What do the late Poet Laureate, Sir John Betjeman, former Prime Minister, David Cameron, and the Famous Five have in common? The answer’s on a postcard … from Polzeath. That’s right, these legends from all corners of British culture share a love of the charming Cornish town of Polzeath, and we’re going to show you why.
Perhaps it’s the plethora of things to do in Polzeath that attract the greats: the idyllic, sandy surfing beach, rugged and wild Pentire Head, and inspiring walks along the South West Coast Path. Or could it be the welcoming cafes and restaurants where a cosy coffee or decadent meal await?
Read on for suggestions on how to fill your holiday itinerary with Polzeath things to do, or head straight for our Polzeath cottages to find accommodation fit for a king (or at least a prime minister).
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Polzeath FAQs
Yes, Polzeath is worth visiting! It’s a beautiful Cornish gem, steeped in the very best of Cornish culture, with a gorgeous, golden beach to boot. Bask in the glory of coastal nature on Pentire Head, or pitch up with a surfboard and sandcastle kit for a day on the beach.
The nearest stations serviced by Great Western Railway are Bodmin Parkway (17.5 miles), St Columb Road (18 miles) and St Austell (23.5 miles). A taxi from Bodmin Parkway to Polzeath between 8am and 9pm will cost you around £50.
Yes, Polzeath has a handful of shops, including gift shops, a post office and a SPAR grocery shop. The closest large supermarkets are in Wadebridge (7 miles).
The parking charges at Polzeath Beach Car Park are as follows:
1 April–31 October, 9am–6pm daily: up to 1 hour £2.30, 1–2 hours £4.60, 2–3 hours £5.80, 3–4 hours £6.80, 24 hours £10.50, week £26.30 | 6pm–midnight £2.10 | midnight–9am no charge
1 November–31 March, 9am–4pm daily: up to 1 hour £1.10, 1–2 hours £2.10, 2–3 hours £3.20, 3–4 hours £5, 24 hours £6.30, week £15.80 | 4pm onwards no charge
Payment can be made in coins, chip and pin, contactless, Apple Pay, Google Pay and via the JustPark app. Season tickets and resident season tickets are available.
About Polzeath
Polzeath’s crowning glory is its golden sandy beach, around which the small village drapes across two hills – Pentire Head to the north, and Highcliffe to the west. Under 2 miles from the fashionable village of Rock, it occupies an enviable spot on the North Cornwall coast at the mouth of the Camel Estuary.
The local scenery put it on the radar of the BBC’s Poldark producers too, who filmed some scenes at Pentireglaze, just outside the village.
The late 19th century saw Polzeath flourish as a visitor destination, so much so that it gets a mention in Enid Blyton’s Five on Treasure Island, introduced as a favourite holiday spot for the children who express their disappointment at not visiting as usual.
We can empathise, Julian, Dick and Ann. The pull of the surf, local pubs and laid-back vibes make Polzeath a bucket-list place.
Polzeath Beach
Into the cove of Polzeath swills the Atlantic swell, bringing with it waves that will have any surfer stoked to get out. The long, consistent, slow-breaking waves make the conditions suitable for all abilities, however, the Polzeath surf can be large, with rip currents that may take the inexperienced by surprise. Beginners can plump for lessons with one of the local surf schools for a safe and fun surfing adventure.
If you’d rather be frolicking in the waves than riding them, seek out the seasonal lifeguarded section and swim between the red and yellow flags. And if the chill doesn't bother you, you could join the hoards who brave a dip on Christmas day!
Staunch landlubbers may prefer to keep their feet securely in the sand; it’s no hardship when the sand is as golden and the beach as beautiful as Polzeath. Picnics, sandcastle making and searching for sea life in the shallow rock pools beneath the cliffs make for an A+ day at the seaside.
The Famous Five’s dog, Timmy, must have relished his holidays in Polzeath, with the beach allowing dogs all year round, with restrictions only in place between 10am and 6pm in the summer.
Good to know
Dogs: Seasonal dog ban 15 May–30 September, 10am–6pm
Lifeguards: Yes, RNLI lifeguard patrols on Polzeath Beach are seasonal, see the RNLI website for details
Other nearby beaches: Pentireglaze Haven/Baby Bay (under 0.5 miles), Daymer Bay (1.5 miles), Rock Beach (3 miles), Porthilly Cove (3 miles)
Polzeath surf schools: Surf’s Up Surf School, George’s Surf School
Pentire Point
Beautiful and unique, Pentire Point is the place to go if you like coastal walks with stunning scenery. Curious earth mounds known as The Rumps expose the location of an ancient Iron Age hill fort. Between The Rumps and Pentire Point, the poet Laurence Binyon wrote the famous poem ‘For The Fallen’ in 1914.
Linger a while with your eyes trained on the cliffs and sea and you may spot a grey seal or peregrine falcon – at the very least, you’ll appreciate the coastal wildflowers. Back at the Pentireglaze Car Park, a cafe promises a rewarding coffee and cake, while an orchard accessible to buggies and wheelchairs offers picnic space and a nature trail.
From the car park, it’s a 0.5-mile walk to Pentireglaze Haven, otherwise known as Baby Bay, a gorgeous, secluded beach that merges with Polzeath at low tide.
Good to know
Parking: National Trust Pentireglaze Car Park | what3words ///modes.slows.dorms | free for National Trust members, up to 1 hour £2.50, up to 4 hours £5, all day £9
Walk: Pentire Headland Walk | 3.4 miles | moderate
St Enodoc Golf Club
Visiting golfers rejoice! St Enodoc Golf Club’s two spectacular links courses sprawl along the rugged coast, 3.5 miles from Polzeath, with natural sand dunes making for an interesting and scenic round. Match your skills to the Church Course or the smaller Holywell Course.
