Plymouth Barbican Map

The Barbican, Plymouth’s harbour area was an old trading port and is home to Britain’s maritime heritage. It was from Plymouth that many of the early pioneering voyages set sail. Sir Francis Drake, Sir John Hawkins, Sir Walter Raleigh and Captain Cook, all sailed from Plymouth, as did Charles Darwin many years later in the Beagle.

The Barbican is also famous as the starting point for the historic voyages made by the Pilgrim Fathers who left from the Barbican for the new world of America. Whilst the actual steps no longer exist, the present Mayflower Steps marks the area from which the Mayflower sailed on its historic voyage in 1620.  Around the Mayflower Steps are several plaques and tablets commemorating various historical events at the Barbican.

At the Plymouth Mayflower is an extensive exhibition that tells of the lives of the merchant families, Plymouth’s fishing industry, the naval harbour and the epic voyage by the Pilgrim Fathers in the Mayflower and others after them.

The Barbican Today

Today the Barbican is a thriving tourist destination with a large choice of restaurants, bars and al fresco dining. The sail ships have been replaced by pleasure yachts, dive boats and fishing boats.  Although the Old Fish Market has been relocated to the other side of the harbour, the Barbican is still home to many fishermen.

Things to See and Do at The Barbican

Mayflower Steps - Barbican Plymouth

• Explore the Elizabethan House, a carefully restored 16th century sea captain’s dwelling
• Relax in the enchanting Elizabethan Gardens or take a guided tour of the fortified Royal Citadel (between May and September).  This fortification was built by Charles II in 1666 to both defend and intimidate the citizens.  It is still home to front-line British troops.
• For those with a predilection for gin, a visit to the Black Friars Distillery will be happy experience.
• For indoor entertainment, the Plymouth Arts Centre , Barbican Theatre, Barbican Leisure Park and the National Marine Aquarium are within easy stroll of each other.
• Sailing excursions, pleasure boat trips of Plymouth Harbour and diving expeditions are popular things to do in Plymouth.
• You can go fishing, windsurfing or take a water taxi and walk along the South West Coast Path at Mount Batten and Jennycliff or head west and take the Cawsand ferry to this pretty Cornish village.

For the shoppers with money to burn, the Barbican’s winding lanes are packed with a range of antique shops and galleries displaying the works of famous local artists.

If you need information on what’s on in Plymouth, or other travel information, the Plymouth Tourist Information Centre is housed in the Plymouth Mayflower at 3-5 The Barbican (see the Plymouth Barbican map).

Search for Plymouth hotels, read hotel reviews and book your Plymouth hotel HERE.

See more Barbican photos at Travelsignposts Plymouth photo galleries HERE.

Camelot - Tintagel

Mention Tintagel, and the legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table come to mind immediately. Since Geoffrey of Monmouth wrote his History of the Kings of Britain in 1150, visitors have been coming to Tintagel Castle to see the legendary King Arthur’s birthplace. According to Geoffrey of Monmouth’s tales, King Arthur was born in Tintagel to the beautiful Queen Igerna under the protection of Merlin the magician who lived in a cave below the mighty fortress.

Fact or fiction, Arthurian legends have been good business for Tintagel. Poets, artists, historians and sightseers have been flocking to this little village on the northern Cornish coastline since the Victorian era. This fascination with King Arthur, the Knights of the Round Table, Lancelot and Excalibur has been further fuelled by the many Hollywood blockbusters. These days Tintagel is a popular tourist destination for people holidaying in Cornwall.

Things to See and Do

If it’s King Arthur’s Tintagel that you’ve come to see, Tintagel Castle ruins would probably be your first port of call. Set against the dramatic and rugged north Cornwall coastline, the extensive site is mysterious and atmospheric. To learn about the King Arthur legends and history, the Arthurian Centre at Camelford has a huge exhibition space and video that will help you unravel some of the fact from faction. The Centre is set in 20 acres of grounds which surround the ‘King Arthur’s Stone’. Here you can wander through the fields and see where King Arthur and Mordred fought their last battle. Archaeologists are still digging on this site and in summer you may get to see them at work.

