Newquay has all the time had a particular place in my coronary heart! I took my first vacation there with simply my pals, and it was a enjoyable two-week journey crammed with lengthy sunny days, vibrant VW Kombi van-lined cliff tops, gazing at surfer from lengthy white sandy seashores, and dancing each night time. It wasn’t fairly Ibiza – however as youngsters, it virtually felt prefer it!
After years of eager to return, I deliberate a nostalgia-fuelled journey with Gary Nunn, our group videographer (and drone operator), to seize a few of the great thing about this extraordinary nook of England.
We have been in search of the proper weekend journey which mixed a mixture of dramatic seaside views, fairly fishing villages, and wild moors, so we selected a Cornwall and Devon street journey squeezing in exploring Newquay, Polperro, and Dartmoor in simply three days, over an extended weekend (it is also a brief mid-week journey).
The itinerary turned out to be a improbable option to pack in a few of the South West’s most scenic highlights in just some days so I’ve included the total route and our journey itinerary on the finish of the article.
Watch: Our Cinematic Drone Video of Our Cornwall and Devon Highway Journey (which went viral)!
Watch as we discover the atmospheric shoreline, lovely seashores, charming villages, and unbelievable sunsets in our video — full with gorgeous drone footage that captures all of it from above!
1. The Highway Journey
We began our street journey early at 8am from London and it was a four-and-a-half-hour journey from London to Polperro.
It was a scenic journey as soon as we acquired off the crowded M25 and we made picturesque stops at charming Fort Combe within the Cotswolds and artsy market city of Totnes in South Devon.
We additionally took in sweeping views of the unspoilt countryside as we crossed the River Tamar into Cornwall, earlier than winding our method alongside picturesque nation lanes that crisscrossed patchwork fields and farms, finally main us into the beautiful coastal village of Polperro.
2. Polperro Village, Cornwall
We finally arrived on the shining jewel within the crown of the east Cornwall coast – the Polperro Heritage Coast after which Polperro itself. It was a spot so picturesque that it was as soon as voted the prettiest village in England, and as soon as we visited I agreed with this accolade!
I assumed truthfully the village regarded like one thing out of a postcard! It had been splendidly preserved from the ravages of time and tide by its surrounding cliffs.
I cherished the way it was an virtually otherworldly fusion of extremely tiny hobbit-esque stone cottages, wind-battered pubs, gently bobbing boats worn on the sides, secret coves, slender streets lined with quirky present retailers, fishermen swapping seafaring yarns (sure actually – time had actually forgotten this place!) and more and more courageous, chip-grabbing seagulls.
Regardless of its small measurement there was loads to maintain us occupied and we spent our time wandering by way of the slender, winding streets, occurring a brief however scenic (and barely uneven!) boat journey, explored the small however fascinating Polperro Harbour Heritage Museum, loved the coastal views from the South West Coast Path, relaxed on the tiny seaside at low tide, browsed the lovable artwork galleries and quirky unbiased retailers.
We ended our day eating within the super-quaint Blue Peter Inn a historic 18th-century pub which was nestled alongside the scenic harbour so we watched the boats gently bob within the harbour as we ate.
The pub was a domestically iconic hang-out with an award-winning menu featured with conventional meals and actual ales and likewise had stay music, and outside seating.
We stayed in a single day on the Insta-worthy Talland Bay Resort in Looe which was simply 5 minutes away from Polperro by automobile and had boutique styling, distinctive eating and a really romantic vibe!
Polperro – At a fast look
Finest For: Scenic harbour views, charming fishing village vibes, quick boat journeys Highlights: Polperro Harbour Heritage Museum, South West Coast Path, Blue Peter Inn Parking: Essential automobile park at the village entrance; pedestrian–solely inside Accessibility: Some steep and slender lanes
3. Newquay and Fistral Bay, Cornwall
We acquired up early and drove an hour from Polperro to the well-known seaside resort of Newquay.
Perched in an excellent place on a knuckle of cliffs overlooking superb golden sands and Atlantic rollers, Newquay’s wonderful pure benefits have made it the premier resort of north Cornwall. I remembered that in the course of the summer time when the solar was shining it had an virtually Mediterranean vacation vibe.
