Comparing three popular day trips from our campsite near Boscastle: Padstow for food and harbour life, Polzeath for surf and Clovelly for a car-free Devon village.
Padstow, Polzeath and Clovelly are three of the most popular day trips from north Cornwall, and each is less than an hour's drive from Lower Pennycrocker Farm near Boscastle. They are very different days out, though. This guide compares them side by side, so you can choose the one that suits your group and the weather. For the full list of ideas, see our post on day trips from Boscastle.
At a glance
| Padstow | Polzeath | Clovelly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive from the farm | about 45 minutes | about 40 minutes | about 45 minutes |
| Best for | Food, harbour, the Camel Trail | Beach, surf, rock pools | A historic village, walking |
| Good on a rainy day? | Partly | No | Partly |
| Dogs | Welcome in town; check beaches | Beach ban 10am–6pm, 15 May–30 Sep | Check on arrival |
| By bus? | Yes, with a change | Possible, with a change | Not practical |
Padstow: food and harbour life
Padstow is a busy harbour town on the Camel estuary, known for its seafood, bakeries and boats. Spend the morning around the harbour, walk out along the estuary, or hire bikes and ride part of the Camel Trail. A passenger ferry crosses the estuary to Rock.
Go if you like food, shops and harbour bustle. Skip in peak August afternoons if you dislike crowds.
Read our Padstow day trip page.
Polzeath: beach and surf
Polzeath is a wide, west-facing surf beach on the far side of the Camel estuary. It is lifeguarded in season, has surf schools and rock pools at either end, and is lovely at sunset. Dogs are banned from 10am to 6pm between 15 May and 30 September.
Go if the sun is out and you want a beach day. Skip if it is wet and windy.
See our Polzeath and Rock day trip guide and surf camping in north Cornwall.
Clovelly: a car-free Devon village
Clovelly is a privately owned village on the north Devon coast, with a steep, cobbled main street running down to a tiny harbour. Cars stay at the visitor centre at the top, where there is an entrance charge. The walk back up is steep, so allow plenty of time.
Go if you enjoy history, walking and dramatic coast. Skip with pushchairs or anyone who finds steep slopes difficult.
Read Clovelly and Hartland day trip.
Which should you choose?
- Sunny day with children: Polzeath.
- Foodies, or a mixed-weather day: Padstow.
- Walkers and history lovers: Clovelly, combined with Hartland.
- No car: Padstow by bus, via Wadebridge. See car-free days out from Boscastle.
- With a dog in summer: Padstow or Clovelly rather than Polzeath beach. See dog-friendly beaches in north Cornwall.
Tips for any day trip
- Leave early in summer to find parking.
- Check tide times for beaches and estuary walks.
- Bring snacks and water, and fill up with fuel on the A39.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Padstow from Boscastle?
About 45 minutes' drive from our campsite.
Is Clovelly worth visiting from Cornwall?
Yes, if you are happy with a steep walk. It is about 45 minutes' drive north up the A39.
Can dogs go on Polzeath beach?
Not between 10am and 6pm from 15 May to 30 September.
Stay near Boscastle
Lower Pennycrocker Farm is a quiet, family-run campsite at St Juliot, about two miles from Boscastle (PL35 0BY). We welcome tents, touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans from 1 April to 31 October. Adults are £10 a night, children aged 5 and over £5, electric hook-up £7 and dogs £2 each (maximum two). Showers are free and you park beside your pitch. Check availability and book direct, or see pitches and prices.
