Cornwall Accommodation

TINTAGEL BUDE AND NORTH CORNWALL

INTRODUCTION

Visit North Cornwall and discover sixty miles of dramatic Atlantic Coastline. See clean sandy beaches, hidden coves and pretty fishing villages, amble through wooded river valleys and thriving market towns. North Cornwall attracts thousands of visitors each year. Almost one-third of the district is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Somewhere tucked away in the stunning landscape of North Cornwall, is the ideal place for a magical Cornish experience.

Come in spring, when the coastpath is lined with sea thrift and the Obby Oss is unleashed amongst the crowds in Padstow. Or try autumn, when the wooded valleys are shrouded in deep crimson and burnished gold. Take a room with a view at a cliff top hotel or waterside guest-house, or make yourself at home in a traditional farm cottage or cosy seaside caravan. Perhaps you’re after a surfer’s paradise or a fisherman’s dream or maybe you just want clear turquoise waters and golden sands, whatever you want you‘re sure to find it in North Cornwall.

As you get caught in the rhythm of this old fashioned Cornish country lifestyle, take the time to taste the local fare, Cornish pasties, cream teas, Yarg cheese, venison, jams and chutneys. North Cornwall also has plenty of activities and events to keep you amused. There are stunning Country Houses, Medieval Castles and many areas to explore including Bude, Crackington Haven, Boscastle, King Arthur’s Tintagel and Port Isaac, all hidden in spectacular cliffs. Visit the Market town of Camelford and the pretty working port of Padstow. Spend a great day out either, tasting the delights of the famed local seafood or pottering about the shops looking for that perfect souvenir. Look out for crafts and antiques in the heart of Betjemen country at Wadebridge or if that’s not energetic enough then have a go at the Camel trail, the most popular free attraction in Cornwall, 17 miles of traffic free cycling and walking!

On top of all its natural attractions, North Cornwall also has a superb range of leisure facilities, from heated indoor pools, sports halls and squash courts to fitness suites and health spas.

SECTION ONE

PADSTOW / WADEBRIDGE

North Cornwall is famed for its gastronomy and what better place to start than at the Michelin starred restaurant at St Merryn. It is advisable to book ahead if you want a meal at ‘ Ripley ’ s ’ as it is so popular but it is well worth it if you can get in.

From St Merryn head for Padstow, the gastronomic capital of Cornwall and home to Rick Stein ’ s famous Seafood Restaurants! Rick has been running the Seafood Restaurant since the seventies and he has seen it grow from a seaside bistro to an award-winning restaurant with an international reputation. Serving excellent quality local seafood any of these five eateries (Seafood Restaurant, Seafood Bistro, Seafood Café, Stein’s Fish and Chips, and Stein‘s Patisserie) are well worth a visit but as with ‘Ripley’s’ be sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Padstow is situated on the West side of the Camel estuary and with wonderful coastal views, this bustling port is ideal for walking, golfing or a short break any time of the year. It has sheltered bays, rugged headlands and beautiful golden beaches. Padstow has an unusually mild climate and a very protected, frost is rare in winter and snow is even more rare. All the beaches are within walking distance of the Harbour, or a short drive along the coast and are some of the finest in Cornwall. This has made Padstow a popular destination with tourists for a long time.

The town itself has a lively and ancient history. Old crooked streets wind down to the harbour where many fine medieval buildings can still be seen. The local museum allows visitors an insight into the history of the Port of Padstow over the past two centuries. Amongst others it documents the history of the Obby Oss festivities on the 1st May each year. This genuinely ancient celebration to hail the coming of summer, is amongst the oldest May day traditions in Europe. Many Padstonians travel across the world to be back home for the celebrations. The celebration starts at Midnight with unaccompanied singing around the Town. During the day accordians and drums accompany the respective parties ("Old Oss" and "Blue Ribbon") around Padstow. Eventually the "Oss's" are stabled until the following year leaving the musicians and dancers free to attend some of the inns. The whole thing finishes at midnight around the Maypole

You wont find yourself stuck for things to do in Padstow. Take one of the many fishing trips and rides on speedboats that are available from Padstow. The Jubilee Queen offers a leisurely experience as you settle down for a river trip to Wadebridge on a fine Summer's evening with a high tide. From things on the water to creatures in it, visit ‘The National Lobster Hatchery’ and learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know (and some things you probably never wanted to know) about Lobsters. Alternatively just watching the ebb and flow of harbour life is a perfect way to spend a day in Padstow. When this gets too hectic, then spread your towel on nearby Harbour Cove, and watch the sails of the passing river traffic. On pleasant summer evenings there are quayside concerts, where the brass band plays on as you watch the sun go down.

