Who says a Cornwall holiday has to cost a fortune?
Discover the best free things to do in Cornwall this summer. From scenic beaches and coastal walks to gardens and historic sites, enjoy Cornwall on a budget. Once you have booked your pitch or accommodation at Hendra Holiday Park, all you need to spend your money on is a few ice creams!
Cornwall’s natural beauty is all here for you to enjoy. Hendra Holiday Park is just a mile and a half away from Cornwall’s breathtaking north coast, and the town of Newquay, which boasts seven soft and sandy beaches.
Here’s some of our top ideas for completely free days out in Cornwall – no need to tap your phone or reach for your wallet!
Little Fistral
Beautiful Beaches in Newquay
We know that’s why you are here: beautiful beaches. Newquay has seven of them, and they are all close by to Hendra Holiday Park.
Porth Beach is a quick drive from Hendra Holiday Park, and is popular with families. Porth has lots of space, rock pools, and good facilities. Or choose Lusty Glaze, a horse-shoe shaped cove, this privately owned beach is well looked-after, and has good facilities. As well as paid for music events, Lusty hosts live music and DJ sets – all completely free. Lusty is only accessible by a series of steep steps. Then there’s Tolcarne, beach number three, also a privately owned beach. You can access Tolcarne by a steep slope, or steps. Tolcarne is very popular with its great facilities and large rock pools at low tide, perfect for a dip. Next is Great Western Beach, known as Newquay’s original surfing beach, sheltered, with surf and accessed via a slope.
Now onto the final three beaches in Newquay. Towan Beach is in the heart of Newquay. This beach is probably one of the easiest to access. When the tide comes in the sea does come right up to the wall – and this happens quickly! So if you want your stuff to be dry, be prepared! It is a good beach to explore, with the Newquay’s harbour alongside it, and the iconic cliff top house on the other side. Next up we have Fistral: the famous one. Known for its surf, and home to the Boardmasters surf and skate side of the festival, Fistral has excellent facilities and the best Newquay vibes. Don’t forget to visit Fistral’s little sister, Little Fistral. A pebble beach, Little Fistral is easily accessible via a few steps. A great beach for those who like things a little more peaceful.
Coastal Walks in Newquay
Seven beaches means lots of coastal walks and scenery. Nearby you can explore several stunning coastal walks.
Porth to Watergate
Coast Path Watergate
Walk from Porth Beach up to Trevelgue Head, also known as ‘Porth Island’, for excellent views across to Newquay and Watergate, follow the coast path upwards, and you can then walk towards Watergate Bay. You will see huge stretches of blue sea before reaching Watergate Bay.
Newquay Harbour to Towan Head
Newquay’s picturesque harbour is a good place to watch the world go by with numerous boats and lots of eateries on the beach: the harbour definitely has a buzz. Walk from the harbour and follow the coast path and see the iconic Huer’s Hut, with history dating back to the 14th century. At Towan Head, you will see the old coastguard hut and lifeboat slipway.
Fistral to Pentire Head
Carry on from your walk above, or set off from the iconic surfer’s paradise, Fistral Beach. Walk across the beach, or the path which runs behind the dunes and Newquay golf course, and then continue right and follow the path onto Pentire Headland. Here you will have views back across towards Fistral and overlooking Crantock.
Further afield…
Just outside of Newquay there are some more Cornwall coastal walks, which are well worth a trek.
Crantock Beach
Crantock to Holywell
Crantock is known for its extensive dunes, and large expanse of beach. Walk along Porth Joke (aka Polly Joke), a beautiful beach in a valley. Then there’s the headland up towards Kelsey Head, with excellent views, as well as the opportunity to see sea birds, seals and lots of wildflowers. Head over to Holywell through the dunes and relax on this beach before heading back. Why not take a picnic and enjoy an alfresco lunch?
Watergate to Mawgan Porth
Follow the South West Coast Path from Watergate Bay beach, and be treated to incredible coastal views, and wildlife spotting. Mawgan Porth is a popular beach and area with a selection of shops and facilities. If you want to see the famous Bedruthan Steps, a series of rock stacks, rest up and then walk an extra 2 miles up the coast path.
More Free Things to Do in Cornwall
Trenance Gardens
Located just minutes from Hendra Holiday Park, Trenance Gardens is a wonderful place for children, adults and couples. The gardens have lots of beautiful blooms, trees and shrubs. At Trenance Gardens you can feed the ducks at the boating lake, stroll through the rose garden and kids can enjoy the play park.
The Killacourt, Newquay Town Centre
Live Music at the Killacourt, Newquay
Located in the heart of Newquay, overlooking Towan Beach, the Killacourt has spectacular views and open green space. Throughout the summer there are free events on. On Saturday the 18th of July there’s a Country Hoedown from 12pm. Get your cowboy boots and hat on and yee-haw down to Newquay! There’s a Schools’ Out Disco on the 25th of July, with a free disco and prize giveaways. On the 15th of August there’s the Sunset Sessions, with DJs from 3pm – 9pm. Enjoy the sunset and tunes.
On the 22nd of August – it’s the People’s Playlist. Newquay’s chosen its favourite local live music acts from 12 until 8pm. Then lastly, on the 5th of September, there’s the Summer Finale with music and fun.
Your Summer Holiday in Cornwall Awaits…
What are you waiting for? Summer in Cornwall is filling up fast so don’t miss out on all of this free fun and beauty. Once you have booked your self-catering accommodation or pitch, all there is left to do is explore…
There’s also plenty of free things to do at Hendra Holiday Park, with our outside play areas, including a skate park, ninja assault course and play parks, plus our evening entertainment across two venues, The Deck Bar, outside, with live music every night, and The Venue for lots of excellent entertainment, from kids party dances to team shows and star acts. As well as our heated outdoor pool: a serene spot for relaxing on a summer’s day.
