is a watery grave by day or night’.
Launceston - Known as the ‘gateway to Cornwall’, Launceston is a quintessential Cornish market town, with narrow mediaeval streets dominated by an imposing Norman castle.
Boscastle - One of the few remaining unspoilt harbour villages in Cornwall, thanks in no small part to its ownership by the National Trust, Bude is also an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Padstow & Wadebridge - Now an epicurean centre, Padstow is situated near to the mouth of the Camel Estuary; a five mile section from Padstow to Wadebridge forms part of the Camel Trail - a fabulous place for bird-watching. The trail extends a further 12 miles towards Camelford through beautiful mixed woodland.
Newquay - The county centre for surfing and parties, Newquay is also building a reputation for other extreme sports, such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, waveskiing and mountain boarding. Just outside the town the former USAF base now operates commercially as Newquay Cornwall Airport, connecting the county to major UK cities.
Perranporth- The three miles of sandy beach make the town a popular family holiday destination, with the fine local Golf Club and Perranporth Aerodrome adding additional leisure opportunities.
St Agnes - Steeped in mining history, with the famous Wheal Kitty and Polberro workings amongst those close at hand, St Agnes can also boast the last remaining tin production centre in Cornwall, utilising alluvial mining techniques. The town also offers great access for coastal walkers, with four varied beaches for holidaymakers.
Redruth – Said to take its name from the colour of a local stream, caused by the presence of iron oxide, Redruth is overlooked by Carn Brea, a giant granite obelisk erected in 1836 in memory of a mine owner and local philanthropist, Francis Bassett. The town was also the home of inventor William Murdoch, whose house is thought to have been the first in the world to be lit by piped (coal) gas.
St Ives – Long isolated by its coastal location towards the end of the Cornish peninsula, St Ives was ‘revealed’ to the outside world with the opening of the Great Western Railway line in 1877. An internationally renowned centre for arts, including the St Ives School of Artists in the late 1800s, and home in their time to Turner, Whistler, Virginia Woolf, Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore, the town is now the location of the award-winning building which houses Tate St Ives.
Land’s End – The headland on the Penwith peninsula is the most westerly point in mainland England, and looks out towards the Isles of Scilly, some 28 miles away.
Wheel Lodge, Higher Hendra, St Teath, Bodmin, Cornwall
Converted single storey barn on working family farm.
This comfortable cottage has double bedroom, shower room and open plan dining/living/kitchen room. It has its own garden with patio and parking. Situated adjacent to ...
Fistral cottage is situated less than 1 mile from Goonhavern village that has a traditional Cornish pub and shop. The miles of golden sandy beaches are less than a ten minute drive away. The North Coast of Cornwall has an ...
Situated within a private, peaceful valley location just up the footpath from the Beach at Crackington Haven, between Bude & Boscastle on the spectacular North Cornwall Coast, the perfect base for exploring all the ...
Accommodation comprises of entrance hall, leading to a large lounge with window to the front and patio doors opening out onto its' own private courtyard garden. Off the lounge is the compact kitchen with breakfast bar ...
Set high above the rugged Cornish coast, encircled by rolling countryside, our self-catering cottages offer a perfect base for your holiday. With majestic scenery throughout the seasons and with direct access to Sandymouth ...
This lovely, stone built, semi-detached cottage lies in the heart of the quaint village of St Mabyn, just 9 miles through the Cornish country lanes to the well-known seaside villages of Rock and Polzeath on the North ...
4 Seasons is a perfect all year round hub base for surfers, walkers of the South West Coast Path, and all holiday makers seeking to explore the outstanding beauty of west Cornwall’s breathtaking coastline, beaches, ...
Wonderful surfing beaches nearbyIn the heart of unspoilt countryside near the wonderful surfing beaches of Polzeath, Treyarnon and Constantine plus glorious cliff top walks and coastal rambles within easy reach. This ...
Beautiful bay viewsThese bright and well-equipped holiday apartments stand in a commanding position with panoramic views from the front across the stunning Port Isaac Bay. Each apartment boasts at least one en-suite ...
Beautiful bay viewsThese bright and well-equipped holiday apartments stand in a commanding position with panoramic views from the front across the stunning Port Isaac Bay. Each apartment boasts at least one en-suite ...
Beautiful bay viewsThese bright and well-equipped holiday apartments stand in a commanding position with panoramic views from the front across the stunning Port Isaac Bay. Each apartment boasts at least one en-suite ...
Beautiful bay viewsThese bright and well-equipped holiday apartments stand in a commanding position with panoramic views from the front across the stunning Port Isaac Bay. Each apartment boasts at least one en-suite ...
4 steps to entrance. All on the ground floor:Living/dining room: With electric fire, Freeview TV, DVD player and French doors leading to decked area.Kitchen: With electric oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, ...