Leaving the gentle beauty of Padstow behind head further along the estuary for the bustling market town of Wadebridge. The town offers a wide variety of things to see and. Riverside walks, unique shopping, indoor and outdoor leisure facilities and of course the nationally recognised Camel Trail. Wadebridge is the gateway to the beautiful scenery and stunning beaches of Rock and Polzeath. This is Betjeman Country, the landscape lovingly evoked by the Poet Laureate in Old Friends, Summoned by Bells, and Seaside Golf. Hear his poetry recited on summer evenings on Brae Hill, overlooking St Enodoc Church where the poet is buried, and see his personal artefacts at the Betjeman Centre, in Wadebridge.

Wadebridge has an excellent selection of shops for the perfect retail experience. Take a stroll down Molesworth Street or Town Quay. Now traffic free, you can relax as you browse or just sit and watch the world go by. Wadebridge offers the sporty and less sporty a wide range of activities. From tennis to golf, bowls to cycling or swimming and cricket, it's all here or just a few miles away.

Look out for some of North Cornwall 's major events held here in Wadebridge. Head for the action packed Royal Cornwall Show, held every June, and learn what rural living is all about. Every August Bank Holiday weekend, the town hosts the acclaimed Cornwall Folk Festival. The imposing Town Hall boasts an ever changing programme which includes local theatre groups, male voice choirs, craft fairs and local produce markets. Within striking distance of Wadebridge you'll find the splendid country houses of Pencarrow, Lanhydrock and Prideaux Place. Through the year the spectacular gardens of all three provide the stage for local events, from Jazz to Opera, Dog shows to Country fairs.

SECTION TWO

ROCK / POLZEATH / PORT ISAAC

The strangely inappropriate name of Rock is given to a North Cornwall town a few miles north of Wadebridge. The popularity of this little town is largely due to the long stretches of fine sandy beaches washed by the tidal waters of the Camel Estuary, not a rock in sight! Rightly acclaimed as one of the major watersports centres in Cornwall, sailing, windsurfing, water skiing and rowing are all activities you can do here. Boats can be hired for both sailing and fishing. The river Camel can be crossed to Padstow by the Black Tor ferry which runs all year round. The renowned St Enodoc Golf Club at Rock clings to the clifftops of the Estuary, seaside links at their finest with two challenging courses on offer. Scenic walks on the coastal footpath and inland make this area an ideal base for walkers.

The town has long been a haven for holidaying city folk, and this is reflected in the village shop which is stocked with a superb selection of fine wines and cheeses, not your run of the mill seaside fare! The town is also referred to as ’Chelsea-on-Sea’ and its devotees include Prince William. Reputed to be the home of more millionaires than anywhere else in Cornwall, it does have a certain atmosphere. Rock also boasts a Michelin starred restaurant, ‘The Black Pig’
Various leisure pursuits are available including sea angling, fishing trips, sailing, canoeing, rowing and water skiing. There is also a water taxi available, for those staying out late. If you fancy topping up your tan head to

nearby Daymer Bay. Here there is some of the most spectacular coastline in Cornwall so enjoy the rugged scenery as you take the coastal path.

Leaving the exclusive atmosphere of Rock behind, head further up the coast to the surfer’s haven of Polzeath. The beach, one of the few Blue Flag beaches in Cornwall, is a vast expanse of sand which opens into the Atlantic at the mouth of the Camel Estuary. Surfing is top of the agenda at Polzeathfor every one, from the beginner to the pro. Everyone can catch a wave as they roll onto the North Cornwall Coast. If surfing isn't for you, Polzeath is the perfect place to feel the sand between your toes, relax and recline as the kids explore the safe sands and rockpools. Above the beach are surf boutiques, ice-cream parlours, restaurants, pubs, shops and surf schools. Polzeath is also the location for the UK 's first Voluntary Marine Wildlife Reserve providing events and activities around the areas unique sea life and promoting an understanding of life at the Oceans edge.

If you have been watching the, ’Doc Martin’ series on ITV starring Martin Clunes, then you’ll already be familiar with our next port of call, Port Isaac. At one time Port Isaac was a busy coastal port, but today crabbers nestle in the harbour, the backdrop of which houses quality restaurants, pubs and interesting shops linked by tiny alleys, one called Squezee- Belly Alley. An unspoilt, pretty fishing village, the white slate hung cottages that run down to a sheltered harbour makes you feel rather as though you had stepped into a film set. On some days this might turn out to be true as, ‘Doc Martin’ aside, a number of other films have been made here, including ’Saving Grace’ and its sequel. Nearby are two other smaller harbours, Port Quin, sometimes known as the Village that died, after the entire male population disappeared mysteriously in the 19th century, and to the north of Port Isaac is the small village of Port Gaverne, situated at the end of a deep winding valley where at low tide there is a small sheltered sandy beach, with an abundance of rock pools.

SECTION THREE

TINTAGEL / BOSCASTLE / CRACKINGTON HAVEN

Today Tintagel remains as mystical and enchanting as it always has. The village is famous for its many connections with the Arthurian legends. King Arthur was said to be born on Tintagel Island. Tintagel Castle was recently voted one of the most romantic places in the Country, and your journey begins with an exhilarating walk over the remains of the 13th Century castle sitting high above the Atlantic rollers. It’s a most evocative place to visit and soak up the atmosphere generated by the dramatic views and wonderful legends.

