Family time at the Beach
Whether it’s a trip to the north or the south Glynn Barton is perfectly set for exploring both coastlines.
One of our favourite stretch of coastlines on the North is Polzeath round to Padstow. Its just beautiful! Watching the waves at Polzeath point or walking north to the Rumps it can certainly blow the cobwebs away.
The North Coast
Starting at Polzeath- a life guarded beach, book in for a surf lesson with Wavehunters or hire a board and wetsuit (depending on how brave you’re feeling…!). There is a great stream on the beach and pools for playing in. The kids will be able to splash around all day and have lots of varied fun. Grab lunch at Surf Side or the Waterfront for a gluten free pizza and finish off with an ice cream at the Cone Shop on the corner. You can always join WildWarriors which provide an adventure in a backpack as a forest school on the beach which will ensure the adults grab a couple of hours me time.
Walking the South West Coastal Path
Walking south its about an hours walk down to the ferry at Rock. Walking along the coastal path is just a breath of fresh air. Half way along you get to Daymer Bay which depending on leg length has a decent sized car park and a very short walk to the beach. It’s a great swimming spot due to the shelter from the headland and the beach stretches all the way around to Rock. Sand dunes to explore and play hide and seek in, shallow water for safe play and swimming and the added bribery that the ice cream is not far away. There is a little café and shop in the car park too.
Rock- Padstow Ferry
The ferry leaves from the slip-way and it’s a short 10min ride across to Padstow. Perfect for taking the kids on a little adventure and picking up lunch in Padstow itself. Parking can be tricky especially over the peak holidays so catching the ferry is perfect. There are plenty of places to catch lunch – Greens of Padstow, Steins Fish n Chips, Burger & Fish…… not to mention the harbour for fresh crab, cake and ice cream. Step into Chough’s bakery (voted worlds best pasty in 2018) for their amazing millionaire’s shortbread or Roskilly’s for a mouth watering mint choc chip waffle cone. Aside from strolling around the shops whilst you enjoy your ice cream the kids can become mini marine biologists with a visit to the charity run Lobster hatchery. This little harbour is bursting with life.
Best for Rockpooling
Round the corner from Padstow, is home to one of the best beaches for rock pooling. Constantine Bay is a lovely stretch of beach with lots of rock pools for exploring. Depending on the time of year you will spot a crab or pick up a bucket of mussels to take home and steam. They are small though so make sure you have a big bucket! Due to the rock pools the sea can be quite rough so make sure you swim and surf on the right side of the beach. It is a life guarded beach seasonally too and they have signs up with safe swimming zones.
Poldark Territory
Further south our family favourite is Holywell Bay. Home to the opening shots on the TV show Poldark – it is absolutely stunning. With the large and long stream for paddling in its perfect for the kids. Sand dunes to surf down, caves to explore and a long wide stretch of beach with lots of space. The car park is run by the national trust and it’s a 15min walk to the beach. So keep the loads light and don’t try and take the kitchen sink with you! Surfboards and boogie boards are available to hire on the beach but take your own picnic as there aren’t any shops down on the beach other than a small trailer selling hot dogs and sausage rolls. With all the fresh air the kids will definitely sleep well.
Finish off your day with a swim and a hot tub when you get home.
