Coast

The Atlantic coast of North Cornwall and Devon covers a wildly beautiful landscape where towns and villages huddle in the cliffs for protection against the sea.

A renowned hub for thrill seekers who get active in and out of the water, the mile wide bays are popular with the nation’s surfers and families alike and the area magically combines the hip and trendy with absolutely stunning natural scenery. We’ll tell you about some of the more popular places to visit and leave you to discover others for yourselves.

Padstow

Padstow is a charming working fishing port surrounded by glorious sandy beaches, at the head of the Camel River. Watching the everyday ebb and flow of harbour life is a perfect way to spend a day. Beaches, pubs and restaurants and lots of arts and crafts shops, there is something for all the family.

https://www.visitcornwall.com/places/padstow

Tintagel

Set high on the rugged North Cornwall coast, Tintagel has dramatic sea views both from the castle ruins on the headland and island. This is a spectacular place, steeped in myths and mystery, and has inspired artists and writers throughout history who have associated it with the legend of King Arthur. There are beautiful coastal path walks and spectacular views from the ruins of Tintagel castle.

https://www.visitcornwall.com/places/tintagel

Boscastle

The picturesque fishing village of Boscastle with its medieval past and distinctive natural harbour is one of Cornwall’s most romantic places. It is a village steeped in history, associated with authors and artists who have been inspired by its remoteness and rugged beauty. The landscape, coastline and quaint old buildings are undoubtedly the main attraction of the local area. These are made all the more interesting with local potteries, art galleries and the Museum of Witchcraft.

https://www.visitcornwall.com/places/boscastle

Port Isaac

Port Isaac is a traditional fishing village with a vibrant local community in north Cornwall and home to the TV series Doc Martin starring Martin Clunes. It’s a truly picturesque village with narrow winding streets lined with whitewashed cottages that head down to the harbour where you can watch local fishermen landing their daily catch of fish, crab and lobsters.

https://www.visitcornwall.com/places/port-isaac

Polzeath

Polzeath is a small village situated on the North coast of Cornwall, home to a fantastic beach and one of the world’s most renowned surfing destinations. The beach is a magnificent stretch of golden sand between Pentire Head to the north and Highcliff to the west. It was a favourite haunt of the late Poet Laureate, Sir John Betjeman, and is celebrated in some of his verse.

https://www.visitcornwall.com/places/polzeath

 Rock

The village of Rock opposite the popular town of Padstow has been dubbed ‘Kensington by the Sea’ and is the haunt of celebrities such as Hugh Grant, Harry Enfield and Jemima Khan. The Rothchilds have holidayed here and even royalty have sunk a few beers in the local pubs all of which gives the village slightly jet-set atmosphere. A gentle 4 mile walk along part of the South West Coast Path through the dunes beside the golden beaches on the eastern bank of the River Camel, takes in Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman’s grave in the churchyard of the tiny St Enodoc Church.

Clovelly

On the western tip of North Devon you’ll find the Hartland Peninsula with some of the most stunning coastal scenery in Britain. Hartland is the perfect retreat for those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Further along the coast you will find historic Clovelly untouched for centuries its cobbled streets and flower strewn cottages tumble down 400 feet to a 14th century fishing harbour. There is a lot to do and see in Clovelly so be sure to visit the village’s website.

http://www.clovelly.co.uk/

Moor

The Greater Dartmoor area is not just about the landscape, the ponies or the dramatic granite tors. There’s plenty of heritage and history to discover, going all the way back to Neolithic times and throughout the ages. Dartmoor encourages you to get out and about, to explore and discover its secret places and hidden gems. This living, breathing, working landscape is as rich and as fascinating now as it was hundreds of years ago, and those who live and work on the moor are determined that, with care and a sense of stewardship, the future of Dartmoor is both sustainable and green. From ancient woodland to tradition, folklore and farming on horseback, Dartmoor has it all.

Postbridge

Postbridge is in the heart of the moorand and is easily accessible through Tavistock, the drive taking you through some of the most stunning moorland landscapes. Postbridge provides an excellent gateway to the north moor for enthusiastic hill walkers and we like the walk from Bellever Woods which is just as you come into the village. Dont forget to visit the clapper bridge in the village.

Princetown

The National Park Visitor Centre – Princetown is an ideal place to start your visit to Dartmoor. Newly refurbished it features new and exciting exhibitions, displays and discovery zones and a stunning photography exhibition, ‘Ancient Dartmoor’. Princetown is still home to one of the UK’s most notorious prisons and you can visit the Prison Museum to see what “life inside” was like over the last 200 years! And the Plume and Feathers is a great place for home cooked food and the famous Jail Ale beer which is brewed in the village.