Time to climb A BOARD

Surf and sup in north Cornwall

CHOICE: Lodges at Hengar Manor

PEERING down from the clifftop, our eyes are drawn to a moving mass of surf and bodyboards in the clear blue sea below.

As we climb down the rocks we watch holidaymakers of all ages in wetsuits, riding the waves – some carrying out spectacular moves.

Welcome to Polzeath, on the north Cornwall coast.

It’s an ideal spot to catch a few breakers – don’t worry if you’re a beginner as you can take lessons, or simply cling to your board and paddle safely near the shore.

Our five-year-old son Harry loved running into the sea to jump the waves – and when he wasn’t in the water he was building very impressive sand castles.

Sandy

Polzeath is one of the best surfing locations in north Cornwall and its sandy beach makes it a firm favourite with families.

My wife Nicola, Harry and I stayed at the Hengar Manor Country Park, which is perfect for exploring the region’s beaches.

And there are certainly plenty to choose from.

Not far from Polzeath is Rock, a long and stunning sandy stretch which used to be a favourite of another young Harry, who loved to come here with brother Prince William in their younger days.

Along the coastline is Padstow, a foodies’ favourite thanks in part to celebrity chef Rick Stein.

This small coastal town is a fully operating fishing port, so it’s no surprise seafood fanatic Rick owns four outlets here, including his flagship restaurant and an upmarket chippie.

And with all those boats around it’s easy to take a trip out on the ocean and, if you get lucky, spot dolphins, basking sharks or puffins.

Less than 10 minutes from the pretty harbour there are family beaches at Hawker’s Cove, Tregirls and St George’s Cove.

In recent times, nearby Port Isaac has become known as the location for the popular TV series Doc Martin – strolling around the narrow streets, you can spot places familiar to millions of viewers.

You can take guided walking tours of the village to see where Martin Clunes films his scenes.

The views from the car park overlooking the village are stunning and the stroll through steep alleyways to the shingle beach is not for the fainthearted but worth the walk.

Further north up the coast, another popular beach is Summerleaze at Bude, with its saltwater rock pool.

In the other direction, Newquay in a premier caravan wh which has everything a fa family needs.

As long as you book in advance there are pl plenty of choices, inclu cluding lodges, chalets, co cottages and villas.

And for extra luxury, some options even come with a hot tub.

Hengar Manor is also po popular with those who lik like fishing as it has four well-stocked coarse fishing lakes and a bait and tackle shop.

While others waited patiently for that satisfying tug on the line, Harry was more interested in chasing around after the ducks.

It is well worth downloading H Hengar Manor’s takeaway menu an and, in keeping with social-dista tancing guidelines, the park also ha has an app for table service at its on-site Tavern Grill.

Plan ahead

On the last night we tucked in and book restaurants

to fish and chips and enjoyed a well in advance.

nic nice bottle of wine in our caraCar parks at some resorts fill up fast so do your research before van van, contemplating our next holidriving to the beach. day in Cornwall – while exhausted

A number of spots such as Polzeath Ha Harry was fast asleep after a have surfing lessons, with wetsuit and we week battling the waves. board hire. FFFA Sign up and don’t worry if it FACTFILE: Stay at Hengar Manor is your first time, you won’t be alone. for 4-nights from £419, based on When the weather is good there is a3 a 3-bedroom Classic lodge with no better place than the beaches, hot tub sleeping up to six people, but have a plan for rainy days. arr arriving Monday September 28. There are plenty of indoor Boo Book at hengarmanor.co.uk

activities to enjoy.

TOP CATCH: Padstow fishing port

is a 45 45- minute drive south from Hhen Hengar M Manor i is perfect f tt to relax l Polzeath, and for days out further and recharge in the evenings. afield into southern Cornwall you Surrounded by the Bodmin Moor can take your pick from St Ives, and set in a 35-acre estate, it is pleasTruro, St Austell and Falmouth. antly quiet despite being very popu

If you have a busy week planned lar. It has a huge range of self and your days are spent chasing your catering accommodation – we stayed children in and out of the sea, a,

ELTIPS AV R T

ROYAL WAVES: Beach at Polzeath

KING OF THE CASTLES: Our Harry