Harlyn Bay was described by the Sunday Times as a “hidden gem” and considered one of the best and safest family beaches in Cornwall.

Located just 3 miles from Padstow, Harlyn beach is a wide expanse of yellow sand backed by dunes. There is ample parking at the beach, toilets and array of food outlets to cater
for every need. If you fancy a sundowner drink overlooking the spectacular beach there are a choice of venues serving food & alcohol. Harlyn is also a dog friendly beach, one of only a handful in the area.

The crescent shaped bay is popular with surfers, paddleboarders and kayakers. Harlyn Surf School has had a base there since 1994 and is the original surf school having now expanded into offering surfing,
coasteering, sit on top kayaking and stand up paddleboarding. To compliment these activities, they also have a great range of hire kit from surfboards, wetsuits, bodyboards, kayaks and paddleboards. Their fantastic team of instructors are highly trained and guarantee to provide a memorable watersports experience. Harlyn Surf School also provide a beach wheelchair free of charge (small donation to charity please). Their office is right on the beach, so not far to walk for your activities!

Waves Surf School also offer surf lessons at Harlyn.  Located on the North Cornwall coast between Newquay and Padstow they are fortunate to be licensed by Cornwall Council to surf a selection of beaches. Most are within close proximity to accommodation around the Padstow area.  This allows them to find you the best waves on any given day. Book in and they will arrange the lessons where the waves are best for you!  Waves Surf School provide the equipment & wetsuits suited to the water temperature throughout the year. So whether you want group or private lessons on your own or you would like to share the fun with friends or family they can cater for your needs.

For those who may not wish to take part in watersports there’s a fascinating combination of rocky shorelines, sand dunes and tide pools to explore and the beautiful bay is also an unbeatable location to just chill and take in the view. From the beach you can walk along to the RNLI Padstow Lifeboat Station just beyond Mother Ivey’s Bay. In 1962 the Lifeboat Station at Hawker’s Cove near Padstow was decommissioned and replaced with one at Trevose Head. In 2006, the latest Life Boat station was built to accommodate the Spirit of Padstow which was placed on service shortly after. Although the station
is not open to visitors, you can go down and watch the Wednesday evening training launches at 6pm. Please contact the station on 01841 520667 for more information.
Further on it is possible to get to Trevose Head Lighthouse via the South West Coast Path and then cut back across inland to Harlyn making a very scenic circular walk of approximately an hour and a half.

Perhaps some of you who would just like to take time to still your mind and body, sit for a moment, breathe and relax after an exhilarating day at the beach. There is no better way to do this than to be enveloped in the heat of a sauna, the health benefits alone have inspired Sauna by the Sea to bring these magical moments for you to easily enjoy right on the beach at Harlyn.

There are some fantastic touring and camping sites to choose from around the 7 Bays between Newquay and Padstow. Below is a list of some of the best in the area:

For Padstow:

Dennis Cove Campsite

Nestled in a valley on the fringes of Padstow and less than a mile to the harbour, Dennis Cove Campsite is a family run site which is the closest campsite to Padstow.  There is private access onto the Camel Trail, an 18 mile traffic free cycle path from Padstow to Wenfordbridge on Bodmin Moor.  Otherwise you can take a 10 minute stroll along the trail into Padstow, a further 20 minute walk takes you to secluded beaches.  With all this on your door step there really is no need to get back behind the wheel of your vehicle once you’re here.

The campsite caters for up to 100 pitches across 5 separate camping fields.  Open from Easter to the end of September with 28 electric hook-ups, the campsite is perfect for tents, campervans and smaller motorhomes (up to 7 metres) and caravans.

Facilities include toilets, showers, washing-up, laundry, drying room, freezers for ice packs, chemical waste disposal, gas exchange, battery charging, 24 hour warden and above all a team of staff who’ll do their utmost to ensure your needs are catered for, as best they can.  Pets are welcome.

padstowlive.com/accommodation/dennis-cove-campsite/

Padstow Campsite

Seasonal pop-up site offering generous pitches for tents, campervans, and motorhomes, with all-inclusive access to on-site toilets, showers, and hot water facilities. Perfect for hikers, cyclists, and families alike. Pets are also welcome!

Perfectly positioned on the edge of Padstow just one minute from Tesco and the bus stop.  From here you can take the number 57 bus which runs between Padstow & Wadebridge and the number 56 bus which can take you to all of the beautiful bays in between Padstow & Newquay.

Padstow Campsite is just a 10-minute stroll down to the harbour, the Camel Trail, and the South West Coastal Path.

This friendly family run campsite is open from May – end Sept and also offers self-contained motorhome and campervan overnight parking all year round from £12 per night.  Pets are welcome.

padstowlive.com/accommodation/padstow-campsite/

Padstow View Campsite

Padstow View Campsite is a family friendly pop up site just a few miles from Padstow.

