bmibaby - Destinations: Newquay

best for live music and days out :
The Eden Project
Described by one newspaper as “the closest you’ll get to watching a gig on the moon”(!), Eden really does take the biscuit when it comes to memorable live music events. Mark Ronson, The Verve, Lily Allen, Primal Scream and The Pet Shop Boys have all graced Eden’s famous stage, and you can also take in art exhibitions, environmentally proactive learning experiences and the awe-inspiring climate controlled mini-ecosystems of the biomes.
Where > The Eden Project, Bodelva, Cornwall, Tel: +44 (0)1726 811911. view map
Website > www.edenproject.com

best for thrills:
The Adventure Centre at Lusty Glaze
If you’re a bit of a daredevil and you’re looking for excitement and extreme sports, The Adventure Centre at Lusty Glaze should have something to quench your thirst! With coasteering, climbing, abseiling, surfing, obstacle courses, mazes and a zip wire, adrenaline junkies are well catered for.
Where > The Adventure Centre, Lusty Glaze Road, Newquay, Tel: +44 (0)1637 872444. view map
Website > www.adventure-centre.org

best 360 degree view :
from Lewinnick Lodge
Perched on Pentire headland a wee way out of town, Lewinnick Lodge’s floor-to-ceiling windows give the most fantastic views of the Atlantic. The food is a great mix of chic cuisine and local fare.
Where > Lewinnick Lodge, Pentire Headland, Newquay, Tel: +44 (0)1637 878117. view map
Website > www.lewinnick-lodge.info

best for pampering:
Fistral Spa
For a gloriously luxurious pampering session, head to the Fistral Spa at the Bay Hotel. From pedicures to facials, and full body massages to specialist surf treatments, an afternoon at the spa will leave you totally relaxed. We recommend the Fistral treatment – it will soothe those post surf-lesson aches!
Where > Fistral Spa, The Bay Hotel, Pentire, Newquay, Tel: +44 (0)1637 852221. view map
Website > www.newquay-hotels.co.uk

best for kite surfing:
Watergate Bay
Possibly Newquay’s windiest beach, Watergate is perfect for kite surfing and long walks on its three miles of golden sand. Less busy than Fistral, but still just as stunning, there’s also a handful of great eateries around here (including Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen) and the Watergate Bay Hotel, which provides not only fabulous accommodation but also The Extreme Academy, where you can try kitesurfing, paddle surfing and mountain boarding, amongst lots of other activities. Tucked away up the hill behind is the Phoenix pub, a favourite for locals wanting to chill out and listen to live music all through the year.
Where > The Hotel & Extreme Academy, Watergate Bay, Newquay, Tel: +44 (0)1637 860543. view map
Website > www.watergatebay.co.uk

best local food:
The Chy
Fantastic steaks from local farms and sea bass from Newlyn are highlights of the menu at The Chy Restaurant, whose rooftop conservatory looks over Towan Beach in the heart of Newquay. There’s a great bar downstairs where you can get your night started, with comfy sofas and yet more stunning beach views. Linked with The Koola bar and nightclub (with its great roster of DJs and live music) it’s close to the many other clubs, pubs and bars in the bustling centre.
Where > The Chy, 12 Beach Road, Newquay, Tel: +44 (0)1637 873415. view map
Website > www.the-chy.co.uk

best for chilling out:
Windswept Café
Windswept is perfect for relaxing in both summer and winter. Its balcony hangs out over the sea and the waves lap right underneath you at high tide. The café serves gorgeous hot chocolates in winter, and it’s an excellent place to soak up the atmosphere and the sun in the summer. Events like the Pudding Club (try lots of yummy puds and vote on your favourite), art exhibitions and ecologically focused talks take place here all year round, and if it’s chilly they’ll give you a rug to keep you cosy. Giant beanbags and crisp décor give the café an airy but cosy feel.
Where > Windswept Café, South Fistral Beach, Pentire, Newquay, Tel: +44 (0)1637 850793. view map
Website > www.windsweptcafe.co.uk