I traveled to England in September of 2007 and was surprised to discover a hidden treasure deep inside of Cornwall, a tiny village nuzzled cozily near the craggy coast of the Atlantic ocean. Charming does not adequately describe this little place, better known as Polzeath, scattered with pristine white cottages overlooking a beautiful sandy beach edged with a combination of black rock, greenery and traditional English gardens. The locals and the patrons could not be more diverse. Residents of Polzeath are mostly farmers and visitors range anywhere from surfers to British royalty.
Wait… did you just say surfers…. in England? Yes, that’s right. The Daymer beach centrally located in Polzeath, is one of the top destinations in England for catching some great waves. It also holds many of the country’s top surfing competitions. You can even take surfing classes at the Surf’s Up! Surf School. For only 25 pounds you can enjoy a beginner’s lesson complete with a surf board rental and wetsuit (much needed in the frigid waters of England). You even camp out right on the beach with the rest of the surf culture at Robbie’s Campground.
When you are famished from your afternoon wave-riding, head to the Beach Side Cafe and pick up some traditional Cornish pasties or the ever-popular fish and chips. Cornwall is also the dairy region of England and is a superb place to buy some fantastic homemade ice cream. Enjoy the surf-wear shops such as Ann’s Surf Shop which prides itself in the latest beach wear.
If you are in England and are growing tired of the ever- fussy, European culture, head over to Polzeath, Cornwall for some surprising English fun-in-the-sun.
