We arrived there on a blustery August day and because we arrived later in the day we managed to get parked at the beaches main car park.  However, there are other car parks close by so if you can not get in to this relatively small car park you will not be too far away.

The beach itself is wide and sandy andwhen the tide is out it is a long way down to the water – so plenty of room for everyone.  During the summer months there are RNLI Lifeguards on duty making it a safe place to be out on the water for all the family.  There are toilets in the car park area but there is not really much in the way of shower facilities like you find at somewhere like Fistral Beach.

If you are looking for surfing lessons, with equipment and wetsuits included then head straight to the beach car park, where you will find a couple of good BSA approved surf schools.  We took our own bodyboards and summer wetsuits and boarded for a couple of hours quite happily in the patrolled areas.  We were there on a windy day though and the openess of the beach doesn’t provide a great deal of shelter – even our beach tent was struggling to cope – and in that sort of weather , even with the sun out, it was worth wearing your own wetsuit or hiring one.

There are a few shops relatively close to the beach in Polzeath – including a Spar mini supermarket, a cafe, some stalls and a pub.  So you can grab the odd thing to eat or drink but if you are mkaing a day of it, it’s worth taking a picnic with you.  There was also an ice cream van on the beach – which saved a walk!

Within walking distance from Polzeath are some other magnificent places to visit including Rock, Daymer Bay, Pentire Point, St Minver and Trebetherick.  All can be reached by the local coastal paths that offer spectacular views over looking Cornwall‘s rugged coast line and out to the Atlantic Ocean.

Where to stay?

• Self catering and cottages in Polzeath, Padstow, Port Isaac,  Cornwall, South West England
• Holiday parks in Rock, Cornwall, South West England
• Lodges in Padstow, Cornwall, South West England
• B&B’s in Padstow, Port Isaac,  Cornwall, South West England
• Hotels in Padstow, Cornwall, South West England

Summary

• Suitable for Family: 4 stars
• Beach and surf: 5 stars
• Beach facilities (toilets/showers): 3 stars
• Cafe/food: 3 stars
• Safety: 5 stars (RNLI Lifeguards during season)
• OVERALL: 4 STARS