How To Spend A Day In Polzeath: One Of Cornwall’s Coolest Beaches

October 20, 2019
A view of the beach which is really pale sand and with blue sky in the background

Polzeath Beach in Cornwall, a Blue Flag Beach for 2022, is honestly one of the coolest places on the Cornish Coast. With a vast stretch of sand, epic sunsets, and a cool surfing culture, you can easily spend a lot of time here on your holiday in Cornwall. So, if you’re looking for a great place to hang out, here’s how to spend a day in Polzeath.

Here’s What You Need To Know Before You Visit Polzeath Beach In Cornwall

Can You Swim At Polzeath Beach?

Yes, you can swim at Polzeath Beach. You might have to dodge the many surfers in the sea but Polzeath is a great beach for swimming.

Polzeath’s Blue Flag status for 2022 means it has some of the cleanest water quality in the UK. The water is regularly tested and for the last 2 years, the water has tested excellent which is the highest water cleanliness rating.

Are There Lifeguards At Polzeath Beach?

Yes, there are lifeguards at Polzeath Beach. They patrol the beach and are based between the red and yellow flags between 10am to 6pm during the following dates in 2022.

9th -24th April

30th April to 25th September

Weekends Only 1st to 16th October

22nd to 30th October

Are Dogs Allowed On Polzeath Beach?

Yes, Polzeath Beach is dog friendly between 1st October and 14th May. Any other time, dogs are only allowed before 10am and after 6pm.

How Big Is Polzeath Beach?

Polzeath Beach is a big beach which spans around 1/4 mile in each direction.

Where Is Polzeath Beach Located?

Polzeath Beach is on the Cornwall’s North coast. Between Port Isaac and Padstow, Polzeath is 2 miles from Padstow as the crow flies but is separated by River Camel Estuary.

Address for Polzeath Beach: Polzeath Beach, PL27 6SS.

How Can I Find Out The Tide Times For Polzeath Beach?

Magic Seaweed is a great site for tide times in Polzeath as well as swell and wind forecasts. Check out their website or download the Magic Seaweed app.

Magic Seaweed Tide Times In Polzeath

What Can I Do On A Day In Polzeath, Cornwall?

Go For A Surf In Polzeath

Surfing is one of the main things to do in Polzeath. In fact, it’s one of the world’s most renowned surfing destinations. From the locals that come for the waves at the crack of dawn, to the school kids who enjoy an after school tumble in the waves, most people in Polzeath surf. So why not go and join them?

There are a lots of surf schools on Polzeath beach and depending on your surf skill level, you’ll find one that suits you. Whether you’re a total newbie on the waves and need a lesson, or you’ve already donned a wetsuit and are fully confident on the waves, ask around each place and you’ll find what you want.

We rented a board and wetsuits from family run TJ’s Surf Shop. You’ll find this place around the corner from Cone Zone – the perfect pit stop for an ice cream or smoothie after your surf. At TJ’s Surf Shop you can rent surfboards by the hour or for the whole day. All equipment is kept up to date and the brands used are designed by those directly involved in the surfing industry. That means you know you’ll be getting the best help and advice before your surf.

For rental, the guys behind the counter took our card as a deposit then we were charged for our time when we came out of the water. 

I’d recommend getting a lesson if you’ve never surfed before. Instructors will take you through all the basics to ensure you have the best and safest time in the water.

How To Find TJ’s Surf Shop

TJ’s Surf Shop
Polzeath Beach
Polzeath
Wadebridge
North Cornwall
PL27 6TB

Telephone Number: 01208 863625

Contact TJ’s Surf Shop

Hang Out On Polzeath Beach

The beach at Polzeath is massive. It’s so huge that even on a busy day, it will never feel crowded. Make the most of the soft sand on a sunny day. However, if you visit Polzeath beach on a windy day head to the right side of the beach looking out to sea. The cliffs will offer some shelter so you can enjoy soaking up the sun without getting sandblasted.

Grab Some Snacks For Your Day In Polzeath, Cornwall

You can’t spend a day in Polzeath without enjoying some snacks. Whether it’s a delicious ice cream or some sweet potato fries, there are a lots of options for beach snacks. At Beach Box Cafe you can get food to takeaway or enjoy on the benches next to this cute Polzeath beach cafe.

Alternatively, make a picnic and sit on the beach and watch the waves rolling in while eating a sandwich and crisps.

Take A Walk Along The South West Coast Path

It might be tough to tear yourself away from Polzeath beach but a walk along the South West Coast Path will reveal more to this beautiful place.

Surfside cafe on the beach at Polzeath with the south west coast path behind it.

Join the South West Coast Path from Polzeath beach and check out the views over the town and the ocean. We didn’t try this out but it’s definitely on the “Things To Do In Polzeath” list for next time!

Wander Around Polzeath’s Shops

If the tide is in or the weather takes a turn, have a wander around the shops of Polzeath. Ann’s Cottage Surf Shop is the place to go for cool surf clothes and Whitewater Gallery might be the perfect place to pick up some souvenir art.

Enjoy Dinner With A View Of The Ocean

Whether you fancy traditional fish and chips by the sea or something a little more refined, you can’t go wrong with dinner at The Waterfront. With terrace views over the beach and incredible food ranging from sourdough pizza to burgers, and steak to pan fried hake, this simple look restaurant serves up top notch food.

Waterfront Polzeath Menu

The Waterfront Polzeath Opening Times

10am – late daily

serving food
10am – 11am
12pm – 3pm
5pm – 8pm

Contact Waterfront Polzeath via 01208 869655

Waterfront Polzeath Address:

Beach Road
Polzeath
Cornwall
PL27 6SP

End Your Day In Polzeath With An Epic Sunset

There’s no better way to end a day in Polzeath than by enjoying the sunset. And oh man, does Polzeath do a good sunset. Walk on the cool sand, watch the silhouettes of the surfers catching the last waves of the day, and see the sun sink in an orange glow below the horizon…

Top Tips On How To Spend A Day In Polzeath

Parking in Polzeath can get busy but if you’re driving your car, either park on the beach itself – yeah, that’s right – it’s called Polzeath Beach Car Park. Beach parking in Polzeath means you’re right in the heart of the action. Alternatively, park on the paved car park behind Ann’s Cottage Surf Shop, one of the coolest shops in Polzeath.

Have you been to Polzeath in Cornwall before? Would you recommend anything else for a day in Polzeath?

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