The Area
Surfing
Cornwall really speaks for itself, but suffice to say that it offers superb surfing (both Malibu and body boarding). There are several surf schools in Porthcothan, Constantine Bay and Watergate Bay, which offer tuition to adults and children. Porthcothan Beach is protected by life guards during the summer holiday season.
Body boards are available in the house and wet suits/surf boards can be hired from the village shop.
A great variety of outdoor activities
Beaches, swimming, sea fishing and lovely walks are all on the doorstep, as well as the well known Trevose Golf and Country Club, which is just a few miles down the road. There are three courses with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The Championship Course which was laid out by the internationally known Harry Colt and is a genuine challenge and ideally suited to experienced golfers. Trevose also offers a Short Course to suit the less experienced golfers.
Why not try some cycling (hire available) from Wadebridge to Padstow, on the old railway line – level going!
A wide range of Restaurants
Padstow is close by and is well known for the tremendous choice of restaurants it has to offer, ranging from the famous Steins Seafood Restaurant (we recommend you book ahead) to Italian restaurants, fish restaurants, some excellent cafes and Stein’s Takeaway Delicatessen.
At Watergate Bay you can find Jamie Oliver’s 15 Cornwall Restaurant, which offers arguably the most stunning views in Cornwall.
Close by in St Merryn, you can find Rosels Restaurant and a wonderful delicatessen, fish and chip shop and bakery for take away food.
Interesting Sights
Sites which are definitely worth a visit include St. Michaels Mount near Penzance and the MINAK open air Theatre, which was carved out of the cliff face and overlooks the sea. It is a great spot for a picnic, but do remember to bring warm clothes.
There are also many wonderful country houses and stunning gardens to visit in the area, such as Prideaux Place (in Padstow), Pencarrow (near Bodmin) and slightly further afield, Trewithen.
Especially for children
The Shire Horse Family Adventure Park in Wadebridge (with adventure play areas, train rides, shire horses and other farm animals) and the Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay are certainly worth a visit for children.
And for some shopping
Porthcothan has an excellent village store a few minutes down the road at the head of the beach, which sells most essentials.
Padstow offers a great range of interesting shops, including many gift shops, clothing stores and several interesting galleries. There is also a fantastic fish monger on the quay, where you will find big lobster tanks and with a wide range of fresh seafood.
There are Tesco stores just outside Padstow (15 minutes) and Wadebridge (30 minutes).
Truro is 45 minutes away with interesting markets and good shops.
Just some of the local attractions…..
MFD Surf School
If you are a complete novice looking for your first ever surf lesson in Cornwall or you are an experienced surfer who is looking to improve through surf lessons, MFD Surf School have an experienced team that can provide a safe and fun environment for learning.
They operate as a mobile surf school and provide lessons at various local beaches, including Porthcothan Bay.
Camel Valley Wines have been producing award-winning, world-class wines in a beautiful corner of Cornwall for twenty years. Two generations have supplied fine wines, winning Waitrose Drinks Producer of the Year in 2002 and in 2005 winning the prestigious International Wine Challenge Gold Medal for Camel Valley ‘Cornwall’ sparkling wine.
Eden Project
The world famous Eden Project is an unforgettable experience in a breathtaking location; a global garden; a place of beauty and wonder. The Biomes can show you different climates and the site also provides gardens and educational opportunities for children. Well worth a visit.
Trevose Golf & Country Club
There are challenges and enjoyment for every golfer as each of the three courses (“Championship”, “Headland” and “Short”) blend effortlessly into the natural and unique landscape. The experience of playing here is certainly enhanced by the North Cornish coastline with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, wide sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs.
Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall
Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall offers an innovative menu of the best seasonal and local produce, prepared by talented professional chefs and aspiring young apprentice chefs, and served in a relaxed atmosphere by friendly and knowledgeable staff.
On top of this, there’s an incredible view over a beautiful two mile beach.
Prideaux Place
This stunningly beautiful Elizabethan manor house overlooks the picturesque fishing harbour of Padstow in North Cornwall.
When Peter and Elisabeth Prideaux-Brune arrived in 1988, a huge challenge lay before them. Today, you can see the fruits of this labour of love and be enchanted by Prideaux Place and the stories surrounding it. This stunningly beautiful Elizabethan manor house overlooks the picturesque fishing harbour of Padstow in North Cornwall.