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BLOG, DESTINATIONS, ENGLAND, EUROPE · September 8, 2019

Things To Do In Newquay – A Weekend in Cornwall


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-2
Photo by Cornish Wave

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.


Surfing_In_Newquay
Photo by Cornish Wave

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.


Fistral_Beach
Photo by Cornish Wave

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!


Coasteering_in_Cornwall


Coasteering_in_Cornwall-2
Photos By Cornish Wave

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. 

Harbour_Rest_Cafe_Newquay
Harbour_Rest_Cafe_Newquay-2

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.

Cornish_Wave_Wild_Camp_Backroad

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. 

Pavillion_Newquay
Fore_Street_Cafe_Newquay

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.


Cornish_Wave_Wild_Camp

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Cornish_Wave_Wild_Camp_2
Cornish_Wave_Wild_Camp_K&D
Cornish_Wave_Wild_Camp-5

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!

Things_To_Do_Newquay_Pinterest
Things_To_Do_Newquay_Pinterest-3
Things_To_Do_Newquay_Pinterest-2


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All aboard… The train from Kandy to Ella in Sri All aboard…

The train from Kandy to Ella in Sri Lanka! This 7 hour train journey transports you from the chaotic city streets of Kandy to the misty mountain tops of Ella. 

It is known as one of the most picturesque train journeys in the world. So does it live up to the hype? Is it worth the 7 hour ride? 

To me, yes, yes, 100% yes. Especially when tickets can be less than $5 USD…After reading tons of guides & then experiencing the train myself, a few tips for your trip:

🎟️ Buy reserved tickets in advance. This will help ensure you have a seat & don’t have to elbow your way for one. You can do so online or at the train station. Online tickets go on sale a month before and sell out quickly! If you buy from the train station, go a day or two in advance of your desired trip date.
⏰ Try to avoid weekends. This is a very very busy train for locals & tourists alike. Book the blue Express train, otherwise this journey will take even longer than 7 hours lol. 
🚂 Choose seats in 2nd or 3rd class, ideally next to a window. In these classes they have open windows & doors where you can get the full experience (& views) to peak out of. If you choose to hang your body, arm, leg, etc out of the train, you do so at your own risk! Don’t be dumb…
📸 Best views are on the right side of the train up to Nanu Oya. After that, best views are on the left side. Aka views are amazing on both sides! You can also move freely around the carriage, so don’t stress it. 

Last tip, enjoy!!! Take it all in. With your eyes, not just your phone & camera 😏. This is by far the best train ride I’ve experienced to date.
Kandy to Ella in Sri Lanka is rumored to be one of Kandy to Ella in Sri Lanka is rumored to be one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. 

The train ride is around 7 hours total - zipping past swirling green tea hills, tiny rural towns, rushing waterfalls & colorful stations. 

7 hours might sound like a lot, but I can honestly say, I never found myself bored. Quite the opposite! I was glued to the window (or open doorway 🫠) for fear of missing a single moment. 

As you might have noticed, this train has open windows & doorways that passengers can peak out of. Would you (safely!) give it a try?
If you’re a plant lover like me, you need to add If you’re a plant lover like me, you need to add the Square Peg Hotel in Kandy, Sri Lanka to your bucket list! 

Potted plants overflow from the hotel’s windows and walls, intertwining with trees along its edges, giving the hotel a captivating, post-apocalyptic charm. In the best way..

Square Peg offers a calm oasis overlooking the rowdy city of Kandy just below. The views & this property exceeded our expectations in every way! 🌿
Postcards from Kandy, Sri Lanka. A city equal part Postcards from Kandy, Sri Lanka. A city equal parts chaotic, vibrant & sacred. A city full of competing sounds - cawing crows, bleating tuk tuks, thrumming drums & whining brass horns. A city I had low expectations for, but left wishing I had more time. 

We stopped over in Kandy to take the famous Kandy to Ella train (more on this later!) & were glad to have some time to explore the city, albeit short. Here’s a mini 24 hour guide to Kandy:

DO // At the center of the city is Kandy Lake. Leisurely wander through town taking in the sights along the way. Next to the lake is the Kandyan Cultural Center where you can experience a traditional Kandyan dance performance. After the performance, head next door to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most important Buddhist sites in the world. 

STAY // The Square Peg Hotel was an oasis overlooking the city. In addition to the incredible views, they also have a gorgeous rooftop where they serve traditional curries in the evening & Sri Lankan breakfast in the morning.
This time last year Dave surprised me with an over This time last year Dave surprised me with an overnight trip to Anza Borrego Desert State Park, and it’s still one of my favorite weekend trips we’ve done while living in San Diego. Here’s a mini guide and some inspo to make the trip! 

