The North Coast of Cornwall, UK - Places to Visit, Things to See and Do - Land’s End to Zennor

Upon leaving Lands End and leaving the south coast behind us, we once again turn our footsteps to the north and north east as we head back up Cornwall’s north coast.

Our first stop is the vast expanse of Sennen Cove. Silvery fine white sand, this beach gets very crowded at the height of summer, but being so large, it is more than easy for everyone still to find a spot of some peace and quiet despite the crowds, if you are prepared to walk far enough away from the carpark/s. The actual village itself boats a lifeboat station, a pub and one or two cafes and art galleries, the most famous of which has to be the Roundhouse, which used to store the winding gear for pulling the fishing boats up the very steep slipway. The actual harbour, if you can call it that, is protected from the thousands of miles of watery expanse of the north Atlantic Ocean rollers by a low granite quay wall, in which leeward side, gives small protection to the small fleet of boats which still dare to breach the treacherous high seas off Cape Cornwall and Lands End. You can enjoy superb surfing at this beach which has a tremendous backdrop of majestic moorland hills sweeping down right to the beach. On the hill are dotted many fine cottages and holiday homes. The beach is not just great for swimming but a whole variety of sports for those so inclined. Nearly always windy here it makes a superb location for kite flying.

Just around the corner up the coast is the more remote surfers paradise beach of Gwenvor, where nearly all year round, you will find a wave to surf. A little along the coast from here is the county of Cornwall’s second most westerly point on mainland Britain, Cape Cornwall, altogether more peaceful than the over crowded and touristy Lands End. Dramatic scenery and incredible cliff top walks here await you. Just in from Cape Cornwall is the village of St Just, formerly a small tin mining town. Looks a little bleary at first sight, but with an acquired taste, you might draw the conclusion that it does in fact have a charm all it’s own. One or two restaurants, a pub or two, a bakers, shops for the essentials and several art galleries, it’s a good place to grab a bite to eat, or indeed use the library for delving deeper into the history of Cornwall around this area.

Close to the village of St Just is the visually stunning Cot Valley with a very pretty cove at the very bottom of the road where there exists very limited parking. The rocks here have great historical value and an information board at the top of the cove will tell you a lot more about the natural history of this area.

Starting to head eastwards up the coast, you drive through Pendeen and Botallack, tin mining country and home to the Geevor Tin Mine where you can take an underground tour of the mine which closed down about 20 years ago. There is some fascinating history with this area and you would be wise to read a good book on the subject before visiting. There is so much to be learned that I cannot even attempt to here put it all into words, henceforth I am just covering the bare essentials. Of particular note though is the bravery and skill of the tin miners here in days long ago. This area was known for the submarine mines, that is the mine workings that actually went out below the seabed, under the Atlantic Ocean. One can only imagine the treacherous working conditions of these men, indeed, at the Botallack tin mine, the story goes that in 1831 there was a terrible accident when the ladder collapsed killing all the men as wood splintering, all the apparatus for extracting the tin and ascending and descending ladders plummeted into the bowels of the shaft.

Further up the coast is Zennor. A very ancient hamlet that feels like stepping back in time to the bronze age. There is a story here of which I know little but the legend revolves around the Mermaid of Zennor, and in the church there, there is a wooden stool dating from hundreds of years ago, called the Mermaids Chair and inscribed, carved with the figure of a mermaid on either flank. The tiny fields around this area are very small and have changed very little through hundreds of years. The boundary walls are all of rough hewn granite. Just above Zennor is a stretch of wild moorland that certainly does not look as though it belongs in the 21st century. The road heading eastwards from here twists and turns and in places is particularly narrow. Many fine old cornish rambling cottages and farms still eke out an existence in this wild and windswept beautiful place.

Andrew is the owner of http://www.england-villages.co.uk a community resource and information website covering many places in England and it’s rural countryside. A huge website it is growing to include every place name in England, eventually becoming a massive depository of information about this stunning and dramatic historical country. As well as offering free business and charity, community group listings, you can also upgrade at most reasonable cost to a range of fully featured listings including photographs. Banner advertising is also available at most competitive rates. England-Villages is evolving every day, with fresh new content being added all the time, the site too is gaining in popularity. Please do visit us and feel free to contribute to the website. http://www.england-villages.co.uk

Watergate Bay and Porth

Tucked away just a short walk between Newquay and watergate bay Porth is a delightful sheltered cove with a long sandy beach at road level. Porth island on the eastern side of the beach is the site of an Iron age settlement which can be reached by foot bridge.

