Perfect for cycling, the Camel Trail is an 18-mile largely traffic free, surfaced and virtually level, multi-use trail that you can use to explore the Cornish countryside. The track brings back to life a disused railway line that runs between Wenfordbridge, Bodmin and Padstow. It's ideal for bicycles, wheelchair users, horse riders and walkers, and is broken down into three main sections set up to around six miles each, which is probably more manageable than the total 18 miles, on an average day at least! It's free to use, bike hire is available at Padstow, Wadebridge, Bodmin and Wendfordbridge and toilets are in situ along the trail and in Padstow town centre.

Rock climbing, coasteering, ecoasterring, wild swimming, sea kayaking – for the thrill seeker who wants to get that little bit closer to Cornish nature, Cornish Rock Tors has venues on the north and south coasts of Cornwall, so it’s a good one to keep in mind whether you’re visiting the area for the first time or after multiple trips. Suffice to say the excursions allow you to take in some of the most picturesque aspectsof Cornwall, getting to grips with the great outdoors and some of the most incredible scenery the UK has to offer. They even cater to hen weekends and stag parties, all the while endorsed by the National Trust and conservation organisations.

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Enjoy 10% off group bookings with your Toad Hall Cottages Discount Card

Ranked 99th best course in the world by Golf Digest magazine, and 15th in England by Golf World, St Enodoc Golf Club has a reputation as one of the finest links golf courses in the South West of England, with its undulating fairways, firm greens, some blind shots and the added bonus of beautiful sea and estuary views. The club sits on the North Cornwall coast overlooking the Camel Estuary with Padstow on the far side, and it has two courses; the Church Championship course, and the shorter Holywell course which is ideal for those wanting slightly less of a challenge but which still features some typical links terrain. The club has a bar, lounge and dining room available, and green fees start at £45 for the Church course and £25 for the Holywell course in the low season.

Opened by Rick Stein and Jill Stein in 1975, The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow is famous for establishing an international reputation for the very freshest fish and shellfish, often landed on our doorstep. Head chef, Stephane Delourme and his team create simple seafood dishes with classic flavours using Rick’s recipes.

The Seafood Restaurant  Riverside, Padstow PL28 8BY (T: 01841 532700)

Traditional Cornish pub where you can expect a warm welcome whether you’re popping in for a drink, or dining from the freshly prepared menu.

The Hawkins Arms, Zelah, Truro TR4 9HU (T: 01872 540339)

A relaxed and friendly beachside café by day serving coffees, cakes and sandwiches.  Worth a visit for the stunning views alone.

Life’s a Beach Summerleaze Crescent, Bude EX23 8HN (T: 01288 355222)

A contemporary tapas and cocktail bar with plenty of seating and a great atmosphere serving delicious home cooked tapas brimming with local fish and seafood.  Wash down your meal with a range of cocktails, local ales and lagers. 

The Bank at Bude Pethericks Mill, Bude EX23 8TF (T: 01288 352070)

One of the oldest pubs in Cornwall dating back to the 13^th century, with flagstone floors, cosy wood burners and ceilings beamed with timbers from ships wrecked off the coast.  Choose from the excellent modern British menu full of quality local produce in the light and bright courtyard restaurant, or pop in for a few drinks in the friendly bar. 

The Tree Inn Fore St, Stratton, Bude EX23 9DA (T: 01288 352038)

A rocky beach in a narrow, sheltered cove, Port Quin Beach is close to Port Isaac, and is only accessible at low tide.  Its rugged landscape is beautiful to see, but its location means that it’s largely popular with seasoned walkers and those looking to go snorkeling and kayaking.  Unspoiled and peaceful, it reveals a treasure trove of rock pools when the tide is out, and the nearby village is largely deserted, having once had thriving fishing and mining industries.  Today both the cove and the village are owned by the National Trust and there is a car park courtesy of them in Port Quin.  Dogs are banned between Easter and October, and there aren’t any facilities nearby – it’s all about enjoying the peace and quiet.

