Jumping waves & hiding away in Polzeath

The connection between people and place is a never ending fascination for me.

It’s why I love to explore new areas, especially those which take me away from busy popular spots and off the beaten path in ‘off season’.

When I’m somewhere new, one of the first things I do is open Google Maps to find coastal roads that lead to a viewpoint. In my experience, this is where you find the true adventure.

While I love to venture north, often to Iceland and Norway, I’ve been feeling a pull to explore more of the UK. The more I adventure on our own shores the more I don’t feel the wanderlust to venture overseas. Because we have it all.  

Polzeath: A Surfer's Paradise and Coastal Retreat in Cornwall

I recently ventured to Cornwall for a week of exploration as a guest of the The Massey Partnership.

Cornwall is an area I’ve not yet spent a lot of time exploring. Having just upgraded my underwater housing for my camera, I was bubbling with excitement to explore clear seas before winter set in. 

The trip was epic. I stayed in stunning coastal accommodation located a stone's throw from the water, which meant I could spend as much time in the water as possible. Which is my kind of holiday!

The first stop on my itinerary was Polzeath, a small village situated on the north coast of Cornwall. I spent three nights at Hideaway at one of the beautiful handpicked properties by Latitude 50.

Hideaway at Polzeath: Your Ultimate Coastal Escape

Hideaway is a brand-new, three-bedroom apartment located across the road from Polzeath Beach. It comes complete with super stylish interiors, its very own roof garden and outdoor kitchen.

What delights me about travelling in the UK is that I get to take all my kit with me. When it comes to my adventures and my photography, I have an extensive kit packed with paddle boards, underwater housing and my regular land based kit too!    

Carrying so much camera gear and swimming stuff from the car to accommodation can often be a bit of a pain - which is why I got very excited when I was greeted with a covered space by the door. I was blown away to find a lift to take us right up to our accommodation on the second floor.  

The apartment was just stunning. 

The roof terrace with beach views was epic! It was equipped with a kitchen, toilet and store for your outdoor kit alongside the scandi furniture. I can just imagine long days melting into evenings as the stars come out up on this terrace!

While the interiors were luxurious and provided a comfortable place to nestle and recharge on our return from the beach. 

Inside, the apartment was filled with light. It had a serene atmosphere as the coastal landscape felt like it was part of the interior. 

From a practical point of view, the boiler room was an added bonus for drying out our wetsuits and swimming stuff. 

It was from the rooftop where I witnessed the aurora before running onto the beach which was a great dark spot to see and capture it! 

Exploring Polzeath: Unveiling the Charm of Cornwall's Surfer Village

While we normally prefer to stay off the beaten track, I actually loved the central location of the apartment which was right in the centre of Polzeath. From the roof terrace you felt part of the action yet removed in your own secret world. 

Polzeath has a really cool surfer village feel. It’s a vast sandy bay - so it’s easy to get in and out of the water and room for everyone to enjoy the waves. The accommodation was a minute’s walk away from the beach and waterfront cafes and bars

We spent a day trying to find some calm-ish places to snorkel, first visiting Daymer Bay and then Port Quin and after swimming at both, we headed back to base at Polzeath jumping epic waves, grabbed some early dinner and we decided to go back into the water as light started to fade.

Chasing Waves and Moonlight

The evening had a real vibe, it felt like locals who headed down to the beach after work. I always imagine how life might feel in a place like this! We were the last people in the water, as we turned around to get out the moon was rising behind the village! Moonlight painting right up to us across the surace of the sea.

The surf was breaking at 12 ft slightly beyond where we were jumping. I loved watching the wave patterns coming in, you can see why this bay is loved by surfers.

We listened and adapted to the nature which was being served and while this wasn’t a beach for snorkelling, it was a beach for being in the waves. 

I don’t know whether it’s part of my ADHD, but I find water a grounding thing. I feel held, supported, cool and calm. Flirting with the waves you can’t fail to embrace it. 

Planning Your Polzeath Getaway: Tips and Recommendations

Hideaway is the perfect base for exploring the coast. The South West Coast Path is right on your doorstep. You can walk up to the Pentire Headland, head to The Rumps, an impressive rock formation or along to the hidden beach of Lundy Bay.

I loved our stay at Hideaway and exploring Polzeath and would highly recommend it. It can sleep up to six people and it’s also pet friendly and is full of so many amenities that make beach life a breeze.

Details for Your Polzeath Adventure

STAY: The Hideaway sleeps 6 people and has three bedrooms. To enquire about availability and price click here. 

EAT: Beach cafes and restaurants where you can go in your surf wear and wrap up in a blanket. What’s not to love.

EXPLORE: It’s all about the surf here, but we also ventured to Rock.   

KIT:  Swimwear and wetsuits. Camera wise, having a waterproof camera is great fun. I used a new lens on this trip, a Fuji 150-600mm lens - more versatile, lighter, smaller lens than my Nikon kit. I was blown away by the quality.