Greetings from Fistral Beach, Cornwall

Posted on April 13, 2007
Filed Under - leaving the rat race |

I’ve started my trip in Newquay, which is not quite the ‘English Ibiza’ I thought it would be. Then again, it’s only April!

There are some things to recommend Newquay. Plenty of high street shops, surfing/skating outlets etc, so it scores high for local amenities. Nice beaches and decent surfing. It feels relatively lively and urban, so for someone used to the city it may not be a big culture shock. There’s a skatepark in town, although it is outdoor. The nearest indoor park is a place called Mount Hawke, about halfway between Newquay and St Ives.

Accommodation is very hard to come by in the summer months unless you’ve been here all season, which starts, well, now. From talking to locals and estate agents, it seems that if I want to stay in Newquay and I can’t come down before July, my best option is to rock up and stay in one of the surfing lodges. There I should be well-placed to hear about house and flat shares going, while enjoying the surf lodge scene. There is also a shop called the Choc Box where people advertise rooms to let. Come September, my chances of getting somewhere more permanent increase significantly. House shares are common round here (at around £60-70 per week), but there are also one-bed flats available (around £450-500 PCM).

Downside is that the place is a tourist trap and is crazy during the summer. Also, Newquay is more expensive than most places for renting. You can get more for your money elsewhere.

Can I see myself living here though? That’s the crucial question. I am not sure, to be honest. If I was living on the edge of town, I could probably avoid the crowds and still have vital amenities close by, so I haven’t taken it off the list yet. But I fancy there will be somewhere better.

This afternoon I am heading up to Watergate Bay. The weather has been a bit disappointing today, unless you are a surfer. Here’s hoping there’s some sunshine tomorrow!

Stumble it!

Comments

One Response to “Greetings from Fistral Beach, Cornwall”

  1. Jeff on April 14th, 2007 3:46 pm

    Hey Sally, gald to see you back in blog :) I am back to my home safe. Post some pics in your cornwall adventure!

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