Things to do in North Cornwall

Polzeath Beach, Cornwall — Polzeath Beach with Pentire Point in the distance.

Whatever the weather, North Cornwall offers opportunity to get outside and closer to nature. The spectacular coastline offers days out to the beach, visits to sheltered harbours and exposed headlands to explore. Younger members of the family can tick off lots of the ’50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ too.

Picnic like royalty

What tasty local delicacies can you add to make your picnic that extra bit special? Local Cornish treats such as pasties and cream teas are a favourite. Here’s a twist on the traditional scone recipe to try from our friends at Cotehele.

Cotehele Cornwall

Blackberry and Apple scone

Celebrate the apple harvest with this delicious scone recipe from blogger Sarah Clelland, that features in the National Trust book of scones

On your marks, get set, bake!

Some of our favourite picnic spots to try

Visitors enjoying a picnic in the orchard at Pentire — The orchard at Pentire

Picnic at Pentire

Pentire headland is ideal for picnics. A restored orchard, outdoor and undercover courtyard seating or sat on the clifftop overlooking the sea; there are options galore.

More information on planning a visit to Pentire here

Carnewas at Bedruthan

Since Victorian times, Carnewas has been a firm favourite for those looking for the perfect picnic spot; boasting dramatic cliff top views and a picnic area adjacent to the visitor facilities.

Carnewas at Bedruthan

Sandymouth beach at low tide — Sandymouth beach in Cornwall

Sandymouth (near Bude)

Unlike many tidal beaches, Sandymouth has large areas of grassland on the cliff tops making this the ideal picnic spot whatever the time of day.

Sandymouth (near Bude)

Find your way with a map

Why not follow one of our downloadable trails at Boscastle?

Discover great walks in and around the area

Walking around the historic fishing village of Boscastle is a pleasure or venture further afield. Follow one of our walking routes to make the most of this stunning stretch of coast and countryside.

For those keen on finding refreshment along the way, here are some walks with a café in North Cornwall.

Walks with a café in North Cornwall

Here are some ideas for walks that have a café (some are not National Trust), ideal for grabbing a warming cuppa or a refreshing cold drink and snack.

If you want to add an extra challenge to your walk why not use a compass?

Child using a compass in the garden at Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire

How to read a compass

Finding your way with a compass may seem tricky at first, but with this quick and easy guide, you'll be on the right track in no time at all.

Find your way

How many different wild flowers can you spot?

Can you name any?

Top tip: you’ll find some of the best wildflower meadows at Pentire headland (near Polzeath) and Cubert Common (near Holywell) or along the coast path at Duckpool.

Wild flowers at Sutton Lane Meadows, Wiltshire

Eight things to spot in a summer meadow

Find out what you could discover in our meadows this summer, from courting insects to orchids.

Discover more

Watch a bird

Do you know the species? Don’t forget… there’s no such thing as a seagull. You can look out for sea birds such as fulmars and guillemots along the coast all year round.

Farmland species are easiest to spot during the autumn. Trevose and Pentire (near Polzeath) headlands are home to many including goldfinch, linnets and skylarks. If you're lucky you might catch a flock of starlings 'murmuring', or flying together in sweeping motions from field to field.
Looking after our feathered friends at home becomes all the more important as we approach winter so why not have a go at making a bird feeder?

Birds in your garden

Make a bird feeder from recycled materials

Why not give the birds in your garden a helping hand, with these three easy-to-make bird feeders? What’s great about them is that they’re all made from recycled materials - a plastic bottle, toilet roll or chipped cup.

How to make your own bird box

Natural nest sites are declining. But have you thought about building a nest box that the birds in your garden can call home? All you need to do is follow our simple step-by-step guide. Then see who moves in.

Our guide to bird watching

Do you want to know more about the birds in your garden or those you see on your local walk? It's easy, all you have to do is spend some time looking out for our feathered friends. We've got lots of tips and tricks to help get you started.

Go stargazing

How many constellations can you see? Can you spot the International Space Station?

Top tip: Carnewas at Bedruthan has been awarded Dark Skies status making it the ideal place to look up into the night sky.

A magical night-time scene photographed by Steven Hanna

Top tips for stargazing

You don't need to be an expert to spot stars, satellites and planets. Just follow our top tips for a stargazing experience from the comfort of your garden. It's also no.27 on our list of '50 things to do before you’re 11¾'.

Read our stargazing tips

Watch the sun set

Just sit back and enjoy. Don’t forget late winter brings with it some absolutely stunning sunsets to marvel at. Keep a camera handy and perhaps share your snaps using #NorthCornwallNT.

Let's see your best sand sculpture

Fun for all the family whether you're wearing flip flops or wellies. You could even run your own mini competition amongst family and friends. Let your imagination run free.