Why North Cornwall Is an Epic Location for Family Holidays

Right, pull up a chair. If you're trying to decide where to take the kids this year, let me save you hours of scrolling: North Cornwall. And no, I'm not just saying that because we live here (okay, maybe a little).

The thing is, every beach, trail and village along this bit of coast has its own little secret. Most visitors drive straight past them. Once you know them, your holiday goes from lovely to the one the kids still talk about years later. So here's everything I'd tell a friend before they booked.

1. The beaches (and when to actually go)

First rule of North Cornwall: check the tide times before you do anything else. My number one tip is to arrive at low tide. The beaches practically double in size, the rock pools appear and everything is just so much prettier. Here's where I'd head:

Watergate Bay – at low tide it's two miles of golden sand, big enough for the most competitive game of family cricket you'll ever play. At high tide it almost disappears, so time it right.
Polzeath – the place for your kids' first surf lesson, with gentle, rolling waves. Stick around for the evening: the beach faces west, so you get the sun setting right over the sea.
Daymer Bay – calm, sheltered water that's perfect for little paddlers. Then wander up through the dunes to St Enodoc, a tiny church with a wonky spire that was once almost swallowed by the sand. Legend has it the vicar had to climb in through the roof.
Treyarnon Bay – head to the far side at low tide and you'll find a natural rock pool big enough to swim in. It's a favourite with kids who aren't quite ready for the waves.
Harlyn Bay – tucked away from the worst of the Atlantic swell, so on a wild day when other beaches are blown out, this is often the calm one.

One non-negotiable: at lifeguarded beaches, always swim between the red and yellow flags.

2. Getting outdoors (without the moaning)

The Camel Trail. It runs along an old railway line, so it's flat, which is music to the ears of anyone with a six-year-old on a bike. Most families ride the stretch between Wadebridge and Padstow. My tip: hire bikes in Wadebridge and head towards the sea, so the estuary opens up in front of you as you go. Look out for little white egrets fishing on the mudflats. Want it quieter? Head inland from Wadebridge towards Bodmin instead for shady woodland and riverside paths.

Bedruthan Steps. Stand on the clifftop at Carnewas at low tide and you'll see huge rock stacks marching across the beach below. Local legend says they were stepping stones for a giant called Bedruthan, a story that goes down a treat with younger kids.

Tintagel. Crossing the bridge to King Arthur's castle is a thrill in itself, but here's the bit most people miss. At low tide, head down to the beach below and peek into Merlin's Cave, which tunnels right under the island.

Port Isaac and Boscastle. Grown-ups will recognise Port Isaac's steep little lanes from Doc Martin. Boscastle has a gorgeous old harbour that's made for a slow wander with an ice cream in hand.

3. When it rains (because it will, a bit)

Look, it's Cornwall. You'll probably get at least one day of drizzle. That's fine, because there's plenty to do.

Our completely unbiased pick, just outside Wadebridge, is Camel Creek Adventure Park. With thrilling rides, animals to meet and loads of undercover play, a grey sky doesn't stop anything. My insider tip: get there early and head for the big rides first, while everyone else is still finding a parking space. It's a brilliant plan B on a drizzly day, and just as good a plan A when the sun's out.

Other easy wins:

Go crabbing off Padstow harbour. Grab a line and a bucket and use a bit of bacon as bait, because crabs can't resist it. Just remember to pop them back afterwards.
Hop on the little ferry from Padstow across to Rock. It's only a few minutes on the water, but kids treat it like a proper voyage.

4. What to eat (lots of)

You'll come home a few pounds heavier. Embrace it.

A proper pasty. Hold it by the crimp. The story goes that the crust was the handle for tin miners with grubby hands, who'd then throw it away.
Fish and chips on Padstow harbour wall. Guard them with your life. The gulls here are shameless.
A cream tea, the Cornish way. Jam first, then cream. Do it the other way round and you might as well be in Devon.
Cornish ice cream, every single day. It's the law. (It isn't, but it should be.)
A farm shop picnic. Stock up on local cheese, bread and, in summer, strawberries, then eat on a clifftop with a view you couldn't pay for.

5. What I'd tell a friend before they booked

Stay central. Base yourself around Wadebridge, Padstow or Polzeath and almost everything in this post is a short drive away.
Come in September if you can. The crowds have gone home, and the sea has had all summer to warm up. May half term is lovely too.
Go early, or go late. Beach car parks fill up fast in peak season. Or turn up late afternoon, when the day-trippers head off, and have a beach picnic for tea.
Pack wetsuits for the kids. The Atlantic is bracing even in August, and a wetsuit means they'll stay in for hours instead of minutes.
Download a tide app. You'll thank me when you're the family strolling onto a perfect, empty stretch of sand at low tide.

So, are you coming?

Surfing lessons, rock pools, castles, giants' stepping stones and far too many pasties. This is the kind of holiday where the days feel long, the kids sleep like logs and everyone's planning the next trip before you've even packed the car.

And when you're after a day of rides, animals and non-stop fun, come and say hello at Camel Creek. Plan your visit and book your tickets online. See you soon!

Photo by Douglas Parker on Unsplash