Best Beaches
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Some of our favourites working from closest to furthest away (always check the tide times!) – we’re scratching the surface here so let us know what you love and we’ll point you in the right direction...
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Mawgan Porth: our local sandy horseshoe shaped family friendly beach
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Watergate Bay: long sandy surf stretch just down the road
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Bedruthan Steps: national trust beach with steep steps and giant stacks
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Park Head: bit of a walk and adventurous rock scramble to a secluded beach
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Mackerel Bay: just past park head, good rock pooling spot
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Constantine: a short drive to this large sandy surf beach
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Treyarnon: great for rock pooling and crag hopping
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Harlyn: good surf spot when wind stops play on the other breaks
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Daymer Bay: estuary beach popular with windsurfers
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Polzeath: popular family and surf beach
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Food & Drink
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POP UPS & TAKEAWAYS
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Information for the Summer 2023 season coming Spring 2023
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DOWN THE LOCAL
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The Falcon Inn - St Mawgan - 01637 860225
16th century wisteria covered traditonal pub just a stroll away serving typical pub food with a great beer garden – you might even catch some village cricket on the green.
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The Travellers Rest - Trevarrian - 01637 860245
Serving good pub food and a welcoming bar in this 17th century flagstone floored and wooden beamed inn.
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The Merrymoor Inn - Mawgan Porth - 01637 860258
Family run pub with a big garden and terrace overlooking the local beach serving home cooked food.
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Wax - Watergate Bay - 01637 860353
Pub and restaurant with covered terrace overlooking the sea with a daily specials board and a programme of live music.
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The Cornish Arms - St Merryn - book online
A Rick Stein pub a short drive away serving traditional British food with a great fireplace and welcoming atmosphere.
LAIDBACK
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St Mawgan Tea Garden - St Mawgan - 01637 860303
This gorgeous spot in the local village serves lots of homemade tea room fare, cream and afternoon teas with tasty fresh ingredients in a pretty setting – inside and out.
Catch - Mawgan Porth - 01637 860372
Beachside cafe and bar with an extensive menu (with some fishy specials) and informal family friendly vibe.
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The Kitchen by the Beach at The Park - Mawgan Porth - 01637 860594
Laidback spot serving honest, flavourful food, Something for all the family. (you can even pop for a swim in the pool next door).
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The Lobster Shed at The Pig - Harlyn - 0345 2259494
Outdoor eating and drinking, salty ocean air and simple but seriously tasty local food - wood roasted and chargrilled (kids menu).
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The Mariners - Rock - 01841 532093
Award winning pub with Paul Ainsworth at the helm serving awesome British classics with local ingredients - overlooking the Camel Estuary.
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Lewinnick Lodge - Pentire Head, Newquay - 01637 878117
Bar and restaurant serving all day with amazing panoramic sea views from the large deck, perfect for a sun-downer.
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Rojanos - Padstow - 01841 532796
Italian influenced family restaurant and small plates ‘grazing’ bar with great cocktails, combining the best of Italian technique with Cornish produce - another Paul Ainsworth owned establishment.
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The Beach Hut - Watergate Bay - 01637 860877
On the beach bistro with a relaxed vibe, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and an amazing marshmallow hot choc.
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Gnarly Food Ltd previously known as Scott & Babs @ Retorrick Mill - across the valley - 01637 861746
CURRENTLY CLOSED
A real favourite of ours so get your booking in! The most delicious wood fired food like pizzas and slow cooked meats along with salads and homemade breads served in a laidback, unique and quirky barn setting with a stable bar - sometimes closed for private bookings so check ahead.
TREAT
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Emily Scott Food - Watergate Bay - 01637 861000
Hyper local treats at this spot with the most amazing sea views, think relaxed seasonal dining.
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The Restaurant at The Pig - Harlyn - 0345 2259494
Relaxed eating in the heart of this historic house with an amazing 25 mile menu and wide ranging wine list.
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Zacrys at the Watergate Bay Hotel – 01637 861231
Brasserie vibe restaurant at the hotel, food draws on international influences, local inspiration and contemporary American cuisine.
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Outlaws Fish Kitchen – Port Isaac - 01208 881183
Small, original and delicious seafood plates cooked and served when ready in a 15th century fisherman's cottage in this pretty seaside harbour village. Currently fixed menu.
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Outlaws New Road - Port Isaac - 01208 880896
Sitting at the top of Port Isaac overlooking the ocean, serving a set menu celebrating the freshest seafood and daily catch.
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Restaurant at The Scarlet Hotel - Mawgan Porth - 01637 861000 (no kids)
Seasonally and locally inspired breakfast, lunch or dinner menu served at this cool seaside eco hotel, with a terrace for a drink-with-a-view.
