Take advantage of the beautiful British Coastline and visit Cornwall this weekend!

Cornwall is a place that is very close to my heart. Having been going there since I was a baby, I have spent many weekends enjoying everything the Cornish coast has to offer. Whether you are going for a weekend in Summer or Winter, Cornwall is a beautiful way to spend a long weekend and explore some of the amazing coastline the UK has to offer.

Day 1

Go for breakfast in Polzeath.

Polzeath is probably one of my favourite places in the UK and has one of my favourite beaches. Sitting at one end of the little parade of shops, overlooking the beach is The Waterfront Café. A lovely little restaurant/café open daily from 9am until late. With delicious coffee and yummy breakfast options, this is always my go-to for a beachside breakfast. I have to worn you, parking outside the shops in Polzeath is unlikely to happen, so be prepared to park off the main drag and walk to your breakfast spot.

Go Surfing / Have a surfing lesson.

After a spot of breakfast, why not get a wetsuit on and go surfing?

Polzeath is known for fantastic surfing and attracts surfers from all over Cornwall to take on its swells. Surf’s Up Surf School or Wave Hunters Surf School are both great options and run lessons regularly on Polzeath beach for beginners to elite level. Surf’s Up Surf School group lessons start at around £35 for 1.5h lesson, whereas Wave Hunters Surf School start at £40 for a 2h group lesson – both include all the kit.

Surf lessons not your thing, or perhaps you already know how to surf – Why not rent a wetsuit and/or a surfboard and head into the waves for a morning surf to take on the swell in your own time?

Buy an ice cream at Vanilla, Polzeath

After an action packed morning of surfing, head over to Vanilla, an amazing ice cream shop in Polzeath to treat yourself to a dairy delight. With a huge range of flavours to choose from, their delicious Cornish made ice creams are to die for! Personal favorites are their Blood Orange Sorbet or their Blackberry & Cornish Clotted Cream. YUM!

Walk to Cowrie Bay

Tucked away from the main hustle and bustle of Polzeath beach is a tiny bay called Cowrie Bay. The walk to the bay across the cliff paths is lovely, not too strenuous, and the view over the beach from the top is amazing. The bay itself is small and sheltered from the wind and so it makes a great place to lie in the sun away from the crowds on the main beach and hunt for Cowrie Shells. These tiny shells only wash up on this beach, and every year my family have a competition to see who can find the most… A great way to keep kids occupied and create a bit of fun family rivalry as well!

Go for dinner and watch the sunset at The Cracking Crab

As evening approaches, and now you have built up a good appetite, make your way to The Cracking Crab, a lovely restaurant perched on the cliff top overlooking Polzeath beach. They do amazing seafood platters and it’s the perfect place to watch the sunset over the beach. Make sure you book a table in peak season, as it gets fully booked very quickly.

Day 2

Head to The Rock Bakery for Breakfast

One of my favourite bakeries is in Cornwall. The Rock Bakery (Malcolm Barnecutt Bakery, Rock) is renowned for its UNBELIEVABLE pies and pasties. Pick up some breakfast and even a pasty for later in the day and I guarantee you will wish you went to them sooner!

Cycle the Camel Trail over to Padstow

A short drive from Rock is Wadebridge, a big bustling town full of shops, cafes and restaurants. But more importantly it’s the start of the Camel Trail, a 5 mile cycle path that takes you all the way to Padstow. Hire bikes from as little as £9 a day or take your own. It’s not a huge cycle, only about 30 mins or so and the path is flat so it’s perfect for those that want a leisurely cycle or have kids in tow.

Take the Ferry from Rock > Padstow

If cycling isn’t your thing, simply park your car in Rock and hop on the The Black Tor ferry. I have been going on this ferry for as long as I can remember and even now they still give you a little paper ticket! This little pedestrian ferry runs every 20 minutes and takes around 5-10 minutes. Return tickets are only £3 (Adult) £2 (Child), however the car park at Rock does also charge you. It’s a great way to see Padstow from the water and you get a lovely view over Rock and Daymer bay as well.

Spend the day in Padstow

Padstow is a lovely place to spend a day. With its cobbled, bunting lined streets it’s like something off a chocolate box. With plenty of souvenir shops as well as restaurants, cafes and shops, there is something for everyone.

Go Crabbing in Padstow

Crabbing in Padstow is like a local sport. Every time I’ve gone to Padstow, crabbing has been a must-do activity. As soon as you arrive off the ferry, you can see everyone perched on their little stretch of brick wall, with their legs dangling over the harbor water, crab lines brimming with bait, waiting for a crab to latch on. Crab lines are super cheap and bait is simply a piece of bacon or ham attached to a small weighted hook. Once crabs are caught, simply pop them into a bucket and carry on – once you have had enough, simply tip the crabs back into the water.

Crab lines and bait can be purchased from most of the little beachy shops in Padstow and cost about £5 – Great, easy and cheap fun for the whole family!

Have Fish & Chips in Padstow harbor for lunch.

Fancy a spot of lunch? Rick Stein is slowing taking over many of the eateries in Padstow, but there is a delicious Fish & Chip shop on the corner of the main street. Grab yourself some lunch and find a place to sit and enjoy the fresh Padstow air.

WARNING – I feel this is needed… Cornish Seagulls are BASTARDS! They will steal your food from your hand if your not careful. Keep your wits about you and don’t leave food on your lap or next to you… otherwise it will end up flying off into the distance in the clutches of a seagull.

Visit St Enodoc Church

This beautiful little church dates back to the 12th Century and is located to the south of the village of Trebetherick, Cornwall. With its beautiful stone archways, rolling cemetery grounds and quaint interior it’s worth a visit.

Head to The Oystercatcher for Dinner and Drinks

After a fun filled day, head over to The Oystercatcher Pub for some dinner and drinks. A lovely pub with cozy interiors and fresh local ingredients, it’s a great place to unwind after a big day. They have a great menu of gastro-pub style food as well as a large selection of craft beers, cider and other drinks.

A weekend isn’t nearly enough time to explore Cornwall to its full potential, but in a couple of days you can give it a good go! It’s a beautiful place with plenty to do and see and I cant recommend it enough as a little vacation or staycation for that matter!

Tereba nessa
( ‘Until next time’ in Cornish)

X
Sophie – TFB

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