NEWQUAY
Tans have only just faded from last year's scorcher of a Cornish summer and already everyone's fired up by the thought of those golden, sun drenched beaches scattered along Newquay's coast.
Swarming with over 90,000 eager surf enthusiasts, Boardmasters Festival (6th-10th August) is sure to be one of the largest events in the professional surfing calendar. Fistral, the UK ’s most popular tourist beach, makes the perfect host for Boardmasters with sweeping golden sands and sapphire blue water crashing at the shore. This year's music line-up will make waves with performances from the likes of Chase and Status, Snoop Dogg and Bastille. Brush up your surfing skills with Quiksilver Surf School and the Escape Surf Academy , some of Europe 's best.
Set sail aboard Sea Safari's eco-friendly, high-speed catamaran, 'Atlantic Explorer' and catch a glimpse of dolphins and grey seals in their natural environment. Freshwater turtles, puffer fish and other fishy friends can be spotted at the delightful Blue Reef Aquarium overlooking Towan beach, perfect on a summer's eve. Feeling peckish now the sun's gone down? Newquay Meadery, a funky medieval eatery voted the top party restaurant in Cornwall three years running, satisfies your belly whilst stepping you back into bygone times. Or for something a little lighter you can take your pick from quirky cafes, such as The Snack Shack or Truscott’s fish ‘n’ chip shop. Notorious for its nightlife, Newquay is arguably the UK 's number one summertime party destination. Drink up me hearties in Salt, Berties and The Beach, and shanty the night away in some of the town's finest clubs. Memorable snaps and messy outfits are guaranteed after a raucous foam party or UV rave at the legendary Sailors.
Blow the cobwebs away after a Moo Mooz “cowlicious” smoothie with a leisurely stroll along one of the beautiful coastal walks or cycle trails. Trenance Leisure Gardens is set by a charming lake with peddle boats, whilst the idyllic River Gannel snakes through the picturesque Cornish countryside and separates Newquay from the pretty seaside village of Crantock – just a lazy stroll away. Venture further afield to the dazzling delights of St Ives, boasting charming cobblestone footpaths, kitsch boutiques and captivating art galleries, situated just south of Newquay. From soirées in the sun, relaxing by the rivers or splashing in the sea, summer has officially landed... Surfs up!
