A quiet escape on the North Cornwall coast

Mawgan Porth Beach is right on your doorstep. It’s a sheltered bay with a golden sandy beach, rolling surf, and a scattering of caves and coastal paths to discover. With its wide expanse of sand as the main attraction, life here naturally centres around the beach. Bask in the summer sun, take to the waves, or enjoy a bracing cliff-top walk while watching the sea in full force.

Other nearby beaches include the gorgeous cove of Trevone and the surrounding sandy bays of Constantine, Treyarnon and Porthcothan. Watergate Bay, one of the county’s wildest coastlines and considered by many as one of Cornwall’s best beaches, is also a short drive away. It stretches out for two miles of golden sand, imposing cliffs, and untamed sea. Spectators, surfers, and world-class kite surfers flock here for the enormous waves providing a spectacular sight on any day. Privately owned, the beach is dog-friendly year-round (as most of the local beaches fortunately are) and if the sea-breeze gets too fresh, there are cafes and restaurants close by to shelter and warm up in.

Hire surfboards or book lessons with Kingsurf at Mawgan Porth, the Extreme Academy at Watergate Bay, or the renowned Harlyn Surf School. SUP or coasteering sessions are also offered. For even more choice, head to Newquay and Lusty Glaze for jet ski hire. Slightly further afield, Camel Ski in Rock, offers an array of waterports including waterskiing, wakesurfing, wakeboarding, banana-boat riding and more.

Just moments away, the award-winning Scarlet Hotel Restaurant sits proudly on the headland, offering exceptional dining with panoramic sea views. Choose from indulgent tasting menus or beautifully crafted main courses. For relaxed, beachfront fare, The Merrymoor Inn in Mawgan Porth is a firm local favourite, while The Beach Hut at Watergate Bay is the perfect spot for a drink and bite to eat with a view.

A short drive brings you to Harlyn Bay, where The Harlyn taproom and restaurant serves locally brewed Bluntrock ales, cocktails and wines alongside stone-baked pizzas and fresh seafood cooked over charcoal. For easy beach picnics, Harlyn Supply Co. stocks excellent local produce and drinks. Nearby, The Pig at Harlyn Bay is a must-visit, championing its celebrated 25-mile menu sourced from across the South West.

Padstow, renowned for its vibrant food scene, offers everything from world-class dining to charming harbour-side bistros. Highlights include Paul Ainsworth at No.6, Rojano’s, and Prawn on the Lawn. Food lovers can also book a course at Rick Stein’s Seafood School or explore Cornish wines at Camel Valley and Trevibban Mill. For a classic pub atmosphere, The Cornish Arms in St Merryn is always a welcoming stop.

Padstow is famed for its lively calendar of events throughout the year. The annual Padstow Christmas Festival, held in early December, is a wonderful way to start the festive season, with the town filled with market stalls, local produce, celebrity chefs, cooking demonstrations and a fun-filled Santa run. One of the most important dates in Padstow’s calendar is May Day, when the town bursts into colour with traditional celebrations, flags, flowers, greenery and maypoles.

In the summer, Newquay hosts the world-renowned Boardmasters Festival blending surf culture with live music for a vibrant coastal celebration that attracts visitors from across the UK and beyond.

The local area has plenty to keep little ones entertained whatever the weather. Camel Creek Adventure Park is a firm favourite for all ages, offering family-friendly rides, animal encounters and outdoor play areas. Younger children will love The Bullpen Soft Play, while older thrill-seekers can head down the road to St Eval’s go-karting or try zip-wire experiences at The Eden Project. Padstow also offers The National Lobster Hatchery.

For outdoor adventures, take to the sea with Padstow Sealife Safaris on a wildlife safari and spot seals, dolphins and seabirds along the Cornish coast. On rainy days, Newquay offers great indoor options including the Blue Reef Aquarium, Pirate’s Quest and the Lighthouse Cinema, ensuring there’s always something fun to do for the whole family.

Just moments away, the Scarlet Hotel Spa offers some of the finest holistic treatments in the area, paired with breathtaking sea views. Unwind in the indoor heated pool, cliff-top hot tubs and outdoor sauna, or simply relax while breathing in the fresh coastal air. Nearby, the Bedruthan Hotel Spa is another excellent choice, renowned for its treatments and tranquil sensory spa garden overlooking the ocean.

A short drive away in Trebetherick, the award-winning Cowshed Spa provides a truly indulgent experience, with signature treatments originally developed at Babington House and best enjoyed with a glass of champagne. In Newquay, both the Headland Spa and Fistral Spa offer inviting spaces to switch off, whether you’re soaking in the pool or enjoying an indulgent massage. For something a little different, The Pig at Harlyn Bay also offers relaxed treatments in its charming Potting Shed Treatment Rooms, set within the hotel’s kitchen garden.

With the South West Coast Path running close by, the area is a paradise for walkers and trail runners. Pick up the trail from Mawgan Porth or nearby Harlyn Bay and explore dramatic stretches of coastline towards Trevone, Bedruthan Steps or Stepper Point near Padstow, all offering spectacular sea views. The Camel Estuary and the legendary Doom Bar are also well worth exploring, with plenty of scenic stopping points along the way.

Golfers are spoilt for choice, with excellent courses nearby including Mawgan Porth Golf Course, Trevose Golf & Country Club and the iconic St Enodoc Golf Club, all set against stunning coastal backdrops. Cyclists will love the Camel Trail, an 18-mile flat route perfect for all abilities, with The Snail’s Pace Café ideally placed for a relaxed lunch stop. For confident swimmers, the annual open-water swim from Padstow to Rock in July is a memorable coastal challenge. There are also plenty of natural sea-pools closeby which are better suited to those who want a quick dip in calm waters!