Newquay has always had a special place in my heart! I took my first holiday there with just my friends, and it was a fun two-week trip filled with long sunny days, colourful VW Kombi van-lined cliff tops, gazing at surfer from long white sandy beaches, and dancing every night. It wasn’t quite Ibiza – but as teenagers, it almost felt like it!
After years of wanting to return, I planned a nostalgia-fuelled trip with Gary Nunn, our team videographer (and drone operator), to capture some of the beauty of this extraordinary corner of England.
We were looking for the perfect weekend trip which combined a mix of dramatic beach views, pretty fishing villages, and wild moors, so we decided on a Cornwall and Devon road trip squeezing in exploring Newquay, Polperro, and Dartmoor in just three days, over a long weekend (it could also be a short mid-week trip).
The itinerary turned out to be a fantastic way to pack in some of the South West’s most scenic highlights in just a few days so I’ve included the full route and our trip itinerary at the end of the article.
Watch: Our Cinematic Drone Video of Our Cornwall and Devon Road Trip (which went viral)!
Watch as we explore the atmospheric coastline, beautiful beaches, charming villages, and incredible sunsets in our video — complete with stunning drone footage that captures it all from above!
1. The Road Trip
We started our road trip early at 8am from London and it was a four-and-a-half-hour journey from London to Polperro.
It was a scenic journey once we got off the crowded M25 and we made picturesque stops at charming Castle Combe in the Cotswolds and artsy market town of Totnes in South Devon.
We also took in sweeping views of the unspoilt countryside as we crossed the River Tamar into Cornwall, before winding our way along picturesque country lanes that crisscrossed patchwork fields and farms, eventually leading us into the pretty coastal village of Polperro.
2. Polperro Village, Cornwall
We eventually arrived at the shining jewel in the crown of the east Cornwall coast – the Polperro Heritage Coast and then Polperro itself. It was a place so picturesque that it was once voted the prettiest village in England, and once we visited I agreed with this accolade!
I thought honestly the village looked like something out of a postcard! It had been wonderfully preserved from the ravages of time and tide by its surrounding cliffs.
I loved how it was an almost otherworldly fusion of incredibly tiny hobbit-esque stone cottages, wind-battered pubs, gently bobbing boats worn at the sides, secret coves, narrow streets lined with quirky gift shops, fishermen swapping seafaring yarns (yes really – time had really forgotten this place!) and increasingly brave, chip-grabbing seagulls.
Despite its small size there was plenty to keep us occupied and we spent our time wandering through the narrow, winding streets, going on a short but scenic (and slightly choppy!) boat trip, explored the small but fascinating Polperro Harbour Heritage Museum, enjoyed the coastal views from the South West Coast Path, relaxed on the tiny beach at low tide, browsed the cute art galleries and quirky independent shops.
We ended our day dining in the super-quaint Blue Peter Inn a historic 18th-century pub which was nestled along the scenic harbour so we watched the boats gently bob in the harbour as we ate.
The pub was a locally iconic haunt with an award-winning menu featured with traditional food and real ales and also had live music, and outdoor seating.
We stayed overnight at the Insta-worthy Talland Bay Hotel in Looe which was just five minutes away from Polperro by car and had boutique styling, exceptional dining and a very romantic vibe!
Polperro – At a quick glance
Best For: Scenic harbour views, charming fishing village vibes, short boat trips
Highlights: Polperro Harbour Heritage Museum, South West Coast Path, Blue Peter Inn
Parking: Main car park at the village entrance; pedestrian–only inside
Accessibility: Some steep and narrow lanes
3. Newquay and Fistral Bay, Cornwall
We got up early and drove an hour from Polperro to the famous beach resort of Newquay.
Perched in a superb position on a knuckle of cliffs overlooking fine golden sands and Atlantic rollers, Newquay’s glorious natural advantages have made it the premier resort of north Cornwall. I remembered that during the summer when the sun was shining it had an almost Mediterranean holiday vibe.