Tintagel Village

Tintagel Village, Cornwall

But don’t leave Tintagel without stopping in the village. Tintagel village is easy to explore as the places of interest and the many shops and inns are along Fore Street, the main Tintagel thoroughfare. And the spirit of King Arthur prevails in the village as well. The shops and inns have names that make a play on the Arthurian legends. The medieval Tintagel Old Post Office is worth a visit and further up the road is the King Arthur’s Hall and the Medthodist church.

Tintagel has a range of tea rooms and pubs where you can enjoy a Cornish pasty or the famous Cornish cream tea.

If you’re planning to spend a few days here, there are many hotels, guest houses, inns, cottages and other accommodation to choose from in and around Tintagel, including the five-star Camelot. Nearby is Boscastle, another little historic village.

See more photos of Tintagel at Travelsignposts Tintagel photo gallery.

Map of Cornwall Coast:

Isles of Scilly - Courtesy VisitBritain

The Isles of Scilly are located just 28 miles off the Cornish coast in the Atlantic Ocean. Comprising five inhabited and numerous uninhabited islands, Scilly has been rumoured by the British press as one of the places that Prince William and Kate could spend their honeymoon on.

So why would Scilly be suggested as a honeymoon destination and what do these islands have to offer the newly-wed Royal couple.

Attractions of Scilly as a Honeymoon Destination

Scilly is not a new holiday destination for Prince William, although it was a long time ago that he holidayed there with his parents and brother, Harry.

The islands can only be accessed by air or sea, giving a sense of escape. The place is small enough for security to keep a watch over and its distance from the mainland would allow privacy for William and Kate. After the public spotlight of their Royal Wedding, who can blame them for wanting some privacy.

There are no cars on the Isles of Scilly and the scenic islands are ideal for romantic walks. In late spring, Scilly’s famous daffodils are still in bloom and the islands are awash in colour. Sailing around the uninhabited islands and exploring these by boat is another romantic activity. There is the abundant marine wildlife to see, including puffins, basking sharks, gannets and even occasionally whales.

For those who prefer to spend time on land, there are ancient monuments to discover, horse riding along the beach, and castles and forts to explore.

The Clanger

The only reason why the idllyic Isles of Scilly fail as a potential honeymoon destination for William and Kate is Scilly’s World Pilot Gig Championships, an annual event that takes place during the May Bank Holiday. During this major event on the island’s social calendar, flocks of visitors come to watch the traditional rowing races and join in the celebrations on the beach.

If you’re planning a honeymoon on the Isles of Scilly, avoid the May Bank Holiday.

Getting to Scilly:

• The Scillonian III passenger ferry operates from Penzance from end March to end October only.
• There is a helicopter service from Penzance.
• There are flights to the Isles of Scilly all year year round from Land’s End and Newquay Airport
• You can fly from Exeter, Bristol and Southampton airports during the main spring, summer and autumn season.
• There are no hire cars on the islands, but there are taxis on St. Mary’s.

Accommodation in Devon and Cornwall..

The good news is that no matter what your financial budget, you’ll almost certainly find accommodation that suits your style and budget. Devon and Cornwall both have no end of lodgings for the holidaymaker – Here are some of your accommodation choices:

- Countryside:  Devon, Cornwall
- Standard and Luxury hotels: Devon, Cornwall
- Cottage holidays
- Old English Inns: Devon
- Bed & breakfasts (B&B): Devon, Cornwall
- Self catering accommodation

Camping sites

Much will depend on where you wish to be based, and of course what your needs are.

Devon and Cornwall have many reasonably priced Bed & Breakfast lodgings – here, you get a comfortable room (often the home of the owners which offers a very nice homely feel) usually with an en-suite shower and standard amenities such as (basic) TV. A choice of breakfast traditional English or continental) is included in the price of the room and some B&B’s offer dinner as an optional extra. This is great because the holiday-maker has the choice of exploring the town and sampling some of the local cuisine without having to be confined to the B&B at dinner-time.

