A North Cornwall coastal haven

This sandy beach sits at the heart of the village and offers a massive expanse of golden sand when the tide is in or out. Perfect for tiring dogs out in the winter months, and ideal for sandcastle building come summer. Lifeguards keep watch over the waves from the 5th May through until 30th September, plus October half term too. Dogs are welcome here all year round.

Lusty Glaze is a little more hidden than Fistral or Towan – but it is utterly beautiful. Sheltered by high cliffs, with a fabulous restaurant on the beach and atmospheric, free(!) sundowner live music sessions during the summer, Lusty Glaze is a great place to be. There’s also an activity centre on the beach, so whether you fancy surfing, abseiling or dodgeball, there’s something for everyone at this beach.

Watergate Bay is a vast, two-mile stretch of sand on the outskirts of Newquay. Popular with surfers, sun seekers and dog walkers, there’s plenty of room on this beach for everyone. A small village with the same name has formed around the beach, with three good restaurants (including Jamie Oliver’s!) – and plenty of surf schools, of course! There is a car park near the beach, making for easy access, and it’s lifeguarded from the 5th of May until the 30th of September – as well as being dog-friendly all year round.

What better place to get to grips with a surfboard than Fistral? This world class surfing beach often boasts perfect waves, with golden sands, lifeguards from 30th March – 28th October and amenities very close by. Dogs are welcome on this beach all year round.

Scott & Bab’s is an experience that is well worth travelling slightly out of town for. Find this quirky restaurant 7 miles out of Newquay, near Mawgan Porth – but trust us, it’s worth the taxi fare. With an ever-changing, spontaneous menu, you could dine on perfectly cooked seafood, deliciously tender meat (often smoked in the barrels you can see outside) or fantastic wood-fired pizzas. Tables book up super quickly for this gem – book as soon as you can!

Catch is a seafront seafood bar and grill that does so much more than what it says on the tin. Book in for a glorious Sunday roast with a view, or stroll in off the beach for a sandwich. The star of the show is the evening meals, though. Book a table al fresco to watch the sunset with a cold beer and fresh seafood or a classic burger, and enjoy excellent food in a fabulous location.

Mawgan Porth may not seem a likely wildlife wonderland, but with Blue Reef Aquarium and Newquay Zoo just a few miles away, animal-lovers will be delighted at the opportunities to get up close and personal with some amazing species. From reef sharks to giant octopi, the aquarium has plenty to see and much more to learn – they do a huge amount in conservation. This is similar at Newquay Zoo, where the staff pride themselves on their dedication to conservation and their breeding programmes. Spot lions, sloths and monkeys at this family-friendly attraction.

Discover Bedruthan Steps, just a short drive from Mawgan Porth. A recognised area for stargazing, and a thoroughly spectacular coastline, a 40 minute (ish) walk via the coastal footpath will take you to this National Trust area. When the tide is out, walk among the giant cliff stacks and ponder the local legend of the giant, Bedruthan. The cliff stacks are said to be his stepping stones for a shortcut across the bay when the tide was in – and whatever the real story of how this dramatic formation came to be, they’re well worth a visit!

As the mecca of surfing, no holiday near Newquay is complete without a lesson. Whether you’re a total novice or looking for some expert advice, get hold of Cornish Wave and get in the water. The guys will get you kitted out with a board and wetsuit and take you out into the waves to give it a try – who knows, you might find a new talent?! Cornish Wave cater for all ages and abilities – a great way to spend a family day out or the perfect activity for a group of friends.