Recharge in a weekend: 48 hours in Newquay
Treat those pre-summer blues with a reset weekender somewhere you can squeeze a whole lot in and seriously up your joy levels. Oh, hello Newquay. So much to do, so little time? Here’s a game-plan you can steal for a short-but-sweet trip to our town. With added insider inspo of course...
Day 1: Morning
Surfing on the north Cornwall coast
The best way to get refreshed fast? An early paddle-out in the winter swell. Pull yourself into a thick neoprene wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves (all available to grab from Wavehunters) and you’ll be good to go. Fistral is one of the most popular surfing spots and at the heart of Newquay’s surf capital rep, though it’s worth checking out Great Western Bay or Towan for (usually) more mellow winter waves.
For that vital post-surf refuel head to Box & Barber on Fore Street. Choose from wholesome all-day brunches like colourful açai bowls, packed-out breakfast burritos, and fruit-topped pancake stacks. Wash it all down with a matcha or turmeric latte for extra-smug wellness points.
Insider inspo
“One of my favourite ways to recharge in the winter months is with a sunrise coastal walk. This season we have even been lucky enough to spot a whale or two! The Cribbar (Newquay’s big wave spot) has also been absolutely firing recently, so that’s been a fun place to stop off during my walks - especially when the sun’s out.”
– Danni, Newquay professional & surfer
Day 1: Afternoon
Shopping and street art
Newquay slows down in the off-season. Fewer crowds, a calmer pace – perfect for a leisurely mooch. Dip in and out of indie shops dotted across town. Find your next read at Clemo Books on Bank Street. Grab a bag of health-boosting mushroom powder at Mushlove on Killacourt. Then head to Fore Street for some lush eco skincare from The Good Lyfe, or a sleek, sustainable swimsuit from Made of Water.
Keep your eyes peeled for street art along the way. Some of the SeaSpace crew spent a day exploring and came back with a whole reel of finds.
Need a caffeine fix? Nalu Coffee House has you covered. A warm welcome, a decent flat white and – if you’re feeling it – a smoothie worth slowing down for.
Insider inspo
“On a chilled weekend, I love going to Wave House for coffee and a healthy lunch. It’s housed in a big bright church and always has such a good vibe.”
– Sam, team SeaSpace
Get glowing
Next stop: Lanteague Studios. A short drive from Newquay, this creative hub is home to bakers, brewers, roasters, artists, surfboard shapers, and wellness wonder-workers.
In Unit 1 you’ll find Selena’s Glow. Step inside for a skin-wakening facial that’ll put your zing right back in. Go for The Slow Glow – a full treat-yourself hour of oil cleansing, scrubbing, masking, facial cupping, and a jade-roller finish. Heaven.
Credit: goddess.gaze.photography for Selena's Glow
Day 1: Evening
Small plates, big flavour
Craving that dinner out buzz? Counter Culture is the spot. A pinxtos (pronounced pinchos) bar straight from the San Sebastian streets, serving up bold Spanish flavours with a Cornish twist, this place is always full of life and packed with flavour.
Head Chef Ben Harrison keeps it local, riffing on Basque-style small plates – think patatas panaderas with Cornish sardines and Vizcaina sauce or merguez with caramelized apple and roasted shallots. Best enjoyed shared, with a bottle of something easy to quaff.
Day 2: Morning
Sunrise flow
Pull on your kit, grab a coffee and a (huge) Pavilion pastry to go from the SeaSpace café, then head for Ocean Flow Yoga. Perched on Pentire Headland with sweeping sea views it’s one of Newquay’s longest standing studios – and the must-visit space to stretch out yesterday’s surf.
The Sunrise Flow class is a morning fave, but there’s plenty more on the schedule if you’re after something different. Be sure to book ahead. Or if you’re feeling lazy, there’s restorative yoga on your doorstep in the SeaSpace health club, you don’t even need to put your shoes on to get there.
Insider inspo
“My all-time favourite activity to reset is stand-up paddleboarding on the Gannel. You can start at Crantock and float all the way up the river on the high tide. There are so many creeks to explore – and it’s extra peaceful in the winter.”
– Becky, team SeaSpace
Credit: Janina Fleckhaus for Olla Hiki Sauna
Sea swim and sauna
Time for today’s saltwater therapy. Post-yoga, wander down to Fistral Beach for a wintery dip – breathtaking in every sense. If the conditions are safe, it’s worth braving the chill for the rush that follows.
Luckily, Olla Hiki Sauna is just steps away to bring back your cosy. This mobile woodfired sauna pops up at Fistral from mid-February to late June 2025. Book a private session or share the heat – either way, you’ll leave glowing.
Day 2: Afternoon
Coast path wandering
Still got a little fuel in the tank? Make the most of it with a breezy stroll along Newquay’s stretch of the South West Coast Path. Head north from Fistral, hugging the headland as the Atlantic rolls out before you. Pass Huer’s Hut, a nod to the town’s pilchard fishing past, then amble on to the colourful harbourfront and Newquay’s town beaches.
Feeling the chill? Sprout Health Foods near Towan Beach serves up a daily hotpot to die for – always vegan, always spot-on. When you’re ready to roll again, keep tracing the coast past Lusty Glaze to Porth.
Windswept and done for the day? Get bubbled in the hot tub by the Miami-style SeaSpace pool. Right, cocktail anyone?
Credit: @eyecapturethecastle
Insider inspo for another good walk
“At the tail end of winter, I like to stroll from the Medieval church in St Mawgan village, through The Menalhyl Valley to get my first wild garlic fix of the year. It carpets the ground everywhere, a welcome reminder that spring is well and truly on its way. I always end up with pockets full of the stuff – foraging at its easiest.”
– Nicola, Newquay creative
DAY 2: Evening
Watergate Bay sunset
Layer up and take the short drive to Watergate Bay. Find your spot on the sand, lay down a blanket, and settle in. As the sun dips, the sky flares orange and pink, the sea gleams, and the cliffs turn to silhouettes. The mother of all sunset spots.
Say hallo TALLO
End the weekend on a high at TALLO, our Italo-American eatery, opening with a full menu in March 2025.
Go all in on moreish small plates, a big, soulful bowl of pasta, or the hefty TALLO burger with skin-on fries. Whatever you choose, raise a glass – you’ve just wrapped up one epic weekend. This is what the good life’s made of, right?