For those in pursuit of luxury, there are a good choice of quality hotels available. Many of these offer excellent facilities (such as pools & gym) and depending on location may offer breath taking sea views. Expect plush interiors and satellite TV from the better hotels. Standard hotels (2 or 3 stars) are not as fancy and are similar to B&Bs in the standard of accommodation offered.

Self catering accommodation is usually more cost effective as you can decide on your food budget and allows you to decide on whether you whether you prefer to dine in or go out for your meals.

If you’re planning to stay for a week and have a family or group then you may wish to a cottage holiday instead. Cornwall & Devon have a huge range of holiday cottages that can be rented (usually) for a week or more. You can rent a cottage in a peaceful countryside setting, a quiet fishing village or overlooking the sea – the choice is yours! Holiday cottages in Devon & Cornwall typically cost between £500 to £1,000 a week (depending on location & standard).

Finally, if you’re planning to hire a caravan & go camping, there are plenty of caravan and camping sites scattered all over Cornwall & Devon.

If you’re planning a Cottage Holiday in Devon and Cornwall, cottages4you are the specialist providers in this accommodation type, with 9,000 holiday cottages across England, Scotland and Wales.

You can search the entire range of accommodation in Devon and Cornwall to suit your needs and budget here >.

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Torquay Harbour

Torquay is arguably the most popular and visited of the three Torbay towns that describe themselves as the “English Riviera”.

Besides some good beaches to enjoy, Torquay also offers the standard English seaside experience of tea rooms and sea-side amusement arcades.

A holiday in Torquay should include a visit to the colourful harbour area, littered with nice cafes, restaurants, pubs and other convenience eateries. It can get quite lively at night time.

What To Do In Torquay:

Babbacombe Beach has a nice harbour and seaside area and is covered by steep hills which offer excellent views of the coast, both by night and day.

Babbacombe Model Village is a charming miniature village containing thousands of buildings. A great attraction for kids.

Cockington is picturesque and at Cockington Court and Country Park there’s a craft centre, tearooms and gardens.  Explore Torre Abbey and Mansion House which is home to the Agatha Christie Memorial Room.  Stroll along the Agatha Christie Mile and get a sense of the things and places that inspired the life and works of this great writer.

Kents Cavern is an ancient geological structure and there have been some highly significant prehistoric finds here (some as old as 700,000 years old).

Torquay Fountain

Living Coasts – a wonderful wildlife attraction where visitors can come and see penguins, seals, puffins, ducks and countless other marine life in a natural surrounding.

Torquay Museum – first opened in 1845, Torquay Museum is worth a visit to discover a wide range of facts about the town. There are exhibitions about everything from history and archaeology to pottery.

Compton Castle – About 5 miles west of Torquay lies Compton Castle which was built in stages from the 14^th to 16^th centuries. The castle itself is a notable attraction but the surrounding grounds are also very popular with tourists because of the feast of lush flowers, shrubs and trees that inhabit it.

Paignton – About a 15 minute drive from Torquay is the coastal town of Paignton. If you’re in Torquay, it’s certainly worth visiting Paignton too. Though many argue that it’s a low-class version of Torquay, there are some nice attractions including a fair seaside resort, zoo, and the impressive Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway.

Brixham – A mere five miles from Paignton is the wonderful little town of Brixham – it’s a highly popular place with tourists and it’s not difficult to see why – narrow, steep streets brimming with character and a cosy harbour just two of the things that visitors flock to see every year. You can step on board a replica of Sir Francis Drake’s Golden Hind, visit the heritage museum or explore the coastal caves, once a haven for smugglers.

Torquay Accommodation

As with the other towns and villages along the Devon coastline, there is an abundance of  hotels, bed and breakfasts, cottages,  and self-catering accommodation to suit all budget types for your Torquay holiday.  It remains for the holidaymaker to decide what facilities they must have and their accommodation budget.

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Dartmoor scenery

Just a few miles inwards from the South Devon Coast is the ancient Dartmoor National Park. It covers an area of 368 square miles and offers visitors a mix of superb scenery and legendary history. Dartmoor also has one of the most prominent moors to be found anywhere in Britain.

