Summer in North Cornwall

Summer in North Cornwall invites you outdoors – to move, explore and feel the Atlantic breeze on your face.

Ride the waves at Newquay
Known as the UK’s surf capital, Newquay is where many fall in love with the ocean. Beaches like Fistral hum with energy, wetsuits pulled on at the water’s edge, boards tucked under arms, the scent of sunscreen and sea spray mingling in the air. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or trying it for the first time, there’s nothing quite like catching that first wave beneath an endless blue sky.

Walk the cliffs at Bedruthan Steps
Further north, the towering stacks of Bedruthan Steps rise dramatically from the sea. Follow the South West Coast Path and you’ll find views that steal your breath – turquoise water swirling around ancient rock formations, kestrels hovering on the breeze. It’s a walk that feels cinematic, especially as the sun begins its slow descent.

Kayak the Camel Estuary at Padstow
In Padstow, summer mornings are made for calm waters and gentle exploration. Glide across the Camel Estuary by kayak or paddleboard, spotting seabirds and watching fishing boats drift lazily past. Afterwards, reward yourself with ice cream on the harbour wall as the tide ebbs and flows.

Not every summer day needs to be filled with movement. North Cornwall offers endless ways to simply be.

Beach days at Polzeath
Polzeath is the kind of beach where time stretches. Families gather with windbreaks and picnic baskets, children chase the retreating tide and the horizon feels impossibly wide. Spend the day swimming in clear shallows or stretched out with a book, sun warming your shoulders.

Harbour wandering in Port Isaac
Tucked into a steep-sided valley, Port Isaac feels like stepping into a painting. Whitewashed cottages tumble towards a tiny harbour where fishing boats bob gently. Meander through narrow lanes, pause for a coffee and watch the world go by.

Sunset at Trebarwith Strand
As evening falls, Trebarwith Strand becomes a theatre of colour. The cliffs glow amber, rock pools mirror the sky, and the sea turns to molten silver. Bring a blanket, share fish and chips, and watch as the sun slips quietly beneath the horizon.

There’s something deeply restorative about staying close to the water – waking to the sound of waves and falling asleep beneath star-salted skies.

Discover Tintagel and its legends
Steeped in myth and drama, Tintagel is synonymous with tales of King Arthur. Wander towards Tintagel Castle, perched high above the Atlantic, and let your imagination roam. The sea crashes below as choughs wheel overhead – it’s wild, romantic, and utterly unforgettable.

Swim at Crackington Haven
This sheltered cove feels wonderfully secret. On warm summer days, the water sparkles invitingly, and the surrounding cliffs offer natural shelter from the breeze. It’s a place for quiet swims and lazy afternoons.

Explore Bude’s sea pool
At Summerleaze Beach in Bude, the tidal sea pool fills naturally with each high tide. Swim a few lengths with the Atlantic just beyond the wall – a uniquely Cornish experience that blends safety with wild beauty.

Venture inland and another side of North Cornwall reveals itself – rolling fields, hidden gardens, and market towns humming with life.

Wander the riverside paths of Boscastle

While known for its dramatic coastline, Boscastle’s wooded valley offers a softer kind of beauty. Follow the River Valency as it winds inland, past stone cottages and beneath arching branches. The air here feels cool and green even on the warmest summer day — ideal for slow strolls and peaceful moments beside the water.

Market mornings in Wadebridge
On sunny mornings, Wadebridge hums gently with cyclists, shoppers and the scent of fresh pastries. Hire bikes and follow the Camel Trail, or browse independent shops for local produce and handmade treasures.

Taste the landscape at Camel Valley Vineyard

Set among sun-dappled slopes near the Camel Estuary, Camel Valley Vineyard captures the romance of rural Cornwall in summer. Join a guided tour through neat rows of vines, learn how the Cornish climate shapes each bottle, and settle in for a tasting with views stretching across the valley. It’s relaxed, refined, and wonderfully rooted in its surroundings.