It’s the time of year when memories of sun soaked beaches become all the more fond.
As we endure plummeting temperatures it’s only natural to crave the summer and beautiful sands.
And one stunning seaside resort is just as gorgeous in the winter as it is in warmer months, and boasts many fans, including former PM David Cameron and late Poet Laureate, Sir John Betjeman.
In fact, Lord Cameron has enjoyed bodyboarding on his family’s annual holiday to the West Country – and has even been spotted wearing a shortie wetsuit and taking to the waves at Polzeath.
He’s not the only Polzeath fan. Visit Cornwall, a website dedicated to promoting the area, explained more calling it “haven for surfers”, with a sterling reputation as a place to catch a decent wave.
It also has a pretty posh reputation. In fact it’s so posh that it’s become famous with the private school set – and things are starting to get a little bit out of hand due to its popularity.
Cornwall Live reported in the summer that a trio of beach rangers had been patrolling the stretch and cracking down on “booze-swigging posh kids” who descend on the town each summer.
A London teenager writing for The Times claimed there wasn’t a “private school kid” that hadn’t heard about what goes on in Polzeath and described seeing drug dealers from the capital selling weed, ketamine and cocaine as well as “totally mental” gatherings.
However, its upmarket reputation lives on, with hundreds of people who adore the beach taking to travel website Trip Advisor to talk about their experiences.
The most popular thing to do in the area according to the site is a circular walk on the twin headlands of The Rumps, around Pentire Point where the poem “For the Fallen” was composed, before trekking onto the sandy beach at Polzeath.
One said: “This is a great beach with ample parking on the hillsides and on the beach itself.” They added that “the surf is marvellous” and that they “loved it”.
Another said: “We absolutely love Polzeath beach. It is stunning and the sea is beautiful and clean.”
What visit to the seaside is complete without tucking into fish and chips? There are some chippies with great reputations here too – including TJ’s Surf Shop, Kitchen & Bar and Oystercatcher.