• Many visitors view Dartmoor as a wonderful and diverse place – indeed it offers a multiple range of terrains from it’s tors and woodlands to rambling countryside, grass covered hills and river valleys.
• The tors formations are actually quite splendid – the granite while being a very tough substance is vulnerable to chemical deterioration. This means that the acids in rain attacks the surface of the granite causing it to disintegrate into various shapes and colours.
• Those who enjoy outdoor activities will have plenty to do in Dartmoor – just a sample of these include Dartmoor walks, fishing, trekking and cycling.

Things To Do & Towns To Visit In Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor is made up of various small villages and towns – one of the very enjoyable experiences of visiting Dartmoor is the chance to drive from one to the other while taking in the great scenery en route. From Tavistock in the west to Ashburton in the east, there’s plenty to do and see in Dartmoor.

Entire books have been written on Dartmoor, and it has often been used as a backdrop in novels (remember “Lorna Doone“, “Hound of the Baskervilles“?)– so the following is just a brief description of some the places and activities that you can enjoy here:

Check out the main Dartmoor Tourist Board located in Okehampton.  This town also houses the Museum of Dartmoor Life.

Water Bridge at Dartmoor

Okehampton Castle is worth a visit – this is located in Cranmere Pool and these ruins are the remains of what was once the biggest castle in Devon.

Walking & trekking opportunities are abundant all over Dartmoor – specific places of interest to walkers include South Okehampton, Princetown, Chagford and Postbridge. There are also specific routes popular with more experienced trekkers – for instance, Templar Way (18 miles) and West Devon Way (14 miles). Books on walking in Devon are also available in the information centres dotted around the park (Okehampton, Tavistock, Ashburton, Ivybridge and a couple of other locations).

There are also plenty of routes for those keen on cycling, and it’s possible to hire bikes in Tavistock. The Dartmoor Way is a 90 mile cycle route that includes many of the parks towns including Okehampton, Tavistock and Buckfastleigh.

Other outdoor activities available in Dartmoor include horse and pony rides, fishing and climbing.

Buckland Moor sign

In the East lies the pleasant town of North Bovey – this is a great place to see quaint thatched cottages dating back to the 17^th century. Yet another place to marvel at picture-perfect thatched cottages is in the charming little town of Buckland In The Moor.

This lovely town faces onto woodlands and is also by the River Webburn (which joins up with the famous river Dart).

Expect to see many ponies grazing along the stretches of grassland while you drive through Dartmoor National Park.

Buckfastleigh is home to Buckfast Abbey – one of the most visited icons in Devon. The Abbey dates back to 1018. Also in Buckfastleigh are the Dartmoor otter sanctuary and the Buckfast Butterflies Exhibition (where several exotic butterflies can be seen in an exotic environment).

Ponies

Postbridge is a small town in the centre of Dartmoor National Park – aside from being popular with walkers, the town is famous for its “Clapper Bridge” (granite bridge dating as far back as the 13^th Century) which goes over the East Dart River.

Another quiet town with sublime cottages and green surroundings is Widdecombe In The Moor. Aside from it’s beauty, this location is famous for The Church House – dating back to 1537.

The little town of Chagford is nestled just above the River Teign and is also worth a visit just to amble around the neat town square. Be sure to visit Market House while you’re there.

The Darkside of Dartmoor – The Gruesome Gubbinses

In Lydford Gorge in the 15th century a “half human” tribe of creatures are said to have existed and caused much terror and fear to the locals. While this may sound like a myth or old wives tale to make children behave, the Gubbinses did in fact exist. They stole cattle, kidnapped or robbed travellers and there are reports that suggest that they were cannibals.

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East Gate Arch

With a population struggling to reach 7,000 the interesting little town of Totnes is steeped in history and legend (it’s here that a Trojan prince named Brutus is believed in folklore to have founded Britain in the 11th century). Set in the pavement opposite Atherton Lane, is the Brutus Stone, which according to legend is the place where Brutus, founder of the British people, first stepped ashore. He is reputed to have proclaimed ‘Here I stand and here I rest and this place shall be called Totnes’. This is the stuff of legends!

Present day Totnes is a bustling market town with charming views and splendid architecture with plenty of listed buildings for such a small place.

Totnes main street has a wide spread of delightful restaurants for visitors to pick and choose from – the choices range from traditional English tea rooms and bistros that are simply brimming with character to foreign-cuisine restaurants. You don’t have to travel far for meals as there are ample eateries in and around the town to suit every taste and pocket. In Totnes you’ll be truly enjoying local foods as many of the eateries pride themselves on the use of locally sourced seasonal ingredients and organic produce.

Things to See and Do in Totnes

The first thing that strikes you about Totnes is the pure charm and elegance of the town – a walk up the steep streets is highly recommended. In many ways it’s typical of the small English town experience and the narrow streets are dwarfed by ancient, historic buildings (quite a few dating back to the 16th century). Local historian, Bob Mann, has put together a heritage walk which points out these historical buildings within a small area. The historic walk starts at the Town Mill, which houses the Information Centre.

Totnes Castle

Totnes Castle

Totnes Castle – First built in the 11th century by Judhel, the Norman overlord of Totnes, the castle has dominated the town for centuries. The remains of Totnes Castle today are thought to be from the 13th century. The castle is well worth visiting and offers some spectacular vistas of the town, the River Dart below and views in every direction.

Other points of interest

Climb the steps to Ramparts Walk and the Guildhall is in a quiet area behind St Mary’s Church. The Guildhall holds some interesting exhibitions including Oliver Cromwell’s table. This is no ordinary council headquarters and a visit to Totnes Guildhall promises to be a major experience. The Totnes Museum (located in a beautiful old Elizabethan style house) has a room devoted to the mathematician, Charles Babbage, who is regarded as the pioneer of modern computers.

Yes, Totnes has its dark secrets and those brave of heart can join the Totnes Ghost Walk which begins from outside the Town Mill. Other activities to do in and around Totnes include visits to adventure parks, agricultural shows, environmental parks and wildlife, guided walks, river trips and steam train rides along stunning stretches of coastline and countryside.

Totnes Accommodation

Whether you’re looking for classy hotels in Totnes, friendly guesthouses, cosy cottages, inns, or the warm welcome of a farm, you’re sure to find something to suit your style and budget in Totnes and the surrounding area.

Close to Totnes is the village of Dartington, boasting some fascinating medieval buildings. Dartington also has 25 acres of lovely gardens and a famous music school.

Exeter Cathedral

Exeter is without doubt the capital of Devon, though ironically it’s not the typical town that most visitors come to expect when they think about Devon. There’s a certain high pace and vibrancy about Exeter that is out of place with the rest of the county.

Not only is Exeter the most culturally and commercially important place within Devon – it has a famous university – but it boasts a vivid historical importance with plenty of old buildings and other important landmarks of heritage. The holiday maker who visits Devon should at least pop in to Exeter for a visit.

There’s a lot about Exeter that a quick walk reveals. The city wall remains date back to 200 AD (initially built by the Romans) and what is now the High Street is pretty much the street plan that was laid out since Roman times.

Things to See in Exeter

Impressive St. Peter’s Cathedral was originally built in the 11th century.  The Cathedral still features two massive Norman towers that were part of the original building when it was consecrated in 1133. The building is one of the finest examples of late medieval architecture in Britain. At Cathedral Close is the timber-framed Mol’s Coffee House, one of the finest buildings here.

Ten-minute walk from the Cathedral and you’re at the historic quayside, one of Exeter’s most attractive areas of the city. Its history dates back to Roman times, and there is still evidence of Exeter’s wealthy maritime past in the fascinating architecture.  While you’re here, visit the Quay House Visitor Centre which covers 2,000 years of Exeter’s history.  Don’t worry, it won’t take you 2,000 years – you can skip through it in just 15 minutes! The Quayside is also an ideal place to try an irresistible Devon cream tea.

