A Weekend Exploring Newquay, Polperro And Dartmoor (with Itinerary)

Newquay has at all times had a particular place in my coronary heart! I took my first vacation there with simply my associates, and it was a enjoyable two-week journey full of lengthy sunny days, vibrant VW Kombi van-lined cliff tops, gazing at surfer from lengthy white sandy seashores, and dancing each evening. It wasn’t fairly Ibiza – however as youngsters, it nearly felt prefer it!

After years of desirous to return, I deliberate a nostalgia-fuelled journey with Gary Nunn, our workforce videographer (and drone operator), to seize a number of the great thing about this extraordinary nook of England.

We had been searching for the right weekend journey which mixed a mixture of dramatic seaside views, fairly fishing villages, and wild moors, so we selected a Cornwall and Devon highway journey squeezing in exploring Newquay, Polperro, and Dartmoor in simply three days, over an extended weekend (it may be a brief mid-week journey).

The itinerary turned out to be a implausible option to pack in a number 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 Street Journey (which went viral)!

Watch as we discover the atmospheric shoreline, lovely seashores, charming villages, and unbelievable sunsets in our video — full with beautiful drone footage that captures all of it from above!

1. The Street Journey

We began our highway 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 seemed 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 nearly otherworldly fusion of extremely tiny hobbit-esque stone cottages, wind-battered pubs, gently bobbing boats worn on the sides, secret coves, slim 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 lots to maintain us occupied and we spent our time wandering by the slim, 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 in addition had dwell music, and out of doors 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 automotive and had boutique styling, distinctive eating and a really romantic vibe! 

Polperro – At a fast look

Greatest For: Scenic harbour views, charming fishing village vibes, quick boat journeys
Highlights: Polperro Harbour Heritage Museum, South West Coast Path, Blue Peter Inn
Parking: Primary automotive park at the village entrance; pedestrian–solely inside
Accessibility: Some steep and slim 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 through the summer time when the solar was shining it had an nearly Mediterranean vacation vibe.

The city centre was a parade of busy retailers, largely seafood eating places, vigorous bars and nightclubs from which lanes result in well-kept gardens, cliff-top lawns and envy-inducing glass-fronted seaside flats (I needed one)! 

The seashores right here had been critically lovely – we particularly cherished Fistral Bay which we discovered was positioned on the western fringe of Newquay, round half a mile from the city centre. It was an extended, broad 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 had been as blue as our automotive.

We spent a couple of hours exploring the preferred haunt spot, Fistral Seashore, clambering over rocks to observe hardy surfers braving the swollen tide as seagulls soared and spiralled excessive within the sky.

We additionally spent our time stress-free 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
• Greatest 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 automotive parks + seaside parking obtainable
• Prime Seashores: Towan, Nice Western, Lusty Glaze, and Fistral Seashore
• Vibe: Energetic, youthful, nice for each stress-free days and enjoyable nights

4. Lusty Glaze, Newquay, Cornwall

We had a late lunch, frolicked on the beautiful sandy seaside and ended the night on the cutely identify Lusty Glaze seaside positioned 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 enormous enveloping cliffs, picket 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 preferred the way it had an unique, intimate and upscale really feel! 

We dined on the important eating and ingesting venue, the Lusty Glaze Seashore Bar & Restaurant (we needed to e book prematurely although!) and because it was nonetheless pretty chilly we cosied up by the hearth whereas we watched because the foamy waves crashed towards the rocks. 

The glowing solar slowly disappeared behind the cliff, leaving a unprecedented 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
• Greatest 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 picket restaurant, The Lusty Glaze Seashore Bar & Restaurant (reserving beneficial), occasional dwell music occasions and weddings
• When to Go to: Late spring to early autumn for finest climate and full services
• Enjoyable Reality: Continuously voted one of many UK’s most romantic seashores

6. The Fistral Seashore Resort and Spa

Our non permanent residence for the night was the luxurious adults-only escape 4-star The Fistral Seashore Resort and Spa which was a relaxed spa lodge blessed with sweeping views over Newquay’s well-known surfer’s seaside.

My trendy 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 sizzling tub, a state-of-the-art health suite, tasty cocktails in Bay Bar, and was additionally simply throughout the highway from Fistral Seashore.

Their elegant seafront Dune restaurant had fashionable boutique styling and we sat right down to a superb night meal with the sound of crashing waves towards 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 Seashore Resort and Spa – At a Fast Look

• Location: Overlooking Fistral Seashore, Newquay, Cornwall​
• Sort: Adults-only 4-star lodge​
• Greatest For: Romantic getaways, spa retreats, browsing breaks​
• Vibe: Trendy, trendy, 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 sizzling tub​
• Health: State-of-the-art gymnasium with cardio and resistance gear​
• Extras: Complimentary spa and gymnasium entry for friends; 10% low cost on spa therapies throughout keep​
• Parking: On-site parking obtainable

7. Dartmoor Nationwide Park, Devon

With a dedication to benefit from 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 japanese edge, winding down a wooded lane the place dramatic daylight filtered by a mixture of towering historic oaks with moss-covered branches and gnarly trunks, tall and chic ash bushes.

