Cornwall has always been high on my travel wish list, and Newquay proved to be the perfect introduction to its rugged beauty. From dramatic cliff walks to stunning beaches, this coastal town delivered more than I ever imagined. In this blog post, I’m excited to share highlights from my two unforgettable days in Newquay – a journey filled with scenic hikes, breathtaking views, and memorable meals.
The Train Ride: Paddington to Paradise
My adventure started at London’s Paddington Station, boarding a Great Western Rail train bound for Par. Treating myself to a first-class ticket, I was ready for the long ride. Spacious seating, air conditioning, and charging ports made the journey comfortable, even if the Wi-Fi didn’t work as expected.
After a smooth first leg, a quick 10-minute connection led me to a local two-car train heading for Newquay. This quaint train lacked air conditioning but added charm to the experience, winding through picturesque countryside and charming small towns. Arriving in Newquay, I quickly learned taxis weren’t waiting at the station. After walking down the road, I spotted a sign with the phone number for a local taxi company – mark this down: A2B Taxi Newquay: 01637 877777 or https://www.a2bnewquay.com/. Ten minutes later, a friendly driver from a local company came to the rescue, offering insights about the town along the way.
Day 1: A Scenic Arrival
Checking In: Watergate Bay Hotel
Staying at the Watergate Bay Hotel was an absolute treat. Nestled on the cliffs overlooking the beach, this hotel offered the perfect blend of luxury and relaxation. My room was cozy and stylish – the perfect spot for unwinding after a day of exploring and hiking the South West Coastal path. Check out my hotel room tour and review of my stay below.
The Cliff Walk: Watergate Bay to Newquay
Cliff walks are the crown jewel of Cornwall, and this one didn’t disappoint. The path offered stunning views of dramatic sea stacks, wildflower fields, and turquoise waters. Even with fog rolling in, the beauty of the coastline was breathtaking.
The walk was lovely – and totally worth it for the panoramic vistas. Along the way, I marveled at secluded beaches accessible only by boat, scenic peninsulas, and even love locks left by previous visitors. Sneakers are a must for this rocky trail but it’s not arduous enough for hiking boots – flip-flops won’t cut it here though!
If you want a few points to bookmark along the hike, Trevelgue Head (first photo in the blog post) and Whipsiderry Beach (photo below) are must see spots very close to one another.
Dinner with a View
As the sun began to set, I returned to the hotel for dinner on the terrace. A chilled glass of rosé, a fresh tomato and feta salad, and a crispy fried chicken burger made for the perfect meal. Watching the sun dip below the horizon, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and gratitude.
Day 2: A Perfect Coastal Escape
A Delicious Start: Breakfast at Watergate Bay Hotel
The day began with a hearty breakfast at the Watergate Bay Hotel. I opted for scrambled eggs, bacon, mushrooms, toast, and a big mug of coffee. With the morning mist lifting, I was ready for another day of exploration.
Exploring Newquay Harbor
My first stop was Newquay Harbor, a charming spot with cerulean waters in the town center. After wandering the harbor and admiring its views, I climbed back up the steep hill and made my way to the South West Coast Path.
The South West Coast Path: Huers Hut and Beyond
The first landmark on my hike was the Huers Hut, a historic 14th-century structure used as a lookout for fishermen. The panoramic views from this spot were absolutely breathtaking, with dramatic cliffs and vibrant blue waters stretching as far as the eye could see.
Towan Headland and Little Fistral Beach
Continuing along the path, I reached Towan Headland, where the views of Little Fistral Beach looked straight out of a Caribbean postcard. The aqua-blue water and dramatic rock formations were stunning.
Fistral Beach: Lunch with a View
After a long hike, I rewarded myself with lunch at Rick Stein’s Fistral. Thai fish cakes with cucumber dipping sauce and a refreshing bottle of water were exactly what I needed to recharge before heading back out.
Pentire Headland and Lunick Lodge
The afternoon brought more adventures as I explored Pentire Headland. The jagged rocks and uneven terrain added a sense of challenge, but the breathtaking views made every step worthwhile. My hike ended at Lunick Lodge, a secluded retreat perfect for those seeking peace and tranquility.
Sunset Perfection at Watergate Bay
I took the bus back to the Watergate Bay Hotel, where I ended the day with a peaceful walk along the expansive beach. The dramatic cliffs and soft sand created the perfect setting for reflection and relaxation. I dipped my toes into the chilly Atlantic waters and watched the waves roll in as the sky turned shades of orange and pink.
Dinner that evening was another highlight. I treated myself to a another fried chicken burger (they were too good!) and a rosé spritz while taking in the sunset from the terrace. Though clouds obscured the sunset, the atmosphere and ocean views made it a magical moment.
Final Thoughts
Newquay captured my heart with its mix of natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality. Whether exploring the beaches, hiking along dramatic cliffs, or simply enjoying the sunset over dinner, there’s something for everyone in this coastal gem. My only regret? That I didn’t spend more time there!
To see more of my trip to Newquay, watch my two YouTube travel vlogs below:
For more hotel reviews and travel tips: https://thesavvybostonian.com/category/travel/
Jessica Gioglio is founded the travel and lifestyle blog, The SavvyBostonian and is the co-author of The Laws of Brand Storytelling and The Power of Visual Storytelling. Professionally, Jessica has led innovative marketing and public relations programs for Dunkin’, TripAdvisor, Sprinklr, and more. Today, Jessica is a keynote speaker (book her here) and founder of With Savvy Media & Marketing, a strategic branding, storytelling, and content strategy consultancy.
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