Newquay

A vibrant holiday resort on the north coast of Cornwall, Newquay became popular for its laidback surfing culture combined with a raucous party life. However, while the centre of town still attracts beer-swilling tourists (especially stags and hens), the surf beaches and pristine coastline have won Newquay its more salubrious, present-day status as a chic destination for active types, families and weekend breakers seeking stylish accommodation, excellent restaurants (including Jamie Oliver's Fifteen) and all manner of water sports. With flights landing just minutes from the beaches, you can be in the waves just hours after leaving London. And with more than 10 beaches to choose from, Newquay’s got the perfect patch of sand for everyone, whether it’s families that congregate on Towan, the dog walkers who love the wide open space of Crantock or the adventure seekers who head for Watergate Bay and Lusty Glaze.

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