Things to Do
Traditional, peaceful and a warm welcome from the locals...
North Cornwall is one of the England's most beautiful spots. Steeped in history with a rugged coastline and many historic sites. Chapel Amble is a perfect base to explore the surrounding area.
In the local area are numerous safe beaches, with Polzeath recommended for surfing, Daymer Bay for wind surfers, and Rock for sailing and water-skiing. All within 10 minutes drive.
The Historic fishing village of Port Isaac is some 5 miles away, and places such as Tintagel, and Boscastle are worth visiting.
What's to do? -Within easy reach are golf courses, horse riding, pony trekking and steam railways. Another must is the ferry from Rock to Padstow. Energetic people may wish to cycle the 15 mile Camel trail (you can hire bikes in Padstow and Wadebridge)
The coastal walks are breathtaking, Bodmin Moor is some 8 miles away, or a short walk of 2 miles from the Barn will bring you to the Camel Estuary.
If food is your thing, then of course try Rick Stein's restaurant in Padstow,or a pasty on the Chough, there are many other very good Pubs and Restaurants/bistros in the area.
Or if you don't want to cook and don't want to go far then enjoy a friendly meal or drink at the nearby 'Maltsters Arms', it's a short walk away.
Cornwall is steeped in history and you will not fail to feel the magic of this beautiful county.
Nearby Towns
Port Isaac
Historic fishing village with a "working" Harbour. A favourite cafe for a cream tea or a crab sandwich, or the Golden Lion pub where an ideal spot is to sit on the balcony soaking up the sun, watching the tide come and go. It also serves good value food and excellent beer. A takeaway fish and chip shop further up the hill is a good alternative along with several other bars, cafés and restaurants.
On Thursday and Friday evenings in the summer, a brass band or "Fisherman's Friend's" will entertain you on the Platt, with music and the Floral dance.
Why not stroll along the cliff path and down to Port Gaverne with its safe and sandy beach (when the tides out) and stunning headland walks. The Port Gaverne hotel will feed and refresh you, from bar snacks to a full restaurant meal.
Padstow
By car via Wadebridge, or by ferry from Rock, plenty of shops, eating places, speed boat rides, and crazy golf. Enjoy watching the boats in the harbour, hire a bike (or walk) the Camel trail along the old railway line by the side of the estuary. Rick Stein has several eating establishments in the town including a café and bistro. A walk along the estuary footpath brings you to several sandy beaches.
Wadebridge
A large town (for Cornwall) boasts a Co-op, Lidi, +2 and a Tesco, two Indian restaurants, a take away Chinese, antique shops, several good pubs, Banks, tourist office, chemist shops, a hardware shop etc. With several good cafés - Try the bistro in Foundry Square for coffee and another crab sandwich! To work it off, hire a bike and cycle the Camel Trail.
Boscastle
A pleasant little harbour with gift shops, pottery, and other attractions, and I would recommend you pop into "Cobwebs" for a snack and a beer. It is at its best in winter when the 2 fires are blazing and hot stew is served!- it keeps the cold out. There are several other pubs/hotels in the village. Why not explore the old part of the Village up and away from the harbour?
Tintagel
Just a few miles away is Tintagel Home of King Arthur and his Castle (It is said!) Tintagel is very touristy and full of gift shops and the like, but the kids love it. The Castle itself has some splendid views.
Rock
Just the place to hire a sailing dingy or sign on for a weeks sailing course, or other water sports. It boasts several eating cafes and pubs. You can play "spot the Royals" if you can tell your Prince Harry from your William? or even the PM. The nicest thing to do is to take the ferry from the beach over to Padstow for the afternoon.
Daymer Bay
Just the best stretch of sandy beach in England (probably) A walk to St Enodoc Church, along the golf course, stroll through the sand dunes round to Rock - this walk is full of bird song, alternatively take the headland path the other way over to Polzeath. This area was a favourite spot of John Betjeman who is buried here at St Enodoc. If you feel energetic you can climb to the top of the Brea hill, stand alongside the tumuli and view the doom bar in the mouth of the estuary, or Padstow on the opposite shore.
Polzeath
A surfer's paradise, and an Internet Cafe on the front. Crowded but an enormous area of sandy beach. There are good restaurants overlooking the beach -needs booking in season.
Things to do and places to go...
The Cinema:
Wadebridge has an excellent modern 2 screen cinema.
Gardens and Houses:
• Pencarrow House - between Wadebridge and Bodmin.
• Prideaux Place - Padstow
• Lanhydrock House - Outside Bodmin
• Further a field are "The lost gardens of Heligan", and the EDEN Project.
Steam Railways:
Two are fairly close to hand, one at Launceston, and the other at Bodmin.
Golf:
Several golf courses are in the vicinity of Chapel Amble, notably St Enodoc at Rock, and one at St Kew.
Other Attractions:
St Kew boasts a Donkey Sanctuary, and an excelent pub.
In this area of Cornwall are quad bikes, Go Karting, an Adventure Park, and an American theme park, the Poldark mine, Delabole Quarry and the nearby wind farm. - the Tourist office in Wadebridge has lots of information on all of these attractions.
The Victorian Gardens - at Trelights between Port Isaac and Port Quin.
Newquay is popular with young people with its surfing beach and nightlife.
The coastal footpath offers breathtaking scenery, and Bodmin Moor is only 8 miles away. A short but energetic walk of some 2 hours is from Port Isaac to Port Quin - get someone to pick you up and drive back!
Lastly, if you miss the shops, drive to TRAGO MILLS some 17 miles away towards Liskeard on the A38. Everything under one roof, from precision tools to paint, soap powder to shower fittings, dustbins to duvets, They do take credit cards, and a cash dispenser is on hand. Food outlets and picnic areas abound.
Rev mw Jan 2014
