When we first thought of going to Cornwall, I spent a lot of time researching, reading, mapping. My idea of planning was to mark places of interest on Google Maps. In the end, it looked just like the below, with green flags pointing to where I wanted to go. And obs, the pink hearts talk for themselves. It is all digital and easy to access. Brilliant, right!? But if you have got a better idea, I would love to hear about it in the comment section.
Source: Google Maps
When Cornwall adventure began, we were heading towards Newquay. It was our first camping with our son since he was born. We took the old tent, which was fine for the two of us before the family expansion but not so much for a three-year-old. We survived two nights before ditching it and buying a three times bigger one. I will tell you about it later.
On the way there, we have discovered the best services to date in the UK - Gloucester Services. It's like a massive barn with a green roof blending into the surroundings with a pond at the rear. Inside they serve good quality hot food and sell local farm food. If you think you will find Burger King or Costa Coffee here, then drive on. Pfff!
We crossed into Cornwall in the afternoon. It felt somehow very non-UK. Surrounded by fields of lush green grass, open space and completely different fauna, it seemed as if we were on the mainland. I think even the air smelled fresher and cleaner here. Perhaps I had pink goggles on, but that's exactly how it felt in the moment and ever since. I loooved it!
Towan Headland in Newquay
We set up for the night at the campsite and left for Cribbar Point in Newquay. It is famous for its excellent surfing waves.
I must say, it is lucky we went there in the evening because otherwise, I doubt we would find a spot to park. But we did, and the weather was perfect for a casual stroll to Towan Headland. We first saw a low round stone-built building, which turned out to be public toilets. And I am pretty sure it was already closed after 7 pm. Nearby, many young people were listening to loud music and drinking alcohol. I remember I even thought they could be tourists just like us.
From here you could see the city and the coast quite well. We climbed further up the hill. It was hiding a white hut with no doors or windows. The 360 degrees views from here were spectacular! The water was relatively quiet, so we did not witness the world-class waves this place is famous for. Instead, we enjoyed the setting moon on the horizon and the Fistral Bay. The rock formation is pretty cool as well.
Have to say, I immensely enjoyed driving to and from Towan Headland. The houses in the city are mostly painted in very light colours, and I have spotted a lot of palm trees too. It felt like the town was reserved for tourists to mimic foreign holidays. Newquay was modern and fresh! And with this impression, we went to sleep.
To be continued...