The city centre was a parade of busy retailers, principally seafood eating places, full of life bars and nightclubs from which lanes result in well-kept gardens, cliff-top lawns and envy-inducing glass-fronted seaside residences (I wished one)!
The seashores right here have been significantly lovely – we particularly cherished Fistral Bay which we discovered was situated on the western fringe of Newquay, round half a mile from the city centre. It was an extended, large expanse of golden sand, flanked untamed, frothy waves that attracted surfers by the bucket load.
It was early spring and the wind was bracing, though mercifully the solar shone and the skies have been as blue as our automobile.
We spent a number of hours exploring the preferred haunt spot, Fistral Seaside, clambering over rocks to look at hardy surfers braving the swollen tide as seagulls soared and spiralled excessive within the sky.
We additionally spent our time enjoyable on the sweeping golden sands, strolling the scenic South West Coast Path which had jaw-dropping sea views and exploring the lovable little unbiased retailers and quirky cafes on the town.
Newquay – At a fast look
Location: North Cornwall coast, UK
Well-known For: Browsing, sandy seashores, clifftop views, nightlife
Finest Time to Go to: Round late spring to early autumn (Could–September)
Getting There: Approx. 1 hour drive from Polperro, 5 hours from London
Parking: City centre automobile parks + seaside parking obtainable
Prime Seashores: Towan, Nice Western, Lusty Glaze, and Fistral Seaside
Vibe: Full of life, youthful, nice for each enjoyable days and enjoyable nights
4. Lusty Glaze, Newquay, Cornwall
We had a late lunch, frolicked on the attractive sandy seaside and ended the night on the cutely identify Lusty Glaze seaside situated on the outskirts of Newquay. It wasn’t a spot for lazy seaside bums – its entrance was an extended descent down 133 raggedy stone steps.
I assumed the reward made all of the very step descending and climbing worthwhile although, Lusty Glaze was a spectacular horseshoe-shaped bay framed by big enveloping cliffs, wood stilted eating places on one aspect and a crescent of powder blue seaside huts on the opposite. It was a cute place however I actually appreciated the way it had an unique, intimate and upscale really feel!
We dined on the important eating and ingesting venue, the Lusty Glaze Seaside Bar & Restaurant (we needed to ebook prematurely although!) and because it was nonetheless pretty chilly we cosied up by the hearth whereas we watched because the foamy waves crashed in opposition to the rocks.
The glowing solar slowly disappeared behind the cliff, leaving a rare palette of pinks, purples, blues and oranges printed on the sky.
Lusty Glaze – At a Look
Location: On the outskirts of Newquay, Cornwall
Entry: Down 133 rugged stone steps (so not appropriate for everybody)
Vibe: Secluded, scenic, and barely upscale with a boho twist
Finest For: Sundown views, seaside eating, personal occasions, peaceable seaside days
Prime Options: Sheltered horseshoe-shaped bay with dramatic cliffs, rustic seaside huts and a stilted wood restaurant, The Lusty Glaze Seaside Bar & Restaurant (reserving really helpful), occasional stay music occasions and weddings
When to Go to: Late spring to early autumn for finest climate and full amenities
Enjoyable Reality: Ceaselessly voted one of many UK’s most romantic seashores
6. The Fistral Seaside Resort and Spa
Our non permanent house for the night was the luxurious adults-only escape 4-star The Fistral Seaside Resort and Spa which was a relaxed spa resort blessed with sweeping views over Newquay’s well-known surfer’s seaside.
My fashionable visitor room had sea-views and there was additionally a serene spa that includes 9 remedy rooms and GAIA therapies, an indoor pool with hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and scorching tub, a state-of-the-art health suite, tasty cocktails in Bay Bar, and was additionally simply throughout the street from Fistral Seaside.
Their elegant seafront Dune restaurant had trendy boutique styling and we sat all the way down to a superb night meal with the sound of crashing waves in opposition to the bay’s rocks. The identical sound which I heard in my visitor room was additionally very lulling when it was time to sleep too!
