CORNWALL - NORTH COAST
The North Coast of Cornwall is a dramatic tapestry of rugged cliffs, legendary castles, and golden surfing beaches. It faces the relentless Atlantic, shaping a landscape of wild beauty and fierce maritime heritage.
This region is the heart of Cornish myth and an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. It’s a land of picturesque fishing villages, ancient tin mining ruins, and the stunning drama of the South West Coast Path.
Most Popular Attractions
Towns, Villages & City Hubs
Newquay: The UK’s surfing capital, famous for its lively atmosphere, surf schools, and access to numerous beaches.
Padstow: A charming fishing port on the Camel Estuary, renowned for its harbour, boutique shops, and a cluster of celebrated seafood restaurants.
Port Isaac: A picturesque fishing village with narrow, winding streets (“drangs”), famous as the filming location for the TV series Doc Martin (as ‘Portwenn’).
Boscastle: A stunning, natural inlet and mediaeval harbour nestled in a steep-sided valley, known for its unique atmosphere and historic charm.
Bude: A popular, family-friendly Victorian seaside town with a unique sea pool and excellent beaches for surfing and sea-swimming.
St Ives: A beautiful town with a working harbour, winding cobbled streets, and a thriving art scene, home to the Tate St Ives and Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden (Note: St Ives is often considered West/North West but is a major coastal hub nearby).
Perranporth: A popular coastal town known for its vast, sandy beach which stretches for miles at low tide.
Wadebridge: A busy market town strategically located on the Camel Trail, making it a hub for cyclists and walkers exploring the estuary.
Camelford: An ancient market town on the edge of Bodmin Moor, steeped in Arthurian legend.
St Agnes: A coastal village within a World Heritage Site, known for its strong community and the iconic Wheal Coates engine house ruins.
Natural Wonders & Heritage
Tintagel Castle: A dramatic English Heritage site perched on the cliffs, steeped in the legend of King Arthur, connected by a spectacular modern footbridge.
South West Coast Path: The longest National Trail in the UK; the North Cornwall sections offer some of the most rugged and breathtaking coastal hiking.
Bedruthan Steps: Dramatic slate stacks rising from the sea, an iconic coastal landmark with stunning views (Note: Beach access is currently restricted due to cliff falls).
Fistral Beach (Newquay): Cornwall’s premier surfing beach, hosting major international surf competitions.
The Camel Trail: A traffic-free, 18-mile recreational path for walking and cycling, following a disused railway line between Padstow, Wadebridge, and Bodmin Moor.
Merlin’s Cave (Tintagel): A large, deep sea cavern beneath Tintagel Castle, accessible at low tide, linked to Arthurian myth.
St Nectan’s Glen: A mystical waterfall and woodland walk, featuring a spectacular hole-punched cascade through slate rock.
Carnewas at Bedruthan (National Trust): The clifftop area offering the best views of the magnificent sea stacks.
Holywell Bay Beach: A beautiful, golden expanse of sand backed by large dunes, famous for its twin offshore sea stacks and often used as a filming location.
Portreath: A small harbour and village known for its distinctive ‘Monkey Hut’ on the harbour wall and a popular sandy beach.
Godrevy Point & Lighthouse: A stunning headland managed by the National Trust, offering views of an iconic offshore lighthouse and a known spot for seal spotting.
Museum of Witchcraft and Magic (Boscastle): A unique and quirky museum dedicated to the history of witchcraft, magic, and the occult.
Bude Sea Pool: A large, partially man-made tidal swimming pool nestled into the rock at Summerleaze Beach, providing a safer place for sea-swimming.
Prideaux Place (Padstow): An Elizabethan manor house overlooking Padstow, with beautiful architecture and grounds.
Botallack (Cornish Mining World Heritage Site): Iconic engine houses clinging dramatically to the cliff face near St Just, remnants of Cornwall’s rich tin mining history.
Activities & Experiences
Learn to Surf at Fistral or Polzeath Beach: The North Coast is the heart of UK surfing. Take a lesson at renowned spots like Fistral Beach (Newquay) or Polzeath with a local surf school, where the spilling waves are perfect for beginners.