Since the arrival of Doc Martin on the small screen, Port Isaac has soared in popularity, and the pretty little village with the historic harbour, which also serves as the beach, has become instantly recognisable.  Still an active fishing village with crab pots scattered about, the sand stretches between twin piers at low tide and has a small stream and lots of rock pools to explore, so it’s ideal for children.  Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round, and as it’s at the centre of the village there’s easy access to shops and all facilities including public toilets.  The car park for the town is a 10-minute walk away, and while there are a couple of parking spaces on the beach itself, just make sure you park above the high water mark, or keep an eagle eye on the tide!    

A sheltered beach on the north Cornwall coast, Port Gaverne Beach is in a narrow cove just east of Port Isaac.  It’s comprised of sand and shingle with lots of rock pools to explore at low tide.  In the summer months it can get quite busy given the popularity of the location and its suitability for families.  Surrounding walks along the cliff path are delightful and at high tide the beach is favoured by divers.  There’s also a slipway and it’s sometimes used to launch boats because of the easy access from the road.  Thanks to it proximity to Port Isaac half a mile away facilities and restaurants are nearby, and the beach welcomes dogs all year round.  You can also park in the village although there is limited road parking by the beach itself.

Best known as a surf beach, Tregardock Beach is only accessible by footpath, which offers beautiful views of the water and Port Isaac as you head down.  It is quite a stroll and the terrain is bumpy, so it’s not an ideal beach to visit with children.  The path can also get quite muddy, so keep an eye on the weather.  There’s a seasonal ban on dogs from Easter to September, and there aren’t any facilities in the immediate vicinity of the beach.  When the tide goes out, several small beaches become one long stretch of sand, and there’s a waterfall cascading down the cliffs at the back of the beach as well as caves to explore, so it really is a little paradise hidden in the landscape.  Because it’s not easy to access, it’s usually quiet at this beach, but parking along the roadside near the farm at Treligga is very limited, so it’s a good idea to head over as early as possible and make sure you don’t get cut off at high tide.

Two miles from Tintagel, Trebarwith Strand Beach on the north Coast of Cornwall is easily accessible and is owned by the National Trust.  A long stretch of sand, it’s backed by flat rocks and steep cliffs, but check the tides before you visit because people often get cut off in the summer months.  Once there, there are caves to explore and rock pools containing a wealth of sea life.  It’s been the setting for a number of films in its time, but these days it’s all about swimming (when lifeguards are on duty between May and September) and exploring.  Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round, and there are two car parks – the main one is a bit of a walk away, and a smaller one is closer to the beach.  There’s also a handful of roadside parking spaces.

In the shadow of Tintagel Castle, Tintagel Beach is small and often overlooked, barely accessible via a scrabble down the cliff path.  To the north of the beach there’s a waterfall and to the south is Merlin's Cave, a 300ft long tunnel passing under Tintagel Island and castle that’s only accessible at low tide.  Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round, and the beauty of the place is its remoteness – just you, the beach and the sea, so there aren’t any facilities nearby basically.

At the end of a narrow valley, surrounded by towering cliffs, backing into the village of Crackington, Crackington Haven Beach offers shelter from the elements but only by comparison to the exposed coastline.  The beach is all rocks and shingle, and has a seasonal ban on dogs from Easter to October.  There’s parking at the beach, so remember to take cash for pay and display, and there are two cafes, a pub, surf hire and toilet facilities close by.  There’s also lifeguard cover in the height of summer.

Less the five minutes on foot from the centre of Bude, Summerleaze Beach is an easy beach to get to and enjoy for the whole day.  There’s a river flanking the sandy beach and it’s sheltered by a breakwater, making it popular with families and surfers.  You can book beach huts daily or weekly, and adding to its charm is a part man-made/part natural salt water sea pool to swim in at the foot of the cliff, that’s been welcoming swimmers since it opened in 1930.  There’s lifeguard cover in the summer months, dogs need to be kept on leads from May to September, and there are toilets and disabled toilets close by as well as an RNLI shop, sandy play area, a beach café, and a large car park that leads directly to the sand dunes.

