With its charming towns and villages, coastal beauty and abundance of attractions and days out, North Cornwall is a wonderful choice for a trip of any length – short breaks included. If you are in the area for just a few days though, it can be tricky to know what to prioritise.
The good news is that there’s no bad way to spend time in Cornwall, so whatever you choose, you’re bound to enjoy yourself. If you need a little guidance, though, that’s exactly what this article is for. Here’s how to spend your time in North Cornwall if you only have a handful of days and want to make the most of them.
A North Cornwall 2 day itinerary
Time is of the essence when you have just two days to discover North Cornwall, but you can get a wonderful taster of the area that we can almost guarantee will have you wanting to book a return holiday.
Staying close to local amenities and attractions is key when you only have a short time to explore an area. Padstow or Rock, two brilliant destinations that face each other across the Camel Estuary, are great choices to station yourself for a mini break. Being based in these towns, we’re biased, but luckily our guests tend to agree! Other good options are the likes of lively Newquay, or Polzeath if you’re after somewhere smaller.
Assuming that you have two full days, why not spend one of them exploring on foot and the other on an activity, with plenty of Cornish treats in between?
Day One
Explore Padstow and Rock
Begin by exploring the fishing port of Padstow, the picturesque village of Rock, or both! These popular destinations both have beaches in easy reach as well as a range of places to eat and drink, making them a perfect starting point as well as good spots to find a great breakfast (The Four Boys is a wonderful choice in Rock, and Cherry Trees Coffee House is always a good option in Padstow). While away a morning wandering their streets or linger by the harbour or waterfront to enjoy the people watching and views.
Padstow to Rock Ferry
Whichever side of the estuary you’re on, make sure to cross it using the Black Tor Ferry, which runs between Padstow and Rock throughout the year. This is not just a mode of transport, but a scenic journey in its own right. The ferry operates every day (except Sundays in the winter season), but make sure to check times when you are there.
Take a walk on the beach
No trip to Cornwall would be complete without some time spent on the beach, whatever the season. In North Cornwall you certainly have your pick of great ones, from the sandy stretch of sand at Rock beach, to the dune-backed Harbour Cove in Padstow, and a further 7 Bays locally to explore continuing down the coastline to the beaches in and around Newquay.
Rick Stein’s Fish & Chips
A Padstow institution and one of the first places our guests head to on arrival, Rick Stein’s Fish and Chips has rave reviews and cooks everything to order. Situated by the quay in Padstow, it is open every day offering a range of excellent dishes, including the classics. Think fresh fish, crisp batter, and thick, perfectly cooked chips (along with lashings of salt, vinegar and your preferred sauce!).
Enjoy a pint of Rattler
Cornwall’s famous cider, blended by Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm, is crisp, fresh and flavourful. Aptly named after the Cornish Rattler apple, you won’t have to go far to find a pint or bottle of it in Cornwall – the perfect end to a day in the county.
Day Two
Spot Cornwall’s wildlife on a Sea Safari
Make sure you don’t leave the county without taking advantage of Cornwall’s wildlife watching opportunities by choosing a sea safari as your second day activity. Padstow Sea Safaris is an excellent operator of 1-3 hour trips, with a range of experiences to choose from – you can opt to seek out puffins, seals or other sealife depending on your preferences. This is always a magic experience and guests tend to find themselves talking about the time that they watched seals lazing on rocks or dolphins leaping from the water in Cornwall for a long time afterwards.
Caffè Rojano by Paul Ainsworth
Simultaneously relaxed but special, Paul Ainsworth’s Padstow-based brasserie is home to chic décor, playful touches and truly excellent food. You’ll find small plates, pizza, fish and fresh pasta dishes on the menu, all created with locally grown produce and the county’s own seafood. It makes a great spot for an evening meal and wraps up a trip to North Cornwall in delicious style.
A North Cornwall 3 day itinerary
With three days to spend in North Cornwall, there’s time to incorporate some additional activities that you may not be able to fit in on a flying visit. We’d still recommend everything from our two day itinerary, with some of our other favourites added in…
Day Three
Cycle the Camel Trail
Whether you’re super active or someone who prefers to take things at a slower pace, the Camel Trail provides opportunities to stretch your legs or take a chilled bike ride with lots of breaks. This 18 mile multi-use trail is suitable for all types of rider, including families and inexperienced cyclists. It’s a fantastic way to take in some of the county’s most beautiful scenery and another good opportunity to spot some of the local wildlife, including otters and a variety of birds. It follows a disused railway line between Wenfordbridge, Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow.
