Some might say I am biased having visited Newquay in Cornwall for all 36 years of my life but I truly believe it is the perfect holiday destination. An Atlantic beach town with real soul, here are five reasons to put Newquay on your ‘must visit’ list.
1. A bevy of stylish stays
I have travelled to Newquay in every phase of my own life – as a child, teenager, working, holidaying with friends and dating in my 20s and now as a mum myself. Its position on the edge of the Atlantic means it is perennially beautiful but the town offers something for everyone. Accommodation options span a wide range of generational needs from family focussed Watergate Bay and Esplanade Hotel, to modern couples retreats like Fistral Beach Hotel and the Scarlet or iconic grand dames like The Headland Hotel. The town also doesn’t sleep on itself, frequently upgrading its offering. The re-opening of Sea Space – previously the Sands Hotel (which is now part of the Watergate Bay group) is extremely exciting – with a Wes Anderson style pool and family chalet accommodation, it’s definitely one to watch.
2. An easy Cornish spot to reach
Unique to the rest of Cornwall, Newquay has an airport serviced by 12 UK airports and can also be reached by rail. The train journey from London Paddington trails miles of the Devon coast, which I personally love, but the ease of being able to fly is a huge selling point. It’s also a great gateway to the rest of Cornwall, perched halfway down the West Coast popular Cornish hotspots like St Ives and Padstow can be reached in around 45 minutes by car.
3. It’s foodie heaven
One thing 30-something me is particularly delighted by is how Newquay has levelled up its foodie offering. I remember the days when a Cornish pasty was the culinary peak (NOT to be discounted by the way, this is more a comment on variety), but now the town is punching above its weight for the discerning diner. East Londoners will be comforted by the sight of being able to grab their morning pastry and coffee from Pavilion Bakery, but I would also politely nudge them towards Fore Street Cafe opposite where the brunch is generous and quite frankly, banging. The Miso Mushrooms on toast were a highlight. Make lunchtime a true seaside affair and head to Rick Steins Fish & Chips or Mussel Shoal for the catch of the day. If you’re looking for something a little special at dinner, Dune restaurant offers great bistro dining with a side dish of Fistral Beach views. For something a little more casual, The Bottle offers both charcuterie and wine that will hit the spot after a long beach day.
4. A wellness hotspot
Synonymous with surfing for decades, Newquay has extended its wellness offering both in and out of the Atlantic waves which for me cements its all-age appeal. One of the best surfing spots in the UK, I highly recommend trying your hand at riding the waves with Quiksilver Surf School. Water sports don’t end there and you can also try your hand at Stand-Up Paddleboarding and Coasteering along this wild but stunning stretch of English coastline. If you prefer gentler pursuits, pony-trekking along the Gannel is a great way to explore the coastline without getting wet! On my most recent trip, I leaned in to the extensive yoga offering – if ‘happy baby’ is more your style try Lotus Cornwall, Yoga Garden or on summer days you can do yoga on the sand with Oceanflow. On the self-care end of the wellness spectrum, Fistral Spa and the Spa at Scarlet are holistic havens where you can top up your battery.
5. The very best of UK beaches
I couldn’t sign off without a word to the beaches in this part of Cornwall, which are plentiful, accessible and gorgeous. My personal favourite is Crantock Beach, a sandy, dune beach unique for its tidal river which maximises the play space for young people. I only have the happiest memories from this stretch of coastline. Fistral Beach is famous for a reason, watch the many surfers come and go from your plot on this huge and picturesque stretch of sand. More little known spots such as Polly Joke and Holywell Bay also deserve a mention – secluded and charming and perfect for a long-sunny day. Polly Joke is particularly striking in June, when the nearby fields are a carpet of red poppies.
So there you have it, my love letter to a place that has made me happy my whole life. I hope you love it too.
That Holiday Mum x