We left plans for our end of summer bank holiday to the last minute. The weather forecast was calling for 25 degrees and sunshine. It was too perfect to not get out of the city and head for the sea. We began scouring the internet for places to go, when I stumbled upon an Airbnb Experience by Cornish Wave: a two-day getaway promising surf, sun and camping in Newquay, Cornwall. We were hooked, and 2 hours later, our holiday plans were booked. It was the perfect weekend getaway and exactly what we needed to recharge. Read on to learn more about the experience, as well as our favorite things to do in Newquay, Cornwall.
Things To Do In Newquay
1. Go Surfing in Newquay
Newquay is probably most well-known for their surfing. When you arrive in town, this is immediately apparent from the streets lined with surf schools. Large groups of eager surfers begin to hold up traffic, as they clumsily carry surf boards twice their size to the beach.
Dave and I have surfed a few times, and we’ve recently become pretty hooked. Whether you’ve never stepped foot on a surf board, or shred massive swells in your sleep, Cornish Wave has you covered. They provide lessons for every level, or you can just rent a board and wetsuit and get on with it.
2. Visit Fistral Beach
Fistral Beach is hands down the best beach we have been to in England. For starters, it is all sand! A rare contrast to the typical rock beaches found along most of the English coast.
Surf until you can’t feel your arms, and then pass out atop the sandy hill at the entrance to the beach for a panoramic view of Newquay’s coast.
3. Try Coasteering in Cornwall
Ever heard of Coasteering? Neither had we, but what an incredible way to see the coast of Newquay! Suited up in wet suits, trainers, helmets and life vests, we jumped off of the cliffs and into the crystal clear sea below. We swam all along the coast, winding through sea caves and traversing over the rocky bluffs. Around every corner we would exit the water, climb up another cliff, and jump back into the water to swim to the next spot. According to our guides at Cornish Wave, it is becoming a popular activity in Cornwall and Wales, and we are fully supportive!
4. Walk Along Towan Headland
If you’re not up for coasteering, we highly suggest walking along the Towan Headland. This is the area where we went coasteering. The views are special, and it’s an easy walk from town with plenty of walking paths and benches along the way.
5. Have a Cream Tea
A Cornish classic, the pairing of a pot of tea and a scone topped with clotted cream is quite divine. Not a big tea person? Too hot for tea? Tons of the shops sell clotted cream flavored ice cream. Yep, sign us up for a scoop.
One of our favorite restaurants we visited while in Newquay was the Harbour Rest Cafe. Lovely sandwiches, scones and tea, in addition to great service and top-notch English seaside cottage vibes.
6. Eat a Cornish Pasty
Cornwall is famous for pasties. Pronounced with a hard “a” like nasty, although they are the farthest thing from nasty. Similar to a hot pocket, but way better, they are traditionally filled with potatoes and beef. For our veggie lovers, they also have cheese and onion options.
We grabbed pasties for the road from a little street stand called South Quay Kitchen. Beware: after eating one of these bad boys, a nap will be necessary..
7. Explore the Newquay Surf Shops
Every other shop on Newquay’s high street is a surf shop. Our favorite was the MMW Store. Really well-curated, with a combo of homewares and men’s and women’s apparel. They’ll have you wanting to redesign your entire flat, and as a bonus you can enjoy an ice cold drink at their front porch tiki bar.
8. Drive the Cornish Backroads
Hands down one of my favorite parts about visiting Cornwall is driving the backroads. Narrow, winding, and often only one-way, these aren’t for the faint hearted. But boy are they beautiful. Lush walls of wildflowers and arching trees will have you feeling like you are tunneling through a fairytale. Crank the windows down and music all the way up.
9. Sample Newquay Cafes
Amongst the surf shops are some of the best cafes we’ve been to in a while. Head to Fore Street Cafe Bar for an amazing smoothie bowl, overflowing with fresh fruit. They also have tons of seating, so you can nestle in and enjoy a coffee while you’re at it. Across the road is Pavillion, famous for their pastries and breads. A good on the go option. Lastly, check out Box & Barber Coffeehouse. Cool-kid coffee vibes and brunch options that nearly all come with half an avocado. We aren’t complaining.
10. Camp in the Cornish Countryside on an Adventure Weekend with Cornish Wave
After spending the day in the sun and sand, why not retire to a dairy farm campground in the Cornish countryside? Jey and the team at Cornish Wave have outdone themselves again. With any of their Adventure Weekends, you can spend the night on their campground.
Nestled in the woods, they’ve set up the perfect oasis to disconnect and relax. Prepare dinner on the barbecue, cozy up around the campfire with a nice big glass of red wine, and retire to your airbed in a white canvas bell tent. Kitted out with an activity area including axe throwing, jenga, and tight-roping, this place ticked all the boxes.
With Cornish Wave’s adventure weekends, you can choose your activities from surfing and coasteering, yoga, or just camping. Either way, you can’t go wrong! Book your weekend here, and be sure to let us know if and when you do!
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