Baby Bay, Polzeath: a hidden cove near Rock
Polzeath's main beach is a great place to be in summer, and a busy one. Just around the headland is something quieter: Baby Bay, a small sandy cove whose proper name is Pentireglaze Haven, only a short walk from the surf and the cafés.
We look after TREALLEN ROCK, a luxury holiday house in Rock, Cornwall, UK that sleeps six, and Polzeath is only 8 minutes' drive away. Baby Bay is one of the places we point guests towards when they want the Polzeath coast without the crowds, so this guide covers how to find it, when to go and what to watch for.
A note on the details: tides and access change, and some of the information below comes from visitor guides, so please check the tide times and any notices before you go.
What Baby Bay is like
The beach
Baby Bay is a small, sandy, letterbox-shaped cove, tucked between the headland at Pentire Point and the rocky platform at New Polzeath. At high tide it is a cove of its own. At low tide it joins the larger sand of Polzeath beach, so the same walk can feel very different depending on the tide.
The water
The headland gives it more shelter than Polzeath, though it is still open to Atlantic swell from the west. That makes it a good spot for a paddle and for rock pooling at low tide. Lifeguards cover Polzeath beach in high season, but we haven't found any mention of lifeguards at Baby Bay itself, so take extra care in the water. For surf lessons and board hire, see our beginner's guide to surfing Polzeath.
The coast path
Baby Bay sits on a lovely circular route. The National Trust's Pentire and Baby Bay walk is about 3.2 miles and takes roughly 2.5 hours, starting at the Pentireglaze car park near New Polzeath and passing Pentire Point. It is a moderate walk, with uneven, sometimes muddy paths, steep slopes, steps and unfenced clifftops, so wear sturdy shoes. You may see seals and dolphins from the cliffs, and views run across Padstow Bay and the Camel Estuary. For a longer walk from our door, see our Rock to Polzeath walk.
The light
The coast faces west, so evenings are the time to come. Check the tide first, as the bay is cut off from Polzeath at high water. For more evening views, see our guide to sunset spots near Rock.
Getting there & tides
By car: about 8 minutes from TREALLEN ROCK to Polzeath. The Pentireglaze car park near New Polzeath is the start of the National Trust walk, with toilets and a café beside it. Parking in Polzeath is busy in summer, so allow extra time.
On foot: follow the coast path from New Polzeath, or walk from Rock along the route in our Rock to Polzeath walk and carry on.
The tide: Baby Bay is cut off from Polzeath at high water and joins it at low tide. Check the tide times for Padstow before you set off, and don't get caught on the rocks.
Cattle and sheep: they graze the headland, so close gates behind you.
Lifeguards: they cover Polzeath beach in high season, but we haven't found any at Baby Bay itself, so take care in the water.
Where to stay
TREALLEN ROCK is a luxury holiday house in Rock that sleeps six across three double bedrooms, 8 minutes' drive from Polzeath. It has a games room and a west-facing garden, every stay includes a Cornish welcome hamper, and the hot tub runs in July and August. It is a pet free property, so guests with dogs will want to bear that in mind. For more ideas, see our guides to the best beaches near Rock and eating out in Polzeath.
To check dates, book direct.
FAQs
What is Baby Bay? The local name for Pentireglaze Haven, a small sandy cove next to Polzeath beach.
How do I get to Baby Bay? On foot along the coast path from New Polzeath, or by the National Trust circular walk from the Pentireglaze car park.
Is Baby Bay cut off at high tide? Yes. At high tide it is a cove of its own, and at low tide it joins Polzeath beach, so check the tide before you go.
How many guests does TREALLEN ROCK sleep? Six, across three double bedrooms, one with en-suite.
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