Newquay

Surf breaks crash against rugged cliffs while seagulls wheel overhead - this is Cornwall's surfing capital in all its windswept glory. Newquay pulses with beach energy year-round, drawing wave riders from across Europe to tackle the legendary breaks at Fistral Beach. But there's more to this coastal town than just boards and wetsuits.

Families gravitate toward the gentler sands of Towan Beach right in town, while thrill-seekers head to Newquay Zoo where penguins and lemurs provide entertainment between surf sessions. The zoo's tropical house offers welcome respite when Atlantic gales blow in from the west.

Beyond the beaches, the South West Coast Path unfurls spectacular clifftop walks toward Crantock Beach and beyond. Padstow sits just 20 minutes inland - perfect for sampling proper Cornish pasties and Rick Stein's culinary empire. The Eden Project lies within an hour's drive, making day trips effortless.

Getting here couldn't be simpler. Newquay Airport handles direct flights from across the UK, while the A30 provides straightforward road access from the rest of Cornwall and beyond. The town centre buzzes with surf shops and fish-and-chip joints, though midweek in winter it takes on a quieter, more contemplative mood.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. You're close enough to dive into Newquay's surf scene yet far enough from the summer crowds to actually get some sleep. Sunhaven Holiday Park particularly impresses visitors, while Trevornick and Hendra offer family-friendly bases for exploring this stretch of Cornwall's dramatic coastline.