A long weekend at Pentyak in Harlyn Bay

Waves, wine and wonderful views

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion with friends, bringing family together or simply craving some time by the sea, a long weekend in Cornwall promises to soothe the soul. Now with a brand new yoga annexe and landscaped garden, an out of season break at Pentyak could be just what you need.

The ultimate home for a luxurious long weekend this winter, spend unforgettable days overlooking coast and countryside above Harlyn Bay. Just as tempting in the quieter months, have the whole beach to yourself, be the first to try new winter menus, and while away days at one of our most-loved properties. We’ve put together an itinerary for a long weekend at Pentyak, featuring recommendations on what to see and do across Cornwall’s north coast.

Friday afternoon

Above: Pentyak's living area, indoor slide, sea view-kitchen, garden at dusk, wood burner, and fire pit

Arrive, unpack and take in the view. Once the children have zipped down the slide and everyone’s claimed one of the five bedrooms, there’s only one way to spend your first night in Cornwall – and that’s on the beach. Wrap up warm and head straight to Harlyn Bay to watch the sun set over the sand.

As temperatures start to fall, jump in the car and stop off at Embers in Padstow for freshly made wood fired pizzas to takeaway. Enjoy the first meal of your holiday gathered around the dining table at Pentyak as the evening draws in. After dinner, little ones will love cosying up with a film in the den, while the grown-ups clink glasses by the fire.

Saturday morning

Start off the day with an early morning surf lesson. Though you can expect a nip in the air, Cornwall’s waters are still fairly warm at this time of year, and definitely worth braving through winter. Offering tailored tuition for kayaking, coasteering, surfing and SUP, Harlyn Surf School are the best people around if you’re hoping to take to the water. Slip on your wetsuit, choose from a group lesson or one-to-one coaching, and you’ll be tackling your first wave in no time.

Its rolling white horses make Harlyn a great beach for watersports, while dogs can run year-round along the golden sand. Bring the whole family together with a multi-generational morning in the water or book the kids in for a lesson to tire them out before lunch. If it's chily, we recommend meeting them on the beach with hot chocolate in hand for an after-surf pick-me-up.

Saturday afternoon 

Above: Pentyak's bedroom five, garden, master bedroom, sea views, yoga annexe and bedroom two.

Break away from the group with a day at the spa or a few rounds on the green. With so many award-winning spas and golf courses dotted along the north coast, Cornwall is bursting with fantastic weekend activities. Less than 20 minutes away by car, treat yourself to a day at Bedruthan or The Scarlet Spas in Mawgan Porth. Both offering heart-melting views over the Atlantic, you’ll feel refreshed in no time, as the stormy waves roll in.

A little further along the coast, you’ll find the Cowshed Spa in Rock, Retallack Resort near Newquay and top to toe pampering at Crantock Bay. Or if you’d prefer a spa day from the comfort of your holiday home, we can arrange in-house treatments for you at Pentyak – just speak to our concierge team and leave the details to us.

If golf is more your thing, we recommend spending your Saturday at one of Cornwall’s renowned courses. St Enodoc’s two courses overlook the Camel Estuary in Rock, while Trevose Golf and Country Club enjoys breath-taking sea views and some of the finest links in the county.

Saturday evening 

Whether you’ve indulged in some much-needed rest and relaxation or soaked up the view with a round of golf, an evening meal is the perfect way to bring everyone together. As part of your holiday booking, our Concierge team are on hand to recommend the best private chefs around. One of our favourites is Chef Fiona, who's cooked at Pentyak for lots of our guests over the years.

If you're dining out, there's a great mix of foodie options on your doorstep, including The Pig and Duchy Grub, which are both in Harlyn Bay itself. Rafferty’s is just around the corner in St Merryn, and Nathan Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen in Port Isaac is also popular.

For fine dining and supper with a view, we recommend heading to Padstow. Just a short drive from Pentyak, you’ll find Caffè Rojano, Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant and Paul Ainsworth’s Number 6, all not far from the harbour. For a wholesome evening menu, book a table at Greens – it's complete with hillside mini golf that the children will love.

Sunday morning 

Above: Pentyak's annexe.

Sundays are made for relaxing, and Pentyak's brand new annexe is the perfect spot for just that. Tiptoe down to the edge of the garden while the rest of the group wakes up, pour yourself a steaming mug of coffee, and hunker down in the window seat. The sea views from here are mesmerizing, and being away from the hubbub of the main house means you can truly soak them up. Or, if yoga's more your thing, invite one of Cornwall's favourite yoga instructors to host an in-house class. With mats and blocks provided, it's easy to slide open the glass doors and start the morning with sun salutations.

For long walks by the sea, in North Cornwall, you’re spoilt for choice. After a lazy morning with breakfast in bed, pull on your walking boots and explore the surrounding Seven Bays. The nearby beaches of Trevone, Mother Ivey’s and Constantine are some of the most popular and family-friendly on the north coast, and just as tempting on a crisp winter’s day as in the height of the Cornish summer. All the more perfect with a four-legged friend by your side, pack a pasty and a flask of something warm before setting off along the coast path. 

Sunday afternoon

A holiday to Cornwall isn’t compete without sampling a taste of local wine. A lovely day trip and less than 15 minutes away by car, Trevibban Mill is an award-winning vineyard and winery with magnificent views across St Issey Valley. Enjoy a glass of wine or cider overlooking the vines, or let us arrange a tour and tasting to help you celebrate a special occasion. With fresh bread, olives, cheese and charcuterie providing the perfect accompaniment to an afternoon tipple, a drink at the bar comes highly recommended.

If the weather’s not looking too tempting, gather around the bar with friends at Pentyak as a Cornish wine expert talks you through the county’s finest fizz. An extra special way to discover your favourite red, white or sparkling, we can arrange in-house wine tastings from the comfort of your holiday home. As the fire flickers and the waves roll in on the horizon, you’ll be feeling warm and merry in no time.

Monday morning 

It’s time to head home. With bags reluctantly packed and lifelong memories made, depart Pentyak feeling relaxed and refreshed. We recommend waking early and going all out with an indulgent family breakfast if the morning breeze allows. Tire out the kids with one last morning in the treehouse and a quick bounce on the trampoline, before waving Pentyak goodbye until next time.

To secure a short break of your own at Pentyak and for more information, click here or call 01208 895 570. Ideally situated for fine dining experiences, surfing retreats and stormy stomps along the coast path, it’s a magical home to while away the days no matter the time of year.

Image credits: all images are our own or sourced from Unsplash.