Caring for Cornwall: Our Tips for Greener Travel

Home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, dazzling scenery and incredible attractions, it’s no wonder Cornwall is one of the UK’s top holiday destinations.

With over 400 miles of coastline to explore by boat, bicycle and foot, you don’t have to put a dent in your carbon footprint during your stay in Cornwall. There are plenty of activities to explore right on Pentire’s doorstep and, if you fancy venturing a little further, a wealth of eco-friendly ways to get there.

6 Greener Travel Ideas

Newquay is famed for its Atlantic surf beaches, lively atmosphere and bustling town centre. With so much to see and do, you can leave the car behind and discover a greener travel plan, allowing you to explore with no worry of your environmental impact.

Easy on the environment and the wallet, green travel is the best way to see Cornwall. Here are our top tips for making the most of your stay and caring for this magical area.

Go for a coastal hike

Bask in the joy of the Cornish coastline whilst enjoying your greener travel adventure, of course walking is arguably the best way to explore Cornwall’s rugged coast. This seabound peninsula is home to a 258-mile coastal path that runs the length of the Cornish coastline. Some of our favourite local coastal walks include Bedruthan Steps - the landscape here is breathtakingly beautiful - Constantine Bay to Mawgan Porth and Tregurrian and Trevarrian.

Take a pair of binoculars and enjoy birdwatching and wildlife spotting along the way, you may even be lucky enough to spot humpback whales.

Hire a kayak

Newquay is a popular destination for surfers, it’s also an excellent place to kayak. Newquay Activity Centre provides single or double sea kayaks for you to explore the coastline via a selection of guided tours. Paddle past smuggler's caves and hidden coves, enjoy a snorkel kayak tour, explore the Gannel Estuary or try your hand at fishing. You can also combine kayaking and coasteering for the ultimate adrenaline-fuelled adventure.

Hop aboard the Crantock Ferry

Operating during the summer months to offer an alternative greener travel mode, the Crantock Ferry, also known as the Gannel or Fern Pit Ferry, sails between Crantock Beach and the East Pentire Headland. It’s well worth the trip to explore the historic boathouse which sells freshly caught lobsters and crabs, or you can try your hand at crabbing or fishing in the rockpools and river.

Grab lunch at the Fern Pit Cafe where you can enjoy fresh crab sandwiches whilst soaking up some of the best views in Newquay.

Use public transport

With a train station just 2 minutes’ walk from the town centre and a range of regular buses to choose from, it's easy to keep on your greener travel journey and reach the rest of Cornwall from Newquay. Jump aboard the National Express to Penzance or travel a little further to Lands’ End and Porthcurno, home to the Minack Theatre and one of Cornwall's most magnificent beaches.

Take the train to Cornwall’s cathedral city, Truro, with its bustling streets and excellent choice of restaurants or bus into St Ives, packed with art galleries and eclectic shops.

Walk to local restaurants

With the Atlantic Ocean at its feet, Newquay’s dining experience is a foodie’s delight. Sample freshly caught seafood, locally made cheeses, craft beers and delicious cream teas (jam first here!).

Look after Cornwall by eating at restaurants that source food locally. Pentire’s Upper Deck Restaurant and Sixty Bistro’s menus change seasonally to reflect the locally available produce.

Walking to local restaurants is always enjoyable, you can eat as much as you like and walk it off on the way back! If you’re walking after dark, don’t forget to look up, the Cornish skies are perfect for stargazing, and what better way to enjoy greener travel than by basking in the glow of the night sky.

Explore nearby activities

Newquay is a hive of activity during the summer months, but there are plenty of local activities and beaches to explore to keep you busy all year round.

From invigorating sea swimming and surfing to a full range of water sports, there are many free and low-cost activities to enjoy from the shore. For younger visitors, Newquay has an excellent zoo and well-stocked aquarium, and they can splash around at the Oasis Pool.

Take a trip to one of the many historic manor houses and glorious gardens and enjoy a visit to the new RNLI visitor centre at the world-famous Fistral Beach.

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With 11 beaches and over 7 miles of golden sand, Newquay is one of the nation’s favourite seaside towns. Help to preserve Cornwall’s unique beauty spots by taking any rubbish home and carefully disposing of beach BBQs.

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Overlooking Fistral Beach and the Atlantic Ocean, The Pentire Hotel provides the perfect base to relax during your greener travel adventure, unwind and explore all Newquay has to offer.

Individually styled, comfortable bedrooms with ocean or countryside views and our in-house gym, salon and pool ensure you have all you need to energise, pamper and refresh during your stay. Our Bistro restaurant has daily specials options, perfect for light lunches, afternoon teas and sumptuous evening meals.

With picturesque Fistral Beach just a stone’s throw away, our prime location makes us a popular wedding venue. Did we mention we’re a dog-friendly hotel too?