North Cornwall is blessed with a rugged and dramatic coastline, with towering cliffs interspersed with sandy beaches and deserted coves. The large tidal range means that beaches can have a dramatically different character at low and high tide.

At low tide many beaches are an expanse of golden sand, but when the tide comes in the sand is sometimes covered, perhaps leaving just a narrow pebbly strip at the head of the beach. Here is a description of all the beaches close to the Camelot. All these beaches have lifeguard cover during the holiday season (May to September).

Polzeath

Polzeath is about 40 minutes drive from the Camelot, but it is one of the most popular beaches in Cornwall. It is wide and Sandy, and sheltered by low cliffs on both sides. The sand is firm and most of the car parking is actually on the beach itself. The surf here is very mellow and great for learner surfers and children. With all the amenities close to the beach, a good surf shop, and easy parking, this is a great family beach.

Trebarwith Strand

Although a little off the beaten track this is a very picturesque beach. At high tide the beach disappears completely and all you will see is a bay surrounded by high cliffs. This is the time to retire to the Port William pub which overlooks the bay. There is not much parking close to the beach but there is a large car park five minute’s walk away. Access to the beach is by a short but rough track. Although plenty of families with very young children come here it is perhaps better suited to those with slightly older kids who will enjoy exploring the rock pools.

Crackington Haven

Crackington is dominated by the very high cliffs on both sides which gives it a slightly closed-in feel. It is quite rocky and there is often not that much sand, but it is never really busy and it does have a car park, toilets and cafe very close to the beach, not to mention the Coombe Barton pub which overlooks the beach.

Widemouth Bay

Just five minutes south of Bude, Widemouth is a very popular beach. It is wide and sandy with ample car parking just feet from the beach. It is a great place to learn to surf. For those wishing to explore, a few minute’s walk up the beach in either direction leads to a more secluded and sheltered part of the bay, with plenty of rock pools for the kids. A cafe, toilets, and surfboard hire are all available at both ends of the beach. In fact sometimes at high tide the beach is briefly separated into two by a low promontory, and at times like this it seems there are two different beaches, each with its own character and facilities.

Summerleaze

Situated in the heart of Bude, this beach has it all. Except at low tide, the beach is sheltered from the heaviest of the surf by the breakwater. There is ample car parking, excellent facilities and easy access to the beach. And there is plenty of additional interest close at hand. To one side of the beach is Bude's sea pool - naturally filled with seawater at high tide, it gives the experience of being in the sea but in a sheltered environment. On the other side of the beach is Bude’s small harbour and the lock gates where the canal enters the sea. Overlooking the beach is an excellent cafe and bistro: Life’s a Beach. At low tide acres of sand are uncovered and the beach merges with the neighbouring beach, Crooklets.

Crooklets

Just a few minute’s walk from the Camelot Hotel in Bude, Crooklets beach is the home of the country's first Surf Lifesaving Club: you will always see very good surfers in the water here. There is parking, toilets and a cafe just yards from the beach. On the lowest of low tides it is possible to walk northwards along the water's edge for miles, perhaps with a little rock hopping, to the next two beaches.

Northcott

Just a few minute’s drive from the Camelot Hotel, or a mile’s walk along the cliff tops, is Northcott beach. There is limited parking and no facilities but It is a lovely spot and quieter than the busy beaches of Bude. At high tide there is often very little sand, but there is no shortage of rock pools to explore!

Sandymouth

Owned by the National Trust, Sandymouth is a stunningly beautiful stretch of coast. At low tide the sand extends north and south for about a mile, interspersed with fingers of rock. At high tide there is often not much more than a narrow pebbly beach with cliffs behind. If walking on the beach towards high tide take care not to be cut off. The sandbanks here make it a popular place for experienced surfers, but there can also be dangerous currents and you would be well advised not to swim in the sea here unless in the lifeguard supervised area. The car park and cafe are quite close to the beach, but access to the beach is down a short but fairly steep rough track.

Own a dog?  Read our blog post on which of these beaches are dog friendly for your holiday here.