10 Reasons to visit Newquay and Apartment 3 Fistral Beach in the winter season.
Winter breaks in the UK are often overlooked but there are many benefits to booking a holiday in the winter season. Here are our top 10 reasons to visit Cornwall in the winter.
1. Quiet Beaches
Newquay beaches are beautiful and very popular in the summer, especially Fistral Beach which attracts lots of surfers. However, in the winter you will be still be able to enjoy sea-based activities and wintry walks without all the crowds. Granted, you may not have the sun to warm your toes but there is something very beautiful about Newquay beaches in the winter, 7 of which are in walking distance from the apartment! You’ll also find that the surf is great too and a lot less crowded!
Hot Chocolate and cake at Poldhu Beach Cafe
2. Enjoy a Warming Hot Chocolate
There is nothing better than a hot chocolate on a cold day. We love to walk down to the Fistral Beach Bar and watch the waves whilst enjoying a delicious hot chocolate topped with cream and marshmallows! The Pasty Shack at North Fistral also make a great hot chocolate. Other favourites are Wax Watergate Bay for a brilliant cream, marshmallow and chocolate button combo and Coffee on the Corner for a cheeky boozy hot chocolate.
Worth mentioning for its insta worthy hot chocolate, why not combine a day trip to Poldhu beach and head to Poldhu beach café.. where you will be in topping heaven! Mini eggs anyone?
You also might even find a little Cornish hot chocolate treat in your welcome basket!
Otis enjoying Fistral Beach. Image courtesy of The Rutland Blogger
3. Dog Friendly Beaches
Newquay is extremely dog friendly, most cafes and beaches are dog friendly all year round but beaches such as Porth, Tolcarne, Lusty Glaze and others further afield have seasonal restrictions in the summer, so winter is a great time to visit with your dog to make the most of these beaches. 3 Fistral Beach is also dog friendly throughout the winter on a request only basis.
A very stormy Little Fistral perfectly captured by local photograher Concrete Ocean
4. Storm Watching
There is nothing better than watching the stormy sea and mother nature do her thing! We have the perfect vantage point from our balcony overlooking Fistral Beach! If you are really lucky you might even get to watch a large storm roll in or see snow covered beaches which really is spectacular.
North Fistral Beach
5. Off Season Prices
Yes! It’s a lot cheaper to visit in the off season! Prices can be a ¼ of what you would pay in the peak season. We also offer 3 and 5 day breaks over the off-season period from November to February so winter is the ideal time to visit us for that short getaway.
Apple Pie Pancakes at Sea Spray Fistral - Image courtesy of Sea Spray Fistral
6. Winter Comfort Food and Cosy Pubs
Who doesn’t love comfort food and a cosy pub where you can sit in front of the wood burner with a glass of wine after a winter walk? We love the Red Lion pub in Newquay, it is dog friendly, serves excellent pub grub and has a wonderful cosy atmosphere.
For a breakfast with an amazing view, perfect for storm watching try Sea Spray Fistral.. just a 2 minute walk from the apartment it has amazing views over Fistral beach. Those who are particularly hardy can sit on the balcony or you can enjoy the view from the inside seating. The pancakes and breakfast ciabattas are perfection! Try their winter warmer apple pie pancakes for a real breakfast treat.
Morris Pasties in town are rated very highly and sell a great selection of hot and cold Cornish pasties. The British favourite fish and chips are of course, always a great idea in the winter! Or how about a dinner party in the comfort of the apartment prepared, cooked, served and cleared by the Cornish Chef?
Hot tub rental from Tub ‘N’ Go - Image courtesy of The Rutland Blogger
7. Time to Relax
There is nothing better after a long cold walk or dip in the winter sea than a hot tub! Whilst we do not have a hot tub at the property we do have a fully enclosed garden and have teamed up with Tub ‘N’ Go, a local hot tub rental company, who can supply you with a hot tub while you are staying with us. They will set up the hot tub and take it away at the end of your stay; they offer various packages and a complimentary bottle of bubbly!
Why not also make the most of the rainy days and catch up on some Netflix.. we have a Netflix subscription for you to use in the apartment as well as Cornish Monopoly, card games and lots of books. Or just cosy up with a blanket in our viewing chair and enjoy the view over Fistral Beach from our living room.
Tintagel Castle - Image courtesy of The Rutland Blogger
8. Quiet Roads
Cornish roads in summer can be a little stressful to say the least! Make the most of the off-season to take a trip further afield. Cornwall is just full of history, there are English heritage sites including Tintagel and St Mawes castle. Then the famous Lost Gardens of Heligan, The Eden Project, The amazing Minak Theatre, Bodmin jail and St Michaels Mount to name a few!
As for beaches, you are just spoilt for choice in Cornwall.. a few of our favourites are Sennen cove, Porthcurno, Gwenver, Perranporth, Polly Joke, Carbis bay, Polzeath and Kynance Cove.
Newquay Activity Centre - Image courtesy of Newquay activity Centre
9. Winter Sea Activities
Yep, surfing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding and coasteering are still winter activities! The sea actually stays nice and warm up until November time but with all the right gear you can still get into the sea throughout the winter months. Please be sure to always check the flags, respect the water and put your safety first https://rnli.org/safety
Why not challenge yourself and try a new sport? We highly recommend Newquay activity centre for a great range of winter (and summer) activities including kayaking, paddle boarding, coasteering, bodyboarding, surfing and coastal adventures. Make sure you book in advance so you don’t miss out as they book up quickly.
Quicksilver surf is also perfectly situated just a 1 minute walk from the apartment if you prefer on-the-door-step surf hire or lessons.
We have an outdoor shower and a surf store at the apartment too, perfect if you are bringing your own boards.
Fore Street Cafe, Newquay. Image courtesy of The Rutland Blogger
10. No Queues
Another great thing about winter in Cornwall is being able to walk into your favourite restaurant without having to make a booking and to not have to queue for a seat outside at the Beach Bar for that hot chocolate, coffee or ice-cream.. Yes, ice cream is still a thing in the winter and Cornish ice cream is the best!!