This breathtaking circular penthouse apartment boasts what must surely be the best views in town - wave-pounded beaches, coastal cliffs, Newquay's rooftops - all in full 360-degree splendour, enjoyed (if you wish) from the bubbling warmth of an 8-person hot tub on the terrace! Step inside, into the enormous, round, open-plan living-dining area, and you'll find carefully sourced mid-century designer pieces (Anglepoise lamps, Eames-style armchairs, cowhide rugs) alongside colourful touches (sky blue sofas, a bright red teapot) and retro posters. The styling is both impeccable and instagrammable. Stairs lead down to 4 calm and equally chic double/twin bedrooms, with monsoon showers and stacks of Ren toiletries.
Head outside, and you have one of the best surf spots in the UK at your feet: Fistral Beach. 15 minutes' walk brings you into Newquay, well stocked not just with nightlife and coffee shops, but also more civilised attractions: a zoo with lions and sloths, an aquarium with sharks and pufferfish. Follow the coast path west to lovely Crantock (voted Best British Beach by Coast), or to the endless sands and rugged cliffs of Poly Joke and Holywell, our favourites. A rare dose of urban style amidst stunning Cornish coastal scenery, and an all-round top spot.
Highs
- Perfect for a group of friends wanting to get together in style, or a (large) family (with older children) wanting the best of beach and town
- The wraparound balcony with amazing sea views is a great spot for al fresco drinks and sunbathing on a sunny day
- The gleaming white kitchen has all you need to whip up an intimate dinner party (or ask a pro to)
- The penthouse is wonderfully sunny – and if the clouds do roll in, sit back and watch them from the comfort of your Bond-style pad
- There's masses of space all with amazing sea views with a choice of sitting and dining areas, a work space and a vast master suite
Lows
- Famed for its teenage parties, Newquay lacks the rarefied charm of Padstow or St. Ives; but being right on the Pentire headland puts you far enough away from the melee and right on the doorstep of the National Trust's Crantock Beach
- The apartment is in a quiet residential area but new apartment buildings and shops spring up each year so there can often be building works going on
- The apartment is not ideal for families with younger children (no baby gates) nor for those with poor mobility (e.g. there's no lavatory on the living room level)
- As usual in Cornwall, rentals run from Friday-Friday in July-August, and from Mon-Fri / Fri-Mon at other times
Best time to go
North Cornwall's coastline is stunning whatever the season. You'll get the best weather between May-September, but bear in mind that Newquay's beaches get very busy in July-August. Spring and autumn may bring gorgeous sunshine if you're lucky, though are still likely to be cool. Unsurprisingly, rental rates go up during school holidays. Midweek stays in term-time represent particularly good value, if you're flexible.
Our top tips
For a break from the crowds, head to the flat secluded sands of Crantock Beach: a lovely 20-minute stroll via the tidal estuary of the River Gannel. Here you can either walk across the pontoon bridge (at low tide), or take the tiny ferry which operates from May to October (at high), looking out for godwits and greenshanks (wading birds, not a London law firm). On the way back home, stop at the unpretentious Fern Pit Café for fresh crab sandwiches at pretty picnic tables overlooking the river valley.
Location
The apartment is on the top 2 floors of a cylindrical block just outside Newquay in northern Cornwall, overlooking Fistral Beach.
By Car:
It's 4-5 hours' drive from London along the M4-M5-A30-A392. There's underground parking at the apartment.
By Rail:
Trains from London Paddington to Newquay (c.5 hours) changing once at Par; from Newquay station, take a taxi (5 mins).
By Air:
Newquay Airport (20 mins) has some domestic and seasonal international flights; for a wider choice, try Exeter (1.5 hrs), Bristol (2.5 hrs) or London Heathrow (4.5 hrs). If you need a car, see our rental recommendations.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to the UK and getting around
Airports:
- Newquay 12.0 km NQY
- Exeter 150.0 km EXE
Other:
- Beach 0.2 km
- Shops 1.0 km
- Restaurant 1.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests