See Marine Wildlife on a Boat Trip
Harlyn Bay holds some of the most incredible marine wildlife in Cornwall, just 9 minutes away from Padstow in a car or a short bus journey, you can venture out to sea with us and explore that beautiful wildlife that frequents our Cornish waters. Just a mile out to sea we’ve seen a variety of magnificent creatures like the Common Dolphin, Sunfish, Grey Seals, Minke Whales, Harbour Porpoise, Seabirds and even the now very rarely sighted Basking Shark!
For the best opportunity of seeing the most wildlife choose our 2 hour Sea Safari where our expert guides will take you to some of North Cornwall’s secluded coves and rugged islands.
Go Surfing with Harlyn Surf School
Surfing for the first time and standing up on a surfboard is one of the best feelings you can have, and Harlyn Surf School is one of the best surf schools on the North Cornish coast. You’ll be greeted by friendly and knowledgeable surfing guides who will teach you about water safety and key principles in surfing, giving you the best experience possible.
If you’re already a keen surfer they also offer surfing equipment hire from surfboards to wetsuits and more.
Ride Along the Camel Trail
The Camel Trail is a beautiful scenic walk or bike ride, it stretches for 18 miles from Padstow to Wenfordbridge, taking you along the estuary into the magical forest. Along the 18 mile stretch there are many check points along the way which, if you don’t want to do the whole 18 miles, you can start at Wadebridge and cycle to Padstow which is just 6 miles each way.
We’ve found perfect days to do this in all seasons, from Spring through to Winter but Summer is our favourite with a stop off at the Camel Trail Tea Garden near Wadebridge for a freshly caught crab sandwich paired with a cold drink.
If you don’t own a bike, you can rent various bikes from electric to tandem bikes from Camel Trail Cycle Hire, with various other hire points down the Camel Trail to rent bikes.
A Day at the Beach
Harlyn Bay area is home to some of the best beaches in Cornwall for surfing, paddle boarding and swimming. Bring the children down to the beach for a fun filled day out with the family, build sand castles, explore rock pools and make memories that last a lifetime.
As well as Harlyn Beach itself, there is Treyarnon Bay, Trevone Beach, Mother Ivey’s Bay, Constantine Beach and Booby’s Bay to explore, spoilt for choice with golden white sand and family activities.
Feeling hungry? Near Harlyn Bay car park there is a variety of pizza, burger and fish and chips vendors along with refreshing cold drinks.
Walk to Trevose Lighthouse
One of Cornwall’s 9 lighthouses and is still providing safety to the seas during hours of darkness. The headland Trevose lighthouse lives on is an Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) protected for both biological and geological interests.
The walk to Trevose lighthouse is a beautiful scenic walk which looks out to Constantine Bay and on a clear day you’re able to see Newquay headland, approximately 18 miles away, St Agnes, and even as far as St Ives.
Once you’re at the top on a beautiful day you’re able to sit down enjoy the view and breathe in the fresh sea air, smell the beautiful flowers growing and enjoy the sound of sheep in the backdrop. Bring a picnic and drinks for the perfect day out, just a short drive from Harlyn, or even walkable along the Southwest coast path!
Explore Rock Pools with the Kids
Rock pooling is a timeless summer pastime, and fortunately enough, Cornwall offers an abundance of wonderful locations to indulge in this activity throughout the year during low tides. It provides endless entertainment for both kids and adults, allowing them to connect with wildlife without any cost while enjoying the refreshing sea breeze.
Explore some of the most important ecological marine creatures like Sea anemones, Common Starfish, Velvet swimming crab, Rock goby, Prawn and more wonderful sea creatures.
Read our Ultimate Guide on Rock Pooling in Cornwall for more information on what you might find and don’t forget to check the tides to time it right and stay safe!
Coastal Walk to RNLI Padstow Lifeboat Station
Padstow’s new lifeboat station in Mother Ivey’s Bay is a beautiful scene with the backdrop of rugged cliffs and deep turquoise waters. A hot day in this area will almost seem like you’re somewhere tropical.
Completed in July 2006, the new Tamar Class lifeboat ‘The Spirit of Padstow’ was placed on service shortly after. The station was officially opened by RNLI Chairman, Sir Jock Slater in September 2006.
If you’re lucky, you could even see the lifeboat being launched on a training exercise. These regularly take place on Tuesday evenings around 6pm and the public are welcome to watch from the top of the cliff. Unfortunately this is not publicly accessible but on the RNLI website you’re able to glimpse into what it’s like inside.
Try a Pasty from Padstow Farm Shop
Located in between Harlyn Bay and Padstow is Padstow Farm Shop. This award winning farm shop is home to one of the tastiest pasties we’ve ever had on the North Coast of Cornwall. Inside the farm shop you’ll find a deli, butchers and farm shop with enough fresh local produce for your whole weekly shop.
They have friendly and knowledgeable staff welcoming you and giving advice if needed. Opened in May 2006, since the farm shop has gone from strength to strength providing some of the best Cornish veg & meat in the county, with most of the veg grown locally on the family farm.
Definitely worth the visit, especially for their pasties!
