September's swell in Newquay, Cornwall
The buzz of summer may have started to fade, but that doesn’t mean your holiday spirit should follow suit. Newquay on the north Cornwall coast is an ideal year-round staycation destination and when better to visit than September, which is definitely the locals’ favourite month?
Not only does the sea reach its peak temperature, but the waves are also at their best, making it the perfect time to don a wetsuit, grab a board and give surfing a go. For surfing newbies or those looking to hone their skills, there’s an abundance of uber-cool surf schools just waiting to get you up and riding the waves.
With seven beaches to choose from, from Fistral Beach to the more sheltered Towan, Tolcarne and Great Western, you’re guaranteed to find a spot that works for you.
For those seeking an alternative adventure, why not try coasteering? Experience a whole new view of the coastline while you jump, swim and scramble your way through secret caves, blowholes and plunge pools – and keep an eye out for dolphins and seals along the way. There’s also a whole raft of other watersports at your fingertips, from stand-up paddle boarding along the stunning Gannel Estuary to kayaking near the sheltered harbour.
At the end of an action-packed day, unwind with a surfer’s spa treatment, before enjoying a fresh seafood dinner and hitting Newquay’s coolest surfer hang-outs.
The ultimate surf experience
Stay...
Splurge – Headland Hotel: headlandhotel.co.uk
Iconic, grand hotel that overlooks the famous Fistral Beach
Spend – Lewinnick Lodge: lewinnick-lodge.info
Stylish boutique lodge perched on the edge of Pentire Headland
Save- Reef Surf Lodge: reefsurflodge.info
Laidback surf lodge, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in surf culture
Eat...
Splurge – Silks Champagne Bar and Bistro: silksbistro.co.uk Stylish surfers head to Silks, which boasts a champagne bar, sushi bar and the best of local cuisine.
Spend – Kahuna Restaurant: kahunatolcarne.co.uk Check the surf while you dine at this relaxed and uber-cool beachside hangout on Tolcarne Beach.
Save – Bodhis Beach Cafe: bodhisfistral.co.uk A cool shore-side named after a character in 90s surf movie Point Break, Bodhis even welcomes wetsuits!
Chill out at...
The Cribbar: jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/pubs/the-cribbar
A stylish surf-inspired bar, named after the town’s famous big wave surfing reef.
The Beach Bar: fistral-blu.co.uk/beachbar.html
Loved for its laid-back atmosphere, the Beach Bar is a favourite local hangout.
Belushis – belushis.com/bars/newquay
Enjoy a post-surf drink in the cliff-top beer garden overlooking Towan Beach.
Unwind at...
Fistral Spa: newquay-hotels.co.uk/fistral-spa.html Based at the Bay Hotel, Fistral Spa offers relaxing treatments, including Roxy and Quiksilver surf treatments, in a gorgeous spa just a few minutes’ walk from the sand.
Surf and splash with...
Newquay Activity Centre: newquayactivitycentre.co.uk
Surfing is Therapy: surfingistherapy.com
Errant Surf Holidays: errantsurf.com
Getting there...
By plane: Fly to Newquay from London or Manchester with Flybe: flybe.com
By train: Travel by train to Newquay train station with First Great Western Trains: firstgreatwestern.co.uk
By bus: firstgroup.com