The Quayside is a hub of activity in the summer months with all kinds events including Dragon Boat racing! You can go on boat trips  or cross the river on Butts Ferry, one of only five floating bridges in the country! You can also hire canoes and pedalos from the Quayside.

Other notable places of interest include the Guildhall, one of Britain’s oldest civic buildings,  Royal Albert Memorial Museum (closed till 2010 for refurbishment), St. Nicholas Priory where you could step back in time and experience Tudor life first hand and the opulent Customs House by the Quay.  If you’re interested in rare plants, check out Exeter University’s Streatham campus.

Exeter has developed significantly in recent years, and offers visitors and residents a huge choice of entertainment and leisure. It boasts one of the most vibrant nightlife scenes in Devon and there are plenty of restaurant choices too, from tapas and Thai to Middle Eastern and Latin American.

Exeter Hotels

Hotels in Exeter include luxury four star hotels and boutique town houses. Some of the hotels in Exeter are located in historic buildings, so you can really take in the atmosphere of this beautiful and historic city. If you want to escape the city, there are wonderful country house hotels, set in acres of wide open space, giving you a sense of ‘getting away from it all‘. Each hotel has its own restaurant,several of which are award winning eateries.

Nearby Towns

Close-by to Exeter is the lovely estuary port of Topsham. This bustling port is a perfect example of a prosperous and charming English town. Walk along the narrow streets, take in a coffee at a canal-side café and if possible hop onto a bus for perhaps the best way to explore the nooks and crannies that Topsham has to offer. Foodies will appreciate Topsham with its many historic pubs and award-winning restaurants – good food is a Topsham speciality.

Topsham’s charming passenger ferry takes passengers (and bikes) across the Exe to enjoy walks or lunches at idyllic waterside pubs.  You can also take short or long cruises to discover the wildlife of the Exe estuary or to Exmouth’s sandy beaches.  The narrow Goat Walk beside the Exe estuary offers wonderful views and sunsets.

Very close to Exeter (2 miles) is a lovely little town called Ottery St Mary – offering some of the most winding streets to be found anywhere, and a wonderful ancient church that stretches back to the 14th century. Also close to Exeter is the town of Sidmouth which has plenty of smart villas and cottages.

Dawlish and its beautiful parks

In South Devon the pleasant seaside resort of Dawlish is very popular with visitors, many of whom return year after year for their holidays in Dawlish or for day trips to enjoy the nice atmosphere that the town has to offer.

Dawlish is an interesting little regency resort town nestled attractively between steep surrounding hills. It’s a nice place to drive to because the scenic countryside suddenly explodes into a panorama of cliffs and roads that run along the coast.

Dawlish’s Celebrity Links

Like many of the resort towns in South Devon, Dawlish town itself, especially around the seafront, reflects a classic  Regency and early Victorian style. The Strand (1803-1809) which is now mostly converted to shops, remains impressive.  Jane Austen stayed here, as did Charles Dickens.  Those who’ve read Nicholas Nickleby may know that Dickens made Dawlish the birthplace of Nicholas Nickleby.

Also worth noting are Manor House and Brook House (both about 1800) and some of the cottages in Old Town Street surviving from the old Dawlish village. Visit the Museum and learn about Dawlish’s transformation from an insignificant fishing settlement to a watering hole for Victorian celebrities.

Here are just a few of the many attractive features of Dawlish

• In the heart of the town is the colourful Dawlish park, a flat landscaped area called ‘The Lawn’, home to various wildfowl and the famous Dawlish black swans. The black swans were brought here from Australia by a local resident, they have been here since at least the early 1900s. The park is peppered with many varieties of plantlife including bright flowers, palms and even giant cacti.
• Good quality sand beaches and (Coryton) cove.
• The ‘night lights’ which turn Dawlish into a beautiful evening coastal town perfect for summer strolls and al-fresco dining.
• Carnival week (August) offers various free entertainment programs & processions. This hugely colourful event for locals and visitors alike, is usually accompanied by the breathtaking Red Arrows aerobatic display.
• The Shaftesbury Theatre in Brunswick Place runs programs all year.
• There are boat trips along the coast or up the Estuary, and Powderham Castle is on the doorstep.

