Polzeath is a slightly Marmite spot – it gets all the swell but it very slightly sheltered compared to say, Fistral and it has the biggest wind “window” in Cornwall – South right round to NE all work well. Polzeath also works at most tides but currently mid is best. Low used to be good but went all rippy after massive storms four years ago. It’s a bit weak and often frustrating for shortboarders but several superb surfers have emerged from the area so clearly there are loads of good waves to be had. You will also ALWAYS get waves here and often long ones. Other beaches can break harder, prettier and “better” but they can also be fickle too. Polzeath gets VERY busy in season but lower tides open the beach up well. Handles up to about double overhead (rarely) but then it’s just a maxed out mess.

What would make it better (if anything)?:

Maybe less longboarders and SUPs! Yep it’s ideal for them but it really does get taken over in the warmer months. But there are less known spots with more punch nearby.

Facilities/Family stuff

Pubs, Spar, loos but they need paying for (!), campsites, surf schools, surf hire all over the place.

Plenty of parking but it can be pricey in season. Way easier out of season. Three bars/pubs all fairly decent but the Waterfront is expensive. TJs Café has random opening times but great views of the sea, the Oystercatcher up the hill is always open and does good food and drink for a fair price. The Atlantic will FINALLY be re-opening in March for the ultimate sunset sea view. Plenty of kids surf lessons available, in season there’s a bouncy castle and bungee ride, good rockpools, decent sand for sandcastles.

It’s an expensive “posh” area so expect to pay a lot for camping and/or hotels as well as food. Yep the Spar is the most “exclusive” in the UK and sells Dom Perignon! If the surf isn’t on, there are stunning places to walk and mooch about – the coast path towards Port Isaac is the most gorgeous bit of coast in the World (me, biased?). I run it as lot and rescue the odd dog/person as a Coastguard so know it well – take care in wet weather and keep dogs on leads. Most dogs that go off the cliff (often well trained) don’t make it.