On the town: Newquay
Newquay is famous for being Cornwall’s party town – and with good reason. During the summer months, the place buzzes with surfers, daytrippers and people on weekend escapes, all determined to make the most of what is the sunniest place in the UK. There’s a wide choice of places to drink, from laid-back surfer bars and quirky pubs to more impromptu barbecues on the beach. Head to the streets off the beach for a warm-up pub crawl before setting off for one of the town’s many nightclubs. Nobody does a night out quite like Newquay, especially if you’re stuck in Sailors at 2am… newquay.co.uk
Sleep: The Scarlet
It might feel as though you’re overlooking the Mediterranean, but the Scarlet Hotel is actually only a few miles from Newquay. Expect locally sourced food, a top spa and private hot tubs, while the hotel also has some serious eco credentials (it recycles rainwater). No children are allowed here, making this a destination for a proper, grown-up country escape. Rooms start from £195pn, with the price including breakfast. scarlethotel.co.uk
Action: Polzeath
Newquay might get all the credit for its surfer vibe, but Polzeath, just to its north, is where the serious surf kids head to. Boasting some of the best breaks in the country, Polzeath’s surf is consistent throughout the year, while its sweeping golden beaches aren’t anything to be sniffed at, either. Although it’s a great destination all year round, summer is still the best time to visit – well, this is England, after all... polzeath.co.uk
Food: Restaurant Nathan Outlaw
As the old adage goes: ‘When in Cornwall, it’d be criminal not to snarf all the fresh seafood that the county and its slew of top restaurants has to offer.’ Chef Nathan Outlaw’s two Michelin-starred joint in Rock, north Cornwall, does a storming tasting menu sourced from the freshest catches out of the Atlantic. Pair the food with matching wines – you can thank us later. Tasting menu costs £99, and a matching wine flight costs £72. nathan-outlaw.com
Music: Looe Music Festival
If you thought the UK music festival scene packed up and went home after Bestival in early September: ha! You’re wrong. The town of Looe hosts its eponymous music festival over the weekend of 19-21 September and, in true Cornish fashion, it takes place on the (long and beautiful) beach. This year, more than 90 acts, including The Brand New Heavies and Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls, are on the bill for what will be three days of non-stop partying. There’s also a band called the Red Hot Chili Pipers playing. Your guess is as good as ours... looemusic.co.uk
