Wadebridge

Wadebridge is the gateway to the beautiful scenery and stunning beaches of Rock, Polzeath and Port Isaac. This is Betjeman Country - the landscape lovingly evoked by the Poet Laureate in Old Friends, Summoned by Bells, and Seaside Golf. On summer evenings you can hear his poetry recited below Brae Hill, overlooking St Enodoc Church where the poet is buried, and see his personal artefacts at the Betjeman Centre, in Wadebridge.

The Camel Trail is a tract of beautiful countryside stretching for over 17 miles in total. The trail leads in two directions from Wadebridge, Padstow and Pooley’s Bridge, level for its entire length, it used to be part of the Bodmin and Wadebridge Railway. Bike hire is in plentiful supply in Wadebridge with three shops including Bridge Bike Hire in Eddystone Road.

Venture off the main road and your efforts will be rewarded with one of Cornwall’s top delicatessens and the best coffee in the south west... Just yards off Molesworth Street is Foundry Court, home to the award winning Relish Food & Drink, opened in 2006 by Sarah Townsend and Hugo Hercod. The setting is idyllic, away from the traffic in a quiet, sheltered and occasionally sunny courtyard. An ideal spot for breakfast, lunch or just great coffee & cake, a real must if you’re cycling the camel trail.

A great example of the quality of everything served at Relish... it is home to two of the best Baristas in the UK, meaning the coffee is exceptional. Hugo was the 2008 UK Barista Champion, representing the UK in Copenhagen at the World Championships, achieving 10th place. Jack was recently placed 8th in the 2009 UK championships and won best cappuccino in the south west.

Travel north-east from Wadebridge for only a couple of miles on the A39 and you will see signs for the picturesque village of St Mabyn. Centred on the fascinating 15th century Church of St.Mabena, a daughter of Brychan of Wales, a chieftain, who lived in the 5th Century, the village is surrounded by arable land, and agriculture still forms the basis of local life.

Still very much a part of the tradition of village life here is the St. Mabyn Inn, a real Cornish country pub that dates from the 17th century. Many original features are still visible, having been upgraded in a subtle way that does not detract at all from the originality of the Inn. The open fires and the timbered ceilings all help to create a warm, friendly atmosphere.

The Inn enjoys a good reputation amongst visitors and locals alike, not just for the fine choice of ales, beers, wines and spirits, but also for its delicious food. Where possible, local produce is used in the preparation of bar meals served during the day and the inn’s renowned evening a lá carte menu. A cheerful Cornish welcome awaits all who visit.

With two shops, one in the main street in Wadebridge, Molesworth Street and one by the beach in Polzeath, Ocean Blue offers clothing for all occasions from leisure wear to occasional wear and a huge range of accessories, bags jewellery, shoes, nautical giftware and interiors. Their pretty little clothing stores are the perfect place to treat yourself and find beautiful gifts to take home.

Alternatively, at the top of the town, leave Wadebridge and head out towards the coast through tiny villages to reach an area of outstanding coastal scenery.

The village of Rock could hardly be less appropriately named as its popularity is largely due to the long stretches of fine sandy beaches washed by the tidal waters of the Camel estuary. Rightly acclaimed as one of the major water sports centres in Cornwall, sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, canoeing and rowing are all activities which can be carried on in the relatively calm waters of the estuary.

A village shop stocked with a superb selection of fine wines and cheeses gives a clue to the popularity of the place with wealthy city types and other well to do folk, including certain members of the Royal family. Rock is reputed to be the home of more millionaires than anywhere else in Cornwall with exclusive villas and apartments discretely hidden amongst the trees.

The Black Tor ferry runs from Rock to Padstow, on the other side of the estuary, all year round during daylight hours and there is a Water Taxi available for late night ‘revellers’.

Continue to Polzeath and you will discover a magnificent surfing beach known to be one of Cornwall’s finest. A surfer’s paradise, there is also breathtaking scenery of the cliffs from Pentire to Port Quin offering wonderful walking country. The vast Atlantic rollers pound this safe beach making ideal sport for surfers and has a vast expanse of sand ideal for children.