Go Coasteering in Newquay or Bude: Explore the coastline at water level by climbing, scrambling, swimming, and jumping from rocks into the sea. This exhilarating activity is offered by many local adventure centers.
Cycle the Camel Trail: Hire a bike in Padstow, Wadebridge, or Bodmin and ride along this scenic, mostly flat, 18-mile multi-use trail following a disused railway line alongside the beautiful Camel Estuary.
Walk the South West Coast Path: Hike a section of this iconic trail, especially the breathtaking route around the Bedruthan Steps, which features giant stacks of rock said to be stepping stones for a legendary giant.
Explore Tintagel Castle: Visit the dramatic clifftop ruins believed to be the birthplace of King Arthur. Cross the stunning footbridge to Tintagel Island and walk down to Merlin’s Cave on the beach below.
Take a Sea Safari from Padstow or Newquay: Head out on a boat trip to spot local marine life, including seals, dolphins, and various seabirds, often with an opportunity to hear their calls via a hydrophone.
Visit the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle: Delve into the fascinating, and sometimes eerie, history of European witchcraft, folk magic, and superstition in this unique and well-established museum.
Have a Gourmet Meal in Padstow: Known as the culinary capital of Cornwall, Padstow is home to several famous restaurants, including those by celebrity chefs. Book a table for a high-end seafood experience.
Go Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) or Kayaking: Explore the tranquil waters of the Camel Estuary or the sheltered coves near Port Gaverne. Paddleboarding lessons are also available on Bude Canal.
Walk to a Tidal Sea Pool in Bude: Visit the large, partially man-made pool carved into the base of the cliffs at Summerleaze Beach, offering a safer, calmer swimming experience at high tide.
Explore the Slate Quarrying History: Visit the dramatic Delabole Slate Quarry, one of the oldest working quarries in England, or take a deeper dive into the region’s mining heritage.
Local Tips & Transport
A Car is Highly Recommended: Due to the rural nature of the area and limited public transport connecting smaller villages and attractions, a rental car is the most practical way to explore the North Coast. Be prepared for very narrow, winding country lanes (“hedgerow tunnels”) that often require reversing to pass oncoming traffic.
The Atlantic Highway (A39): This is the main road that runs along the North Coast. It offers a scenic drive, but be aware that in the summer, the routes into Cornwall (M5 to A30 or A38) and the major routes through the county can become extremely congested, especially on weekends. Travel early or late to avoid peak traffic.
Bus Services: First Kernow runs an extensive bus network. While services exist, particularly between larger towns like Newquay, Padstow, and Bude, they can be infrequent (often hourly or less), especially in the more remote areas and outside of summer, and often stop running relatively early in the evening. Day passes like the Dayrider can be cost-effective for multiple trips.
Scenic Train Travel: While the main line runs through the county, the North Coast itself lacks many direct train links. The nearest branch line runs to Newquay from Par, and taking the scenic Atlantic Coast Line can be a pleasant, car-free option for getting into that town.
Park and Ride: If visiting larger coastal towns like Newquay or Padstow in peak season, consider utilizing any available Park and Ride schemes or parking at the edges of town and walking in, as in-town parking can be expensive and hard to find.
Embrace the Weather: Cornwall’s weather is notoriously changeable. Always pack layers and be ready for sun, wind, and rain on the same day. Walking boots or sturdy trainers are essential for coastal path walks, which can be uneven and muddy.
Check the Tide Times: Many beautiful beaches, coves, and attractions (like the causeway to St Michael’s Mount or Merlin’s Cave at Tintagel) are accessible only at low tide or disappear completely at high tide. Always check the tide times before planning a beach day or coastal walk.
Respect the Ocean: The North Coast beaches, with their powerful Atlantic swell, are famed for surfing, but they also have strong rip currents. Only swim at lifeguarded beaches (mostly during the summer season) and always follow the advice of the RNLI lifeguards.
The Pasties and Cream Teas: A Cornish Pasty must be crimped on the side, not the top. For a Cornish Cream Tea, the local tradition is to put the jam first, then the clotted cream on the scone. Be prepared to defend your preference!