Watergate Bay is a superb stretch of golden sands that provides plenty of extreme water sports and beach chilling. Here you can indulge in surfing, kite-surfing, kite buggying and wave skiing - all for hire with expert tuition and lifeguard cover on hand between May and September. You may decide to treat yourself to breakfast, lunch or dinner at the Jaime Oliver inspired fifteen restaurant.

There is a stunning coastal walk between Porth and Watergate Bay which isn’t too taxing on the legs and you can grab refreshment at the The Hotel & Extreme Academy hotel in Watergate Bay with terrace overlooking the sea.

Accommodation in Porth

Porth Veor Manor Hotel ***
This coastal retreat has direct access to Porth beach and enjoys an elevated position combining the charm of a 19th century Manor and modern day comforts. It also has a small outdoor swimming pool.

Also offered are de lux villa and apartments

http://www.porthveormanor.com/porthveormanor/

Restaurants in Porth

Lusty Glaze Restaurant
Walking towards Newquay along next to the sea we discovered this beautiful spot, down some steps to Lusty Glaze beach. Excellent seafood. The menu, designed by acclaimed chef Nick Hodges, offers modern British cuisine with a strong Mediterranean influence.

Reservations: 01637 879709
Lusty Glaze Beach
Lusty Glaze Road
Newquay
TR7 3AE

Web: http://www.lustyrestaurant.com/
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Accommodation in Watergate Bay

The Hotel & Extreme Academy
On The Beach
Watergate Bay
Cornwall TR8 4AA
Telephone: +44 (0) 1637 860543
Web: http://www.watergatebay.co.uk/index.htm

Restaurants in Watergate Bay

The Hotel & Extreme Academy
Excellent menu using local produce
Location as above

Perranporth Cornwall

The Porth of  ‘Perran’ is a river channel that cuts through the sands into the Bay. Perranporth is now a family resort with fantastic golden beaches that run for miles attracting sunbathers and surfers alike. There is also a boating lake, golf course and cliff walks in the area.

The town is known for the Lowender Peran Folk Festival every October.

Acommodation in Perranporth

YHA Perranporth - Perranporth**
2 star hostel. Former Listening Station perched on the clifftop at Droskyn Point overlooking Perran Sands..Once a coastguard station, YHA Perranporth is perched in a clifftop location on the rugged north coast of Cornwall, a surfer’s paradise. Expect spectacular views of untamed Atlantic seas and three miles of lifeguarded sandy beaches.

Droskyn Point
Perranporth
TR6 0GS

Telephone no: 0870 770 5994
Fax no: (+44) 1872 573812
Email: perranporth@yha.org.uk

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Kittiwake - Perranporth**
Luxury 6 berth caravan, Perranporth.“Kittiwake” Caravan is situated on a family run privately owned caravan site within walking distance to two beautiful
beaches and 18 hole golf course. The perfect place for a self-catering holiday whether for surfing, golfing, walking or just relaxing!

Perranporth Beach Holidays
76 Percy Road
Shirley
Southampton
SO16 4LN

Telephone no: 023 80340406
Email: perran.holidays@dsl.pipex.com

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Restaurants in Perranporth

The Seiners Arms Hotel - Perranporth
A quality restaurant offering steak, fish, vegetarian and childrens menus.
01872 573118

The Watering Hole - Perranporth
Bar/restaurant quite literally on the beach - Indian, Mediterranean, Mexican and English cuisine available.
01872 572888

Jaipur Indian Cuisine
Very popular Perranporth Indian restaurant that offers authentic
reproductions of all your favourite sub-continental treats.
Fresh spices, great recipes and a dedicated and talented team
of curry chefs bring you Indian cuisine at its best.

35 St.Pirans Road
Perranporth
Tel: 01872-573625
wheelchair access

NewQuay Cornwall

Tucked away just a short walk between Newquay and watergate bay Porth is a delightful sheltered cove with a long sandy beach at road level. Porth island on the eastern side of the beach is the site of an Iron age settlement which can be reached by foot bridge.

