Welcome to North Cornwall

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North Cornwall

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Holidays in North Cornwall

Those considering a holiday on the north coast of Cornwall will soon come to realise the area offers something different to the south coast. The dramatic coastline, combined with untouched countryside, offers a rich and varied holiday destination.

There’s so much to discover on the north coast, including vast open beaches, quaint harbours, popular towns and plenty of countryside to explore. Guests looking for a family holiday can spend their days relaxing on one of the many beautiful beaches, including the Blue Flag beaches Polzeath, Great Western (Newquay), Widemouth Bay and Crooklets. With surfing hotspots dotted along the north coast, surfers will enjoy visiting the area too.

Guests seeking a busier and more vibrant atmosphere will be drawn to Newquay, with a buzzing town, plenty of independent shops, restaurants and attractions, as well as several fantastic beaches.

Top tip

Visit the north coast of Cornwall for the best surf in the UK!

Top destinations in North Cornwall

Newquay

Bude

Perranporth

Other popular destinations in North Cornwall

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The iconic Wheal Coates mine stands on the edge of the clifftops overlooking Chapel Porth beach.

The Gannel Estuary is a subtropical paradise with crystal clear turquoise waters and exotic plants.

Colourful crops and azure waters create a picturesque landscape.

Iconic Bude beach huts overlook Crooklets beach.

Stroll along Bude Canal, down to the beach at Summerleaze.

Perfect for the whole family, Crantock beach is ideal for sunbathing, swimming and paddle boarding.

Discover hidden destinations at lesser-known locations.

Glistening in the sunshine, the harbour town of Padstow is a gem in Cornwall’s coastline.

Porthtowan’s large sandy beach and beautiful blue sea sit peacefully nestled into the rugged coastline.

Rugged and rocky, the north coast is a landscape worth exploring.

Famous for being the birthplace of King Arthur, Tintagel now features an iconic new bridge, high above the cliffs and ocean.

Take a moment away from the chaos of everyday life, breathe in the fresh sea air and soak up those endless sea views.

Surfing

North Cornwall is renowned for its vibrant surf scene. Porthtowan and Portreath both offer excellent surfing, and each year in September, St Agnes hosts the World bellyboarding championsips at Chapel Porth beach; a great day out for the whole family.

Newquay’s Fistral Beach is a Mecca for surfing and bodyboarding, and its consistent surfing conditions make it a popular surf spot with visitors and locals alike. Each year, the Boardmaster’s surf competition takes place at Fistral beach and Watergate Bay, where live music and surfing comes together for a festival like no other.

Best places for a sundowner in Cornwall

From beachfront bars to Michelin Star restaurants, explore these sea-view eateries for the best places to enjoy a sundowner in Cornwall.

Read more >

Food and drink

For those looking for a taste of Cornwall, there's a wealth of restaurants, cafés and bars to discover along the north coast.

Padstow is a food lover’s delight, with Rick Stein’s and Paul Ainsworth’s restaurants offering local produce and freshly-caught seafood. Whilst Nathan Outlaw’s restaurant is just up the coast in the famous harbour village of Port Isaac.

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Events

Santa's Grotto & Elf Emporium

Meet Father Christmas, decorate gingerbread, make Reindeer food and have a festive day out at the Milky Way Adventure Park near Bude. At the elf emporium, children can write letters to the North Pole and take part in other fun activities. Online booking essential.

Nov 2026

Rogue Theatre Winter Wood

Created by Cornwall’s award-winning Rogue Theatre, Winter Wood is an adventure for families and those who still believe in magic. Let the faeries lead the way with stories and songs to Old Man Winter, who will weave a tale and reveal the path to a wondrous festivity of wintry marvels.

Dec 2026

Find out more >

Santa at Lappa Valley Steam Railway

On selected dates during December, board the Santa Express to Santa's grotto where children will recieve a gift from Father Christmas. There will also be children's entertainment, mince pies, and mulled wine for the adults!

Multiple dates from 28th Nov - 24th Dec 2026

Find out more >

Padstow 'Obby Oss' Festival

This colourful tradition that takes place in the harbour town of Padstow. Locals decorate the town with flags, flowers, greenery and a flagpole. The crowds are greeted by the swirling and dancing 'osses' who parade through the town, followed by the 'Teazer' who dances along behind.

1st May 2027

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Bolster Festival

Bolster festival in St Agnes celebrates the demise of the legend of Bolster the giant. The community re-enact the life and downfall of the giant as they parade through the streets and down to the cliffs overlooking Chapel Porth beach.

2nd May 2027

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Royal Cornwall Show

This three-day event is the highlight of Cornwall's agricultural year, showcasing the very best of Cornwall's rural lifestyle. The event is packed with activities, competitions, food and craft demonstrations and stalls, displays, music, and, of course, lots of animals!

10th - 12th June 2027

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St Endellion Summer Festival

St Endellion Church provides a magical setting for this classical music concert, which features opera, choral and orchestral music over nine days. Musicians visit from all over the world to perform at this special concert.

TBC August 2027

Find out more >

Rock Oyster Festival

A food and music festival on the banks of the Camel Estuary featuring live music, performing arts, endless entertainment for kids, and of course, fantastic seafood.

29th July - 1st August 2027

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Bude Carnival

First held in 1920, Bude Carnival is an annual event where money raised is donated to local charities and organisations. Join in with the carnival celebrations for a fun filled day of music, dance and competition!

21st August 2027

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Bude Jazz Festival

Top UK and international jazz, blues, swing and boogie bands make up the Bude Jazz festival, with over 120 events including street parades, late night jam sessions and a dance marquee.

August 2027

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Bude Lifeboat Day

Bude Lifeboat Day includes a range of activities and events, including a search and rescue display, live music, a craft fair, a beach treasure hunt, rowing races, canoe polo, a pasty competition and more!

August 2027

Getting to North Cornwall

With its own airport, Newquay is easily accessed both from abroad and within the UK. It's also simple to get to by car. From Newquay airport, the rest of Cornwall is within close reach, and you won’t be far from wherever you choose to stay. If you fancy a trip to the Isles of Scilly whilst holidaying in Cornwall, daily flights to and from Newquay Airport are available.

Welcome to North Cornwall

Between...

And...

Holidays in North Cornwall

Those considering a holiday on the north coast of Cornwall will soon come to realise the area offers something different to the south coast. The dramatic coastline, combined with untouched countryside, offers a rich and varied holiday destination.

Top tip

Top destinations in North Cornwall

Newquay

Bude

Perranporth

Other popular destinations in North Cornwall

Surfing

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Cornwall's Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

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Best walks in North Cornwall

Best running events in Cornwall

Food and drink

Events

Santa's Grotto & Elf Emporium

Rogue Theatre Winter Wood

Santa at Lappa Valley Steam Railway

Padstow 'Obby Oss' Festival

Bolster Festival

Royal Cornwall Show

St Endellion Summer Festival

Rock Oyster Festival

Bude Carnival

Bude Jazz Festival

Bude Lifeboat Day

Getting to North Cornwall

Other popular destinations in Cornwall

West Cornwall

South Cornwall

Sennen

Praa Sands

Falmouth

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