Today’s post is from Tracey over at Ramblings of a slimming mummy. She writes about one of her favourite holiday destinations – Newquay in Cornwall. 

Newquay is on the Atlantic Coast in Cornwall and is one of the country's top surfing destinations. The main beach is called Fistral beach, however some (like me!) prefer the quieter beaches, for example Porthtowan which is in the town, or Watergate Bay which is a little further afield but still just as idyllic. 

Porthtowan beach

Newquay is also famous for its annual festival, which I believe has sadly come to an end now, called Run to the Sun. Run to the Sun was a music festival which was aimed at owners of VW, beetles and camper vans. I was lucky enough to be in Newquay for this event when I was a teenager and as someone who loves all things VW, I have to say it was amazing! 

Newquay has something for everyone and as my life has changed so has Newquay for me. As a teen it was all about the night club scene for me which is plentiful. The main clubs are Sailors and Salt which is at the bottom of town, then you have Bertie's which is nearer to the top of the town. Sailors I have to say was my personal favourite as there is a place next door which does a mean baguette at 3 am! 

Something that festival lovers will appreciate these days is the annual board-masters festival which is held every August. I've never been but it always has an awesome line up.

Now I am a mummy to a cheeky toddler everything has changed! (And so it should!). We've taken Ethan, my son, to Newquay twice now and he loves it too. 

The first year we took him to Dairyland (being Cornwall a lot of the attractions are based on farms and farm animals which is fab for the kids). We didn't personally think much of Dairyland, I'm not sure if it's because Ethan was only 1 or if it was because it was a cold day but we didn't enjoy it as much as Springfields Pony Centre which is a similar attraction nearby but we felt it was much more fun and had a giant soft play area for the little ones! 

Springfields Pony Centre

Springfields Pony Centre

Another great attraction is the Lappa Valley steam train. You pay one entry fee and this entitles you to access to all three trains, canoe ride, crazy golf, a small soft play area, picnic area, and big play park. It was so good we decided to come back to it this year! Certainly worth a visit! 

Lappa Valley steam railway

Somewhere we plan to visit when Ethan is older is the Holywell Bay fun park. Hubby and I are into pitch and putt, if you like what I call 'mess around golf' this is amazing! We can't wait till Ethan can run around it with us, but to the the fact that the course is certainly not pram or toddler friendly it's a big no no as yet.

A place I'd highly recommend anyone staying if you have kids is Hendra just on the outskirts of Newquay. We've stayed there twice now and they really do cater for families. There is soft play and activities during the day, and in the evening there is a disco. There is even a breakfast club where a rep will give your child a bowl of cereal and colouring to do while you eat your breakfast in peace!

The best month in my personal opinion to visit Newquay is either May, or after August, during the summer months it gets packed in Newquay, I had the unfortunate experience of having to get a train home on bank holiday weekend once and trust me, you don't want to do that! 

I hope you have enjoyed my post on Newquay, a post doesn't really do it justice everyone needs to visit, if only to try a real cream tea, and pasty! 

Cream tea at Lappa Valley steam railway