3 Days in Newquay & St Agnes

Planning a long weekend in Newquay? Three days only scratches the surface of this vibrant Cornish town, but this itinerary blends surfing, sea kayaking, and farm-to-table dining to make the most of your stay. From where to eat to where to stay, it’s the perfect guide for anyone craving a relaxed Cornwall getaway with a dose of coastal adventure.

3 days in Newquay, Cornwall: Where adventure meets relaxation

Where to stay: Fistral Beach Hotel

If you’re staying in Newquay, there’s really only one right answer for where to stay. The Fistral Beach Hotel has a front-row seat to the iconic bay – one of the UK’s best surfing beaches. But it doesn’t rely on its good looks. Inside, you’ll find comfortable beds, excellent food, genuinely friendly staff, and a soothing spa. Whether you’re watching surfers from your balcony or heading down yourself, Fistral Beach Hotel captures Cornwall’s relaxed, coastal vibe.

Bear in mind that Fistral Beach Hotel is adults-only – ideal for a peaceful, grown-up escape, but not one for families. Those with kids don’t have to forgo the views, though. Its sister hotel, The Esplanade, is right next door.

Fistral Beach, Newquay

Day 1:

Morning: Kayaking with Koru

Cornwall’s coastal beauty is more than just a pretty face. An adrenaline-filled kayaking trip on St Agnes Bay with Koru Kayaking will quickly show you the real power of the Cornish sea. But don’t worry, it’s all good, adventurous fun. Especially with experienced guides like the Koru team. And the bonus? The views of the coves and old mining cliffs are phenomenal. There’s even a dose of history sprinkled in – kayaking in St Agnes is like paddling through a living museum, where the caves and tunnels were carved out by 19th-century miners.

If your kayaking style is more gliding through calm waters than braving the open sea, head to the Helford River near Falmouth. Peaceful, lush, and every bit as fun, the river is a little slice of the Amazon tucked away on Cornwall’s south coast. It’s about a 50-minute drive from Newquay and completely worth it. Koru operates from the foreshore of the Budock Vean Hotel, where husband-and-wife duo Tom and Hetty Wildblood lead the sessions. They’re incredibly passionate – and impressively knowledgeable – about Cornwall’s unique coastal biodiversity.

Bear in mind that Koru Kayaking run their river trips in the afternoon, while the sea kayaking adventures take place in the morning.

Helford River

Afternoon: St Agnes

St Agnes is one of Cornwall’s prettiest villages. And unlike many of the other coastal towns, it thrives all year round. There’s a strong permanent community here, which helps support a fantastic mix of independent businesses. Pubs, restaurants, galleries, cafés, shops, and bakeries – a Cornish pasty from St Agnes Bakery is a must – all buzz with life.

The Beach Cafe at Trevaunance Cove is another must-visit. Unfortunately, it’s one of the few that closes through the winter. But fret not, Schooners next door keeps its doors open. Grab one of their pizzas and stay cosy inside, or, on a sunny day, take it down to the beach.

Alternative option: We recommend visiting St Agnes in the AM if you’re opting for river kayaking. It’s the best time to see the beach at Treuvenance Cove and to watch the surfers with a coffee – there are tonnes of good coffee shops in St Agnes. Walk along the cliff edge for the best views. And look out for seals!

Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes

Evening: Hotel Spa & Dinner

Spa

After walking along the cliffs in St Agnes and kayaking, a trip to the spa is well-deserved. The spa at Fistral Beach Hotel is sumptuously relaxing, with a dark blue lit pool, jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna. 

Dinner

We know that dinner at the hotel isn’t everyone’s bag, but if you’re staying at the Fistral Beach Hotel, it’s a must. Ultra-fresh fish, bold flavours, and excellent service are far beyond what we’d expect from a hotel restaurant. The monkfish with dhal is outstanding. And the complimentary bread with smoked butter was a nice touch. 

Day 2:

Morning: Surfing with Quiksilver Surf School

Okay, surfing isn’t for everyone – but in Cornwall, it’s practically a rite of passage. Especially when you’re staying at the Fistral Beach Hotel, where every window looks out over the surfers riding the waves.

As two complete novices, taking a lesson with Jake from the Quiksilver Surf School was the perfect and humbling introduction – and a real reality check of just how tough surfing actually is. But Jake’s enthusiasm was infectious, and his easygoing energy kept everyone smiling. By the end of the session, he’d made sure each person in the group managed to stand up on the board at least once.

Afternoon: Lunch at Fern Pit Cafe 

Good fish and chips, even better views. You could easily while away an afternoon here. The Fern Pit isn’t just a cafe. They also rent kayaks and paddleboards, and run a small ferry to the beautiful Crantock Beach.

A perfect afternoon at the Fern Pit might go like this: fish and chips for lunch with a view, a short boat ride to Crantock Beach to explore and breathe in the sea air, then a return ferry for fresh oysters and a crisp glass of wine – all while watching the tides shift along the River Gannel.

Evening: Dinner at Halwyn

Halwyn is a hybrid of a countryside restaurant, a farm, a driving range, and a mini golf course. Surrounded by sweeping meadows and farmland, it offers a new perspective on Cornwall – celebrating its inland beauty beyond the coast. 

Arrive an hour before dinner to make the most of the driving range or mini golf course – a fun, interactive way to turn dinner into a full evening out. Not that the restaurant needs the help. Despite only opening in summer 2025, the service was seamless, the interior felt timeworn and cosy, and the food was outstanding. The menu champions Cornish produce and specialises in farm-to-table dining. It doesn’t get much fresher – or more sustainable – than a zero-mile steak (cooked to perfection) from the farm next door.

Halwyn, Crantock

Day 3:

Morning: Cycle the Camel Trail

The Camel Trail is an 18-mile path following an old railway track along the Camel River and estuary. It links Wadebridge, Padstow, Wenfordbridge, and Bodmin, with a dose of history and beautiful views along the way. 

Wadebridge to Padstow is a popular 5.5-mile section, and Bridge Bike Hire is a great local place to pick up your bikes for the day. 

Afternoon: Explore Padstow and Lunch at Rick Stein’s

Padstow is a cute little harbour town, known for its buzzing, colourful waterfront. Explore its pretty streets and independent shops, cafes, and pubs, or go beyond the town and take a sealife safari to spot seals, dolphins, and puffins. There are also lovely beaches for a windswept walk or for relaxing on a sunny day. And if all else fails, the views from Stepper Point are always beautiful. 

Rick Stein has several restaurants dotted around Padstow, ranging from elevated classics at The Seafood Restaurant to hearty favourites at Stein’s Fish and Chips. The latter will be the freshest chippy of your life, with all the familiar flavours. 

Padstow

Evening: Dinner and drinks in St Agnes

St Agnes in the evening takes on a whole new shape. Head to Schooner’s to watch the incoming tide lap (or thrash, depending on the weather) against the wall below. When the sun is setting, The Driftwood Spars is the perfect cosy pub, all dark wood interiors, maritime touches, and pretty views. You can eat here for the comforting pub grub, but The Tap House is a real standout. Come for the menu of freshly caught fish and international eats – think poke bowls and tacos – and stay for the buzzing atmosphere and live music.

The Tap House, St Agnes

The best way to get around Newquay

Cornwall's public transport system isn't great, so getting around by car is the best way to get the most out of your visit. Take day trips, visit unspoilt beaches, and enjoy the freedom of cruising around Cornwall. We picked up our hire car from Drivalia at London Heathrow – get the best prices here.