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Surf's Up! Spend a staycation surfing in the UK's surf capital

11th January 2012 Print

A little part of every one of us yearns to be a surfer - if only for a weekend. While a weekend holiday to Hawaii or Australia may be out of reach, Newquay in Cornwall offers an awesome location for a UK 'staycation' by the beach.  With its picture-perfect beaches, tanned surf gods, laid-back vibe and friendly locals, aspiring wave riders can take a break and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life for a weekend of sea, sand and surf.

The iconic Fistral Beach, famed for hosting the Boardmasters surf contest, is the perfect spot to test out surfing skills. If it's good enough for 11 times World Surfing Champion Kelly Slater, it's good enough for us! Or, for families looking for smaller beaches with easy access to the town, both Towan and Tolcarne beaches provide the perfect setting for fun frolics in the sea, and there is an abundance of uber cool surf instructors available to teach all ages and abilities.  And, with plentiful surf schools offering everything from group classes to one-on-one sessions (including video lessons in which you are filmed) as well as options such as bodyboarding and the new trend of stand-up paddle boarding, everyone can discover their inner-surfer whilst having a fab holiday.

Alternatively, for the adventurous seeking a challenge, coasteering experts can give you a whole new view of the coast as you scramble, slide and swim your way around the cliffs. Secret caves, blowholes and plunge pools are just some of the stunning features to be encountered and there's always the chance you might spot dolphins, seals and any number of marine bird species as you go.

Budding surf dudes and dudettes can unwind and rest tired bodies with a rejuvenating Quiksilver or Roxy Surfer's spa treatment and in the evening, chill-out with a private beach barbeque or a fabulously fresh seafood dinner filled with locally caught produce. Afterwards, unwind with a drink in a beach bar so close to the shore you can hear the waves crash as you sip. Then, wake up in cool coastal comfort in a room with amazing sea views and do it all over again. It's a hard life being a surfer.

All of the options listed here are available as bespoke press trips in exchange for commissioned coverage.

The ultimate surf experience...

Stay...

Splurge - Headland Hotel: headlandhotel.co.uk

Iconic hotel perched on a cliff overlooking the Fistral Beach

Spend - Bay Hotel: newquay-hotels.co.uk/the-bay.html

Chic coastal hotel and spa right by the beach

Save- Reef Surf Lodge: reefsurflodge.info

Laidback surf lodge is perfect for the eager surfer looking to immerse themselves in Newquay's awesome surf culture                      

Eat...

Splurge - Silks Champagne Bar and Bistro: silksbistro.co.uk For stylish surfers, opt for a meal at Silks in their super chic restaurant which boasts a champagne bar, sushi bar and deliciously fresh meals brimming with local produce.

Spend - Kahuna Restaurant: kahunatolcarne.co.uk Dine in true surf-style alfresco at Kahuna where fresh seafood and gourmet barbeques are readily available.

Save - Bodhis Beach Cafe: bodhisfistral.co.uk This cool shore-side cafe and restaurant was named after the character is 90s surf movie, Point Break and offers great lunches.

Chill out at...

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.

Splash and plunge...

Newquay Activity Centre: newquayactivitycentre.co.uk

Surf lessons from £30pp
Coasteering £40pp
Stand-up paddle boarding from £40pp
Getting there...

By plane: Fly to Newquay from London or Manchester with Flybe from £80pp return: flybe.com

By train: Travel by train to Newquay train station with First Great Western Trains: firstgreatwestern.co.uk

By bus: firstgroup.com 

Or by car