Guests can pitch wherever they choose on the grass or opt for the bell tent. There is a secure dog walking field for exclusive use, free wifi and hot food served every night.  Fresh coffee, milkshakes and smoothies are available on-site.

The number 57 bus stop is a minute’s walk from the site, from there you can get into Padstow or Wadebridge for connections to some of the best beaches in north Cornwall.  Dogs are welcome.

padstowlive.com/accommodation/padstow-view-campsite/

For Harlyn and Trevone:

Trevose View Farm & Campsite

Trevose View Farm is a fabulous family run pop up campsite which is open for 60 days throughout the year.

Ideally situated for Harlyn Bay and Trevone and just a 10 minute drive to Padstow.  The site has access to footpaths taking you to Harlyn Bay and Trevone Beach, both great for surfing, body boarding, SUP or just a lazy day on the beach.  Both beaches are life guarded throughout the summer and have some superb eateries right on the beach.  For those wanting to walk just that bit extra, you can carry on along the path into Padstow.  From Trevose View Farm to the Southwest Coast Path is just a short 5 minute walk through their fields from there the walking is endless!

There are 50 un-allocated grass pitches in a spacious open field, perfect for tents and tourers alike, simply turn up and choose where you would like to be!  Hot showers & washing up facilities. On-site pizza kitchen, cocktail bar and small cafe.  Raised Fire Pits and BBQs are allowed.

They also have 5 meter luxury bell tents for hire.  Remove the stress of putting a tent up and down. Provided will be a double bed, mattress, bed side tables, drawers, 2 x camp chairs, fire pit and a fire starter pack. Additional single bed mattresses are available upon request. Max 4 people per tent.  However, please bring your own bedding/sleeping bags as well as  any camping/cooking equipment you require.

Dogs are more than welcome.

padstowlive.com/accommodation/trevose-view-farm/

Trewithen Caravan & Camping

This family run caravan site enjoys 360 degree views over the local countryside and down the valley to Harlyn Bay. It is a large, peaceful site with space to relax. There are free hot showers in a new modern toilet block with laundry and a disabled/family shower room.  A deep freeze is available for campers to freeze ice packs.  The site is within easy reach of Harlyn beach, Trevone and Padstow is only 2 miles away.

There are 30 touring pitches, for caravans & tents (12 with electric hook up). Prices start from £24 (off season) per pitch, per night (depending on pitch and party size). Electrical pitches from £28 per night.  There is an extra 4 acre meadow for guests to stroll, walk the dogs and enjoy the wildlife.

padstowlive.com/accommodation/trewithen-farm-caravan-camping/

For Porthcothan and Treyarnon:

Treyarnon Bay Holidays

Treyarnon Bay Holidays is Cornish family run business and offer camping, static caravans and cottages all just a few minutes from Treyarnon Bay and Constantine Bay beaches and the South West Coast Path.  The bus stop that can go either to Padstow or Newquay is located just a few minutes walk away at Constantine Bay.

Whether you’re camping under canvas or touring with a caravan, this campsite has everything you’d expect to make the most of your trip to Cornwall.  81 camping pitches, including 26 electrical hook ups and some of the best views in Cornwall, so you can wake up to the sparkling Atlantic Ocean every day.

The campsite is open from 1st April to 30th September. Well behaved Dogs are welcome – except in July or August.

padstowlive.com/accommodation/treyarnon-bay-holidays/

Macdonald’s Farm

A family-run, 5 star Visit England rated, touring park and campsite situated in Porthcothan.  They offer grass pitches for motorhomes, caravans and tents with electric hook up, or stay in one of the beautiful bell tents in their brand new glamping area or their new sea view apartments.  Porthcothan, only a 10 minute walk away, is a delightful little bay, great for bathing, surfing and snorkeling.  The number 56 bus stop is just outside, from here you can take to bus anywhere between Newquay and Padstow.

They welcome both families and couples looking for a chilled, relaxing holiday – small groups are allowed but please call to confirm before booking as it is a quiet family-run site.  Sleep under the Cornish stars, eat some of the best local food in the wonderful farm garden, meet the animals, ride a pony or enjoy a drink or two from their Sundowner Bar. Live music events are also held here on a regular basis during the summer months.  Pets are welcome,.

padstowlive.com/accommodation/macdonalds-farm/

Carnevas

Carnevas Holiday Park is a 4 star AA rated campsite located in unspoilt countryside a short drive to the wonderful beaches of Porthcothan and Treyarnon. Surrounded by a wealth of opportunities for enjoyment – breathtaking cliff walks, a working farm, golf, renowned surf beaches, safe & sandy family beaches, historic houses, a wide range of natural history, and of course, the legends of Cornwall to investigate.

