We often get asked which our favourite beach is and I would imagine it's like asking who your favourite child is – they are all so different and each have a uniqueness to them that we cannot choose!
Here's a brief guide to the best beaches all within a 30 minute drive from us here at The Laurels Holiday Park and the reasons why we think they are great!
Watergate Bay
Watergate Bay – Huge open stretch of sand, great for surfing (there are many surf schools and rental shops) Lots of fantastic restaurants and bars - nearly all with superb views over the bay. Dog Friendly. Lifeguard cover 5th May - 30th September.
Bedruthan Steps – A National Trust beach and home to the legend of the giant Bedruthan who made himself stepping stones which you see today in the form of huge rocky outcrops stretching along the beach. National Trust café at the top of the Carnewas cliffs. Dog Friendly. No lifeguard cover
Mawgan Porth – Another large beach which is a delight to spot as you drive down the windy roads towards it. It is surrounded by rugged cliffs and plenty of eating/drinking options close by. Dog Friendly. Lifeguard cover 19th May - 30th September.
Porthcothan – Smaller than others and limited parking this a a fairly quiet gem of a beach. Lots of caves and rockpools to explore at low tide. Dog Friendly. Lifeguard cover 19th May - 30th September.
Misty Mawgan Porth
Treyarnon Bay Tidal Pools
Treyarnon Bay – A stunning beach and at low tide has a wonderful tidal pool to take a dip in. Dog Friendly. Lifeguard cover 5th May - 30th September.
Constantine – Superb for experienced surfers and with large dunes to explore, at low tide it’s neighbour beach Booby’s Bay can also be reached. Limited parking. Dog Friendly. Lifeguard cover5th may - 30th September.
Mother Ivey’s – Small but perfectly formed the only access is from the coastal path and the holiday park behind. No immediate parking. Dog Friendly. No lifeguard cover.
Harlyn – A nice big bay-perfect for families. Popular with horse riders. It has smaller surf than Constantine and is great for learners. Ice Cream trucks and catering vans have a spot there in the summer. Lots of rock pools to keep everyone entertained. Dog Friendly. Lifeguard cover 5th May - 30th September.
Harlyn Bay
Harbour Cove / Hawkers Cover
Trevone – A pretty, smaller beach much deeper than it is wide. Dog’s banned from Easter Day to October 1st. Lifeguard cover from 19th May - 30th September.
Harbour Cove & Hawkers Cove – You don’t have to worry about loss of beach at high tide here plenty of sand stretching for over 1.5miles at low tide and linking Hawkers cover to Harbour Cove and St George's Cove. It is one of the quieter ones due to no lifeguard cover and a 5-10 minute walk to access the beach but is more than worth it! Dog Friendly. No lifeguard cover.
Rock – Opposite Hawkers’ Cove the views here are stunning and there are a number of pubs and restaurants to sit and take it all in. Dog friendly. No lifeguard cover.
Daymer Bay – A more secluded bay and popular with both wind and kite surfers it is accessible from Rock at low tide. Dog Friendly. No lifeguard cover.
Polzeath – One of Cornwall’s most popular beaches it is fantastic for learning to surf and has parking on the beach! Beware at high tide the beach does become quite small. Dog’s banned from Easter Day to October 1st. Lifeguard cover 5th May - 30th September.
Daymer Bay
As you can see we really are spoilt for choice – you could visit a different beach a day for the entirety of your stay with us and for those who are surfing we have a wetsuit dunk tank and drying area to ensure your kit stays in top condition.
If you prefer a more active day then all these beaches are linked by the stunning South West Coast Path. You can even park at one of the beaches, walk the coastal path then catch the First Kernow A5 bus that runs between Padstow and Newquay back to where you started and you can also cross the water by hopping on the Padstow to Rock Ferry which is almost constantly running.
If you don’t fancy driving at all you can catch the Plymouth city 11A bus from our entrance into Padstow and then connect to the First Kernow A5 bus that runs between Padstow and Newquay which stops at many of these wonderful beaches.
I’ve already got a good book, a picnic and my wetsuit packed in the car….what are you waiting for??