GETTING THERE // The park is a super easy and very scenic 2 hour drive from San Diego. Stop in Julian on your way for a slice of their famous apple pie and a trip seemingly back in time. 

STAY // @bungalowsofthedesert_ offer adorable vintage trailers with everything you need to be comfortable (think firewood, gas stove, & tea kettle) yet still get the benefits of camping (think dark starry nights & no neighbors for miles). 

SEE // Font’s Point at sunset is a can’t miss with views across the badlands that i imagine are akin to Mars. Check out my latest reel for a few tips on how to get there.

Awin

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All aboard… The train from Kandy to Ella in Sri All aboard…

The train from Kandy to Ella in Sri Lanka! This 7 hour train journey transports you from the chaotic city streets of Kandy to the misty mountain tops of Ella. 

It is known as one of the most picturesque train journeys in the world. So does it live up to the hype? Is it worth the 7 hour ride? 

To me, yes, yes, 100% yes. Especially when tickets can be less than $5 USD…After reading tons of guides & then experiencing the train myself, a few tips for your trip:

🎟️ Buy reserved tickets in advance. This will help ensure you have a seat & don’t have to elbow your way for one. You can do so online or at the train station. Online tickets go on sale a month before and sell out quickly! If you buy from the train station, go a day or two in advance of your desired trip date.
⏰ Try to avoid weekends. This is a very very busy train for locals & tourists alike. Book the blue Express train, otherwise this journey will take even longer than 7 hours lol. 
🚂 Choose seats in 2nd or 3rd class, ideally next to a window. In these classes they have open windows & doors where you can get the full experience (& views) to peak out of. If you choose to hang your body, arm, leg, etc out of the train, you do so at your own risk! Don’t be dumb…
📸 Best views are on the right side of the train up to Nanu Oya. After that, best views are on the left side. Aka views are amazing on both sides! You can also move freely around the carriage, so don’t stress it. 

Last tip, enjoy!!! Take it all in. With your eyes, not just your phone & camera 😏. This is by far the best train ride I’ve experienced to date.
Kandy to Ella in Sri Lanka is rumored to be one of Kandy to Ella in Sri Lanka is rumored to be one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. 

The train ride is around 7 hours total - zipping past swirling green tea hills, tiny rural towns, rushing waterfalls & colorful stations. 

7 hours might sound like a lot, but I can honestly say, I never found myself bored. Quite the opposite! I was glued to the window (or open doorway 🫠) for fear of missing a single moment. 

As you might have noticed, this train has open windows & doorways that passengers can peak out of. Would you (safely!) give it a try?
If you’re a plant lover like me, you need to add If you’re a plant lover like me, you need to add the Square Peg Hotel in Kandy, Sri Lanka to your bucket list! 

Potted plants overflow from the hotel’s windows and walls, intertwining with trees along its edges, giving the hotel a captivating, post-apocalyptic charm. In the best way..

Square Peg offers a calm oasis overlooking the rowdy city of Kandy just below. The views & this property exceeded our expectations in every way! 🌿
Postcards from Kandy, Sri Lanka. A city equal part Postcards from Kandy, Sri Lanka. A city equal parts chaotic, vibrant & sacred. A city full of competing sounds - cawing crows, bleating tuk tuks, thrumming drums & whining brass horns. A city I had low expectations for, but left wishing I had more time. 

We stopped over in Kandy to take the famous Kandy to Ella train (more on this later!) & were glad to have some time to explore the city, albeit short. Here’s a mini 24 hour guide to Kandy:

DO // At the center of the city is Kandy Lake. Leisurely wander through town taking in the sights along the way. Next to the lake is the Kandyan Cultural Center where you can experience a traditional Kandyan dance performance. After the performance, head next door to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most important Buddhist sites in the world. 

STAY // The Square Peg Hotel was an oasis overlooking the city. In addition to the incredible views, they also have a gorgeous rooftop where they serve traditional curries in the evening & Sri Lankan breakfast in the morning.
This time last year Dave surprised me with an over This time last year Dave surprised me with an overnight trip to Anza Borrego Desert State Park, and it’s still one of my favorite weekend trips we’ve done while living in San Diego. Here’s a mini guide and some inspo to make the trip! 

GETTING THERE // The park is a super easy and very scenic 2 hour drive from San Diego. Stop in Julian on your way for a slice of their famous apple pie and a trip seemingly back in time. 

STAY // @bungalowsofthedesert_ offer adorable vintage trailers with everything you need to be comfortable (think firewood, gas stove, & tea kettle) yet still get the benefits of camping (think dark starry nights & no neighbors for miles). 

SEE // Font’s Point at sunset is a can’t miss with views across the badlands that i imagine are akin to Mars. Check out my latest reel for a few tips on how to get there.

Awin

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