City breaks can be pretty stressful. Packing, airports, sightseeing and shopping in four or less days can wear us out and let us in need of another break.
After a couple of these short weekends away, a relaxing weekend in seaside Cornwall came as a welcome change.
A favourite destination for stag and hen doers, there is a slight tacky touch to Newquay. Having said that t it can be a great place to base yourself when exploring the Cornish coast.
Being from the tropics I cannot stress enough how much I miss being by the beach basking in the sun, lazing around and dipping my feet in the ocean.
The Sun Comes Out
I wasn’t that hopeful that the sun would make an appearance, which made our pre booked surf lesson sound like a trip to a glacier wearing a bikini. Having booked a trip to Newquay on the hottest weekend of the year was an amazing stroke of luck.
The train journey to Newquay is beautifully scenic but if you’d like to enjoy it peacefully, avoid the school holidays. Or upgrade your ticket to first class, it costs approximately £15 per person each way.
Our stay was booked at the Great Western, a three star hotel which is excellently located on a headland between Great Western and Tolcarne beaches.
Sea View
Located in a quieter part of the hotel, our room had amazing sea view and the most comfortable bed I’ve slept on in a while.
The rooms have undergone renovation which has not been extended to corridors and hotel common areas yet. Overall it is a very clean hotel and the staff could not be friendlier and more helpful.
The highlight is the outside restaurant/pub area which has a perfect sea view, especially at dusk.
The Beaches
Great Western and Tolcarne beaches are surrounded by high cliffs and can be accessed by a steep cliff path or by other beaches at low tide. Great western is the nearest to the town centre and its cliff caves and rock pools can be explored depending on the tide.
Lusty glaze is a privately owned one mile long cove beach. It is a family favourite due to its varied facilities such as a cafe, car parking and a crèche. Abseiling, Zip lining and other activities are also available onsite.
Surf Lesson At Holywell Bay
Our surf lesson was held at golden sandy Holywell bay. It is a popular beach, especially with families, but it remains relatively unspoilt partially due to its distance to Newquay (an approximate 15-20 minute bus journey). There’s a large sand dune and a stream to be crossed before reaching the beach.
Cold Water Wet Suit
Despite the glorious weather, a wet suit was still mandatory as the water was dauntingly cold for my tropical skin. But any thought of the waters temperature was forgotten as soon as the surf lesson started. Our entertaining surf instructor Richard (aka pigeon) introduced a basic standing technique and important safety instructions. And after the theory bit, it was time to test our skills on how to balance piece of foam whilst anticipating waves. I’ve done surfing lessons before but the gap of two years between each of them makes me feel still a complete beginner. Needless to say I didn’t manage to stand up on the board without instructor pigeons help but I still had lots of fun.
It was fantastic not being tided up to an agenda and having plenty of time to explore the area aimlessly finding some local gems such as the Cornish Cream shop for some yummy goods and what Cornwall best has to offer, its fabulous beaches.
The weekend in Newquay blessed us with some beautiful weather, the trip was made a change from the stress to traveling by air, checking in and going through the security procedures etc. It was a laid back and relaxing break with some stunning scenery, the surfing proved a energetic and fun escape from the slow pace of our holiday. Who knew a holiday in the country you live in could be so stress free and fun?
Our trip to Newquay, Cornwall was in association with visitEngland.