Watergate Bay is a superb stretch of golden sands that provides plenty of extreme water sports and beach chilling. Here you can indulge in surfing, kite-surfing, kite buggying and wave skiing - all for hire with expert tuition and lifeguard cover on hand between May and September. You may decide to treat yourself to breakfast, lunch or dinner at the Jaime Oliver inspired fifteen restaurant.

There is a stunning coastal walk between Porth and Watergate Bay which isn’t too taxing on the legs and you can grab refreshment at the The Hotel & Extreme Academy hotel in Watergate Bay with terrace overlooking the sea.

Click Here for Holiday Cottages in Newquay

Acommodation in Newquay

Porth Veor Manor Hotel ***
This coastal retreat has direct access to Porth beach and enjoys an elevated position combining the charm of a 19th century Manor and modern day comforts.

Also offered are de lux villa and apartments

http://www.porthveormanor.com/porthveormanor/

Restaurants in Newquay

New Harbour Restaurant (formerly Finns)
Another random find. We came across this tucked away in the harbour at the end of the town.

Fresh sublime seafood was the order of the day (You can see the lobsters swimming around in their pool right outside the door!) Fish is the dominate feature on the menu, as it should here here, but there is plenty of other options if you are not inclined!

New Harbour Restaurant
The Old Boat House
South Quay Hill
Newquay Harbour
Cornwall TR7 1HT

Bookings. 01637 874 062
Office. 01637 875 996
Email: info@new-harbour.com

Cadgwith - Cornwall Coast

There is a crowd of thatch and slate roof cottages that are crowded together at Cadgwith, nestling inbetween the hillsides and cliffs. There is a great walk around the area that leads inland to the of Ruan from where a narrow lane takes you to the Poltesco Valley and Carleon Cove. From there a pleasant walk back along the coast to Cadgwith and the Devil’s Frying Pan, a gulf of cliffs caused by a collapse of that coast.

Acommodation in Cadgwith

The Coach House

Situated alongside a tiny stream in two acres of land above Cadgwith Cove, and brimming with character, ‘Henrietta’ has been converted from oak-framed Great Western rolling stock to provide unique self-catering holiday accommodation designed for 2 people. A double sofa bed & cot are also available.

Facilities include private garden with BBQ, own washer/dryer, Freeview and DVD player.

The Coach House
Prazegooth Lane
Cadgwith
Cornwall
TR12 7LA

Telephone
01326 290538

Web: http://www.coachhousecadgwith.co.uk/index.php

Chyheira Bed and Breakfast
Chyheira is a 100 year old granite farmhouse keeping much of its character, whilst having fully modernised facilities.

Located in a rural setting, close to the South West Coastal Path and a short walk from the picturesque fishing cove of Cadgwith; an ideal place from which to explore the Lizard Peninsula.

Both rooms have en-suite showers, digital TV/DVD, hairdryers, refreshment tray and beautiful open views.

Guests have their own lounge area with a wood-burning stove and an outside seating area in the garden.

Chyheira
Ruan Minor
Helston
TR12 7LQ
Tel: 01326 290 343

Web: http://www.chyheira.co.uk/

Marazion Cornwall Coast

The ancient market town Marazion derives from the Cornish word for market and nestles in Mount’s Bay and is a starting point for visits to St. Michael’s Mount.

Acommodation in Marazion

Marazion Hotel
Enjoy our relaxing hotel located in the heart of the beautiful town of Marazion in Cornwall. Our rooms have views over St Michael’s Mount and we are only one hundred yards from one of the safest and most fabulous Cornish beaches.

Stephanie Stevens
Marazion Hotel
The Square
Marazion
TR17 0AP
Cornwall

Tel: +44 (0)1736 710334
Email: enquiries@marazionhotel.co.uk
Web: http://www.marazionhotel.co.uk

Restaurants in Marazion

Coach & Horses
The brand new relaunched Coach and Horses is a fine example of a good warm local pub serving well made home style cooking. The décor is cosy and the welcome is friendly. The pub has never looked so good. There is ample seating outside and food features pub classics like cod in batter, whole tail scampi, Pork and apple sauce and sausages and mash. There is something here for everyone. A great new destination on your day out along the south coast.

