Holiday rentals in Newquay

Fun and lively, with a youthful vibe, Newquay is the UK’s number one surfing destination. The Atlantic waves that roll onto its beaches are the best surf the country has to offer, attracting professionals and first-timers alike — and the après-surf is just as popular, thanks to the town’s bars, nightclubs, and live music events. Fistral Beach is at the center of the action, but with a dozen options for golden beaches, including the much-loved cove of Lusty Glaze, there’s always somewhere quiet to retreat. The surrounding coast and countryside is dotted with quaint hamlets and villages, and a short drive to the neighboring Trevose Headland offers some of the most dramatic cliff walking on Cornwall’s northern coast.

People from all over the UK flock to Cornwall for its balmy weather, particularly in the summer, when temperatures average 70 degrees Fahrenheit and can climb a fair amount higher thanks to its southwesterly location. But daytime temperatures rarely drop below 50 degrees, whatever the season, and the water is warm all year long, which makes beach activities just as attractive in spring and fall. As for winter, Newquay and the Cornish coast are prime locations for storm watching, when the Atlantic winds and waves combine to create dramatic tempests. Its maritime climate means that rain is always a possibility, so pack waterproof layers and an umbrella.

Newquay Harbor

People settled this land as far back as the Bronze Age (you can visit prehistoric burial grounds at the Barrowfields), but as a fishing village, Newquay came to life in the 15th century when a nearby bishop funded the building of a wooden harbor (hence, “new quay”). The current stone version dates back to the 19th century, when ore from the nearby mines was delivered via steam trains. You can still ride those trains at the Lappa Valley Steam Railway.

Trenance Gardens

Festooned with roses, this tranquil Edwardian public park in the heart of the town is a 15-minute walk from the beach. It’s the perfect place to indulge in a traditional Cornish cream tea — served in the delightful Trenance Cottages tearoom — while the adjoining leisure park offers more high-octane delights, including tennis, miniature golf, and an outdoor skatepark.

Crantock

Separated from Newquay by the tidal estuary of the River Gannel, Crantock is a traditional Cornish village whose thatched cottages, pubs, and village store hark back to the way life used to be. Its expansive beach is backed by sand dunes, while the Gannel itself is popular for kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching.