A day-trip guide to Polzeath, Daymer Bay and Rock, on the Camel estuary in North Cornwall.
Where the River Camel meets the Atlantic, the coast softens into wide sandy beaches and dunes. Polzeath is a lively surf beach, Daymer Bay is a calm estuary beach, and Rock looks across the water to Padstow. Together they make a brilliant day out from our campsite near Boscastle.
Where are they?
Polzeath, Daymer Bay and Rock sit on the eastern side of the Camel estuary, north of Wadebridge. From Lower Pennycrocker Farm, the drive is roughly 25 miles, via Camelford or Delabole and Wadebridge.
Polzeath
The beach
Polzeath is a wide, west-facing sandy beach with a small village behind it. It's one of the most popular family and surf beaches in North Cornwall, with rock pools at either end at low tide.
Surfing
Polzeath is known for its friendly waves, making it a good beach for beginners and bodyboarders. There are surf schools and hire shops. See our surf camping guide.
Lifeguards
There's seasonal RNLI lifeguard cover in summer. Swim between the red and yellow flags. Read our beach safety guide.
Parking
There's parking on the beach itself at some times and tides, and car parks nearby. Check signs carefully: never park where the tide will reach. In summer, arrive early.
Pentire Point and The Rumps
North of Polzeath, the coast path climbs onto Pentire Point, cared for by the National Trust. Walk out to The Rumps, a headland with the remains of an Iron Age cliff fort, for wonderful views along the coast. It's a lovely walk of a couple of hours from Polzeath and back.
Daymer Bay
The beach
Daymer Bay is a sheltered, sandy beach on the estuary, between Polzeath and Rock. It's calmer than Polzeath and popular with families, paddleboarders and kitesurfers.
St Enodoc Church
Behind Daymer Bay, among the dunes and a golf course, stands the little church of St Enodoc. For many years it was almost buried in sand. The poet Sir John Betjeman, who loved this area, is buried in the churchyard. A path across the golf course leads to the church; please take care and follow signs.
Brea Hill
Next to Daymer Bay, Brea Hill is a small hill with views over the estuary towards Padstow. It's a short but steep climb.
Rock
Rock is a village on the estuary, opposite Padstow. It has a sandy beach and is popular for sailing and watersports.
The ferry to Padstow
A passenger ferry crosses the estuary between Rock and Padstow. It's a fun way to visit Padstow without driving round. Check ferry times before you go, as they depend on the season and tide. See our Padstow day trip guide.
Walking
A lovely walk links Polzeath, Daymer Bay and Rock along the coast path and estuary shore. Combine it with the ferry to Padstow for a memorable day.
Food and drink
There are cafés, pubs and takeaways in Polzeath and Rock. Opening times vary through the season.
Dogs
Seasonal dog restrictions may apply on parts of some beaches in summer. Check local signs.
A day plan
- Morning: surf or play on the sand at Polzeath.
- Lunch: in Polzeath, or a picnic.
- Afternoon: walk to Daymer Bay and St Enodoc Church, then on to Rock.
- Optional: take the ferry to Padstow and back.
- Evening: return to the campsite, or stay for sunset at Polzeath.
Best time to visit
Polzeath is busy in summer. Spring and autumn are quieter, with good surf. Visit early in the day in high season.
Cycling
The Camel Trail runs along the other side of the estuary, from Padstow to Wadebridge and beyond. See our Camel Trail guide.
What to bring
- Wetsuits for surfing or swimming.
- A windbreak and sun cream.
- Walking shoes for Pentire Point.
- Cash or a card for parking and the ferry.
Watersports
The sheltered water of the estuary near Rock and Daymer Bay is popular for sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking and kitesurfing. If you're new to watersports, book with a local school. Remember that the estuary has strong tidal currents and large sandbanks, so take local advice before setting off on your own.
Getting there from the campsite
From Lower Pennycrocker Farm, head through Camelford towards Wadebridge, then follow signs for Rock and Polzeath. Lanes near Polzeath are narrow and busy in summer, so allow extra time, and consider leaving larger vans at the campsite.
Staying nearby
Our farm campsite near Boscastle is a quiet base for exploring the Camel estuary. Adults are £10 per night and children 5 and over are £5. See our North Cornwall day trips guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Polzeath good for beginner surfers?
Yes. It's known for friendly waves and has surf schools and lifeguards in summer.
Where is John Betjeman buried?
At St Enodoc Church, near Daymer Bay.
Can I get a ferry from Rock to Padstow?
Yes, a passenger ferry crosses the estuary. Check times before you go.
How far is Polzeath from Boscastle?
Roughly 25 miles from our campsite by road.
Choosing between day trips? Read Padstow, Polzeath or Clovelly?.
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.
Looking for somewhere to stay on this part of the coast? See camping near Port Isaac at our quiet farm site near Boscastle.