Three miles south of Bude, Widemouth Bay Beach is a long, open bay that’s popular with families and surfers, while at low tide there are hundreds of rock pools to explore.  It’s a wonderful place to learn to surf or body board thanks to fantastic conditions and lots of local surf schools in the surrounding area.  There’s free parking at both ends of the bay as well as viewing points.  Dogs are welcome throughout the year on the south section of the beach, otherwise known as Black Rock, but on the northern part there are seasonal dog bans.  It has a wild feel to it, which adds to its appeal, and there is lifeguard cover in the summer, but nonetheless do be careful when swimming.

Possibly Cornwall’s most famous surfing beach, there’s masses to do here in and out of the water.  Surfer’s and spectators alike can enjoy the location all year round on both beautifully calm and adrenaline filled days where Cornwall’s big wave the Cribbar is being surfed by the hardiest of surfers. The International Surfing Centre overlooks the beach and houses a variety of bars, restaurants, shops and surf hire; surf lessons are available through Fistral Beach Surf School, and the beach hosts a range of events throughout the year including Boardmasters in August. 

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A large sandy beach near the pretty village of St Agnes which is regularly awarded Blue Flag status. There are family-friendly beach shops and bars and a surf shop making it the perfect place to chill-out and enjoy the Cornish sea-side.

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A spectacular National Trust beach on the dramatic stretch of coast between Bude and Morwenstow.  With an impressive backdrop of sheer cliffs dating back millions of years and sand exposed as the tide recedes, Sandymouth is popular amongst surfers and families alike.  There is a large car park at the top of the cliff and then the walk down to the beach is via a steep path with steps making Sandymouth unsuitable for those who are less mobile. Once on the beach you’ll find a seasonal café, toilets and surf hire along with  lifeguard cover during peak months. 

The wild Blackrock Beach is found on the south side of Widemouth Bay but becomes isolated at high tide.  The point and reef breaks here make is a well known spot for surfers, and the rock pools exposed at low tide draw families and nature lovers of all ages to this lovely spot.  The cool little café here serves a tasty brunch or lunch including some great seafood. 

Millook isn’t really a bathing beach but is well known amongst experience surfers, fishermen and those who enjoy some peace and quiet to observe the abundant wildlife – seals and dolphins are often spotted here as well as waders and birds of prey.  The beach is also of great geological interest mainly for the imposing Penalt Cliff which towers above it. 

Visit one of Cornwall’s most famous surfing hubs. Polzeath Beach near Wadebridge is the perfect spot for all you wet-suited surfers, whether novice or pro. Take a lesson in surfing or catch some waves on a body board before heading to browse the local shops and visit the cafes and restaurants along the sea front. For those walkers amongst you, enjoy an easy coastal walk to nearby Daymer Bay and Rock found on the mouth of the Camel Estuary. Parking is plentiful and dogs are welcome on the beach except between Easter Sunday and 30 September when a seasonal dog ban is in place.

Situated at the mouth of the Camel estuary near Padstow lies Hawkers Cove Beach. This wide expanse of white sand beach stretches almost 1.5 miles. Despite its beautiful location and crystal clear waters it’s a fairly uncrowded beach, this is largely due to the limited parking and fairly convoluted access. You can walk from the beach along the coast path to Padstow and take in the breath taking views of the Camel Estuary. There is also a beautiful Tea Garden just up from the beach serving Cream Teas and light bites in the summer months. There is a car park a few minutes’ walk away, just follow signs for Hawkers Cove from the B3276.

With a reputation as one of the best surfing beaches in Cornwall, Constantine Bay beach offers a long stretch of pale sands and top quality waves. Signs warn of strong undercurrents and hidden rocks so it is warned to take caution when swimming. There is rock pools to the left and sand dunes to the right and gentle headland walks in either direction. The beach is accessed via a short sloping path from the carpark and dogs are allowed all year round.

At low tide, Constantine connects with its sister beach, Booby’s Bay. The beach takes it intriguing name form the ‘Booby’ seabird which can be found in the area. This beach is accessed by climbing down over rocks or walking across from Constantine at low tide, it is a wide sandy beach with many rock pools and is a great surfing spot. The waters can be quite dangerous so extreme caution is advised and surfing may be suitable for experienced surfers only. There are some stunning walks around Booby’s bay including a coastal path to Trevose head and the beach is dog friendly all year round.

