Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Newquay & the North Coast
Why Go?
If it's the classic Cornish combination of lofty cliffs, sweeping bays and white-horse surf
you're after, then Cornwall's north coast fits the bill. Battered by Atlantic breakers and
whipped by sea winds, the shoreline between St Ives and Bude is arguably the county's
most dramatic stretch of coast. Unsurprisingly, this was poet John Betjeman's favourite part
of Cornwall, but it's far from a well-kept secret; you'll be sharing the scenery with every-
one from weekend surfers to coasteerers and celebrity chefs.
The heart of the action is Newquay, north Cornwall's longstanding party town and the
capital of the county's surf scene. The beaches are spectacular. If you prefer your sands
quieter, head west towards the coastal villages of St Agnes and Perranporth, or east towards
Padstow and its booming culinary culture. Even quieter are the out-of-the-way beaches east
of the Camel Estuary towards Tintagel and Boscastle.
When to Go
»
May
Join the throngs for Padstow's raucous oss'-themed May Day celebrations, but re-
member to book your accommodation early - or better still, stay out of town.
»
Aug
Watch the pros in action at the Boardmasters surf and music festival, the largest
event of its kind in the UK. The action centres around Fistral Beach.
»
Late Sep
This is a great time of year to enjoy the north coast's beaches in relative peace
and quiet - with a bit of luck, you might even get some early autumn sun.
Best Places to Eat
»
Paul Ainsworth at No 6 (
Click here
)
»
Restaurant Nathan Outlaw (
Click here
)
»
Fifteen Cornwall (
Click here
)
»
No 4 Peterville (
Click here
)
