September sessions

September really is the ideal time to take to the waves as the sea temperatures are much less teeth-chattering and the quieter waters provide a relaxing environment to learn or improve your surfing. Polzeath is one of the best surfing beaches in Cornwall and here you can hire everything you need and take lessons with local surf schools Wavehunters or George's Surf School.

For a memorable day out catch the ferry from Rock beach across the calm waters of the Camel Estuary to the harbour town of Padstow. Here you can browse the shops and dangle your legs over the harbour wall as you sample the finest in local fish and chips and ice-cream. For a longer walk take the scenic footpath that rises above the estuary along to Tregirls Beach and Hawker's Cove.

Your dog is going to love a holiday on the North Cornish coast as much as you! Out of season, all the beaches are dog-friendly and your four-legged friend will enjoy exploring the coast paths and splashing in the water. You will also be spoilt for choice for dog-friendly eateries.

For lovers of walking and the great outdoors, you will be in the right place here with miles of scenic coastal paths to choose from. Join the South West Coast Path at Rock and it will take you along to the golden sands of Daymer Bay, past the crashing surf of Polzeath, up to the dizzying heights of Pentire Point, past The 'rugged' Rumps, Lundy Bay and Port Quin and along to the pretty fishing village of Port Isaac.

A September escape wouldn't be complete without an evening on the beach wave watching with steaming cups of hot chocolate. Baby Bay is a personal favourite as it is both sheltered and quiet, not to mention, rather beautiful. You can find Baby Bay just along from Polzeath Beach. At low tide the two beaches join up or at low tide you can reach Baby Bay from New Polzeath.

Here in North Cornwall we're particularly spoilt with a whole host of west-facing beaches and headlands; meaning that when you come to Cornwall you will be able to enjoy some of the most spectacular sunsets in the country. Our favourite places to enjoy the peaceful hour before the sun dips below the water and nightfall sets in include Polzeath Beach, The Rumps and Greenaway.

From pubs bursting with character to restaurants run by the best chefs in the country; foodies will be in heaven. September's a fantastic time to try out the various eateries without having to book so far in advance. For a small village, Port Isaac is bursting with culinary delights. Head to Nathan Outlaw's Fish Kitchen for an intimate dining experience or to Port Gaverne, home to one of our favourite pubs.

However you enjoy the water, enjoy it to the full this September. Surrounded by some of the best water sports locations in Cornwall, you will be spoilt for choice. It doesn’t matter if you’re a total beginner or a seasoned pro; being on holiday is all about embracing freedom and trying something new. Choose from bodyboarding, paddleboarding, coasteering, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing or kitesurfing.

Located just across the water from Rock lies the famous Rick Stein's Cookery School. Courses on offer cover everything from Indian to Seafood and Italian to Mexican. Leave the car keys at home and take the ferry from Rock, that way you can enjoy the numerous offerings of wine!

Mix it up with a land-based day and hit the Camel Trail. Winding its way through 18 miles of countryside, the Camel Trail tracks a disused railway line through the Camel Valley. Choose from a beautiful estuary route from Wadebridge to Padstow or a dappled woodland route along to the Camel Valley Vineyard. You can easily hire bikes from the various bike hire shops in Wadebridge.