Newquay

Surf culture runs thick through these streets like Atlantic salt through blood. Newquay wears its reputation as Britain's surf capital with pride, and the endless procession of wetsuit-clad figures wandering between Fistral Beach and the town centre tells you everything about this place's DNA.

Fistral Beach draws the crowds for good reason - consistent swells and proper surf schools make it the obvious starting point for beginners. But venture beyond the main drag and you'll find Crantock Beach offers something more serene, with golden sands stretching towards the Gannel estuary. The contrast is striking: one minute you're dodging surf boards and beach cafes, the next you're walking empty dunes.

Blue Reef Aquarium provides welcome respite when Cornwall's weather turns moody, while the Coastguard's Lookout delivers cracking views across the bay on clearer days. Newquay Golf Course sits perched above the coastline, offering one of Cornwall's more dramatic rounds - though the wind can make club selection interesting.

Getting here couldn't be simpler. The A30 delivers you straight from the M5, and Newquay Airport handles flights from various UK cities. The train line runs right into town, making it properly accessible without a car.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes complete sense. Sunhaven Holiday Park earns consistently strong reviews, while Trevornick offers family-friendly facilities just outside town. You get the best of both worlds - easy access to Newquay's beaches and nightlife, but somewhere quieter to retreat when the town gets too hectic. Which, during peak summer, it absolutely does.