A guide to North Cornwall
If you’re looking for an escape that strikes a unique balance between adventure and comfort then North Cornwall is the place for you. Hidden in plain sight, it boasts mile upon mile of wild, rugged coastline and turquoise waters, creating landscapes you might find hard to believe exist here in the UK.
In turn this environment seems to have fostered a tight-knit community of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts who have chosen to build a life around the ocean. These people have a different way of looking at things, they seem to take life a bit slower and if we’re totally honest seem to be happier. They are all in on the poorly guarded secret - North Cornwall is special.
This combination of seemingly never ending nature and like-minded creative inhabitants makes this part of england ideal for escaping the city, resetting and reminding yourself of what life outside of an office feels like.
Where To Stay In North Cornwall
Kudhva
Looking to break from the ‘always on’ hustle and bustle of city life? Well Kudhva is the place for you. Cornish for ‘hideout’, Kudhva is just that. Set in a 45 acre abandoned quarry overlooking the sea; this sustainable campsite with a difference is punctuated by the striking geometric shapes of its signature Kudhvas that blend neatly into their surroundings. Stay in a Kudhva, Tipi or if you’re in larger group there is the ridiculously gorgeous and fully sustainable Danish Cabin
The site is designed to reconnect you with nature and you can be as busy or lazy as you want. Cook breakfast on an open fire, take a yoga class overlooking the ocean, watch the stars over your tipi, take a moonlit soak in the wood burning hot tub or simply kick back and enjoy the view.
For more see: https://kudhva.com/
What To Do In North Cornwall
Take A Rock Pool Bath At Tregardock Beach
North Cornwall is a maze of tiny, country lanes leading to dramatic hidden beaches. Driving along these roads carries a real sense of anticipation, the high hedge rows mean you often can’t see where you are and leave you guessing as to where and when you will next surface. The answer is almost always somewhere dramatic, somewhere that will stop you in your tracks and cause you to double check that you are definitely still in England and Tregardock beach is certainly a good example of that.
This is an absolute gem of a hidden beach, made all the more special by the fact that it is relatively hard to get to and therefore rarely busy at all. Littered with rocks of all shapes and sizes jutting up dramatically from the sand you would be forgiven for thinking you were in the Pacific Northwest of America. Walk to the end of the beach, and at low tide, a series of crystal clear rock pools will reveal themselves, making for the perfect natural bath for those brave enough to take the plunge.
Judge the tides right (this might help) and you can have hours exploring these vast rock pools, bathing in them and taking in the drama of the view as the ocean rolls in. This is a very special corner of the country.
Sunset At Bude Sea Pool
It’s relatively rare that we come across somewhere in the UK that completely unexpectedly knocks our socks off. And the Bude Sea Pool is one of those places.
Created in 1930, the pool is a beautiful, part natural, part man-made swimming pool in the rocks at Summerleaze Beach, Bude. It is a vast body of water carved perfectly into the coastline, creating a genuinely spectacular fusion of powerful nature and man-made brilliance. Run by a team of volunteers the pool is amazingly free to swim in.
We recommend getting here towards the end of the day as the pool is perfectly positioned to watch as the sun sets over the sea and surfers head out for the last ride of the day. Sat there taking in the scene you can be forgiven for thinking you might be in Sydney.
For more info see: https://www.budeseapool.org/
Surfing Polzeath
With over 400 miles of coastline and big, open beaches, Cornwall is the home of UK surfing. The variety of beaches and conditions means that it caters to all abilities from the first timers to pros, there is something for everybody.
If, like us, you are a beginner, then there are not many better places to start your pipe dreams than Polzeath. With its vast beach and south-west swells, it offers the perfect conditions to give it a go. Long and consistent waves mean you can have multiple bites at the cherry as you do battle with the ocean in your quest to be able to say you finally stood up.
And with several very experienced surf schools located along the beach you will not be short on choice. We went with George’s Surf School and enjoyed every minute - sound instructor who very much knew what he was talking about.
A word of advice is to book a lesson early in the day if you want to avoid the inevitable summer crowds.
Book a lesson: https://www.georgessurfschool.com/
On a Rainy Day… Visit Hawksfield
What to do on a rainy day in North Cornwall? Well fingers crossed you don’t have one, but if you do, why not head to Hawsfield, a Cornish cultural centre home to a collection of boutique and predominantly independent shops.
From Bespoke Traders, an almost impossibly cool warehouse boasting a mind blowing collection of rare and retro vehicles, clothing and biker jackets, to Marcel Rodrigues - a talented milliner who sells gorgeous wide brimmed hats made to measure; Hawksfield is a mecca of Cornish craft
If you fancy a peruse of some cool little shops then this is well worth a couple of hours, and if you’re peckish it is also home to Strong Adolphos (See below)
Where To Eat In North Cornwall
Temple Bude
With it’s readily available locally grown produce, fresh seafood and creative talents, Cornwall is awash with seriously tasty eating options. And there aren’t many better examples than Temple in the gorgeous little seaside town of Bude.
Love child of Will and Keda who moved to the coast in search of a closer connection to nature, Bude’s modern Cornish dishes are born out of the couple's relationship with the local fishermen, farmers and growers. Their seasonal dishes with a modern finish are the perfect example of the progressive food culture that sets this corner of the country apart.
From BBQ miso trout with ginger grapefruit salsa to grilled pork rib slab with fresh tomato salad and ciabatta, Temple is a celebration of Cornish flavours sure to fill your belly and put a smile on your face.
Strong Adolphos
If you’re looking for a breakfast to knock your socks off then this is the spot for you.
With breakfast burritos, spiced plum pancakes, golden turmeric smoothies and ‘proper’ taste-filled coffee Adolphos is a very strong way to start your day. Located in the Hawkfields ‘cultural centre’ (See above) we recommend you take a peak at the surrounding shops to digest.
Hidden Hut
Often described as Cornwall's worst kept secret, the Hidden Hut is tucked away along the coast path near Portscatho on the remote Roseland Peninsula. With a saliva inducing lunch menu including grilled local mackerel, homemade hummus, toasted flatbreads, fresh chowders and freshly baked sausage rolls the hut is a foodies dream.
There is no ‘real’ seating so once you get your grub sit up on the bank and people watch to the backdrop of the ocean. Not too shabby.
Note: Be sure to get there early though as this gem quite quickly has a queue that stretches along the coast!
Conclusion:
In our opinion Cornwall is one of the best options for adventure achievable within a few hours from London. Jam packed with natural beauty, incredible food and creative characters it has all the ingredients for a totally different experience, one that will shake up the routine of day-to-day life and leave you feeling rested and recharged, if not a few pounds heavier!