Polzeath Beach

Polzeath Beach is a sandy beach on Cornwall’s north coast, beside the village of Polzeath. Known for its surfing, with left- and right-hand breaks, it is a popular destination for beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts. The half-mile beach is backed by dunes and flanked by cliffs, with good views along the north Cornish coast.

Polzeath picks up reliable waves, and with both left- and right-hand breaks it suits beginners and more experienced surfers. Several surf schools and equipment rental businesses in the village can help you get on the water.

Polzeath Beach also has kayaking and paddleboarding, with open Atlantic views. The South West Coast Path runs along the cliffs either side of the beach. Dogs are banned between 10am and 6pm from 15 May to 30 September.

The main beach car park gives direct, level access onto the sand, which makes Polzeath easier than most north coast beaches for buggies and kit, but it fills early on summer days and other car parks sit around the village. There are public toilets, and cafes and bars line the back of the beach - Surfside is right on the sand and the Waterfront is beside it.

For a longer walk, follow the coast path north-east from the beach onto Pentire Point and out to the Rumps, an Iron Age headland fort run by the National Trust, which has a cafe and toilets by its Pentire car park. Heading the other way, the path rounds the low cliffs to Daymer Bay and St Enodoc church on the Camel estuary.