The Esplanade Hotel Blog
May half term breaks
By the time May half term arrives, it really starts to feel like summer here in Cornwall. At The Esplanade Hotel in Newquay, wake up to the sound of waves and spend your days mixing outdoor adventure with proper relaxation, without ever needing to over-plan.
Space to roam
Set beside Fistral Beach, The Esplanade Hotel is made for families who want space to unwind and easy access to the outdoors. Settle into comfortable family rooms, enjoy sea views, and make the most of a base that’s perfectly located.
Start with classic Fistral Beach time: rockpooling, swimming and sandcastle sessions, finished with a sunset stroll. If you’re tempted to try something new, book a surf lesson with Quiksilver Surf School Newquay (Fistral is great for first timers).
Keep everyone entertained under one roof
With FREE daily activities including arts & crafts, silent discos and family games, an in-house cinema showing daily movie screenings, a indoor heated swimming pool, plus indoor and outdoor play areas, there’s always something to keep little ones busy and smiling – even on rainy days. Pick up your free scavenger hunt sheet from reception and head outside to see what you can find along the coast.
Things to do in Newquay (and beyond)
Check out some of the great family attractions in Newquay or why not plan a bigger adventure further afield. At The Eden Project, the May half term Lloyd of the Flies interactive trail blends augmented reality with hands-on challenges and mini-beast facts, while on the 27th May, The Lost Gardens of Heligan offers the chance for kids to become Heligan Rangers at their holiday club.
Family dining with sea views (and a play area)
After a day outdoors, keep evenings simple. Dine together in Cove Restaurant (with its adjacent jungle gym play area), then head to the ocean-facing lounge to watch the waves roll in. For a grown-up treat, toast the day in Elements Cocktail Bar before another good night’s sleep accompanied by the soundtrack of the sea.
Book direct for the best perks
When you book direct on Bed & Breakfast or Dinner, Bed & Breakfast rates, kids under 15 eat breakfast for FREE and receive a Build-My-Bear on arrival. Use code KIDSBREKKIE when booking. With the essentials sorted, all that’s left to do is pack the coats (just in case), bring the swimsuits, and get excited for your first tastes of summer on the north Cornwall coast.
Hassle-free packages
Want to turn half term into a bigger Cornwall exploration? Our Coast to Coast Break includes 2 nights at The Esplanade and 2 nights at our sister hotel Budock Vean Hotel & Spa. Or our Surf & Stay Break includes lessons, ideal if you’re planning a surfing holiday in Cornwall (plus get 10% off Newquay Sea Safaris when you book, and see what wildlife you can spot).
Book your May half term break at The Esplanade Hotel and start counting down to beach days, family adventures, and sea-view downtime in Newquay, Cornwall.
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WIN A SURF & SKATE WEEKEND
Friends of the Esplanade
Enter our competition for the chance to win a two-night, two-person, sea-view stay, plus VIP tickets to the UK Surf & Skate Expo on 25th and 26th July 2026.