Enjoy a Cornish cream tea
After cycling, you’ll deserve something delicious. A Cornish cream tea is a must-have when you’re here; a warm scone, split in two, accompanied by fruit jam and clotted cream, alongside a pot of freshly-brewed tea. There’s no shortage of good cream teas in this area of Cornwall, but some excellent spots are Angelique’s Tea Room in Port Isaac, or Woods Cafe in Cardinham Woods, near Bodmin – and both locations are lovely to visit in their own right too.
A North Cornwall 4 day itinerary
With four days to explore North Cornwall you can afford to get out into the county a little more, without needing to worry that you’ll spend a large proportion of your time on the road rather than out enjoying the area. This is what we would add to your list.
Day Four
Visit The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Head to Europe’s largest garden restoration project, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, for a fantastic day out full of variety, beauty and fascination. Situated near Mevagissey, on the south coast of Cornwall, it’s still within easy reach of most parts of North Cornwall. With 200 acres to explore, the estate includes an intricate collection of gardens, woodland trails, a farm and plenty of other activities for little and big visitors.
Or take a trip to Lappa Valley
If you prefer to stay very close by, Lappa Valley’s enchanting world of nostalgia and trains is a perfect day out. It’s just outside Newquay, so is easily accessible when staying in North Cornwall, and a fantastic option for children and families. Take the Lappa Valley steam railway from the car park into the attraction , then take your pick from the multitude of activities; train and boat rides, soft play and cafe, adventure golf, woodland walks and more.
Sample a Cornish pasty
It would hardly be right to come to Cornwall without trying a Cornish pasty for yourself, would it? Whether before, during or after your day out, make sure to pick one up from a local shop or bakery. Malcolm Barnecutt Bakeries do an excellent pasty, and you’ll find their shops all over North Cornwall including in Bodmin, Wadebridge, Rock and Newquay. It’s also well worth visiting Chough Bakery if you’re in Padstow.
Take a clifftop walk
Stretch your legs and take in spectacular views with a clifftop walk. The Hawker’s Hut walk is a gentle, circular choice that showcases beautiful sights across North Cornwall’s coast as well as the hut it takes its name from, a refuge used by poet Reverend Robert Hawker. Another fairly level option for all fitness levels is the Stepper Point walk, which crosses farmland to a lookout tower.
Another great choice would be the King’s Wood and Pentewan Valley trail which is a circular walk through woodland, alongside a river to the sandy beach along the old horse-drawn tramway.
If you’re a keen hiker and prefer a long walk to visiting an attraction, switch your earlier plans for the Bude to Morwenstow walk along the South West Coast Path. It’s full on but rewarding, covering a 7.5 mile distance and packed with breathtaking vistas.
A North Cornwall 5 day itinerary
Lucky you! Five days makes a lovely trip to North Cornwall and allows you to choose whether you want to take things at a relaxed pace, cram in even more exploration, or do a little of both. Here are some of the things we’d add to your itinerary if you have five days to spend here.
Day Five
Speed boat trip or fishing trip
There’s time to take to the water again on a longer break, and an exhilirating speed boat ride or a chilled fishing trip are both great options. If fishing sounds good to you, try Rock Fishing Trips, run by father and son Rodney and Jason. Their dog friendly boat picks up from the pontoon in Rock and offers several options for your trip including a beginner-friendly two hour Mackerel Trip, and species fishing on their Reef Trip. All fishing tackle is supplied, and their wonderful reviews prove that you’re in good hands.
Discover fresh Cornish seafood
Taste the catch of the day for yourself by seeking out one of the many seafood restaurants which serve up the freshest seafood caught by local fishermen. Prawn on the Lawn, in Padstow, named after one of its dishes, is committed to a locally-sourced ethos with its seasonal menu. Further up the coast in Boscastle, The Rocket Store offers lunch and dinner made with ingredients straight off the boat from its small seafood bar and restaurant.
If you enjoy cooking, swap a seafood restaurant for the local fishmonger and get creative in your holiday home instead.
Unwind in your accommodation
On a five day break you can even make a point of setting aside time to enjoy your accommodation. There’s joy to be found in doing nothing, and for many it is one of the great pleasures of a holiday. Rest assured, there’s no one way to make the most of your time; if you’re in need of relaxation, throw out the idea of cramming your holiday schedule and just be.
Whatever length stay you’re looking for, browse our range of North Cornwall holiday homes today to find your next break.
