Set off early via the M1 to M5 and then the A30 into Cornwall; direct driving time is typically ~5h30m–6h without long stops, but expect traffic & motorway service breaks.
Stretch legs in Bath: walk the Royal Crescent and Pulteney Bridge and enjoy a cosy café brunch; seeing Bath’s streets is free, and many cafés open from around 9:00am. (Allow 1–2 hours.)
Continue on the A30 into Cornwall; plan for fuel/comfort stops en route. Arrival time at your Henver Rd accommodation will typically be mid–late afternoon.
An easy free walk to Towan Beach and along Newquay harbour for a relaxed first evening and to get bearings; beaches are free and open year-round though facilities vary by season.
The Stable offers pizza, local cider and relaxed seaside dining and is a reliable option near the harbour; alternatively try a local fish restaurant for fresh, simple seafood. Many local restaurants open from about 12:00–21:00 but check specific times and book in high season.
Start with a hearty breakfast at a nearby café (try a classic Cornish breakfast or breakfast bap) to fuel a beach day; most cafés open from 8:00–9:00am in peak season.
Fistral is Cornwall’s famous surf beach; you can hire boards/watch surfers from the promenade or book a lesson with Fistral surf schools (lessons typically run from ~9:00–17:00 and last ~2 hours).
Drive or walk to the headland for clifftop views and photo spots — the coastal path along this stretch is free and scenic; wear sensible shoes for the paths.
If the weather is mixed, the Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay is a family-friendly indoor option (typical opening 10:00–17:00); otherwise opt for more beach time or coastal walking along Towan and Great Western Beaches.
Spend a low-key late afternoon exploring rockpools and the broad sandy expanse — perfect for families and free to access (tide times matter for rockpooling).
Choose a friendly local pub for hearty Cornish fare (Cornish pasties, seafood chowder) or a seafront restaurant; pubs generally serve food until around 9:00pm though times vary.
Padstow is a charming harbour town; walk the quay and, if you fancy active time, hire bikes for the Camel Trail along the estuary (bike hire ~GBP15–20 half day). The town and harbour are free to visit.
Padstow is famous for Rick Stein’s restaurants; cafés and harbour-side restaurants offer excellent seafood — expect to book in peak season. Typical lunch service runs from midday.
Short drive across the Camel to Polzeath and Daymer Bay — both excellent for long beach walks, rockpooling and viewpoint strolls; parking and access are free (beach facilities vary).
Pop in to see the famous church and enjoy estuary views from the headland — a quiet scenic stop and free to view from the outside (entering church may have small donations).
Explore the world-famous biomes and outdoor gardens; Eden usually opens around 9:30–10:00 (closing times vary seasonally, often around 17:30–18:00). Tickets are paid — book ahead for best availability.
Have lunch at Eden’s cafés which focus on local produce, or try a nearby village pub for a traditional Cornish lunch; cafés typically serve through the afternoon.
Drive to Mevagissey for a colourful harbour walk and fish-and-chip views, or Pentewan Sands for a wide sandy beach and short clifftop walks — both are free to stroll.
If you have time and the tide permits, St Michael’s Mount near Marazion is a dramatic tidal island to walk across (tide-dependent access). Typical visiting hours are around 10:30–17:00 and there’s usually an entrance fee — check tide times & opening hours before heading there.