Moorland Exploration: Don’t limit yourself to the coast. Bodmin Moor is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with a mysterious, ancient atmosphere, great for hiking and home to sites like Rough Tor and the eerie Bodmin Jail.
Hidden Gems:
- St Nectan’s Glen: A stunning hidden waterfall and sacred site near Tintagel, accessible via a tranquil woodland walk. You’ll need to be prepared to get your feet wet to get close to the waterfall basin.
- The Rocket Store, Boscastle: A tiny, atmospheric harborside shack known for incredible, locally-caught, hyper-fresh seafood. Booking is essential.
- The Rumps and Pentire Point: A beautiful, dramatic headland walk near Polzeath offering stunning views back across the Camel Estuary toward Padstow.
- Port Isaac: Famous as the filming location for the TV series Doc Martin (known in the show as Portwenn). Wander its narrow, cobbled streets and grab a proper pasty by the harbour.
Local Dialect and Names: You’ll hear words like “dreckly” (meaning “sometime soon, but not immediately”), and many place names are pronounced differently than they look (e.g., Launceston is often “Lanson,” Fowey is “Foy”). Don’t be afraid to ask a local!
Top Restaurants
The Cornish Arms [$20-$40] – A classic village pub in St Merryn, near Padstow, owned by Rick Stein, serving high-quality pub staples like sausages and mash and local scampi in a non-pretentious atmosphere.
The Golden Lion [$25-$45] – A historic 18th-century pub overlooking the harbor in Port Isaac, famous for its “snug” and a menu of hearty, locally-sourced Cornish seafood and ales.
The Port William [$30-$55] – Perched on the cliffs at Trebarwith Strand near Tintagel, this pub offers dramatic sea views and a solid menu of fish and chips and West Country steaks.
The Ship Inn [$20-$40] – A charming, centuries-old pub in the heart of Mawgan Porth, known for its friendly local vibe, real ales, and classic Cornish fare.
The Masons Arms [$25-$45] – Tucked away in the village of Camelford, this traditional inn focuses on local produce and offers a quiet, authentic escape from the busier coastal spots.
The Old Albion Inn [$20-$35] – A hidden gem in Crantock village near Newquay, this thatched-roof pub is full of character and serves simple, well-executed local dishes.
The Mariners [$30-$55] – Located on the waterfront in Rock, this pub focuses on sharp, refined pub food and local Sharp’s Brewery ales, offering a great view of the Camel Estuary.
The Brendon Arms [$20-$40] – A family-run institution in Bude that has been serving locals since 1872, offering a no-frills menu of traditional pies and fresh fish near the inner harbor.
The Falcon Hotel Restaurant [$30-$50] – One of the oldest coaching inns in North Cornwall, located in Bude, offering a more formal but still traditional British dining experience with local meats.
The St Kew Inn [$30-$55] – A beautiful 15th-century pub in the inland village of St Kew, famous for its open-fire cooking, stunning garden, and high-quality burgers.
The Red Lion [$25-$45] – A quintessential harbor-side pub in Newquay that avoids the town’s louder tourist traps, offering fresh catch-of-the-day specials.
The Blue Peter Inn [$20-$40] – An award-winning pub in Polperro (just on the edge of the northern reach), famous for its “proper” Cornish portions and incredibly narrow, atmospheric setting.
The Pickwick Inn [$30-$55] – Set in St Issey near Padstow, this spot features an award-winning restaurant with expansive views of the Camel Estuary and a strong focus on Italian-influenced Cornish seafood.
The Cornishman Inn [$20-$35] – A reliable, local-favorite pub in Tintagel that serves large portions of home-cooked food, perfect after a day of hiking the coastal paths.
The Napoleon Inn [$25-$45] – A historic, multi-roomed pub in Boscastle that dates back to the 16th century, known for its real ales and traditional Sunday roasts.
The Rising Sun [$30-$50] – A charming country pub in Altarnun, on the edge of the North Coast moors, offering a seasonal menu that highlights foraged ingredients.
The Cobweb Inn [$20-$35] – A quirky, atmospheric spot in Boscastle known for its hanging cobwebs (part of the decor) and a budget-friendly menu of traditional Cornish pasties and stews.