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Number 6 - Padstow - 01841 532093
Paul Ainsworth serves up tasty modern food with a Cornish influence – Paul also runs Rojanos, above.
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Rick Stein - Padstow - 01841 532700
Padstow is sometimes called Padstein because of the plethora of Rick Stein establishments there – for swanky dining there is the Seafood Restaurant and St Petroc’s Bistro or the more laidback and low key (and gentler on the wallet) options of his fish and chips place or his cafe (and let’s not forget the gift shop and patisserie and...)
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Days Out
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TOP TOWNS
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A few suggestions of villages and towns that are well worth a look.
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St Mawgan: Our local village and voted Cornwall’s best kept village for three years in a row, not hard to see why with it’s lovely church, pretty village green, village stores and tea room. Check out a village cricket match and grab a beer from The Falcon Inn. You can also visit the gorgeous tea room and garden for a proper Cornish Cream Tea.
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Padstow: A pretty harbour town with lots of shops and eateries to keep you entertained. It can get very busy in the height of summer but if it gets too much hop on the passenger ferry and take a 10 minute crossing to the gorgeous sandy beach at Rock (Daymer Bay).
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Port Isaac: A pretty little village built in a steep harbour valley, it won’t take you long to explore but sitting and taking in the view is a lovely way to while away a few hours – or you could hop on a mackerel boat and try your luck.
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Fowey: A lovely town on the south coast with some gorgeous boutiques for some retail therapy. You can also hire a self drive motor boat and take a trip up the estuary and stop for a bite in a riverside pub or head further up to jump off at Lostwithiel.
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Lostwithiel: Known as the antiques capital of Cornwall this is the place to head if you want to spend a few hours browsing antique shops for an heirloom piece or a junk shop bargain. Shopped out? A short stroll through the park takes you to a lovely wildlife reserve.
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Truro: The only city in Cornwall and the place to head for all the usual high street stores, some great independents and a wander round the old centre and the amazing cathedral. A great place if you need a city fix during your rural retreat. Farmers Market on Saturday and Shop Small Market 3rd Saturday of the month.
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Falmouth: A buzzy place with lots of boutique shops, galleries and a creative cosmopolitan vibe. It’s a harbour town with a strong maritime heritage and some great fishy eateries.
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St Ives: Artists from all over the world have been drawn to St Ives for the quality of its light and stunning position, go there to enjoy this for yourself and get chance to explore the numerous galleries and art shops rounding off with a visit to the Tate Cornwall.
OUT AND ABOUT
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Days out for all ages...
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Eden Project - St Austell - www.edenproject.com
World renowned eco attraction with gardens, biomes and a changing programme of events.
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Tintagel Castle - Tintagel - www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/tintagel-castle
Steeped in legend and said to be the true Camelot, you can also visit Merlin's Cave.
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Crealys Adventure Park - Wadebridge - www.crealy.co.uk
Family fun with big (and small) rides, with log flumes, roller coaster, pirate ship and more.
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St Eval Go Karting - St Eval - www.cornwallkarting.com
4 track kart circuit with karts for kids and big kids.
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Also check out Flambards Fun Park and the Lappa Valley Steam Railway.
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ANIMAL MAGIC
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For really wild adventures and encounters with beasts of land and sea...
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Newquay Zoo - Newquay - www.newquayzoo.org.uk
See the penguins, the big cats and the creepiest of crawlies with activity trails and a maze.
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Blue Reef Aquarium - Newquay - www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk
Come face to face with everything from giant crabs and lobsters to seahorses and sharks.
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Monkey Sanctuary - Looe - www.monkeysanctuary.org
Visit the rescue monkeys and then take a look at the bat cave and wildlife gardens.
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Seal Sanctuary - Gweek - www.sealsanctuary.co.uk
Encounter fascinating seals, penguins and otters at this working rescue centre.
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Screech Owl Sanctuary – Indian Queens - www.screechowlsanctuary.co.uk
Meet a large collection of owls, watch falconry displays and even touch some tamed birds.
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RAINY DAYS
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Some of our suggestions for when the Great British weather just isn’t that great...
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Bedruthan Steps Hotel for Kids - Mawgan Porth - www.bedruthan.com
Kids club and activities, family friendly indoor and outdoor pools (and lots for grownups too!).
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WTW Cinemas - Newquay, Truro, St Austell, Wadebridge and Padstow - www.wtwcinemas.co.uk
A local chain of cinemas showing all the latest releases including 3D films.
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Atlantic Lanes Bowling - Trevarrian - www.trevarrianholidaypark.co.uk
4 lane bowling centre at the Holiday Park just up the hill with indoor kids play area.
