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 – 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 over the summer.

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

Misty Mawgan Porth

Treyarnon Bay – A stunning beach and at low tide has a wonderful tidal pool to take a dip in. Dog Friendly. Lifeguard cover over the summer.

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 cover over the summer.

Harlyn Bay

Trevone – A pretty, smaller beach much deeper than it is wide. Seasonal dog ban over the summer. Lifeguard cover over the summer.

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 (Tregirls) 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.

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 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 bus from our entrance into Padstow and then connect to the coastal 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??

As interesting as The Eden project is - I would much rather spend my day visiting Heligan.  Stunning scenery aside it has a fascinating history. Built and owned by the Tremayne family for centuries it was in the 1800’s that the gardens began to be developed and many gardeners were employed to help achieve this. Nearly all of them however were called up for service in WW1 and sadly many never returned. Heligan house was used as a convalescence hospital for officers and the gardens fell into ruin.

In the 1970’s the house was coverted into flats and sold off. In 1990 the land was inspected and the severely overgrown and derelict gardens discovered. What followed was years of painstaking and back breaking work to not only restore but develop the gardens into what they are today – a superb day out for the whole family and dog friendly too!

There is an extensive and in some parts steep woodland walk full of hidden surprises and a small play area for the kids. You can follow this down to the Jungle area full of banana palms and other diverse tropical species and feel like an explorer crossing the Burmese Rope Bridge!

Eventually you will reach the animal enclosures with sheep, goats, ducks, hens and turkeys – many of which are on the endangered species list. You may even spot the Shire horse being trained to do work around the site.

Near to the house are the interesting and manicured formal gardens and glasshouses.

You can choose to split your day up and grab a bite to eat in the café or purchase some plants and things to take back home from the well stocked farm shop.