If you think one beach in North Cornwall is much like the next then think again in the space of a few hundred metres you can go from lively surf to a sheltered, windless cove, to rock-pools, to dunes, to dog-friendly, to boat-friendly and back again to typical Atlantic. There could hardly, in short, be a better base for a beach holiday in Cornwall.

Rock Beach is a long, sandy beach on the east of the Camel Estuary with extensive sand dunes and no restrictions on dogs, making Rock ideal for a dog-friendly holiday in Cornwall.

Daymer Bay, between Rock and Polzeath, is sheltered, with rockpools and quiet, gentle waters. There are several ways to get there, involving a few steps down from the Daymer Bay car park, or walking round the coast path from Trebetherick. At low tide, you can walk on sandy expanses that reach all the way from Rock.

Polzeath Beach is large and popular, almost as deep as it is wide, at low tide. There's easy, level access from the car park at the top of the beach, and, in addition to its often excellent surfing, there's plenty for keen rockpoolers, too, whether at Pentireglaze Haven, a cove towards the north of the beach, or in the pools along both sides. Its prestigious blue flag speaks volumes for the water's quality, there are life guards there every day and, with wetsuits, surf boards and body boards available for hire (and lessons for all levels), it's a fantastic - and versatile - place for a great beach holiday in Cornwall.

Lundy Bay, to the right of Polzeath Beach, offers an alternative venue to Polzeath. Lundy Bay, like Trebarwith Strand,  is tidal!  From Trevan House, one of Latitude 50's classic holiday cottages in North Cornwall, you can view surfers below the house at Lundy, http://www.latitude50.co.uk/our-cottages/polzeath-holiday-cottages/trevan-house .

Trebarwith Strand is a little nearer to Tintagel and also very popular. Make sure, however, you're up to speed with the tide times, it's a tidal beach and you wouldn't want to get caught out. Buggies and wheelchairs, by the way, won't manage to get to this one as you need to climb across rocks, but those who do make it will be amply rewarded …