Just a mile along the road from Tintagel lies Bossiney Cove, a beautiful hidden gem which is completely covered at high tide. Access to the beach is via a footpath over some farmland and then by steep steps down to the small sandy beach. At the right hand side of the cove there is a great cave to explore that is 60 feet high at the entrance, also see if you can spot the elephant rock hidden in the cliff face! This beach is dog friendly all year and parking can be found in a nearby layby at the top.

Rock beach is a beautiful long white sand beach located on the mouth of the Camel Estuary. This Area of Outstanding natural beauty is a haven for wading birds and the prefect spot for a swim in the clear blue waters or a picnic admiring the fantastic views. The beach is backed by sand dunes, please try to avoid walking on the dunes and keep to the footpaths where provided as there has been a huge amount of erosion in recent years. Dogs are welcome on the beach all year round and there is easy access to shops and all facilities including public toilets. Parking can be found in the car park just behind and access is via a ferry slipway or steps.

A relatively quiet beach all year round

Crantock beach is a beautiful expanse of soft golden sand backed by grassy dunes on the western shore of the Gannel estuary. Owned and tended to by the National Trust, there's a car park, toilets and cafe nearby, making this a popular spot for families. Not only great for sandcastle-building and sunbathing, Crantock is popular for surfing and bodyboarding, with boards and canoes available to hire from the beach, and lifeguard cover throughout the summer season. On calm days, the turquoise seas are also well worth exploring armed with snorkel and flippers. The South West Coast Path backs the beach, leading to the famous poppy fields of Pentire Point and the secluded Polly Joke cove. Crantock is also dog-friendly all year round.

Sheltered by Pentire Point and sandwiched between the busier beaches of Holywell Bay and Crantock beach, Porth Joke - or Polly Joke to locals - is a stunning, secluded cove. Totally unspoilt, there's a narrow sweep of fine sand and beautiful clear waters. A 15-minute walk from the nearest car park at West Pentire or Cubert Common, it's worth the effort for the peace and serenity. Like its neighbours, Polly Joke is great for swimming, bodyboarding and surfing, but beware that there's no lifeguard cover, nor facilities, so make sure to pack a picnic. At low tide, rockpools and caves are revealed, which are great fun to explore, while during the late spring and early summer, the surrounding headlands bloom with wildflowers. Porth Joke allows dogs throughout the year. 

Perranporth is a huge golden sandy beach loved for its surf conditions, towering sand dunes and beachside facilities. At low tide, Perranporth and Penhale join together to form a 3-mile stretch of sand, so there’s plenty of space for everyone here. Young families love the accessibility of the town-side beach, where there are rock pools to explore, streams to paddle in and cafes nearby for ice creams and pasties. Those seeking more space can wander towards Penhale and find a secluded spot in the sand or on the dunes. The sea is always peppered with surfers and body boarders, with lifeguards on duty from Easter until the end of October. For those who prefer a calmer sea swim, there’s a bathing pool, Chapel Rock, hidden amongst the rocks and revealed at low tide. Dogs are welcome on the beach throughout the year, however during the summer holidays, they must be kept on leads from 9am - 5pm. As the sun sets over the sea, visitors flock to The Watering Hole, a pub set right on the sand, for cold drinks and good food.

Located on the East side of the River Camel. Sand and dunes. Dog friendly. 

The archetypal north Cornish beach, Holywell Bay has a wide sweep of golden sand, great surf conditions and sprawling sand dunes. Stretching for a mile at low tide, there's loads of space for everyone, no matter what your ideal beach day looks like. Young families will love building sandcastles, exploring rockpools and playing in the shallow streams, surfers and bodyboarders will enjoy the consitent Atlantic swell and peace-seekers can find a quiet spot amongst the dunes to sit and read, dry off after sea swims or watch the sunset. There's also a magical cave to expore at low tide, filled with stalagmites. During the summer season, the National Trust-owned beach is covered by lifeguards, dogs are welcome all year round, and there's parking and facilities around a 5-minute walk away in Holywell village.

Great Western Beach, Newquay, Cornwall

Lusty Glaze, Newquay, Cornwall