We are Family, especially in Newquay!
by Adrian Gillan for Bent Magazine & Bent Gay Shop
More and more gay families now include children – adopted, biological, maybe even from previous heterosexual relationships. So where better to take your little sprogs than for a fun few days out down in Newquay? Maybe for Cornwall Pride! And all a short hop away on ab fab Flybe!
Who needs Hawaii? Many will prefer the gorgeous surfer boys wafted in by warm Gulf Stream winds all-year-round down in lovely, balmy Newquay! With a stunning location on the north Cornwall coast, amidst towering cliffs, pounding surf and a well-nigh endless sweep of beaches, it’s small wonder an international, cosmopolitan mix of people have long been lured, seeking to combine the great invigorating oceanic outdoors with a party-‘til-dawn nightlife, yet all still far from the madding crowd. Heaven, too, for fun-loving families just out to explore!
And, with fab low-cost carrier Flybe serving Newquay from numerous UK airports, you too can be amongst that number, in no time at all – and with extra cash left in your pocket! Punctual, and with highly personal, yet still professional, service – we love ‘em!
STAY & EAT
Just east of Newquay centre, close to the shore, stay at historic, warmly gay- and family-friendly Porth Lodge Hotel (Porth Bean Road, Newquay, Cornwall. TR7 3LT; 01637 874483; ), offering AA 3-star guest accommodation, with its own fully-licenced inn and restaurant – even its very own bowling alley! Plus: Carol ‘n Dave – your lovely hosts!
In a quiet country lane, two minutes’ walk from Porth Beach, Porth Lodge is bult around an ‘Olde Worlde’ 17th Century inn with low ceilings and cosy nooks – away from the hectic bustle of Newquay itself, yet close enough to reach it, even on foot, should you so wish.
Facilities also include baggage store; free parking; and lock-up space for bicycles.
Standard rooms accommodate one or two people, as double or twin, and all include an en-suite shower; towels, duvets and bed linen; hot-drink-making facilities; flat screen TV with Freeview; and free Wi-Fi. Iron & hairdryer on request! Family rooms offer an extra connected bunk-bed room. Prices include a fab full English breakfast. Self-catering holiday apartments, fully equipped for 4-6 people, are also available.
The atmospheric, cosy old inn boasts a wide selection of wines, spirits, beers and real ales, and an open log fire, aflame in winter. Families are most welcome – there is a pool table and original jukebox with a selection of classic 7″ singles! You can also dine in the bar, or in either of the two restaurant rooms, from a range of menus – bar, main, desert, Sunday and seasonal – including West Country dishes and hearty meals, all freshly-prepared from local produce.
Amazingly, Porth Lodge also contains its very own in-house 4-lane tenpin bowling centre, with residents enjoying free bowling games pre-noon!
SEE & DO
Newquay is awash with kid-friendly sights and all-year-round activities, including indoor options – just in case it rains… or snows!
There are the numerous beaches – the smaller ones near town like Lusty Glaze, Tolcarne, Great Western, and Towan; the mighty Fistral and Crantock just out west, amidst the rugged headland peninsulas; and the Porth, Whipsiderry and vast Watergate stretches out east. Walk barefoot along the sandy beaches at low-tide, and back along the lofty cliff footpaths when tides go high! All free, free, free!
There’s all the boating, sailing, fishing and diving. Then there’s all the cycling, walking and climbing; not to mention the jet-biking, kiteboarding and kayaking. And then, of course, there’s the surfing. All hubbed around numerous activity schools!
Other town attractions include the picturesque Old Harbour, still in use; the landmark private ‘Island’ on Towan Beach, linked to the mainland by a foot suspension bridge; Blue Reef Aquarium right on the front; Lighthouse Cinema; and Trenance Park & Gardens – home to Newquay Zoo!
CORNWALL PRIDE
There are no gay-dedicated bars or clubs in Newquay, but ample gay-friendly fun at any of a big clutch of venues, all jostling for attentions, cheek-by-jowl, in the town centre just above the beaches. Notable bars include Red Lion and Belushi’s for DJs! Top clubs include Bertie’s, Sailors and Tall Trees.
Of course, you’re unlikely to sneak your sprog or sprogs past the bouncers at the clubs anyway, and – even where its licence permits – a pub can be a bit of a bore in a child’s bigger scheme!
Regardless, young or old, all ages love a party! And it’s hard to beat Cornwall Pride, this year on 25 Aug 2018, with its parade, Rainbow Fest, and Moonbow Party!
FLY HIGH WITH FLYBE
Flybe has flights to Newquay from London Gatwick, Leeds Bradford, Birmingham, Aberdeen, Belfast City, Doncaster Sheffield, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, London Stansted, Newcastle and Manchester, with fares starting from £35.99 one way including all taxes and charges. This brill, great-value airline is punctual, offering friendly yet professional service; and has a fantastic and ever-expanding network of exciting routes, covering much of the UK and Europe.
The Gatwick Express train is the fastest transfer available between London Gatwick airport and central London (London Victoria), departing every 15 minutes, with journey time just half an hour.
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