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. Booking runs through our two partners, one for lodges and cabins and one for pitches, or call the team and they’ll help you find the right one.