The castle lies on a finger of land projecting into the sea from the flat plateau of North Cornwall. Half of the castle is here on the mainland; the other part is reached by walking over a narrow neck of land between two inlets of the sea. Walk through the archway in the battlemented wall at the far end of the castle's Island Courtyard. Outside, a path to your right leads down to the Iron Gate, a defended rock-wharf where ships could be tied-up in calm weather. This path is a cul-de-sac: if you visit the Iron Gate you will have to climb back up again to this point. The path ahead leads up to the top of the Island.

After the magical beauty of the ruins head back to the town to enjoy some of the other things on offer. Visit King Arthur’s Great Halls, a  magnificent building which houses the Round Table associated with King Arthur and his Knights. The Hall has a very tasteful 'Show' of the story of Arthur and the building itself is certainly worth a visit. The stones used for the building came from many quarries all over Cornwall and the 73 stained glass windows are awe inspiring.

The Old Post Office is a beautiful old building, originally a Fourteenth-Century Manor House and later made into the local Post Office in Tintagel. It has been owned by the National Trust since 1903 and is a rare survival of an early Plantaganent Manor House. It was built in the mid 14th century when the Tintagel Castle belonged to the Black Prince, (1330 - 1376).

Boscastle village lies 5 miles from Tintagel. Designated an Area of Outstanding beauty, the National Trust own and care for the beautiful medieval harbour and surrounding coastline. The village nestles into a valley where the river Valency and Jordan meet and enter the stunning medieval harbour. From the harbour you can explore the beautiful surrounding area with its ancient woods, the old village of Boscastle with cottages dating back to the 15 th Century, and the site of the Norman Castle. Quite apart from the stunning coastal views there is plenty to see and do. The small harbour now provides shelter for a number of little fishing boats. From the harbour a lovely valley heads inland; a path follows a fast flowing burbling stream which leads to several hidden churches. Look out for the church of St Juliot where Thomas Hardy fell in love with Emma Gifford in 1870, the basis for his novel ‘A Pair of Blue Eyes’.

Although Boscastle was badly affected by the flood in August 2004 it is now well on its way to a full recovery with most of the shops, pubs and cafes currently open and doing business and others about to reopen.

At Crackington Haven stand on the beach and marvel at the towering cliffs which dominate the cove. Nearby is Cornwall’s highest coastal point, called “High Cliff” it reaches 731 ft. The more adventurous may want to walk the Coast Path to the top, take in the spectacular views to Hartland Point and watch the wheeling fulmar glide below you and then amble down for refreshments at the village inn or beach cafés.

SECTION FOUR

BUDE / MORWENSTOW

The small, pretty town of Bude, nestles in a bay on the North Cornish coast flanked by truly spectacular scenery. The town rests aside the River Neet and the historic Bude Canal with its unique sea-lock recently restored. The area is steeped in history with marine connections and dozens of beautiful churches to explore.

Unspoilt and welcoming, Bude offers the holiday maker an opportunity to relax at any time of year. Enjoy the freedom of wide open spaces with natural beauty which will simply take your breath away. It doesn’t have to be all rest and relaxation, you can always get the adrenalin pumping with some surfing on some of the best beaches in the country.

Or take a walk one of the most dramatic sections of the South West Way, cycle the Sustrans route, discover a variety of wildlife habitats or marvel at the geological features with cliffs laid down 300 million years ago, stretched and altered by time.

Bude is lucky enough to have an exceptionally mild climate and even out of season you can treasure space and tranquillity. In the warmer months however, Bude's clean expansive beaches are too tempting, providing pleasure for all ages. There's a sea-washed pool and an indoor fun pool, a bowling alley, a leisure centre, children's activities, and outdoor pursuits centres.

The village of Morwenstow was once the base for wreckers who lured ships onto the rocks. It is a wild outpost of dramatic and beautiful scenery, high coastal cliffs, wooded valleys and traditional farms. There is much to see and do here, pop into the Bush Inn, the Church of St Morwenna and St John the Baptist, the ancient Holy Well, Hawker's Hut and the Vicarage with its unique chimneys. Don’t leave without a visit to the delightful Vicarage Tea Rooms opposite the church. The churchyard has ships figurehead and the vicar was once R.S. Hawker 1803 - 1875, a poet who invented the Harvest Festival. He was concerned with the fate of drowned mariners who were washed up at the base of these treacherous cliffs. He would make the steep and dangerous descent in order to recover the bodies and afford them a Christian burial. On a grey day when the wind whistles through the trees at Morwenstow, let your imagination catch a glimpse through the rustling trees of "Passion Hawker" walking by in his sea boots, fisherman's jersey, long coat and wide brimmed hat.