Polzeath
Distance: 40 minutes (25 miles) | Type: Sandy Beach
One of Cornwall’s most popular family surf beaches, with a wide sandy bay, reliable waves and a lively village atmosphere.
Beach Overview
Polzeath is a large, west-facing sandy beach on the Camel Estuary that has long been a favourite with families and surfers alike. The beach offers consistent, manageable waves that are ideal for learning to surf, while the wide expanse of sand provides plenty of space for beach games and relaxing. The village behind the beach has a good range of shops, cafes and restaurants, giving it a cheerful, holiday feel. It can get busy in the peak summer weeks, so arriving earlier in the day is worthwhile.
Facilities
- Parking: Pay & display car park above the beach
- Lifeguards: RNLI lifeguarded during summer season
- Toilets: Yes, at the car park and on the beach
- Cafe: Several cafes and restaurants in the village
Best For
- Families: Safe, spacious beach with good facilities and lifeguard cover
- Learning to Surf: Several well-regarded surf schools operate from the beach, offering lessons for all ages
- Village Atmosphere: Shops, cafes and restaurants right behind the beach
Getting There
From Waterloo Farm: Head south-west via the A395 and A39, then take the A389 towards Wadebridge before following signs to Polzeath via the B3314. Around 40 minutes.