We have had the most incredible summer of road trips, adventures and family time. I won’t lie… I have a heavy heart now that the kids are back to school and nursery and the days spent by the coast are a distant memory. When Parkdean Resorts recently got in touch to ask if we would like to work with them on their Coastal Adventures campaign – I didn’t hesitate. Planning a Coastal Adventure exploring Newquay with kids seemed a perfect idea, and perfect for the Bank Holiday weekend.
So with a campervan packed full to the brim, we headed down to Newquay in search of sunshine…. beautiful beaches….. rugged coastlines….. turquoise waters and a whole lot of fun.
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Exploring Newquay with kids
Parkdean Resorts are looking to celebrate Britain’s unique and beautiful coastline. As you probably already know, we have a real love for Cornwall…we headed to St Ives earlier in the year, falling in love with its rugged coastline and making some wonderful memories along the way.
We were looking forward to exploring Newquay to see what it has to offer families. Newquay is a town on the north coast of Cornwall, in southwest England. With its laid back vibe, trendy town, coastal scenery and stunning beaches, it is not hard to see why it is a great holiday destination for families.
With three very excited kids, and two adults fuelled with coffee, we headed to Newquay over the bank holiday weekend to see what there is to do in the area with kids around Parkdean Resort’s Newquay Holiday Park.
Fistral Beach
As soon as we landed in Newquay we headed straight to Fistral Beach. It was late afternoon, the surfers were out and the waves were crashing. Fistral Beach is one of the world’s top surfing destinations, a place where hundreds of surfers head to catch the big waves. Sitting wrapped up on a picnic blanket, coffee in hand, watching the kids play – it made my soul smile. Life is definitely better at the beach.
Harbour Beach
The following morning we woke to glorious blue skies and sunshine, so we headed out early to grab breakfast and explore Newquay. Wandering the streets, our first stop was Harbour Beach. Harbour Beach is the smallest beach in Newquay and is a working harbour. The beach is easily accessible, but only at low tide. We walked down the steep steps and the girls ran off in search of shells and crabs. The Harbour walls are beautiful and the views are spectacular.
Holywell Bay Beach
We spent most of our afternoon here at Holywell Bay Beach – what a beautiful beach. With parking (free to National Trust members), equipment hire on site, a huge expanse of beach, sand dunes, and a lovely stream, I knew we wouldn’t need to move far. Holywell is owned and looked after by the National Trust and this beautiful beach has been used as a location for a number of movies and TV programmes including Poldark and the opening scenes of James Bond’s Die Another Day.
The beach is huge so even when it is busy it didn’t feel packed or crowded. The sea clear, clean and dare I say it warm. There is a lovely pub called the St Pirans Inn overlooking the beach and we headed there for an evening meal after a full day running up and down the sand dunes and surfing the waves.
Surfing with Holywell Bay School of Surf
We booked surf lessons with Holywell Bay School of Surf prior to our trip and I am so pleased we did. The surf school is located on Holywell Bay Beach, and caters for all abilities from complete novices to advanced surfers. I would definitely advise pre booking the surf lesson as the beach was busy. Wet suits and surf boards are provided and the two-hour surf lesson is provided by a skilled instructor. Our eldest daughter absolutely loves surfing and was so excited when she received a Holywell Bay School of Surf t-shirt at the end of the lesson. It is times like this that I wish I lived just a little closer to the beach.
Coffee and cake in Newquay
There are so many places to stop for a bite to eat, to grab a coffee, cake or to enjoy breakfast with a view. We tried out a few during the day including Box and Barber Coffeehouse which quickly became a favourite place to stop for breakfast or a coffee. So much so we headed here for breakfast again the following day. Wherever you go you will find somewhere to stop, refuel, enjoy five minutes peace and enjoy those stunning coastal views.
Sand dune sledging
Such a lovely sight to see at Holywell Bay Beach. Lots of little ones sliding down the sand dunes on sledges and surf boards. Our three kids loved it. We hired our board directly on the beach, and it provided hours of fun, running up the sand dunes and quickly surfing down again. There is also a wonderful little stream here for the kids to play in and not forgetting to mention, rock pools galore.
Huer’s Hut
Our last stop of the day was a visit to Huer’s Hut. Perched on a cliff top above the harbour, this white building has a staircase leading to a flat roof and a large chimney that can be made out from miles away. Huer’s Hut is thought to date back to the 14th century and was used a lookout for a Huer. The Huer’s job was to alert the fishermen when shoals of pilchards came into the bay. It is worth a visit here for the view alone.
#CoastalAdventures
There is something so special about a visit to the coast. We love nothing more than a staycation and making precious memories with our tribe. With salty sea air, sandy toes and windswept hair, a coastal adventure is definitely good for the soul.
Have you any coastal adventures planned for 2018? We would love you to share pictures and videos of your coastal adventures on social media using the hashtag #CoastalAdventures.
For more information and inspiration pop over to read Parkdean Resorts’ post on Celebrating Britain’s Coastline.
**Disclosure – AD -This is a paid collaboration – all thoughts and opinions are my own**
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Last time we were in Newquay we only saw Fistral Beach at sunset which was spectacular but I wish we’d had time to go during the day. It looks like you crammed so much into your weekend – what great fun!
What an amazing weekend! We’ve never been to Newquay but I’d love to go – We love history and a seaside holiday and it looks like Newquay has both in spades! How much fun does sand dune sledging look?
I can’t think of a better place to visit with kids than Newquay and Cornwall. The UK has lots of wonderful destinations though and the trick is to immerse yourself in them
I have very fond memories of Newquay. I spent a lot of my youth there. I never did get to go surfing on Fistral though! Your lessons looked so much fun
As you know we love Cornwall too but we’ve not made it to Newquay yet. I’ve heard such good things about Fistral Beach and the sand dunes at Holywell Bay Beach look super fun too. I think we’re definitely going to need to explore there next time we’re in Cornwall.
Summer really does seem like a lifetime ago now doesn’t it? Such a beautiful area of the world that I really need to explore more of. Surfing looks fun, though I would totally be all over that dune sledging! #MondayEscapes
Such lovely photos! I don’t think I’ve ever visited north Cornwall, only the south. Those beaches look fantastic and I think my kids would love to go to surf school! #mondayescapes
beautiful coast, have you tried surfing? #mondayescapes
I totally agree with you – life really is better at the beach. The beach is never the same place twice and always beautiful.
#MondayEscapes
Such fabulous photos, can’t believe the surfing shots. It really is a truly beautiful place and this summer has shown it so well. Thanks for hosting and taking over Monday Escapes.
It’s such a lovely part of the world and living relatively nearby we should go more often! I’m keen to have a go at surfing again which I’ve not done for 10 years! Well done for taking on Monday Escapes, great to see it back.
This sounds so amazing and I absolutely LOVE the photos! I haven’t been to Newquay since I was a teenager but would love to go back! #MondayEscapes
Gorgeous photos Katy!! We really must Cornwall again, the beaches are simply stunning!! #mondayescapes
I’ve only ever been to Newquay once but I can see why it’s a great place to go with kids. I wish I’d known sand dune surfing was a thing – big kids can do it too, right?! 😉 #MondayEscapes
Sounds like a great weekend – lovely looking beaches and sliding down the sand dunes sounds like fun! #MondayEscapes
I haven’t been to Newquay since my uni days so it’s great to hear all these ideas of things to do with kids. I love Cornwall and your photos make it look particularly lovely #MondayEscapes