Things to Do In North Cornwall

We just got back from an amazing trip to Cornwall, England. It was a special trip as we were there to celebrate our nephew’s wedding. I asked on Instagram if you wanted to see our trip and it was a resounding yes! So here’s Things to do in North Cornwall!

I know 10 days sounds like a long time but Thursday night we flew at 10:30pm which meant we arrived at 10:30am Friday into Heathrow and we spent 8 hours driving to Cornwall. It usually takes about 5 hours, but it was a Bank Holiday Weekend so we hit loads of traffic and it took some time to find a charging port and to charge the electric car we hired. Our last day was also a travel day. So we had a week to spend time with family, which was wonderful and we also played tourists. Usually when we visit we go to all our favorite places but this time we did so many things for the first time.

You may remember we went over last March for another nephew’s wedding which was amazing. You can see highlights from that trip here.

I said it before, but I’ll say it again. Cornwall is a very very special place. Our family is there, it’s where we married, and on a sunny day I think it truly is the most beautiful place. Ready to see Things to do in North Cornwall?

Things to Do in North Cornwall

Cornwall is the southern most county in England and North Cornwall boarders Devon. This area is known for beautiful beaches, farming, and historic homes. Luke’s mom lives in Delabole and we stayed at her home as we did on our last trip. I think it’s easiest for me to share the things we did chronologically.

The Wedding

The wedding was the very first day and what an amazing way to start our trip celebrating Joe and Louise, a beautiful and kind couple. We’re so excited for them!

Thankfully, the weather cooperated despite the forecast of thunder showers. They had lovely sunshine! The wedding was at Launcells Barton in Bude, it’s a working farm with such gorgeous buildings and landscaping.

The wedding was inside a beautiful stone building and then there was Pimm’s and passed appetizers while photos were happening.

After photos we sat down for charcuterie and homemade bread and then a roast beef dinner. Dancing, cake, and pasties followed into the evening. Truly a beautiful wedding and I was ready to move into the house the bridal party stayed in. Look at these gardens:

Many people are asking about the source for my dress, so thought I’d share it! It’s so comfortable and has pockets!

Tintagel Castle

We went with most of the family to Tintagel.

From the 5th to the 7th Century AD this castle was a stronghold and probably the residence for the rulers of Cornwall. Half built on the mainland and the rugged headland. The castle is now a ruin but there are beautiful walking trails overlooking steep cliffsides. People who don’t like heights may not like this attraction but we really enjoyed walking and taking in the views.

The legend of King Arthur has become intertwined with Tintagel Castle. Jim, Luke’s brother, got an amazing photo of the statue while we were visiting.

After touring the castle we strolled around Tintagel. We had pasties at The Cornish Bakery. They were wonderful. John had a chicken marsala one which was amazing. We popped into a pub and I also got some Cornishware egg cups at Tintagel House Gifts, what a cute gift shop!

Sea View Farm

Sea View Farm Shop is a working farm and has a lovely restaurant inside with stunning views of the ocean, the countryside, Port Isaac, and smuggler’s coast. When we arrived the building was shrouded in a sea mist and you couldn’t see the beautiful views but it cleared while we were eating lunch. We met Luke’s family there and the restaurant has long tables so is a great space for accomodating a large party.

I enjoyed the Ploughman’s Salad and it was fanastic. Lovely picallily salad, and creamy cheeses. It was fun to finally try Cornish Yarg – a harder cheese that is wrapped in nettles. We first heard about it on Escape to the Country and have wanted to try it.

Summerleaze Beach

We met one of Luke’s brothers and his family at Summerleaze Beach. It was our first time there. Summerleaze is in Bude and it’s long beach filled with swimmers and surfers. The parking lot was very large and can accommodate many people.

When we first got there it wasn’t looking like a beach day so we decided to go on a long walk. Pretty colorful beach huts line the walkway.

The weather ended up clearing an it was beautiful. Look at these views:

More “hidden beaches” were dotted along these trails. They were so cute. We also walked up that zig-zagging path. I’d love to go back to this beach and spend an entire day there.

We walked back to the main beach after going on the trails and Summerleaze has a beautiful pool that fills with saltwater. It was very cold but the boys and their cousins went in.

I’ve never seen a pool fed by the sea before. It was really neat! We warmed up in a nearby pub after.

Delabole Walking Trails

As you know, we love to walk and enjoy walking most days at home. We enjoyed the many walking paths around Luke’s mom’s home. One morning we walked around the Delabole Slate Quarry and another day we did different trails. This was along a road and I loved the view, a similar view to the Seaview Farm.

On one of the trails we stumbled on this abandoned house and thought it would make such a great home or B&B / Studio space.

Isn’t it sweet? Please tell me I’m not the only one who could see potential here!

Wadebridge

Wadebridge is a neighboring town of Delabole and it really is sweet! Loads of restaurants and cute shops. We actually went there twice. So I’ll combined the trips.

