Family Coastal Adventure from Northampton to Cornwall: Castles, Beaches & Hiking

Day 1: Coastal Hiking & Beaches

Newquay, Cornwall, UK on May 31, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Greggs, Northampton

Start your day with an affordable breakfast at Greggs, perfect for a family on the go with a variety of pastries and hot drinks.
GBP5 per person approx, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive Northampton to Newquay, Cornwall

Begin the approximately 5.5-hour drive to Newquay, the perfect base for coastal adventures with children.
Fuel cost approx GBP60, 5h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Stable, Newquay

Enjoy pizza or cider with child-friendly options at this popular, affordable eatery right on the coast.
GBP10 per person approx, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Fistral Beach

Explore Fistral Beach, famous for its surf and family-friendly atmosphere. Kids can play on the sand, or try beginner surfing lessons.
Free, surfing lessons around GBP25 per child, 2h

4:30pm

Coastal Walk Along Newquay Cliffs

Take a gentle coastal hike along well-marked trails with stunning views, perfect for the family to experience Cornwall’s coastal beauty.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Cod End, Newquay

A family-friendly fish and chips restaurant offering fresh and reasonably priced meals near the beach.
GBP12 per person approx, 1h

7:30pm

Check-in to family-friendly accommodation in Newquay

Stay at a budget-friendly hotel or a simple holiday park suitable for families.
GBP80-100 per night, Overnight

Day 2: Castles, Beaches & Return

Tintagel, Padstow, Mawgan Porth & Northampton, UK on June 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at accommodation or local café

Enjoy a quick and simple breakfast before starting the day's exploration.
GBP5 per person approx, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Tintagel Castle

Travel approx 1 hour to the historic Tintagel Castle, linked to Arthurian legends and offering dramatic sea views.
GBP14 per adult, children under 16 free, 1h

9:00am

Explore Tintagel Castle

Visit the ruins of this fascinating castle with legendary connections. The site has caves, bridges, and coastline to explore with children.
Included above, 1h30m

10:30am

Drive to Padstow (approx 40 minutes)

Head to the charming fishing village of Padstow, known for its coastal walks and family-friendly atmosphere.
Fuel included in previous estimate, 0h40m

11:15am

Coastal walk along the Camel Trail

Enjoy an easy and scenic family-friendly walk or bike ride on the Camel Trail, with options for beach stops.
Free, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Rick Stein's Fish & Chips Takeaway, Padstow

Have a casual, reasonably priced lunch at Rick Stein’s for fresh local seafood in Padstow.
GBP12 per person approx, 1h

1:45pm

Visit Prideaux Place Historic House & Gardens

Explore this beautiful Elizabethan house and gardens, a hidden gem with plenty of open space for children to enjoy.
GBP10 per adult, children free, 1h30m

3:15pm

Drive to Mawgan Porth Beach

Short 30-minute drive to Mawgan Porth Beach, a quieter sandy beach perfect for relaxing and beach play.
Free, 0h30m

3:45pm

Beach time at Mawgan Porth

Spend some relaxing family time on the sandy shores with safe swimming and paddling areas for children.
Free, 1h

4:45pm

Begin drive back to Northampton

Start the roughly 5.5-hour drive back to Northampton, aiming to arrive around 9:30pm as requested.
Fuel included, 5h30m

9:30pm

Arrive Northampton

End of your memorable family trip, arriving home on time after exploring Cornwall’s coast, castles, and beaches.
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