Our local guide
Explore Cornwall from Floraldene
We are very lucky to have so many beautiful beaches, places to eat and things to do right on our doorstep. A lot of Cornwall is tide-dependent, so always check the tide times before heading out. And one final tip: go early! The best-known places are much more enjoyable before the crowds arrive.
Beaches
Daymer Bay
A sheltered family beach inside the estuary, shallow at low tide and glorious for an early-evening swim at high tide.
10-minute walk
Polzeath
A brilliant surfing beach with several surf schools; we like to surf early, around 7 to 8am, before the crowds.
5-minute drive
Rock
A huge sandy beach on the Camel Estuary; at low tide you can walk all the way from Daymer.
5-minute drive
Greenaway
One of our favourites for cowrie hunting, rock pooling and crabbing at low tide (can be rough for young swimmers).
Porthilly
Lovely for swimming and paddleboarding at high tide; muddy with strong currents at low tide.
Lundy Bay and Epphaven
At low tide a glorious beach appears; go early for the National Trust car park.
Pentire and The Rumps
A dramatic National Trust headland with views along the North Cornwall coast.
Enquire about your week
We reply personally, usually within 24 hours. No booking fees.
Eating & Drinking
Philip Warren Butchers
A really excellent local butcher, ideal for the barbecue.
Malcolm Barnecutt Bakery
Bread, pastries, pasties and picnic supplies.
Rock fishmonger
Fresh local fish to cook at the house.
5-minute drive
Spar, Rock
Well stocked and easier to park at than the Polzeath Spar.
5-minute drive
Flo's
Walkable from the house at the top of Daymer Lane: provisions, coffee, pastries and a lovely cheese counter.
Walkable
Fee's
A lovely deli with great coffee, sourdough and meals you can order in advance.
Porthilly Shellfish
Great oysters and mussels, cash only; arrange collection via porthillyshellfish.co.uk.
The Mowhay, Trebetherick
Delicious brunch, lunch and supper; you will need to book.
The Mariners, Rock
Reliable pub food, about an hour's walk along the beach or via the golf course.
Rock Fish & Chips
Extremely good fish and chips; you have to queue, but it is worth it.
Four Boys
Incredible food and one of our favourites.
Bluntrock Brewery
Great burgers and better beers; the food van opens around 5, good for children.
The Waterfront, Polzeath
Our pick of the places to eat in Polzeath.
5-minute drive
The St Kew Inn
A lovely traditional pub in beautiful countryside.
Enquire about your week
We reply personally, usually within 24 hours. No booking fees.
Family Activities
Rock to Padstow ferry
Hop across the estuary to Padstow for the harbour, shops and an ice cream.
5-minute drive to Rock
Surf lessons at Polzeath
A great place to learn, with several surf schools and hire options.
5-minute drive
Rock pooling and crabbing
Greenaway at low tide is brilliant for both.
Camel Ski School
Water-skiing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking and fishing trips on the estuary.
The Camel Trail
Hire bikes and follow the largely traffic-free trail between Wadebridge, Padstow and Bodmin.
Mackerel fishing from Padstow
Fishing trips leave Padstow harbour, fun for families and beginners.
Saunas by the Sea
A wonderful sauna at Baby Bay, a five-minute walk from parking in New Polzeath.
Coasteering at Port Quin
Swim, scramble and jump around the rocks with an organised guide.
Enquire about your week
We reply personally, usually within 24 hours. No booking fees.
Days Out
Padstow
A sweet harbour town with shops, cafés and very good restaurants.
Port Isaac
A traditional fishing village with narrow streets and a small harbour.
Tintagel
A spectacular headland castle linked to the legends of King Arthur.
Eden Project
Huge Biomes and gardens that take around four hours to explore; book ahead.
Lanhydrock
A National Trust house and estate near Bodmin.
Enquire about your week
We reply personally, usually within 24 hours. No booking fees.
Rainy Days
The Regal, Wadebridge
A cinema for rainy afternoons, near the big Tesco and Lidl.
10 to 15-minute drive
Eden Project
The Biomes make it a good choice when the weather isn't playing ball.
Enquire about your week
We reply personally, usually within 24 hours. No booking fees.
Local knowledge from the owners
- Check the tide times before you go anywhere, especially if you are walking between beaches or swimming.
- Go early in summer: surf Polzeath at 7am and you can usually park on the beach for free.
- At low tide the whole stretch from Daymer to Rock opens up, with loads of space for beach cricket and football.