Three Days in Polzeath

Highcliffe holiday cottages are located in Trebetherick, a small village nestled between Polzeath and Daymer Bay, with all three villages happily within walking distance of each other. Familiarise yourself with the local area by taking the track down to the coast path and wander along with cliffs into Polzeath, where you’ll find numerous surf shops and cafés happy to welcome you in. The popular Ann’s Cottage offers a large range of clothes, accessories and surf equipment, and Fusion opposite offers boutique clothing and some lovely homewares.

Then head to the Tubestation — a café embracing both Polzeath’s community and surf culture. This converted Methodist chapel functions as both a place of worship and a local hangout and is well worth a visit for their great coffee and fantastic atmosphere.

A self-catering holiday in Polzeath means at some point you’ll need to go and get some supplies. Thankfully there are plenty of shops and suppliers in and around the area that offer everything you could ever need.

For fresh seasonal vegetables head to Restharrow Farm Shop, and meat is available from the family owned Watts Butchers in Rock. Also in Rock you’ll find fishmonger Rock Fish, and Fee’s Food is a great spot to pick up some artisan produce, great coffee and delicious homemade ready-to-cook meals. For local shellfish, drop by Porthilly Shellfish to stock up on oysters and mussels.

For anything else there is the excellent Spar shop in Rock and also one in Polzeath or supermarkets in the nearby market town of Wadebridge.

Once settled in to your cottage, it’s time to relax. Get the fire started and wind down with a glass of local bubbles, perhaps from Camel Valley of Trevibban Mill, whilst you prepare your feast of Cornish produce. After dinner is the perfect time to cosy up next your wood-burner with your head in a book, or play some family board games if you’re staying with younger ones. Don't forget to add a log or two onto the fire to stay extra toasty.

Work up an appetite with a pre-breakfast swim. Depending on how brave you are this could either be a dip in the sea, or a much warmer swim in a heated indoor pool.

Wild swimming has exploded in popularity as people have come to learn the benefits associated with a cold water dip, but if you're happier going for a swim in a nice heated pool then head to The Point at Polzeath where you can enjoy use of the pool, jacuzzi and sauna and gym.

Wherever you end up, we recommend a post-swim snack at Flo’s Kitchen in Polzeath to get you fuelled up for the afternoon’s activities.

The Mariners pub by Paul Ainsworth in Rock is a great destination after a blustery coastal walk. Take in sweeping views of Stepper Point and Padstow Harbour, and work yourself up a serious appetite as you walk along the coast path towards Rock.

See why The Mariners such a popular spot and choose from a fantastic menu filled with local food and drink. Relax in their fireside snug, or sit upstairs with views spanning across the estuary towards Padstow. After lunch, walk off your meal with a jaunt around Rock before heading back to your cottage.

Not had enough of the pub yet? Head down to our local, The Oystercatcher, which is just a few minutes walk away and sample some of their St Austell ales whilst you watch the weather roll through over Pentire Point from the safety of their spectacular conservatory.

Take your chance for a slow final morning at the cottage and enjoy a lie in or short morning walk to the beach before packing up.

Weather depending, you may choose to head out with local surf school and tour operator Wavehunters for one of their Sea Safaris. See Cornwall from a different perspective and keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife as you speed along in one of their boats. Just remember to wrap up warm - It’s always colder out at sea.

After saying goodbye to your Highcliffe holiday cottage, head to Hawkesfield for a spot of lunch at Strong Adolfos. This trendy spot serves up amazing coffee and food, and does so with an atmosphere of surf culture and vintage motorcycle art.

Then browse the shops here to look for a little bit of Cornwall to take home with you. Jo & Co. is great for lifestyle, interiors, and women’s clothing, whilst Finisterre showcases Cornish-inspired ethical clothing, and the Circle Contemporary Gallery has art to remind you of your Cornish holiday.

Out of season stays at Highcliffe can be booked for arrival and departure for any day of the week. This flexibility makes short getaway breaks like this possible and is a perfect way for you to experience a taste of the Cornish lifestyle.