I cherished how the entire scene was extremely atmospheric! To me, it felt historic 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 vigorous market city with cute cafes, artisan retailers, and native galleries which was generally known as the “Gateway to the Moor” and Lustleigh was a hidden fairy-tale village (typically generally known as the prettiest village in Dartmoor) which was residence to quaint thatched cottages, a fairly village inexperienced, and an previous granite church.

Becky Falls was one in every of my favorite spots although and was a stunning pure waterfall set in historic oak woodland and had quite a few easy-to-challenging strolling trails surrounding it. The falls themselves had been rugged and wild they usually seemed significantly scenic and swollen after a couple 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 residence 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 seemed out over the moors which had been dotted with wild Dartmoor ponies.

We additionally explored the close by ruins of Medieval Houndtor Village, which had been slightly eerie however positively price the additional little detour!

General, the large 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 highway journey’s video.

 Dartmoor Nationwide Park – At a fast look

• Location: South Devon, England
• Well-known For: Wild moorland landscapes, granite tors, ponies, historic woodlands
• Greatest 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 automotive 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 superbly preserved villages and landscapes and returned to London, stopping for a fast scenic midway break within the engaging cathedral metropolis of Salisbury, which was positioned in Wiltshire.

It was an important place to cease on the way in which again because it was full of a superb vary of eating places to select from and we finally selected The Previous Ale and Espresso Home which was full of tasteful up to date decor, craft beers and a diversified menu.

As our journey ended, we left behind the recent, typically salty, air and unspoilt surroundings for smoggier climes, however on our quick break, we wouldn’t have accomplished even the tiniest factor otherwise! 

Our London to Polperro to Newquay to Dartmoor Weekend Street Journey Itinerary

⚓️ Day 1: Polperro

•Morning: We arrived in Polperro and wandered by the fishing village exploring its slim lanes, whitewashed cottages, and fairly small harbour.

•Late Morning: We visited the fascinating Polperro Harbour Heritage Museum after which took a brief boat journey tour (there have been a number of boat excursions obtainable alongside the harbour).

•Afternoon: We had lunch sitting outdoors The Crumplehorn Inn & Mill which was charming Thirteenth-century pub residence to (a working!) historic water wheel!

•Stroll: We walked for 2 mile stretch of the South West Coast Path between Looe and Polperro (the total one-way was round 5 miles in size).

•Night: We returned to Polperro for a pub dinner on the Blue Peter Inn they’d an important menu filled with each conventional and extra inventive dishes. I opted for the Herby Inexperienced Pea, Broad Seashore and Edamame Gluten-free Linguine which was scrumptious!

In a single day: We stayed in a single day on the Insta-worthy Talland Bay Resort in Looe which was simply 5 minutes away from Polperro by automotive.

Day 2: Newquay Seashores & Clifftop Views

Drive: We drove an 1 hour 10 minutes from Polperro to Newquay. 

•Morning: We visited the Newquay Harbour, dined in The Boathouse at after which walked alongside the coastal path to Towan Head and noticed beautiful sea views.

•Lunch: We ate at Lusty Glaze Seashore Restaurant (we needed to e book earlier than hand although because it was an unique place), I assumed their Breaded Mushrooms served with truffle mayo and a candy mango chili dipping sauce was particularly divine!

•Afternoon: We relaxed on Fistral Seashore and watched the surfers!

•Night: We frolicked, ate and stayed over on the 4-star The Fistral Seashore Resort and Spa additionally loved the trendy spa services, cocktail bar, indoor swimming pool and stress-free sizzling tub! 

⛰️ Day 3: Dartmoor Nationwide Park

Drive: We began off at 7.30am and driving from Newquay to Dartmoor Nationwide Park, which took an 1 hour and half-hour.

Morning: We entered the park from the east aspect, exploring the quaint city of Bovey Tracey and the charming village of Lustleigh, which was full of thatched cottages.

Lunch: We stopped at The Café on the Inexperienced in Widecombe-in-the-Moor, the place I opted for a scrumptious home-made veggie pie – the café itself was small, cosy, and filled with native appeal.

Afternoon: After lunch, we took a scenic drive by the moor, stopping at Becky Falls for a brief woodland stroll, then continued to Hound Tor, the place we climbed to the highest and noticed unbelievable views of Dartmoor’s rugged panorama.

Night: We drove again to London within the night (which took us 3.5 hours), stopping halfway in Salisbury, Wiltshire, for a fast stretch and a late dinner and we additionally admired the cathedral from afar!

My Closing Ideas – Why I Thought This Journey Labored! 

This fast highway journey packed in loads of seaside nostalgia, picturesque villages, and cinematic landscapes excellent for pictures and making movies and I personally thought it was excellent for an extended weekend escape from London.

With a mixture of seaside time, scenic walks, and peaceable countryside I actually preferred the way it included a stability of each journey and leisure! 

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