North Cornwall Part 2

Arriving with a half hour to spare before meeting up with family in Rock we raced around to Polzeath for a quick recce.

Polzeath

OK...racing round in Cornwall is probably not the most apt description - with the narrow roads, tight bends and steep hills -slightly more caution and a slower pace is required. We found out later in the week that it's especially interesting when you meet up with the local double decker buses!  

Polzeath looked a lovely little place. The pub called the Oystercatcher with its great views had been recommended to me and I tried to persuade my family to stop there for an early morning coffee/tea... but with family waiting for us in Rock we ran out of time :-(.

Back in Rock we drank in more of the views and did a little shopping in some of the boutiques or well known stores like Seasalt before just a tad bracing walk along Daymer Bay (think hairdryer on full blast all over your face.... on cold setting). Daymer Bay is gorgeous -  one of my favourite beaches down there for sure.

View from Rock

Daymer Bay

My Cousin enjoying a beach walk along Daymer Bay

For lunch we sheltered behind the harbour wall and picnicked on the beach, overlooking Padstow. 

Being typically British we tried to ignore the gale force wind for as long as possible and hoped the large patch of blue sky would reach us before long with the promise of warmer temperatures. But it was not to be and not wanting to develop hypothermia (!) we jumped back into the car and headed over to Port Isaac. 

This port is so picturesque - I loved it! I can see why they've made it a backdrop to the television series Doc Martin as it is scenery heaven. 

Port Isaac

Filming of Doc Martin

Filming was taking place during our visit and it was busy but fortunately someone had warned us of the huge volume of tourists that flock there to watch it. 

The runners of this television programme are utterly charming....I've no idea how they keep their patience. They must have to ask the public to move out the way a hundred times per day to make sure they are not in the shot but they do so with such good humour. 

So, (sigh) unfortunately we did not make it as extras  - I don't know why not - with our windswept hair - now looking like we'd been through hedges backwards and windburnt cheeks - we would have fitted right in with the characters of this comedy drama!

So, instead we enjoyed recognising all the places from the series....

Me outside Doc's surgery

Members of my family enjoying real Cornish ice creams whilst watching the filming in the distance. 

This is just one of the quaint cottages - look at its bowed wall! It is actually home to the prestigious fish restaurant Outlaws.

There is the option of a shuttle service to help you back to the car park, which is at the top of the long, steep hill and there is a rather helpful sign advertising its services.

With the sun finally making its appearance and the temperatures soaring we ended the day in the garden, with a nice cuppa and a good book.