Polzeath Beaches
From Lundy Bay to Rock, Along Cornwall's Camel Estuary Shore
Polzeath sits on Cornwall's north coast at the mouth of the Camel Estuary, a few miles from Wadebridge and directly across the water from Padstow. This guide covers the seven beaches strung along that short but varied stretch of coast: from the quiet National Trust coves around Pentire Point in the north, through Polzeath's own famous stretch of surf sand, to the sheltered, calmer estuary beaches of Daymer Bay and Rock in the south. Few short runs of Cornish coastline offer such a contrast within a few miles - big Atlantic surf on one side of the peninsula, and gentle, family-friendly estuary sand on the other.
Polzeath itself holds Blue Flag award status for 2026, one of Cornwall's most celebrated family and surfing beaches, with reliable waves, a huge expanse of sand at low tide and a lively village behind it. To the north, Pentireglaze Beach, New Polzeath and the more remote Lundy Bay offer quieter alternatives on National Trust land reaching out towards Pentire Point and The Rumps. To the south, Greenaway Beach, Daymer Bay and Rock trade Atlantic surf for the calmer, more sheltered waters of the Camel Estuary, with views across to Padstow and, at Daymer Bay, the historic St Enodoc Church half-buried in the dunes.
Each beach below has its own dedicated page with a full visitor guide - parking, facilities, disabled access information, a precise map, nearby things to do and places to stay - researched and kept up to date. Use the buttons above or the list below to jump to any beach.
At a Glance
- Lundy Bay to Rock, around the Camel Estuary
- 1 Blue Flag beach (2026): Polzeath
- 7 named beaches
- RNLI lifeguards, spring-autumn (Polzeath only)
Symbols key
- Parking
- Toilets
- Refreshments
- Lifeguard in season
- Wheelchair accessible
- Dogs allowed
- Dogs restricted or not allowed
Polzeath's Beaches
Lundy Bay
A small, tide-dependent National Trust cove near Pentire Point, with no facilities.
- Car park
- Dogs allowed
Pentireglaze Beach
A quiet pocket of sand at Polzeath's northern end, cut off from it at high tide.
- Seasonal dog restriction
New Polzeath
The quieter northern end of Polzeath's sands, with its own small hamlet and car park.
- Car park
- Toilets
- Seasonal dog restriction
Polzeath Blue Flag
One of Cornwall's best-known surf beaches, a huge sweep of sand right behind the village.
- Car park
- Toilets
- Refreshments
- Lifeguard in season
- Wheelchair accessible
- Seasonal dog restriction
Greenaway Beach
A quiet estuary cove near Trebetherick, best seen a few hours either side of low tide.
- Dogs allowed
Daymer Bay
A sheltered, family-friendly estuary beach near St Enodoc Church and Betjeman's grave.
- Car park
- Toilets
- Refreshments
- Dogs allowed
Rock
A sheltered sailing village beach across the estuary from Padstow, reached by ferry.
- Car park
- Toilets
- Refreshments
- Wheelchair accessible
- Dogs allowed
Visitor Information
Parking
Every beach listed above has nearby parking (National Trust, council or informal) - see each beach's own page for exact locations and charges.
Facilities
Cafes, shops and RNLI lifeguard cover (spring to autumn) are concentrated at Polzeath itself; the quieter coves either side have little or none.
Disabled Access
Polzeath and Daymer Bay offer the easiest, most level access from their car parks; several of the smaller coves involve paths, steps or tidal rock - full details on each beach page. Blue Badge parking provision varies by beach - check each beach's Visitor Information panel for details.
Places to Stay in Polzeath
Page last updated: 8 September 2026