Coach and Horses
Kenneggy Downs
Rosudgeon
Marazion
TR20 9AW
Tel: 01736 762470

Fowey Cornwall

With a jumble of narrow streets and buildings overlooking the waterfront, crowding in from all sides Fowey’s (pronounced ‘Foy’) true face is seen from the river of opposite shore. Situated on the south coast of Cornwall between Looe and Mevagissey, Fowey is not just an historic town but also a commercial seaport.

Fowey now stretches for roughly a mile along the west bank of the River Fowey to the river’s mouth.

Situated on the opposite bank is the village of Polruan. A regular passenger ferry connects with Polruan on the opposite bank and further up river a car ferry runs from Fowey to Bodinnick.

Driving through Fowey should be avoided at the busiest times. A main car park is situated at the entrance of the town and signed from the A3082.

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Acommodation in Fowey

Trekelyn Bed and Breakfast Fowey

Comfortable, modern house, 5 minutes walk from Fowey town centre. Harbour and garden views from all rooms. Guest luxury bathroom with whirlpool bath and shower.
Parking on site. Guests TV room. Good walking in the immediate area.

Trekelyn
3 Hanson Drive, Fowey, PL23 1ET
+44(0)1726 833375

Fowey Harbour Cottages Bed and Breakfast Fowey

This small agency offers a select number of cottages around
the beautiful Fowey Harbour. The harbour is one of the finest
natural ones in the world and very popular for sailing.
The properties offered are all personally vetted by the agency and are of
styles and prices to suit most pockets.

3 Fore Street, Fowey, PL23 1AH
+44(0)1726 832211

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Restaurants in Fowey

Safe Harbour
Popular village local with a charismatic Cornish landlord.
An excellent value lunch and dinner menu features
local meats and fresh fish served simply. The upstairs
dining room has views, the lounge bar is warm and inviting.
Excellent cappuccino and rooms to let.

58 Lostwithiel Street
Fowey
Tel: 01726 833379

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The Fowey Hotel
Wonderfully situated hotel offering casual dining in the restaurant or
outside in the garden including excellent cream tea and lighter menu.
Baroque dining room with views in elegant surrounds offering fine dining
of superlative style. 2 AA Rosettes.

The Esplanade
Fowey

Tel: 01726 832551 wheelchair access

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Padstow Cornwall

Padstow is a very likable village tucked away on the Camel Estuary.
Padstow’s maritime history has its tragic side been home to
an extremely dangerous estuary, The Doom Bar, which has wrecked 300 vessels between 1760 and 1920.

Positioned in a small valley on the more sheltered westerly side of the river, Padstow became a thriving fishing port and later trading port. Today local fishermen supply fish restaurants for an excellent cornish cuisine.

Click Here to Search for Holiday Cottages in Padstow

Acommodation in Padstow

The Metropole - Padstow ****

Padstow’s premier three star hotel, offering 50 bedrooms, with and without sea view, mini suites and three lovely four poster rooms. All our rooms are en suite with all the facilities you would expect from a hotel of this standard.

They have a large restaurant overlooking the harbour and estuary. We were recently awarded a ‘Rosette’ by the AA. Our menu changes with the seasons and we offer a special daily menu with extra lovely dishes. 2 and 3courses @ reasonable price pp.

Station Road, Padstow, PL28 8DB
Tel: 0800 1970198

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Restaurants in Padstow

The Estuary
Recently taken over the emphasis now at the Estuary is on providing good honest British and Continental style without pretension and with good value. Lots of fresh seafood in a simple straightforward fashion. The locals and hotel guests appreciate having a Padstow eatery that is a hidden treasure in the back streets of Padstow?
The Estuary Restaurant
16-18 High Street
Padstow
PL28 9BB
Tel: 01841 532455

Padstow    menu available
http://www.theestuarypadstow.co.uk/

Waves Restaurant
Waves opened in 2002 offering a vast menu drawing on a wide diversity of cultures with a menu to tempt all tastes. From their homemade gourmet burgers, speciality warm salads, steaks, Mexican dishes and curries to their fantastic specials board offering local, seasonal dishes including mussels and fresh fish there is something for everyone.

Waves Restaurant
Higher Harlyn
St Merryn
Padstow
PL28 8SG
Tel: 01841 520096

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