Dawlish has a good selection of shops of all types and its own Leisure Centre.  At any time of day there’s plenty of places to eat and drink.

Dawlish Warren

Close to Dawlish is ‘Dawlish Warren’ - a seaside town that is believed to have one of the best five beaches within the United Kingdom (it has received the European Blue Flag Award). Aside from a great beach, Dawlish Warren has plenty to offer wildlife enthusiasts – being located in a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) – the area attracts many wildfowl and wading birds. The area is also home to over 600 types of flora.  Dawlish Warren has its own railway station, regular bus services and cycle hire so you don’t really need to drive on your Dawlish holidays.

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Newquay Island View

Boasting some of the best beaches and surfing in Britain, Newquay is one of Cornwall’s premier holiday sites for those seeking a beach holiday. Unsurprisingly, it has obtained a reputation for being England’s surfing capital.

Unfortunately, Newquay’s popularity has also attracted negative consequences in recent times.  Hordes of school-leavers decending upon the town, underage drinking, loud parties, drunken behaviour have been a problem for Newquay and caused negative publicity.

Hopefully, action by the police and authorities will restore Newquay to the restful holiday resort that it was.

There’s much more to Newquay than being just a surfers’ paradise.  You can swim, build sandcastles or walk the coastal path and enjoy the breathtaking views.

Beach lovers will want to head to Fistral Beach – this is in fact the best known surfing beach offering fast, hollow waves for surfers. Another popular beach in Newquay is Watergate Bay although this beach is more suited to beginner surfers. Beginners may also want to try Crantock Beach with its wide stretches of golden sand sheltered by tufted dunes. There are numerous places in Newquay to hire surfing equipment and surf schools are also available for those who come only to ride the waves.

Food & Drink In Newquay

Silk's Restaurant

As you would expect, Newquay offers a wide variety of cuisine options for just about every pallet. Local specialities include cream teas & Cornish pasties offered by the many tea rooms & bakeries. Cornish ice-cream is also very rich and creamy to taste. Newquay is also well known for its seafood and has a huge range of international cuisine restaurants from Indian and Chinese to Mexican and Italian. One thing’s for sure, when your visit to Newquay is over you’ll probably have to start a strict diet!

The Blue Reef Aquarium

If you’re interested in tropical marine life then a visit to the Newquay Blue Reef Aquarium is a must – one of the highlights is a fascinating underwater tunnel that visitors can walk through while witnessing the marine animals swim around in their natural habitats.

Other Things To Do In Newquay

As well as its fabulous beaches, Newquay is a holiday paradise for families.  There’s something for everyone here, including the nearby theme parks of Springfields Fun Park and Crealy Adventure Park, Dairyland Farm World and the Lappa Valley Railway. Trenance Gardens has a lovely boating lake, indoor and outdoor tennis courts and a bowling green.

Newquay has a good zoo containing a wide varierty of animals over 10 acres of land. Also popular (especially with children) is Newquay Water World – containing a tropical pool, simulation waterfall and volcanos and even state of the art gym facilities for adults. Intrepid thrill-seekers can get a buzz of adrenaline at the Lusty Glaze Adventure Centre.

Other activity based entertainment include pool, snooker, bowling and a range of other sports and activities. Looking for something a little different? Try the Tunnels Through Time museum (a very novel way of looking at and learning about the past).

Fishing Boats at Sunset

Golfers who fancy chasing a ball around acres of turf will enjoy the scenic course overlooking Fistral Beach. And if you’re not having a good game, you can always blame it on the stunning scenery.

Fishing – this is one of the most popular activities in England – at Newquay there are some excellent opportunities for a wide range of fishing from fly-fishing to deep sea fishing.

Newquay Accommodation

Whether you’re looking for Newquay hotels, bed and breakfast places, cottage holidays, surf lodges,  self-catering accommodation, caravan parks or luxury hotels, there is a large range of Newquay places to stay to suit all budget types.

Close to Newquay is the town of Bodmin – once the capital of Cornwall, it’s now an elegant little market town well worth a visit.

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