Local Area · Days Out
The best of North Cornwall, on your doorstep
From a clifftop castle to a fishing village made famous on screen — the region's best days out are all within easy reach of the park.
Explore the region
A holiday with plenty to do beyond the beach
North Cornwall is one of Britain’s best-loved holiday destinations, and Atlantic Bays sits right in the middle of it. Within a comfortable drive you’ll find a clifftop castle steeped in legend, a world-famous botanical garden, charming fishing villages and dramatic stretches of coast — alongside the Seven Bays surf beaches a few minutes from your pitch.
Here are a handful of our favourite places to visit, whether the sun’s out or the weather has other ideas.
Our favourites
Days out worth the drive
A mix of history, gardens, coast and characterful villages — something for rainy days and golden ones alike.
Tintagel Castle
History & legend
Dramatic clifftop ruins perched above the Atlantic, with a history reaching back to the 5th century. Long linked with the legend of King Arthur, it's a spectacular spot for a blustery coastal walk and far-reaching sea views.
- Clifftop ruins
- King Arthur legend
- Sea views
The Eden Project
Gardens & family
A world-famous botanical garden housed in giant geodesic domes, with plants gathered from across the globe alongside changing exhibitions and events. An all-weather day out that suits every age.
- Biome domes
- All-weather
- Great for families
Port Isaac
Fishing village
A picture-postcard fishing village of narrow lanes and traditional Cornish cottages tumbling down to a working harbour — and the much-loved setting for the television series Doc Martin. Lovely for a wander, a pasty and a slow afternoon by the sea.
- Working harbour
- Doc Martin
- Cottages & lanes
Bedruthan Steps
Coast & walking
A run of towering sea stacks marching across a golden beach, cared for by the National Trust at Carnewas. The clifftop path delivers some of the most photographed views on the North Cornwall coast.
- Sea stacks
- National Trust
- Clifftop walks
The Camel Trail
Cycling & walking
An 18-mile traffic-free trail along a former railway line from Padstow to Bodmin, following the River Camel through woodland and estuary. Hire a bike in Padstow and ride as far as you fancy.
- 18 miles
- Traffic-free
- Bike hire in Padstow
Bodmin Jail
History & museum
A historic prison turned museum where you can explore the old cells and learn about crime, punishment and Cornish history. An atmospheric, characterful visit just inland.
- Historic prison
- Museum
- Inland day out
There’s plenty more besides — Bodmin Moor, the slate coast around Tintagel and the seaside resorts of Newquay and St Ives are all within a day’s reach. Ask the team when you arrive and they’ll happily point you in the right direction.
On screen and on the coast
A morning in Port Isaac
Few Cornish villages are as instantly familiar as Port Isaac. Steep, winding lanes thread between whitewashed cottages down to a working harbour where the day’s catch still comes ashore — and where the television series Doc Martin was filmed.
Spend a morning poking around the galleries and fishmongers, watch the boats come and go, and round it off with fresh seafood or a pasty by the water. It’s an easy, unhurried day out from the park.
Closer to home
And right by the park
You don’t have to travel far for a great day. Some of the best of North Cornwall is within walking distance or a few minutes’ drive of Atlantic Bays.
The Seven Bays
Harlyn, Constantine, Treyarnon, Polzeath and more — a run of golden surf beaches, most around a ten-minute drive away. Discover the beaches.
Padstow harbour
A working fishing harbour known for its seafood, artisan shops and harbourside restaurants — and the start of the Camel Trail. Explore Padstow.
Coastal walks
The South West Coast Path runs along this whole stretch, linking the bays and headlands on foot. Find a walk.
St Merryn village
The park sits within walking distance of St Merryn, so a quiet stroll to the village makes for an easy evening out.
Make it a base for exploring
Stay at Atlantic Bays and see it all
Castles, gardens, fishing villages and surf beaches — all within easy reach of the park. Check live availability for your dates, or call the team and they’ll help you find the right stay.