The Bowgie Inn [$20-$40] – Overlooking Crantock Beach near Newquay, this pink pub is a local landmark for a post-surf pint and a massive plate of local ham and eggs.
The Treguth Inn [$25-$45] – A thatched 13th-century pub in Holywell Bay near Newquay, serving classic British comfort food in a cozy, low-beamed setting.
The Preston Gate Inn [$20-$35] – A community-focused pub in Poughill, Bude, where live music meets great local food like Cornish mussels and dry-aged steaks.
Prawn on the Lawn [$40-$75] – A small, bustling fishmonger-cum-restaurant in Padstow center that serves inventive small plates of incredibly fresh seafood with Asian influences.
Temple [$35-$60] – A trendy, minimalist spot in Bude that celebrates seasonal Cornish produce with a creative, vegetable-forward menu and excellent coffee.
The Fish House Fistral [$35-$65] – Located right on the sands of Fistral Beach in Newquay, this cozy spot specializes in globally-inspired seafood like crab cakes and spicy prawns.
Barnaby’s [$40-$70] – The sister restaurant to Prawn on the Lawn, located at the Trevibban Mill vineyard near Padstow, focusing on wood-fired cooking and local wines.
Caffè Rojano [$30-$55] – A Paul Ainsworth-owned spot in Padstow that offers a modern take on New York-Italian flavors, featuring sourdough pizzas and fresh pasta.
The Rocket Store [$40-$70] – A tiny, vibrant seafood bar in Boscastle harbor serving small plates like ginger-soy grilled fish that change daily based on the catch.
Emily Scott Food [$50-$85] – Located at Watergate Bay, this elegant restaurant offers a refined, minimalist menu that lets the quality of local scallops and sea bass speak for itself.
Duchy Grub [$35-$60] – A modern, relaxed eatery in St Merryn near Padstow, known for its “small plates” concept and inventive use of Cornish foraged greens.
Watchful Mary [$30-$55] – A “continental” style bar at Watergate Bay that serves modern snacks and cocktails with a front-row seat to the Atlantic sunset.
Rick Stein’s Café [$30-$50] – A more casual, colorful alternative to the flagship Seafood Restaurant in Padstow, offering fresh fish with vibrant, international flavors.
The Beach at Bude [$40-$70] – A contemporary terrace restaurant overlooking Summerleaze Beach, featuring local seafood and a highly-regarded cocktail menu.
Edie’s Kitchen [$35-$60] – An unassuming, family-run bistro in St Austell (near the north-south divide) that provides high-end, modern British cooking at a fair price.
Potters [$40-$75] – A refined but relaxed restaurant in Bude town center that focuses on artistic presentation and locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
The Tartan Fox [$45-$80] – A recently opened Adam Handling pub in Summercourt (near Newquay), focusing on sustainable, zero-waste “luxury pub food” in a 400-year-old building.
The Herring [$50-$90] – Tucked inside the Bedruthan Hotel in Mawgan Porth, this quiet, adult-focused restaurant specializes in modern Cornish seafood with sweeping ocean views.
Wilder [$45-$85] – A hidden gem in Newquay that offers an intimate dining experience with a focus on wild-caught fish and sustainable, seasonal vegetables.
Bush Pepper [$35-$60] – An Australian-influenced restaurant in Bude that brings a unique twist to Cornish ingredients, such as kangaroo steaks or local fish with bush spices.
Kahuna [$30-$55] – A popular Newquay spot specializing in Pan-Asian cuisine, using local Cornish seafood to create authentic curries and stir-fries.
Paul Ainsworth at No.6 [$150-$250] – A Michelin-starred powerhouse in a Padstow Georgian townhouse, known for its creative storytelling through food and impeccable service.
Outlaw’s New Road [$150-$220] – Nathan Outlaw’s flagship in Port Isaac, offering a seafood-focused tasting menu that is often cited as the best fish experience in the UK.
The Seafood Restaurant [$100-$180] – Rick Stein’s iconic Padstow institution, which helped put Cornwall on the map, focusing on classic, high-quality seafood and a famous oyster bar.
Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen [$120-$180] – A tiny, Michelin-starred cottage in Port Isaac harbor serving a set menu of small, incredibly refined seafood dishes.