Afterwards, relax in the bar and lounge of the Clubhouse, perhaps refuelling with a breakfast or a Sunday carvery.
Days out from Polzeath
What lies beyond Polzeath’s idyllic bubble? More enchanting North Cornish destinations and attractions to explore!
Rock
Mosey on down to the village of Rock, Cornwall’s answer to Saint-Tropez, where you might find yourself hobnobbing with the rich and famous – it’s a popular spot for celebrities.
Rock’s soft sandy beach in the Camel Estuary is tempting enough, while its restaurants – including Paul Ainsworth’s The Mariners – play eatery Top Trumps, vying to offer the best view, the most accomplished cuisine, and the most elegant atmosphere.
Padstow
From Rock, it’s a short and scenic ferry ride to bustling Padstow, where eateries and shops jostle in the narrow streets surrounding the harbour. Sprinkle a little education into your day with a visit to the National Lobster Hatchery, a marine conservation and research charity, whose fascinating exhibition is a hit with adults and children alike.
Port Isaac
Adding Martin Clunes of Doc Martin to the roll call of famous names associated with the area, just down the road from Polzeath is Port Isaac (6.5 miles) where the popular series was filmed. Oh, and it’s also the home of unlikely chart toppers, the Fisherman’s Friends.
Despite its claims to fame, the village remains modest and charming, with tumbling narrow streets, whitewashed cottages and a picturesque harbour.
Royal Cornwall Events Centre
Horse racing, comics, textiles – wherever your passions lie, you are sure to find an event at the Royal Cornwall Events Centre to suit you. It’s also the home of the Royal Cornwall Show, the Duchy’s biggest annual agriculture-based event with entertainment aplenty. Just 9 miles from Polzeath, it’s worth a trip to catch an event you’ll love.
Camel Creek Adventure Park
Families, this one’s for you. A day of thrills and spills awaits at Camel Creek Adventure Park. Roller coasters and rides, indoor and outdoor play areas, animals to pet or admire – it’s got all the ingredients for a memorable family adventure. We’d wager that the Famous Five would have loved it!
Polzeath restaurants
Visitors with a discerning palate, don’t despair; there’s a select choice of eateries in Polzeath to cater for all taste buds. A beachside feast awaits in the relaxed surroundings of The Waterfront. Bring the kids and the dog; all are welcome to pitch up and dig into breakfast, lunch or dinner, with options ranging from moules mariniere to panko tofu.
St Austell Brewery’s Oystercatcher restaurant promises a thirst-quenching pint and a tasty bite to eat while soaking up the sea views and sunshine. For simple dishes with world-food-inspired flavours amongst them, make a beeline for TJs. Time it right and you’ll find yourself bopping along to live music with each bite.
In the evening, Surfside and Rum Bar is hard to refuse. Proffering relaxed beachside vibes fuelled by rum cocktails and laid-back live music performances, it’s just the spot to wind down after a surf or day on the beach. Fresh food, seafood and tapas can be savoured inside or out.
Polzeath cafes
Looking for a quick bite in one of Polzeath’s cafes? The only problem you’ll have is picking which one to try today. Indulge in succulent seafood at The Cracking Crab, a satisfying al fresco meal at Beach Box, or something deliciously sweet or savoury at Flo’s Kitchen.
Adding even more choice to the melee are Galleon Beach Cafe (think burgers and pizza), and Valley Bar and Cafe.
One experience you shouldn’t miss at the seaside is enjoying an ice cream on the beach – step right up, Cone Zone and Vanilla. What flavour will you choose?
Polzeath shops
In Polzeath’s shops, you can pick up a pint of milk and picnic dinner at the SPAR, stock up on surf-related goodies at Ann’s Cottage, find gifts and a new outfit at Fusion, and send postcards home at the Post Office.
Ladies fashion shop, Ocean Blue Clothing will ensure your togs are on point, while TJ’s Surf Shop will have you wave-ready in no time.
For supermarket shopping, head to nearby Wadebridge (7 miles) and take your pick from Waitrose, Tesco, Lidl, Aldi and Co-Op.
Polzeath walks
Sat upon the South West Coast Path, Polzeath is a delight for walkers. Take to the cliffs for a picturesque ramble around Pentire Head, or trace the Camel Estuary as it wends its way past Daymer Bay and Rock.
The Rock to Padstow ferry deposits you conveniently close to the Camel Trail the traffic-free route which you can follow for as long as you like through beautiful Cornish scenery. Speed up the sightseeing by taking to two wheels; it’s designed for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
Over the far side of Pentire Head is Lundy Bay, a glorious cove, the walk to which is equally picture-postcard perfect. Skirt the cliffs and take in the folly of Doyden Point, built as a gambling den, on this pleasant circular walk from Port Quin.
Polzeath car parks
The main public car park in Polzeath is Polzeath Beach Car Park, which is right on the sand. See ‘How much is parking at Polzeath Beach?’ for pricing information.
Alternative Polzeath car parking is available at Sea View Car Park on Dunders Hill, however many reviews recommend being wary of the ANPR system.
Free roadside parking is available off peak (November–February) on single yellow lines within the village. If you don’t mind a walk, you may find some unrestricted roadside parking on the approach road, approximately 600 metres from the beach.
Map of things to do in Polzeath
Locate the above attractions, eateries, and days out from Polzeath on our handy map below.
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Stay with us in Polzeath
“Those moments, tasted once and never done, of long surf breaking in the mid-day sun.” – Sir John Betjeman
Make memories in our Polzeath holiday cottages, and who knows, maybe you, too, will be inspired to immortalise them in poetry. Choose from bijou cottages for two, or splendid group houses on the coast … move over Kirrin Cottage.
Polzeath cottages