Before you set off
Today's snapshot
Polzeath's gentle gradient can suit learners in smaller surf around mid tide, but the tidal range is large and currents strengthen as the tide runs out. Beginners should take a lesson and follow the lifeguards' directions to the area designated for surfing.
Plan your visit
Getting there
The main Cornwall Council car park sits on the beach itself, which is unusual and very convenient. Sea View and New Polzeath are the alternatives when the beach car park closes on a big tide.
- Parking: Cornwall Council's Polzeath Beach car park is on the sand at the southern end. The Sea View car park on Dunders Hill and the New Polzeath car park are privately run alternatives.
- Dog rules: Dogs banned on main Polzeath beach 15 May - 30 September, 10am - 6pm (Cornwall Council PSPO, Blue Flag beach). Dogs welcome before 10am, after 6pm during this period, and all day from 1 October - 14 May.
- Lifeguards: RNLI lifeguards patrol daily from around mid May to the end of September, with weekend cover through the spring and October half term.
- Tide watch: Spring tides here are big. The beach car park closes on the highest tides and the walk to the water at low tide is a long one.
Get in the water
Hire & lessons
Several surf schools operate directly from Polzeath beach, making it straightforward to book a lesson and hire equipment in one place.
Surf's Up! Surf School
Polzeath's original surf school, running group and private lessons from age five upwards.
Wavehunters Polzeath
Lessons, paddleboard sessions and hire from a base on the beach through the summer.
George's Surf School
Small-group and private coaching for surfers who want to progress beyond a first lesson.
After the beach
Eat, drink & stay
Everything is within a few minutes of the sand, which makes Polzeath easy with a car full of wet kit.
Surfside Polzeath
A beachside bar and restaurant with a terrace, barbecue food and live music.
The Oystercatcher
A pub above the beach with sea views, pub food and self-catering apartments.
Polzeath Beach House
Rooms and sea-view apartments beside the beach, with a bar and kitchen open to visitors.
Local perspective
Local notes
In smaller surf around mid tide, Polzeath's gentle gradient helps the waves break gradually rather than throwing forward at the shoreline. The wide beach also gives the surf schools room to choose a suitable teaching area.
The tide is the thing to plan around. On a spring low the water is a long way out, and the beach car park empties well before high water, so check the times before you load the car. If you want somewhere calmer that welcomes dogs all year, Daymer Bay is a short drive round the headland.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is Polzeath beach dog friendly?
Dogs banned on main Polzeath beach 15 May - 30 September, 10am - 6pm (Cornwall Council PSPO, Blue Flag beach). Dogs welcome before 10am, after 6pm during this period, and all day from 1 October - 14 May.
What's the best tide for Polzeath?
Mid tide gives the best wave shape. At low tide the beach is vast and the walk to the water is long, and at high tide the sand shrinks considerably.
Is Polzeath good for beginner surfers?
In smaller surf around mid tide, Polzeath's gentle gradient helps the waves break gradually and gives learners time to practise. Book a lesson and follow the lifeguards' directions, because currents strengthen as the tide runs out.
Where do you park for Polzeath beach?
The Cornwall Council beach car park sits on the sand, with the Sea View and New Polzeath car parks as alternatives when it closes on a high tide.
Is it safe to swim at Polzeath today?
Check the Environment Agency Swimfo profile and Safer Seas & Rivers Service before swimming, and stay between the red and yellow flags.
Are there lifeguards at Polzeath?
Yes. RNLI lifeguards patrol daily from around mid May to the end of September, with weekend cover in spring and October half term.
Is Polzeath beach pram or buggy friendly?
Yes, unusually so. The Cornwall Council car park is on the sand itself at the southern end, so there is barely any approach. It closes on the highest spring tides, and the Sea View and New Polzeath car parks above the beach are a steeper walk down.
What facilities are available at Polzeath?
Polzeath has public toilets, including accessible facilities, near the beach car park and outdoor showers close to the sand. RNLI lifeguards patrol seasonally from Easter through the October half-term. Several cafés and shops sit beside the beach, with level access and disabled parking available.
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