Conor really LOVES the history of the wars and anything with military. There is a shop called The Bunker and it is Conor’s heaven. It was his birthday whilst we were away and we told him his gift would be some things from the shop.

Conor tried on everything. He spent hours in there! Here’s a peek inside the shop. He was trying on a backpack but he got another one.

Here’s some of the things he ended up getting:

While Conor was trying to decide his “wish list” John and I went into charity shops and antique stores. We had so much fun strolling around.

A day in Wadebridge wouldn’t be complete without a stop for a pasty. I had a cocktail size cheese and onion, but Luke and the boys got traditional ones. We love the pasties at Malcolm Barnecutts.

Duchy of Cornwall Nursery

(This technically is not North Cornwall – but Restormel)

We brought Luke’s mom to the Duchy of Cornwall Nursery in Lostwithiel last time but on this occasion we went for lunch with more family and we made a day of it! Last time we went was March so it looked completely different on this visit. So many flowers were in bloom! The Duchy of Cornwall Nursery is also a restaurant and has many walking trails.

It really is quite beautiful and I feel as if I could just move into the nursery and cafe. I took so many photos but I think you’ll all appreciate this space tremendously.

We began our visit with a lovely lunch. The boys both had fried fish sandwiches. Luke enjoyed the Croque Madame:

Stunning presentation and delicious food. All such fresh ingredients.

I had the Levantine Bowl and loved all the salads. I wrapped up the leftovers and had that for dinner.

We ate on the terrace over looking the countryside. I couldn’t help but notice the green willow Cornishware. Doesn’t Luke’s cappuccino look delicious in it?

After lunch we decided we needed to “walk off” all the food we enjoyed!

Doesn’t this wood look like something out of a fairytale?

In the distance you can see Restormel Castle.

Whilst walking we passed the Duchy of Cornwall Estate. William and Kate will stay here when visiting:

It was fun to see the little cottages too.

After our walk we returned to the nursery and shop. Want a peek?

I was tempted by the Cornishware they had. Isn’t the green willow really pretty?

I was so close to buying some but decided I wanted to stick with the blue and white that I’m already collecting. You can read more about my Cornishware Collection here.

Everything is so beautiful at this nursery, shop, and restaurant that one feels very relaxed in the space.

Camel Valley Winery

You may be surprised that Cornwall has a vineyard. Grapes actually grow really well here! Camel Valley Winery is a family owned vineyard and has been running since 1989. This was our first visit there. We enjoyed a tour and then a tasting on the terrace.

The story of the vineyard is remarkable. A husband and wife bought the farmland and decided to plant some grapes as en experiment.

The wine is endorsed by the Royal Family and has won many awards. We found the wine making process extremely interesting and loved learning more about creating the brut, or sparkling wines.

We tasted four wines as part of the tour:

• 2020 Cornwall Brut
• 2019 Pinot Noir Rosé Brut
• 2022 Bacchus Dry
• 2022 Pinot Noir Rosé

Our favorite was the Pinot Noir Rosé Brut.

For Conor’s Birthday

Conor’s birthday was our very last day in Cornwall. All week the forecast said rain BUT he had brilliant sunshine! We started the day by going back to The Bunker. He wanted a belt and patches.

Then it was onto Go Karting at St Eval. St Eval Kart Circuit is Cornwall’s largest circuit. I opted to be the paparazi but loved watching them race around the track.

They did two sessions and you can see them all in this photo below:

Conor came in 4th on the first race.

Next up was the Cornwall at War Museum and he found it fascinating. They have so much there. We saw planes, tanks, watched videos and heard stories, saw uniforms, and guns, and went in a bunker.

His Birthday Dinner was at the White Hart in Saint Teath. This isn’t too far from where Luke grew up.

It is your quintessential pub and we have wonderful memories of coming here with my parents and the rest of Luke’s family.

On this occasion we sat in a little snug and had semi private room.

I ordered the fish and chips and it’s just the BEST in England. Nothing in the US comes close!

Conor had a brilliant birthday!

Heading Home

Well, the next day we got up early and made our way back to London’s Heathrow. Are you still reading along? I realize this was a long post.

As of right now, we aren’t sure when we’ll next be over in the UK or what our next family trip will be. This visit was so special and we feel really lucky that we got to spend so much time with family. That really was our favorite part.

More Visits to England

• Visiting Cornwall
• A Farmhouse In Devon
• The Cornish Countryside
• Windsor Castle
• Visiting London with Kids

Let’s Keep in Touch

Did you enjoy this post? If so, let me know! Do you have favorites in North Cornwall? If so, leave them in the comments!

Let’s stay in touch! Join our newsletter for access to exclusive content, our favorite projects, easy recipes, and fun tutorials. You’ll receive the best design secrets delivered directly to your inbox! Sign Up Here!