A Mini Guide to North Cornwall: Our Polzeath/ Padstow Staycation Itinerary
There’s just something about North Cornwall that keeps pulling us back. The mix of sandy beaches, coastal walks, little harbour towns and amazing food spots makes it one of our favourite UK staycation destinations — especially for a long weekend or relaxed family break.
We recently stayed in the Polzeath area and honestly, it was one of those trips where every day felt easy. Slow mornings with coffee and pastries, long beach walks, sea swims, coastal sunsets and really good food. If you’re planning a Cornwall staycation and want a mix of beach days, scenic walks and lovely places to eat, this mini guide should help you plan the perfect few days.
North Cornwall Highlights
A few of our favourite parts of the trip:
Staying at Highcliffe Contemporary Cottages in Polzeath
Walking straight down to Polzeath Beach and Daymer Bay
Coffee and pastries from Flo’s in Trebetherick
Exploring Padstow via the ferry
Coastal walks around the headland and St Enodoc Church
Sunset drinks at Surfside on Polzeath Beach
Sauna and sea dips at Baby Bay
Wine tasting at Trevibban Mill Vineyard
Where We Stayed: Highcliffe Contemporary Cottages, Polzeath
We stayed at Highcliffe in Polzeath, and honestly, the location couldn’t have been better. The collection is made up of individual contemporary houses, all tucked into the hillside just above the beach, making them ideal for family holidays or small group stays in Cornwall.
We stayed in Lundy House, which had three bedrooms, two bathrooms, an outdoor terrace area with a BBQ and lawn space — perfect for slow evenings after beach days. The houses feel really spacious and relaxed, and you have everything you need for a longer coastal stay.
One of the things we loved most about Highcliffe was how easy everything felt. You can walk down to both Polzeath Beach and Daymer Bay in just a few minutes, so once you arrive, you barely need to use the car. The resort also has a gym, tennis court and fitness studio, which is a really nice extra if you’re staying for a few days.
If you’re looking for a good base in North Cornwall that works for families, couples or groups of friends, this location is ideal.
Our North Cornwall Mini Guide
Day 1: Rock Beach & Coastal Dining
We started the trip with a slow morning over at Rock Beach, which is such a lovely place for an easy coastal walk. The beach has beautiful views across the estuary and feels really relaxed, especially first thing in the morning before it gets busier.
Before the walk, we stopped at Beach House Café in Rock for coffee, which is the perfect little spot to grab a drink before heading down to the sand.
For lunch, we headed to The Mariners, which is definitely worth adding to your North Cornwall list. The food here is so good and it’s one of those places that feels cosy and relaxed while still being a bit of a treat.
Later on, Four Boys Restaurant is another great option for dinner near Polzeath. A really lovely atmosphere and ideal after a full day by the coast.
Day 2: Headland Walks & Exploring Padstow
One of our favourite mornings was the coastal walk straight from Highcliffe.
The route takes you around the headland via Nicker Point and Trebetherick Point towards Daymer Bay, and the views the entire way are incredible. This stretch of coastline is exactly why we love North Cornwall so much — rolling cliffs, hidden coves and endless sea views.
After the walk, we stopped at Flo’s in Trebetherick for coffee and pastries, which quickly became one of our favourite places of the trip.
From there, we took the ferry across to Padstow and spent the afternoon exploring the harbour town. Padstow always has such a lovely atmosphere — little independent shops, cafés, seafood restaurants and people wandering along the harbour with ice creams.
A Roskilly’s ice cream is basically essential while you’re there.
For lunch or dinner, Café Rojano is such a good option in Padstow. Great pasta, relaxed atmosphere and ideal after a day walking around town.
Day 3: St Enodoc Church, Polzeath Beach & Sea Dips
This was probably our favourite day of the whole trip.
We started with a walk to St Enodoc Church, one of the prettiest little churches in Cornwall, tucked away in the dunes near Daymer Bay. From there, we walked up Brea Hill for panoramic coastal views across the beaches and estuary.
Naturally, we stopped at Flo’s again afterwards for coffee.
The rest of the day was spent at Polzeath Beach. Whether you surf, swim or just sit on the sand for hours, it’s one of the best beaches in Cornwall for a relaxed beach day.
We had lunch at The Atlantic, which overlooks the beach and is perfect for long lunches with sea views.
Later on, we headed over to Baby Bay for a sauna session at Saunas by the Sea, followed by a sea dip. Honestly, if you’re visiting North Cornwall, this is such a fun experience to book.
Day 4: Camel Trail & Vineyard Evenings
For our final day, we headed over to the Camel Trail — one of the best things to do in North Cornwall if you want an easier scenic walk or cycle route.
The trail follows the estuary and is such a lovely way to spend a slower morning before stopping at Trevibban Mill Vineyard.
We did a wine flight and shared charcuterie boards overlooking the vineyard, and it ended up being one of our favourite afternoons of the trip. It feels surprisingly peaceful and tucked away considering how close it is to Padstow.
Back in Polzeath, we finished the trip with sunset drinks at Surfside. In the evenings they often have live music, beach BBQs and a rum bar literally right on the sand — the perfect final evening in Cornwall.
If you’re planning a North Cornwall staycation, the Polzeath area makes such a good base. You’ve got beautiful beaches, amazing coastal walks, lovely places to eat and lots to do without needing to rush around too much.
Definitely one of those UK trips we’ll keep going back to.