The town centre was a parade of busy shops, mostly seafood restaurants, lively bars and nightclubs from which lanes lead to well-kept gardens, cliff-top lawns and envy-inducing glass-fronted beach apartments (I wanted one)!
The beaches here were seriously beautiful – we especially loved Fistral Bay which we found was located on the western edge of Newquay, around half a mile from the town centre. It was a long, wide expanse of golden sand, flanked untamed, frothy waves that attracted surfers by the bucket load.
It was early spring and the wind was bracing, although mercifully the sun shone and the skies were as blue as our car.
We spent a few hours exploring the most popular hang-out spot, Fistral Beach, clambering over rocks to watch hardy surfers braving the swollen tide as seagulls soared and spiralled high in the sky.
We also spent our time relaxing on the sweeping golden sands, strolling the scenic South West Coast Path which had jaw-dropping sea views and exploring the cute little independent shops and quirky cafes in town.
Newquay – At a quick glance
- Location: North Cornwall coast, UK
- Famous For: Surfing, sandy beaches, clifftop views, nightlife
- Best Time to Visit: Around late spring to early autumn (May–September)
- Getting There: Approx. 1 hour drive from Polperro, 5 hours from London
- Parking: Town centre car parks + beach parking available
- Top Beaches: Towan, Great Western, Lusty Glaze, and Fistral Beach
- Vibe: Lively, youthful, great for both relaxing days and fun nights
4. Lusty Glaze, Newquay, Cornwall
We had a late lunch, hung out on the gorgeous sandy beach and ended the evening at the cutely name Lusty Glaze beach located on the outskirts of Newquay. It wasn’t a place for lazy beach bums – its entrance was a long descent down 133 raggedy stone steps.
I thought the reward made all the very step descending and climbing worthwhile though, Lusty Glaze was a spectacular horseshoe-shaped bay framed by huge enveloping cliffs, wooden stilted restaurants on one side and a crescent of powder blue beach huts on the other. It was a cute place but I really liked how it had an exclusive, intimate and upscale feel!
We dined at the main dining and drinking venue, the Lusty Glaze Beach Bar & Restaurant (we had to book in advance though!) and as it was still fairly chilly we cosied up by the fire while we watched as the foamy waves crashed against the rocks.
The glowing sun slowly disappeared behind the cliff, leaving an extraordinary palette of pinks, purples, blues and oranges imprinted on the sky.
Lusty Glaze – At a Glance
- Location: On the outskirts of Newquay, Cornwall
- Access: Down 133 rugged stone steps (so not suitable for everyone)
- Vibe: Secluded, scenic, and slightly upscale with a boho twist
- Best For: Sunset views, beach dining, private events, peaceful beach days
- Top Features: Sheltered horseshoe-shaped bay with dramatic cliffs, rustic beach huts and a stilted wooden restaurant, The Lusty Glaze Beach Bar & Restaurant (booking recommended), occasional live music events and weddings
- When to Visit: Late spring to early autumn for best weather and full facilities
- Fun Fact: Frequently voted one of the UK’s most romantic beaches
6. The Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa
Our temporary home for the evening was the luxurious adults-only escape 4-star The Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa which was a relaxed spa hotel blessed with sweeping views over Newquay’s famous surfer’s beach.
My stylish guest room had sea-views and there was also a serene spa featuring nine treatment rooms and GAIA therapies, an indoor pool with hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub, a state-of-the-art fitness suite, tasty cocktails in Bay Bar, and was also just across the road from Fistral Beach.
Their elegant seafront Dune restaurant had modern boutique styling and we sat down to a fine evening meal with the sound of crashing waves against the bay’s rocks. The same sound which I heard in my guest room was also very lulling when it was time to sleep too!
Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa – At a Quick Glance
- Location: Overlooking Fistral Beach, Newquay, Cornwall
- Type: Adults-only 4-star hotel
- Best For: Romantic getaways, spa retreats, surfing breaks
- Vibe: Modern, stylish, and serene with panoramic ocean views
- Rooms: Sea-view rooms, some with balconies and freestanding baths
- Dining: Dune Restaurant (2 AA Rosettes) and Bay Bar with ocean vistas
- Spa: Nine treatment rooms, vitality pool, sauna, steam room, and hot tub
- Fitness: State-of-the-art gym with cardio and resistance equipment
- Extras: Complimentary spa and gym access for guests; 10% discount on spa treatments during stay
- Parking: On-site parking available
7. Dartmoor National Park, Devon
With a determination to make the most of some of England’s finest scenery, we then headed to Dartmoor National Park – Devon’s wild heart which was an hour and 30 minute’s drive from Newquay.
We drove into the park from Dartmoor’s eastern edge, winding down a wooded lane where dramatic sunlight filtered through a mix of towering ancient oaks with moss-covered branches and gnarly trunks, tall and elegant ash trees.
I loved how the whole scene was incredibly atmospheric! To me, it felt ancient and enchanting, with draping moss and a slight, fine mist shrouding the landscapes.
8. Bovey Tracey, Lustleigh, Becky Falls and Hound Tor
Driving a bit further into the park took us near the famous beauty spots of Bovey Tracey, Lustleigh, Becky Falls and Hound Tor.
Bovey Tracey was a lively market town with cute cafes, artisan shops, and local galleries which was known as the “Gateway to the Moor” and Lustleigh was a hidden fairy-tale village (often known as the prettiest village in Dartmoor) which was home to quaint thatched cottages, a pretty village green, and an old granite church.
Becky Falls was one of my favourite spots though and was a lovely natural waterfall set in ancient oak woodland and had a number of easy-to-challenging walking trails surrounding it. The falls themselves were rugged and wild and they looked particularly scenic and swollen after a few days of rain!
Hound Tor was another very atmospheric place, it was actually one of Dartmoor’s most iconic tors, and we found it was home to jagged rock formations and fascinating links to the Sherlock Holmes story “The Hound of the Baskervilles.” I personally loved the spectacular views from the top which looked out over the moors which were dotted with wild Dartmoor ponies.
We also explored the nearby ruins of Medieval Houndtor Village, which were a little eerie but definitely worth the extra little detour!
Overall, the huge sprawling and hugely atmospheric moorland dotted with dense green forests, babbling brooks, moss-smothered boulders, grazing sheep, and ponies wandering the craggy landscapes made an idyllic cinematic backdrop to our road trip’s video.
Dartmoor National Park – At a quick glance
- Location: South Devon, England
- Famous For: Wild moorland landscapes, granite tors, ponies, ancient woodlands
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round (spring for wildflowers, autumn for misty magic)
- Getting There: Approx. 1.5-hour drive from Newquay
- Size: 954 sq km (368 sq miles)
- Parking: Multiple car parks across the park (some pay-and-display)
- Vibe: Rugged, peaceful, atmospheric, great for walkers and nature lovers
With a heavy heart, we left the storybook scenery of some of England’s most beautifully preserved villages and landscapes and returned to London, stopping for a quick scenic halfway break in the attractive cathedral city of Salisbury, which was located in Wiltshire.
It was a great place to stop on the way back as it was filled with a fine range of restaurants to choose from and we eventually decided on The Old Ale and Coffee House which was filled with tasteful contemporary decor, craft beers and a varied menu.
As our journey ended, we left behind the fresh, often salty, air and unspoilt scenery for smoggier climes, but on our short break, we wouldn’t have done even the tiniest thing differently!
My Final Thoughts – Why This Trip Worked…
This quick road trip packed in plenty of seaside nostalgia, picturesque villages, and cinematic landscapes ideal for photography and making videos and I personally thought it was ideal for a long weekend escape from London. With a mix of beach time, scenic walks, and peaceful countryside I loved how it included a stunning mix of both adventure and relaxation!