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Oasis Fun Pools - Newquay - www.oasis-hendra.co.uk
Indoor and outdoor pools, flumes, slides, waterfalls and rapids.
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Maritime Museum - Falmouth - www.nmmc.co.uk
Collection of crafts from history and around the world with virtual tours and interactive displays
CULTURE VULTURES
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Peruse and muse these arty offerings...
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Tate St Ives - St Ives - www.tate.org.uk/stives
Cornwall’s gallery with a fixed collection and varied exhibitions of modern and contemporary art.
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Hepworth Museum - St Ives - www.tate.org.uk/stives/hepworth
Collection of Barbara Hepworth’s influential work including a stunning sculpture garden.
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The Minack Theatre - Porthcurno - www.minack.com
World famous open air, cliff-top theatre with a summer schedule from Hamlet to Alice and more.
HOUSES AND GARDENS
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Beautiful houses and gardens to inspire...
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Trerice - Newquay - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/trerice
An intimate Elizabethan manor with informal tranquil gardens and special living history days.
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Lanhydrock - Bodmin - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock
The archetypal large country house with an outdoor theatre, garden tours and kid's activities.
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Trebah - Mawnan Smith - www.trebahgarden.co.uk
A sub-tropical garden with a stunning coastal backdrop and private beach.
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Lost Gardens of Heligan - St Austell - www.heligan.com
Renowned, rediscovered and restored gardens and pleasure grounds.
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Anthony - Torpoint - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/anthony
House and woodland garden recently used as the set for Disney’s Alice in Wonderland.
FOR GROWN UPS
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It’s all about relaxing whether that’s a glass of something special or an amazing pamper session.
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Scarlet Hotel Spa and Yoga Classes - Mawgan Porth - www.scarlethotel.co.uk/spa
High end design spa offering day escapes, with rassoul, indoor and outdoor pools, relaxation areas and even a cliff top log fired hot tub.
Yoga classes available.
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Bedruthan Steps Hotel Spa - Mawgan Porth - www.bedruthan.com/spa
Luxury hotel spa with indoor pool, sauna and steam room and a wide range of treatments.
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Camel Valley Vineyard - Bodmin - www.camelvalley.com
Award winning vineyard; take a tour then taste some wine on their sunny terrace.
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Healeys Cyder Farm - Penhallow - www.thecornishcyderfarm.co.uk
Tour the press house, distillery and bottlery and then try some Cornish cider.
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WATER, BEACH AND CLIFF ACTION
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Surfs up? Yes, but there is loads more seaside action to be had...
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King Surf - Mawgan Porth - www.kingsurf.co.uk
Surf school, surf lessons and equipment at the local beach.
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The Surf Club - Mawgan Porth (Bedruthan Steps Hotel) – www.thesurfclubcornwall.co.uk
Surf lessons and more (coasteering, wild swimming and kayaking) based out of Bedruthan Hotel.
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The Extreme Academy - Watergate Bay - www.watergatebay.co.uk/extremeacademy
More beach sports school than surf school with surfing, kite surfing, paddle surfing, wave ski-ing and traction kiting lessons and kit available.
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The Adventure Centre - Lusty Glaze - www.lustyglaze.co.uk/adventure
As well as surfing you can hire a jet ski along with loads of cliff based activities like rock climbing and abseiling, zip wiring and coasteering.
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The Flow Rider - Newquay - www.retallackresort.co.uk/flow-rider
If the surf report got it wrong then you can try out the UKs first flow rider wave.
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Cornish Rock Tors Ltd – Polzeath - www.cornishrocktors.com
Specialising in Coasteering, Sea Kayaking, Rock Climbing and Powerboat tours.
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Camel Ski School – Rock – www.camelskischool.com
Waterskiing, wakeboarding and banana boat fun available.
GO GOLFING
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Tempting fairways from stunning seaside links courses to laid back local options.
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Trevose Golf Club - Constantine - www.trevose-gc.co.uk
Championship links course overlooking Constantine Bay.
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St Enodoc Golf Club - Rock - www.st-enodoc.co.uk
Top golf club with great sea and estuary views.
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Merlin Golf Club - St Eval - www.merlingolfcourse.co.uk
Relaxed local hill top golf course with driving range.
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THE GREAT OUTDOORS
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It’s not just about the seaside; Cornwall has gorgeous countryside and lots of activities to take part in while enjoying the view.
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Wilderness Play – St Mawgan and Various Locations - www.wildernessplay.co.uk/
Wilderness Play is all about getting children and families engaged in Cornwall’s amazing environment through adventure based education… whether it’s tree-climbing, zip lines, woodland craft or learning some first aid skills they can help you with your outdoor adventure.
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Green Leisure - Newquay Area - www.greenleisure.co.uk
Offering clay pigeon shooting, archery, 4x4 driving and more.