Fistral Seaside Resort and Spa – At a Fast Look
Location: Overlooking Fistral Seaside, Newquay, Cornwall
Kind: Adults-only 4-star resort
Finest For: Romantic getaways, spa retreats, browsing breaks
Vibe: Trendy, fashionable, and serene with panoramic ocean views
Rooms: Sea-view rooms, some with balconies and freestanding baths
Eating: Dune Restaurant (2 AA Rosettes) and Bay Bar with ocean vistas
Spa: 9 remedy rooms, vitality pool, sauna, steam room, and scorching tub
Health: State-of-the-art health club with cardio and resistance tools
Extras: Complimentary spa and health club entry for friends; 10% low cost on spa remedies throughout keep
Parking: On-site parking obtainable
7. Dartmoor Nationwide Park, Devon
With a dedication to take advantage of a few of England’s most interesting surroundings, we then headed to Dartmoor Nationwide Park – Devon’s wild coronary heart which was an hour and 30 minute’s drive from Newquay.
We drove into the park from Dartmoor’s jap edge, winding down a wooded lane the place dramatic daylight filtered by way of a mixture of towering historical oaks with moss-covered branches and gnarly trunks, tall and stylish ash bushes.
I cherished how the entire scene was extremely atmospheric! To me, it felt historical and enchanting, with draping moss and a slight, superb mist shrouding the landscapes.
8. Bovey Tracey, Lustleigh, Becky Falls and Hound Tor
Driving a bit additional into the park took us close to the well-known magnificence spots of Bovey Tracey, Lustleigh, Becky Falls and Hound Tor.
Bovey Tracey was a full of life market city with cute cafes, artisan retailers, and native galleries which was referred to as the “Gateway to the Moor” and Lustleigh was a hidden fairy-tale village (typically referred to as the prettiest village in Dartmoor) which was house to quaint thatched cottages, a reasonably village inexperienced, and an outdated granite church.
Becky Falls was one in every of my favorite spots although and was a stunning pure waterfall set in historical oak woodland and had various easy-to-challenging strolling trails surrounding it. The falls themselves have been rugged and wild they usually regarded significantly scenic and swollen after a number of days of rain!
Hound Tor was one other very atmospheric place, it was truly one in every of Dartmoor’s most iconic tors, and we discovered it was house to jagged rock formations and engaging hyperlinks to the Sherlock Holmes story “The Hound of the Baskervilles.” I personally cherished the spectacular views from the highest which regarded out over the moors which have been dotted with wild Dartmoor ponies.
We additionally explored the close by ruins of Medieval Houndtor Village, which have been just a little eerie however undoubtedly price the additional little detour!
Total, the massive sprawling and massively atmospheric moorland dotted with dense inexperienced forests, babbling brooks, moss-smothered boulders, grazing sheep, and ponies wandering the craggy landscapes made an idyllic cinematic backdrop to our street journey’s video.
Dartmoor Nationwide Park – At a fast look
Location: South Devon, England
Well-known For: Wild moorland landscapes, granite tors, ponies, historical woodlands
Finest Time to Go to: 12 months-round (spring for wildflowers, autumn for misty magic)
Getting There: Approx. 1.5-hour drive from Newquay
Measurement: 954 sq km (368 sq miles)
Parking: A number of automobile parks throughout the park (some pay-and-display)
Vibe: Rugged, peaceable, atmospheric, nice for walkers and nature lovers
With a heavy coronary heart, we left the storybook surroundings of a few of England’s most fantastically preserved villages and landscapes and returned to London, stopping for a fast scenic midway break within the enticing cathedral metropolis of Salisbury, which was situated in Wiltshire.
It was a terrific place to cease on the way in which again because it was crammed with a superb vary of eating places to select from and we finally selected The Outdated Ale and Espresso Home which was crammed with tasteful up to date decor, craft beers and a assorted menu.
As our journey ended, we left behind the contemporary, typically salty, air and unspoilt surroundings for smoggier climes, however on our quick break, we wouldn’t have finished even the tiniest factor in a different way!
My Ultimate Ideas – Why This Journey Labored…
This fast street journey packed in loads of seaside nostalgia, picturesque villages, and cinematic landscapes ultimate for pictures and making movies and I personally thought it was ultimate for an extended weekend escape from London. With a mixture of seaside time, scenic walks, and peaceable countryside I cherished the way it included a surprising mixture of each journey and rest!