Lovely countryside viewsThese attractive detached holiday properties are located next to the owner’s home, have lovely countryside views yet only half a mile from the town in a rural location. Convenient for the ...
This pet-friendly, semi-detached stone built holiday cottage is set in a privileged position in the pretty Cornish village of Port Isaac, made famous by the TV series Doc Martin. There is private parking and a lovely sunny ...
Backways, Treligga, near Tregardock, Cornwall, Tintagel
Near Tregardock BeachThis charming, terraced holiday cottage, circa 1826 with its rag slate roof, beams and stone fireplace with clome oven, has breathtaking sea and country views. Fitted to a good standard throughout, ...
Badger Barn, St Giles-on-the-Heath, near Launceston, Cornwall
Set in 7 acres with two carp lakesNetherbridge Farm is a cluster of beautiful stone barns (refs 29861 to 29866) converted into simply stunning holiday homes. The properties are superbly equipped with bright, light ...
Bannsvale Barn, Mount Hawke, near St Agnes, Cornwall, Porthtowan
Steps to entrance. Ground floor: Step to living/dining room/kitchen with beams and tiled floor. First floor: 2 bedrooms: 1 double, 1 bunk (2ft 6in for children). Shower room with toilet. Biomass CH, elec, bed linen and ...
These semi-detached holiday cottages sit in a rural location beside the north Cornish coast on the owner’s working beef farm. The farm has walks through the woods to Coombe Valley and visitors are able to view the farm ...
Steps to entrance.First Floor:Open plan living space: With door leading to decked balcony.Living area: With wood burner and Freeview TV.Dining area.Kitchen area: With electric cooker, microwave, fridge/freezer and ...
Barton Cottage, North Petherwin, near Launceston, Cornwall
This spacious cottage, attached to the owner’s home, forms part of a 16th-century farmhouse and is the ideal choice for a peaceful holiday. It is located on the edge of the village of North Petherwin, close to the market ...
Basil Cottage is tucked away on the edge of pretty Crantock village, providing an ideal holiday base to enjoy this beautiful, historic and dramatic county. This comfortable cottage has all guests could wish for and the ...
Just minutes from the famous Fistral Beach, this charming apartment provides the ideal base for that all important beach holiday on Cornwall’s beautiful coast. This holiday property is one of three similar apartments in ...
Close to beachThis stylish, terraced holiday villa is set within the St. Merryn Holiday Village, on the outskirts of St Merryn and just 3 miles from Padstow. The property has an open-plan living area on the ground floor ...
Ground Floor:Living room: With wood burner, Freeview TV and slate floor.Dining room: With slate floor.Kitchen: With electric oven, electric hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, and slate ...
Shared games roomFriesian Valley Cottages (refs 28804, 28805, 28806, 31303, 31304 and 31287) are situated in the tranquil, rural hamlet of Mawla on the beautiful North Cornwall Coast. It is just 1½ miles from the golden ...
Beech Cottage, Pyworthy, Holsworthy, near Bude, Devon, Cornwall
Ground floor: Living/dining room. Kitchen. Bathroom with shower over small bath, toilet and Velux. 2 steps up to 2 bedrooms: 1 double, 1 bunk (for children).Woodburner in living room (initial fuel inc). Hot tub (private, ...
This adjoining property enjoys a peaceful courtyard setting, surrounded by open farmland, yet lies only one and a half miles from the bustling harbour town of Padstow with its excellent selection of restaurants, quaint ...
An idyllic retreat nestling in glorious countryside on the edge of Bodmin Moor, this single-storey detached holiday cottage is beautifully presented. Guests can enjoy the owner’s delightful gardens and the games barn ...
Situated just seconds from the golden sands of Perranporth, this holiday apartment enables you to get from bed to beach in less than 3 minutes! The beaches, countryside and quaint villages surrounding Blue Waves make this ...
All on the ground floor.Step to...Living/dining room: With 32’’ Freeview TV, DVD player and CD player.Kitchen: With electric oven, electric hob, microwave and fridge.Bedroom 1: With double bed.Bedroom 2: With twin ...
All on ground floor: Living room with French doors/dining room/kitchen with wooden floors. 2 bedrooms: 1 double with en-suite shower room and toilet, 1 twin. Bathroom with shower over bath and toilet. ...
Minutes from the golden sands of Holywell Bay (1½ miles), this well presented detached cottage has all you need for a memorable stay, close to the North Cornwall Coast. The cliffs, beaches, countryside and quaint villages ...
Fantastic rural viewsOffering peace, quiet and comfort, this cosy cottage with its own garden has been converted from a cow shed and is accessed by a farm lane. Enjoying fantastic rural views it is an ideal location for ...
5 mins walk to beach, 10 mins walk to BudeJust a short walk from the centre of Bude and its glorious beaches, Brightlands Apartment enjoys stunning south facing views towards Maer Lake Nature Reserve. This refurbished, 2 ...
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