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Mount Pleasant Eco Park - Porthtowan - www.mpecopark.co.uk
Learn about living sustainably from growing your own to composting your own.
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Head along the South West coast path or to the moors for some amazing walks!
ON THE WATER
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From catching your supper to catching sight of dolphins to catching your breath getting up close with a shark...
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Atlantic Diver - Newquay - www.atlanticdiver.co.uk
Wreck and cage diving, fishing, shark swimming and sea safaris with private charter available.
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Fowey River Boat Hire - Fowey - www.fowey-river-boat-hire.co.uk
Self drive boat on the Fowey Estuary; fish and picnic or relax and pull in to a riverside pub.
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Paddlefish Adventures - Newquay - www.paddlefishadventure.co.uk
Deep sea fishing, mackerel trips and sunset wildlife cruises.
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Camel Sailing School – Rock – www.camelsailing.co.uk
Learn to sail with youth and adult power boat and dinghy courses available.
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GONE FISHING
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Cornwall has great game and coarse fishing from pretty ‘wind in the willows’ rivers to lakes perfect for beginners.
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Mawgan Porth Pools – between St Mawgan and Mawgan Porth - mawganporthpools.co.uk
Coarse fishing lakes nestling in the valley across from Polgreen.
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Porth Reservoir - Porth - www.swlakestrust.org.uk/lakes-and-facilities/the-lakes/porth
South West Lakes trust owned mature coarse fishery in beautiful surroundings, a designated bird sanctuary with hides.
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BIKE ABOUT
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The north coast of Cornwall is a pretty hilly place so the cycling can be tough unless you know where to go...
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Padstow Cycle Hire - Padstow - www.padstowcyclehire.com
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Bridge Bike Hire - Wadebridge - www.bridgebikehire.co.uk / www.gobycycle.co.uk
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These are both great options for hiring a range of bikes (with child seats available) for a cycle along the lovely, traffic free (and flat!) camel trail with Padstow providing a great stop for lunch and a well earned rest. Bridge Bike Hire also has bike delivery options if you want to hire bikes for the duration of your stay.
GIDDY UP
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There is nothing like a gallop (or trot) across the sand.
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Trenance Riding Stables - Newquay - www.newquayridingstables.co.uk
Lessons and riding on The Gannel and on the beach
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Reen Manor Riding Stables - Perranporth - www.reenmanorstables.com
Lessons and riding on the beach at Perranporth
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Useful Stuff
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LOCAL FOOD SHOPPING
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If you had no luck fishing for your supper here’s where to head to stock up whether you’re BBQing or going for some gastro camp cuisine.
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Store, Tea Room and Post Office - St Mawgan
You can pick up the basics and more and don’t forget to try out some delicious cakes in their gorgeous tea room and garden.
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Cornish Fresh - Mawgan Porth
Alongside the basics, this beachfront shop stocks a wide range of unexpected (and very useful) products and includes a deli counter, coffee shop and has great pasties and ice creams on offer. They also do great takeout pizzas in season.
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The Arc Food Store & Replenish Zero Waste - Hawksfield / near Wadebridge
Arc has an array of artisan treats, deli special and a great wine selection. Replenish is a great stop for packaging free basics and goodies. Both are based at Hawksfield which also has a curated selection of boutique shops and great food spot Strng Adolfos.
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Supermarkets
Although it’s more fun to try out the local shops we know that sometimes a supermarket’s essential. There are the usual supermarket chains in the area, head to Newquay for Sainsburys, Morrisons, Tesco Metro and Asda or take the Atlantic highway towards Wadebridge for a Tesco Superstore or head towards Truro for Waitrose.
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ESSENTIAL CONTACTS
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Doctors Trekenning Road, St.Columb Major, TR9 6TD, 01637 880359. 08:30 – 18:00 Monday – Friday.
Minor Injuries Unit. St Thomas Road, Newquay, TR7 1RQ, 01637 893623. 08:00 – 22:00 Monday – Sunday. Head in to Newquay (coast road) and follow signs to the town centre. Pass the train station on your left. Continue and turn left on to Berry Road and then left on to St Thomas Road.
Accident and Emergency. Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, Truro, TR1 3LJ . 01872 250000. 24 hour.
NHS helpline – 111.
Out of Hours Service – 0845 2000 227. Weekdays overnight 18:30 – 08:00, 24 hours weekends and public holidays. They can arrange what care is needed.
If you need any of these services urgently please ask us to help. If you need to dial 999 come to Polgreen Barn immediately, if we are unavailable proceed up the hill lane to get mobile reception. 999 services should be given our address, Polgreen Barn, St Mawgan (not in the village) and our postcode, TR8 4AG.