Ugly Butterfly [$100-$180] – An Adam Handling restaurant at Carbis Bay (near the St Ives end) that offers high-end sustainable dining with panoramic views of the coast.
Karrek [$110-$170] – The fine-dining restaurant at the St Enodoc Hotel in Rock, focusing on a multi-course tasting menu that showcases the “Atlantic larder.”
The Scarlet Restaurant [$75-$130] – Located in the eco-luxury Scarlet Hotel in Mawgan Porth, this restaurant offers a sophisticated, seasonal menu with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the surf.
Crocadon [$100-$160] – A revolutionary farm-to-table restaurant in St Mellion (inland from the coast) that holds a Michelin Green Star for its focus on regenerative agriculture and local soil.
The Dining Room [$70-$120] – A small, family-run fine dining spot in Rock that provides a quiet, intimate alternative to the larger celebrity chef venues nearby.
Restaurant Meudon [$80-$140] – While closer to the south, this is a staple for those visiting the Cornish “boot,” offering high-end dining in a stunning sub-tropical garden setting.
Coombeshead Farm [$60-$100] – A unique “field-to-fork” experience in Launceston (North Cornwall countryside) where almost everything on the menu is grown or raised on the farm.
The Lobster Shed [$40-$75] – An outdoor-only, wood-fired seafood spot at The Pig at Harlyn Bay near Padstow, specializing in grilled lobster and Cornish flatbreads.
Porthminster Beach Café [$45-$85] – A legendary beach house in St Ives that combines Asian and Mediterranean influences with a menu featuring ingredients from its own coastal garden.
The Hidden Hut [$15-$30] – A tiny beach cafe near Portscatho (worth the drive) famous for its “Feast Nights” and simple, fresh lunches served on the sand.
The Schoolyard Café [$20-$40] – Located in an old primary school in St Merryn, this quirky spot offers some of the best breakfasts and casual lunches in the Padstow area.
Strong Adolphos [$15-$30] – A stylish, biker-friendly cafe on the A39 near Wadebridge that serves world-class coffee and an eclectic mix of Scandinavian and Cornish food.
North Street Kitchen [$30-$55] – A rustic, open-air seafood bar in Fowey (near the eastern edge) that feels like a Mediterranean shack, serving fresh mussels and cold beer.
Surfside Polzeath [$35-$60] – A laid-back, “shack-style” restaurant right on the beach in Polzeath, perfect for high-quality burgers and rum cocktails while watching surfers.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Tom Thumb Cocktail Bar (Newquay): Located centrally in Newquay, this intimate and award-winning bar is celebrated for its expertly crafted cocktails, brilliant atmosphere, and attentive staff. It offers a sophisticated retreat from the town’s larger party venues.
The Dead Famous Liquor Lounge (Newquay): Found on Beach Road, this venue has a quirky, vintage, music-focused atmosphere. Originally The Koola, it offers inventive cocktails and a late-night music scene, even featuring their own chilli-spiced rum.
Saltsheds (Newquay): A Mediterranean-inspired beach bar and bistro, Saltsheds offers a great cocktail menu alongside unbeatable vibes. Located near the beach, it provides a laid-back sophistication for enjoying drinks by the rugged coast.
Sailors Arms Pub and Nightclub Cocktail Bar (Newquay): While primarily a pub and club complex near the centre, the dedicated cocktail bar within offers a lively setting for enjoying a selection of ‘naughty cocktail concoctions’ with a suntrap terrace overlooking the bay.
Whiskers (Newquay): A quirky spot with a feline theme and a focus on live music, this venue near the centre of town is highly recommended for its great drinks selection, including margaritas, and its lively, independent atmosphere.
Bloody Bones Cocktail Bar (Port Isaac): A hidden gem found beneath The Golden Lion pub in Port Isaac, this cosy hideout offers a selection of candlelit cocktails and Cornish spirits, accessed via a cobbled alleyway.
The Bank At Bude (Bude): Set alongside the tranquil River Neet, this popular spot operates as a tapas and cocktail bar. It prides itself on a wide range of Spanish-inspired cocktails and traditional Sangria, providing a vibrant, social dining experience.
