Exploring the UK’s ‘Gold Coast’ - Unmissable things to do in North Cornwall!

The northern coast of Cornwall is home to a vast number of incredible locations, displaying a diverse range of beauty from waterfalls to dramatic coastline and some of the country’s best beaches! A large amount of the north coasts beaches are famous hotspots for surfing due to the swell, hence why surf culture is well and truly ingrained into the north coast of Cornwall. There is so much to discover in this coastal gem, and we have compiled a list of the most unmissable things to do, so you know exactly where to visit!

Things to do in North Cornwall

1. Visit Bude beach and Sea pool

The Best part about Bude beach is the unique sea pool it offers. It is perfect for a leisurely swim or a snorkelling session. The shallow end is provided with a steady incline and a boundary for kids to enjoy the safer, calm water compared to the sea, which can produce quite a swell. With that in mind the sea is ideal for surfers and bodyboarders to relish in the waves. The Beach itself is beautiful and great for a stroll.

Are dogs allowed on Bude beach?

Dogs are allowed, but between 21st of May and 30th September they have to be on leads between 10am and 6pm.

2. Tintagel

Not only is this location absolutely breath-taking but it's also historic due to its connections with King Arthur. Uncover myths and legends while you explore this dramatic segment of coastline from the castle at the top to Merlin's cave on the beach below. To reach Tintagel castle you will walk through the town where there is plenty of options for food and several shops. It's a lovely town but be prepared for the steep walk down to the castle and beach. Tintagel is managed by the English Heritage so requires a fee to cross the bridge to the castle, however the beach and Merlin's cave is accessible for free.

3. Padstow 

Padstow is a beautiful harbour town and a foodie hub due to its abundance of good quality dining options. The Celebrity chef, Rick Stein has made it his monopoly board, owning several restaurants, pubs and cafes, which all sell the chefs famously spectacular food. Besides this there are still many other thriving establishments with a range of cuisines on offer. The harbour looks out to the gorgeous River Camel, you can follow the coastal path which will take you to some hidden coves and eventually to Tregirls beach. Padstow is home to the National lobster hatchery and there are also several boat tours if you wish to explore the local marine life.

4. Lusty glaze 

Lusty glaze is a small secluded cove located on the edge of Newquay. It is privately owned and hosts events such as live music and weddings, it was actually crowned britains best beach wedding venue! It is open to the public all year round but only when there are no private beach closures, these can be found on their events page. Lusty Glaze beach itself is stunning and you can view some of the most beautiful sunsets from within the dreamy cove. There is beachside accommodation, a lovely cafe and restaurant, and a whole host of water sports activities to enjoy.

Is Lusty Glaze dog friendly?

Lusty glaze beach is dog friendly all year round including the Lusty glaze cafe and restaurant.

5. Fistral Beach 

Fistral is beach is the home of British surfing! They hold international competitions due to it’s consistently exceptional swell. Not only is it packed with surfers but it’s very popular with tourists and locals due to its huge stretch of golden sands, brilliant water clarity and superb facilities beachside. Fistral has several shops, Cafes and Restaurants beachside, including The Stable which is perfect for a drink and bite to eat after a long beach day. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards making it safer for beach goers. There is a 250 space main car park located besides the beach, i reccomend arriving early as the beach gets very busy. Alternatively there are other car parks around a 5 minute walk away such as Belmont and Towan head.

Are dogs allowed on the beach in fistral? 

Fistral is dog friendly all year round! There is plenty of space for dogs to enjoy along the wide stretch of beach.

6. Perranporth 

Perranporth is another popular surf beach just under 20 min from Newquay. While boasting a brilliant surf, it’s also good for swimmers as there’s I tidal pool built within the rocky island at the centre of the beach. The Watering Hole uis a beach bar actually located on the sand offering drinks and food to beachgoers, sometimes hosting live music. Perranporth beach is a great place to watch the sunset over the glimmering Cornish waters.Perranporth town is worth visiting too as there is a high street filled with boutique shops and an abundance of food choices to fuel your beach day!  

Is Perranporth Beach dog friendly?

The beach is very popular with dogs due to it being dog friendly all year round! With that said, during July and August, dogs must be on leads in the main part of the beach between 10am and 5pm.

7. Porthminster

St Ives boasts some of the clearest waters in the UK along with beautiful white sands that really encapsulate that 'holiday abroad' feeling. Porthminster beach in particular is a great example of this, anyone could look at the image above and tell you that’s a tropical paradise without suspecting it’s Cornwall. Porthminster is walking distance from the town and harbour and also has facilities on the beach such as toilets and Food. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards making it a safe place to swim. Dogs are banned from Porthminster beach between May 15th and September 30th, between the hours of 10am and 6pm. Dogs are welcome at all other times.

8. St Ives

St Ives is a must-see location to visit if you are exploring the north coast of Cornwall. The town situated around a picturesque headland with several top class beaches surrounding it! All of the St Ives beaches are worth visiting, boasting some of the whitest sands and clearest water in the country! St Ives harbour is a key spot to visit with a whole host of bars, pubs and restaurants surrounding it, in the harbour there is a small beach and plenty of excursions such as sealife safaris and speedboat rides. You can traverse the cobbled streets and explore some of the many boutique shops that make up the beautiful St Ives highstreet, there’s plenty for a good shopping spree!

Best Places to Eat in North Cornwall

1. The Bank at Bude

There's a lot to say for this hidden gem! The Bank at Bude is quite possibly the best place I have ate at! That being said, I recommend you book early due to high demand for the Cornish twist on Spanish cuisine. The Bank offers a tapas style menu with a great amount of options alongside a vast range of cocktails and other beverages. The Sangria is the best I have had (yes, better than Spain), so a jug to share is recommended. The restaurant has an almost tropical jungle theme to it with parrots in the main area too! If you'd like a more private dining experience there are huts that can be booked out.

2. The Stable Fistral

The Stable is a Pizza franchise located in multiple places in the UK. The Stable in Fistral stands out due to it’s unbeatable panoramic view over the surf beach. Enjoy some of the best sourdough pizzas while watching the rolling waves from the balcony or relax with a pint whilst watching the sun set over the sea. In the winter time there is a cosy atmosphere with the log fire burning inside. Aside from a wonderful selection of pizzas they do serve a few other options such as nachos, Salads and Mac n’ cheese. They also stock a large range of local beverages all from the south west and host a botmless brunch every Saturday between 11:30 and 3:30!

3. The Watering hole (Perranporth)

The Watering hole in perranporth is the first and only bar/reasturaunt actually on the beach in the UK! The establishment is located on the beautifully soft perranporth sands and boast amazing views of the beach. It’s extremely popular but has plenty of seating. The menu has a great variety of options including vegetarian and vegan, there is also a separate pizza menu. All the food is delicious and the service is very quick. The bar has a massive selection of drinks including many local beverages. If you’re spending a day at perranporth beach then it’s more than ideal for lunch, in the evenings they sometimes have events and live music too. It’s open all year weather dependant and welcomes well behaved dogs inside and out, however not during events.

4. St Ives Bakery

The Cruffin speaks for itself! Just look at it! The quality and range of baked goods is phenomenal and it's really worth trying one of the cruffins if they haven't sold out already! Muffin shaped croissant filled with jam and custard - what is not to love. They have a wide range or breads, pastries and some traditional pasty's too.

Where to stay in North Cornwall

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