Rugged, dramatic, great for surf, wildlife and scenery: the north coast of Cornwall has a diverse coastline.
Hendra Holiday Park is located just outside of Newquay, which is at the centre of the north coast. From Hendra you can easily get on the A30 and travel to some of the best scenery in Cornwall, the UK, Europe and the world!
Newquay also has plenty of its own amazing coastline to explore too. Read this blog here to find out more about Newquay.
These are some perfect ideas for enjoying the Cornish coast, brilliant for a couples holiday in Cornwall.
Going up the north coast Cornwall
The Road to Padstow…foodie heaven.
Explore the north coast, up to Padstow and see some of the best scenery just minutes away from Hendra. You can use a car, but we recommend that you ride the Atlantic Coaster. You can now get the bus from Hendra.
This open top double decker bus takes you up the coast, where the top deck is the best spot to view some jaw-dropping coastline. You can hop off and explore the beaches along the way too. Stopping at Hendra, Newquay, Porth, Watergate Bay, Mawgan Porth, Porthcothan Bay and Padstow, you will pack in a lot of great site seeing without the stress: just cruise the coast and enjoy. Padstow, although popular so often busy, is a lovely town to explore and walk around. There’s a quaint harbour, coastal walks, shopping, views across the Camel estuary, boat trips and brilliant food and fantastic restaurants. A must for food lovers.
Doc Martin, King Arthur and Witches
Further up the coast, is Port Isacc, a traditional Cornish fishing village, best known for being the setting of TV show Doc Martin, and the home of the folk band Fisherman’s Friends. Doc Martin fans will enjoy seeing their favourite TV locations. Also enjoy the narrow, winding streets, pretty harbour and the coast path.
Next up is the rugged coast of Tintagel. The north coast from here has a mystical feel, with crystal shops, and the sacred St Nectan’s Glen, a woodland which leads to beautiful waterfalls, accessed via ancient woodland.
It is also the home of the famous Tintagel Castle, which has links to the myths and legends of King Arthur. Cross over the footbridge and be confronted with breathtaking views, climb the steps to the historical castle ruins, and visit Merlin’s cave. Take a look at the amazing bronze sculpture, inspired by the legend of King Arthur.
Further up is Boscastle, home to another unique Cornish Attraction: The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic. This independent museum hosts one of the largest collections of items relating to witchcraft and occult. The museum explores witchcraft through the ages and acknowledges and remembers the unfair persecution of women throughout history who were killed because they were thought to be witches.
Aside from witchcraft and magic, Boscastle boasts a natural harbour, quaint village and dramatic coast walks and scenery.
Going down the north coast Cornwall
Crantock and Holywell
Close by to us, are the expansive beaches of Crantock and Holywell. Crantock is just a few minutes drive away from Hendra. There is a National Trust car park, plenty of coast to explore, and the tidal river Gannel which goes into the sea at Crantock. When the tide is out this is a wonderful place to explore too, and you can walk to Crantock from the Gannel (near Newquay and not far from us – check tide times!). You will see horse riders, as well as paddle boarders, and walkers enjoying the River Gannel route to Crantock.
Reaching Crantock, you will see an ample sandy space, sand dunes and caves. Make sure that you do not climb the dunes, as they can be unstable. Please read and adhere to the signage and latest advice on the RNLI website.
Next to Crantock and Holywell is the stunning Polly Joke, surrounded by coastline, and in the late spring the coast is full of beautiful red poppies, which really is a feast for the eyes. Polly Joke is a sheltered beach with no lifeguards.
Near by Holywell, is also a vast beach with sand dunes. There is a National Trust Car Park and Beach Bar, a great place for breakfast, lunch, dinner and events throughout the year. Explore the beach, and caves. Check tide times and see the pink cave when the tide is out.
Perranporth and St Agnes
Perranporth, a coastal town, with plenty of shops, food and bars, is famed for its large beach, which is 3 miles long. This bustling and lively coastal town is great fun, with plenty to do in terms of eating out, with pubs, restaurants and cafes. Kids will love the beach, with dunes and lots of rock pools to explore. There is the famous Watering Hole too, a bar on the beach, often hosting live music acts. The beach is known for good surf too.
Nearby is St Agnes, a Cornish village with coastline which is home to old tin mines, dotted along the lovely coastline. An area of outstanding natural beauty, with plenty of history and local legends: this is Cornwall at its very best.
Godrevy and Hayle
Godrevy has its famed lighthouse, as well as the chance to spot seals and a range of wildlife.
Hayle has an ample beach and coastline to explore too. Walkers will love this area and it is also good for surf and water sports. Families and couples with dogs will also love it here, though there are restrictions in July and August.
Hayle sits on an estuary that leads to St Ives Bay, and on clear days there are spectacular views over to St Ives.
Explore the coast from Godrevy, where you can park at a National Trust car park, and enjoy the scenery, and there’s also good facilities, with a café on the Headland.
St Ives and Zennor
St Ives is a victim of its own beauty – everyone wants to see it and it is often very crowded during the summer months and school holidays. The best way to visit is to use the park and ride and take the train into the town. From St Erth station, take one of the most beautiful train journeys in the country. Travel past the estuary, and down the train line and see the dreamy white sands and turquoise sea of Carbis Bay as you approach St Ives.
St Ives is a picturesque and popular town, full of boutiques, galleries, restaurants, cafes and bars. There’s ample opportunity to enjoy traditional Cornish food, including Cornish fudge, ice cream and pasties.
Down from St Ives is Zennor, known for its Mermaid of Zennor legend, the story of a Mermaid who stole the heart of a local boy who sang in the church choir. After visiting the church to listen to him sing on a few occasions, they are said to have run away together, never to be seen again. There’s chair in the church which is carved in the mermaid’s memory with her image on the chair.
Legends aside, walk from the village to the headland, and be rewarded with views of brilliant blue sea and the diverse landscape. Zennor is also known for megalithic burial chambers, most famously Zennor Quoit. The chamber dates back to between 2500 and 1500 BC.
