Local Area · The Seven Bays
Booby's Bay, a wilder shore
A sandy, surf-washed Atlantic beach below Trevose Head that joins Constantine Bay at low tide — wild, quiet and best for confident surfers, about a ten-minute drive from the park.
Right on the doorstep
A wild, surf-washed bay below Trevose Head
Booby's Bay is one of the wilder of the bays near Padstow — a broad sweep of sand backed by dunes, facing straight into the open Atlantic below Trevose Head. It sits immediately north of Constantine Bay, and at lower tides the two effectively join into one long stretch of sand. It catches a powerful swell, which makes it a favourite with experienced surfers.
It lies a few miles from Atlantic Bays — roughly a ten-minute drive — so it’s an easy morning out, with rocky reefs and rockpools to explore at low tide and the South West Coast Path rounding the headland for a stroll afterwards. The sea here is exposed with strong currents, so always check conditions before you go in.
- Surf level
- Exposed Atlantic surf — best for confident, experienced surfers
- Best for
- Surfers, walkers, rockpoolers at low tide
- Distance
- A few miles from the park
- By car
- Roughly a ten-minute drive
What to do at Booby's
The surf, the sand and the rockpools
A few things that make Booby's Bay a little different from its sheltered neighbours.
Wild, exposed surf
Booby's Bay faces straight into the Atlantic below Trevose Head, so it catches a powerful, open swell. It's a draw for experienced surfers — but the same exposure brings strong currents and rips, so it suits confident, capable water-users who know how to read the sea.
One long beach at low tide
Booby's sits immediately north of, and joined to, Constantine Bay. As the tide drops the two effectively merge into one long, uninterrupted stretch of sand — room to spread out and walk for the best part of a mile.
Dunes, reefs and rockpools
The bay is backed by dunes, with rocky reefs at its edges. At low tide those reefs open up rockpools to comb through, and on very low spring tides the remains of an old shipwreck are occasionally visible on the rocks.
Quieter and wilder
Booby's tends to feel more remote and untamed than its busier neighbours, with no facilities on the beach itself. If you want a windswept Atlantic beach away from the crowds, this is the one — though always check conditions and any lifeguard flags before you go in.
Before you go
Good to know
A few practical notes to help you make the most of a day at Booby's Bay.
Check the tide and the sea
The merging with Constantine, the rockpools and the safest water all depend on the tide. Booby's is exposed with strong currents and rips and it isn't always lifeguarded, so check the conditions and any lifeguard flags before you set off — and only swim or surf within your ability.
Facilities
There are no facilities on Booby's Bay itself. The nearest shops and parking are around Constantine, a short walk or drive away, so bring what you need for the day.
Dogs
There are dog-friendly beaches in the area, though seasonal restrictions can apply on the busier sands in summer — check the local signage. Dogs are welcome on the park's touring and camping pitches.
On foot
The South West Coast Path runs along this stretch, rounding Trevose Head and linking Booby's with its neighbouring bays — a fine clifftop walk if you'd rather leave the car behind.
Nearby on the coast
More of the Seven Bays
Booby's is one of a string of bays within a short drive of the park. A few of its neighbours:
Constantine Bay
The bay it joins at low tide — wide-open Atlantic surf, backed by dunes and golf.
Treyarnon Bay
A quieter cove with a celebrated natural rock pool and caves at low tide.
Harlyn Bay
A sheltered, gentle bay round the headland, with a long-running surf school.
Stay here to explore
Booby's, and the Seven Bays, on your doorstep
Base yourself at Atlantic Bays and Booby's Bay is a short drive away each morning — in a luxury lodge, a sun cabin or your own pitch. Check live availability for your dates, or call the team and they’ll help you find the right stay.