It seems whenever I go to Newquay, I always have the BEST time!
Yes, I know I moan about how insanely busy it is in Summer, but I’ve had plenty of great times visiting during the quieter months, and even though it is getting busier now that the schools are starting to break up, it’s still worth a visit.
For starters, there are the amazing beaches surrounding Newquay; there’s Towan beach, Great Western beach and Tolcarne – all accessible from the town, as well as Lusy Glaze, Porth, Watergate Bay, and Mawgan Porth all along that bit of coastline. And to the west of the town? There’s the unforgettable Fistral beach!
And of course there are the huge variety of awesome shops and restaurants, and things to do all at your finger tips (go for a surf adventure with Cornish wave, a trip to the Aquarium, or a spot of kayak with Newquay Activity Center).
As a child, my parents rarely took us to Newquay at weekends or in Summer holidays – I think my mum was always very wary of how busy it would be, and the parking can be a nightmare in late July and August for sure. So visiting this town and all the beaches around it is still quite a novelty for me these days!
To avoid the heavy traffic, nightmare parking and hectic streets, I’d definitely recommend heading over to Newquay in the evening – ideally past 6pm! This is the best time because it’s quieter and the beaches actually have space, and the light from across the ocean is STUNNING.
There’s nothing like capturing a beautiful sunset on the North coast, especially during this heatwave. Frankie, Niki and I headed down to Fistral beach after the football for a BBQ and sunset swim – it was perfection.
Another great thing about heading to the beach in the evening is the sea feels slightly warmer (in the shallows and rock pools at least), because it’s been warming up in the hot sun all day! It certainly felt lovely and refreshing enough for us to run in in our bikinis.
Evenings like this is what Summer should be all about. It doesn’t matter if you work 9 to 5 when the best (and most peaceful) part of the day starts after 6/7pm anyway! The sunsets are still happening quite late at this time of year as well, so even past 9pm you’re set for a picturesque view.