Over recent years the Pawley/Brewer family have developed this Cornish holiday park to an award-winning standard and provided a range of well-kept facilities to make your break relaxed and enjoyable. They pride themselves on personal service and communication with their visitors and for this reason, do not offer online bookings, preferring to maintain that all important connection with visitors which means that so many return to Carnevas year after year.

The on-site facilities include a comprehensively equipped laundry, the very well stocked shop and the play equipment which is always popular with the children. Whether it be a weekend break in the caravan park or campsite or a long stay in the luxury self catering holiday cottage, they are sure to have something for you.  Pets are welcome.

Also recommended, of course, is their very own social hang-out, The Jolly Roger, which is situated in the grounds of Carnevas Holiday Park.

padstowlive.com/accommodation/carnevas-farm-holiday-park/

Trevean Caravan & Camping Park

Trevean Caravan & Camping Park is a quiet, family run park situated within a short distance of no less than seven sandy beaches, surrounded by both sea and countryside views.

Established for over 30 years the site has developed alongside the family farm, which is now being worked by the 4th generation of the family. Originally a mixture of Sheep and Dairy, the farm is now home to a herd of Organic Beef cattle.  They are turned out for most of the camping season so you will be able to see them grazing along with Furious, the resident Simmental Bull.  Keep your eyes open for other four legged residents too.  There is a picnic area and a 5 acre recreation field which can be used for dog walking and games. From Whitsun to September there is a small shop selling a range of items including newspapers and fresh bread, you can also freeze ice packs here. At reception you can charge your laptops and phones

Close to the Southwest Coast Path and the spectacular North Coast, Trevean Farm is also just 4 miles from Padstow harbour and  St Merryn village is just 1 mile away with it’s general store, pub, Rick Stein’s The Cornish Arms, petrol garage, restaurant, a fabulous Fish & Chip shop and Spring House Chinese Takeaway.

padstowlive.com/accommodation/trevean-farm-caravan-camping-park/

For Wadebridge/Padstow:

Camel Creek Glamping & Camping

Set in the heart of Cornwall’s beautiful countryside, Camel Creek Camping & Glamping offers the perfect base for a fun-filled, relaxing getaway. They have a range of grass, hard-standing, and all-weather touring pitches, plus luxurious glamping options like Bell Tents, Yurt Tents and Safari Lodges.  And the best part? Camel Creek Adventure Park is right on your doorstep, offering unlimited fun and excitement for all ages. Ideal location for visiting all of the 7 Bays between Padstow & Newquay as well as Polzeath & Port Isaac via Wadebridge.  Pets are welcome.

padstowlive.com/accommodation/camel-creek-camping-glamping/

For Polzeath:

Valley Caravan Park

Valley Caravan Park is situated in a valley leading down to the sea, with the entrance only 200 yards from Polzeath’s sandy beach. They have tried to keep the park as natural as possible, encouraging wildlife – especially mallard ducks, geese, squirrels, rabbits and moorhens.  At the Valley Caravan Park you will find a lounge bar with a six day license with entertainment in high season, a conservatory, and a cafe with seating area and games area. Free wireless is available in the bar and cafe areas, there is a launderette and children’s play area.

Due to the wildlife, DOGS are NOT permitted on the site (except guide dogs).

padstowlive.com/accommodation/valley-caravan-park-self-catering-apartments/

Purely Glamping:

Padstow Creek Glamping Pods

Character luxury glamping pods within easy reach of Padstow. Each sleeps 2 in comfort or 2 adults & 2 children.

Tucked away in a secluded spot less than a mile away from Padstow, these exclusive pods are nestled in a magical valley next to a former mill house set amongst bluebells and primroses and other wild flowers. In the evenings experience bats flying around and owls hooting, in the morning you may be lucky to wake up to a roe deer drinking from the stream.  Within walking distance from the popular harbour town of Padstow and Rock and located in a wooded valley next to a former mill house, each glamping pod has it’s own kitchen and dining area, shower and W/C, comfortable double bed & sofa bed. The area extends outside with a large decked area for you to enjoy the long summer evenings or cosy on up to your own firepit. At the end of a long farm track it is a delightful environment for children and animals, free from passing traffic.

You can enjoy a fire pit where you can sit and watch the evening sun going down in a sheltered spot, the kids will love toasting marshmallows. Magnificent beaches are no more than 2 miles away where you can ride the Atlantic waves or simply walk along the coastal path and view the stunning scenery. There are wonderful walks from the properties which are surrounded by beautiful countryside.  Ample parking and dog friendly in some pods.

padstowlive.com/accommodation/padstow-creek-glamping-pods/