Temple Bar (Bude): Featuring Temple Up Top, the only rooftop bar in Bude, this establishment is the perfect spot for a quick drink after the beach or a long afternoon of cocktails in the sun, serving wine, beer, and bar snacks.
North Coast Wine Bar (Bude): Located on the edge of the Bude Triangle, this independent spot offers a large selection of wines and also makes a ‘mean cocktail.’ They celebrate all things Cornish with carefully crafted cocktails using locally supplied spirits.
The Watering Hole (Perranporth): Uniquely located directly on Perranporth Beach, this is the UK’s only bar situated on the sand. It offers an essential coastal experience with a great atmosphere for cocktails right by the sea.
Fern: On Site Bar (Perranporth): Found at Perranporth Camping, this bar offers expertly crafted, freshly made cocktails in a chilled, inviting atmosphere, a perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the area.
Central Inn (Newquay): Located in the heart of Newquay, this lively and energetic pub is a premier bar known for its friendly atmosphere and is a popular starting point for a big night out.
Belushi’s Newquay (Newquay): Situated on a cliff top overlooking Towan Bay, this lively chain bar serves up food by day and transforms into a party hotspot by night, famous for its buzzing atmosphere and spectacular ocean views.
Concho Lounge (Newquay): Epitomising chilled-out seaside charm in Newquay, this venue incorporates surfing culture into its relaxed atmosphere, making it a comfortable spot for cocktails with a unique character.
The Dead Famous (Newquay): While also a club, the bar is a significant part of the experience, offering inventive cocktails, including house vodkas and a chilli-spiced rum, in a music-focused venue on Beach Road.
Berties Nightclub (Newquay): One of Newquay’s largest and most famous clubs, located on East Street. It boasts a massive sound and lighting system, three club rooms, and seven bars, catering to a variety of musical tastes from the latest EDM to pop hits, making it a legendary party destination.
Sailors Nightclub (Newquay): Located next to the Sailors Arms pub on Fore Street, this world-famous nightclub features two exciting rooms and a reputation for hosting big club nights. It includes four bars, VIP booths, and a cool balcony for watching the action on the dance floor below.
Koola Club (Newquay): Adjoining the Chy Bar on Beach Road, Koola is a huge, legendary nightlife hot spot known for its vibrant atmosphere and for hosting top DJs and live acts. It’s an ideal place to dance well into the night. (Note: It now often operates under the name of The Dead Famous).
Walkabout – Newquay (Newquay): Part of the famous Australian-themed chain on The Crescent, this venue transforms into a lively club by night, offering live music, DJ sets, and a party-centric atmosphere, popular with surfers and party-goers.
The Chy Bar/Koola Club (Newquay): Located on Beach Road, this complex is celebrated for its ‘chillin’ ambience and tunes in the bar, leading into the Koola Club for a full-on party experience, often favoured for its great cocktails and sea views from the bar area.
Tall Trees Nightclub (Newquay): Historically one of Newquay’s premier night spots on Tolcarne Road, known for its multiple floors/rooms (in its heyday) and big-name DJs, it continues to provide a large-scale clubbing experience with impressive sound and lighting.
Bertie O’Flannigan’s Irish Bar (Newquay): Directly adjoining Berties Nightclub, this venue on East Street offers a more cheerful and cheesy music experience, often serving as the perfect pre-club spot for a lively, no-fuss night out.
Basement Bar (Newquay): A great venue on Fore Street known for its excellent sound system, good choice of drinks, and pleasant staff, offering a dedicated spot for a late-night drinking and dancing session.
The Central (Newquay): A lively pub in the heart of Newquay that draws a pre-club crowd and continues its energetic atmosphere into the late evening, offering a mix of music and a busy, friendly vibe.
Shipwrights (Padstow): While primarily a traditional pub with stunning harbour views, the venue is open until late on weekends and regularly hosts live music, providing a club-like atmosphere for dancing and a proper pint right in the town centre.
Padstow Social Club (Padstow): Located off Senders Hill, this community-focused venue often hosts entertainment and sporting activities, including a stage area, offering a more local, relaxed spot for late-night socialising and drinks.