Luxury self-catering accommodation in Trebarwith Strand

This unspoilt piece of coast shelters between the soaring cliffs of a hidden north Cornwall valley, flanked by flower-clad fields and the crumbling ruins of Tintagel Castle. Arrive at high tide and discover the beach fully covered but wait for the sea to draw back and watch the sand emerge to almost two miles of soft, golden strand. At low tide, shallow rockpools and echoing caves entertain the imaginations of children, while flat rocks bake in the sun and make ideal sunbathing spots for beach bunnies here to watch the surfers. It’s mainly locals here. In the summer, families flock towards Rock and Polzeath, or Port Issac further down the coast for its Doc Martin fame and celebrity-run fish restaurants.

Landmarked by the imposing Gull Rock, Trebarwith’s rugged seascape is impossibly photogenic. The dog-friendly Port William Inn nestles on the cliffside, teeming in summer as patrons spill onto the wooden tables outside to watch the sunset. Two miles north along the steep beach road lies the mystical village of Tintagel; home to the legendary spectre of King Arthur. A busier spot than secluded Trebarwith Strand, Tintagel is famed for its romantic 13th century castle ruins teetering precariously above the cliffs. Here you’ll find ice cream parlours, gift shops filled with crystals and Celtic fiddler music floating from pubs, but if it’s authentic north Cornwall charm you’re after, stick to Trebarwith Strand.