It's a bit of a British myth that summer winds down at the end of August. The reality is, summer officially stretches until late September, capped off by the autumnal equinox on the 22nd or 23rd. And while August is a brilliant month to visit Cornwall, it's September when things become truly special.

And not just because of the weather. There are lots of different events on throughout September for outdoor enthusiasts, surfers, or those just wanting more of a quiet getaway – because if surfing isn't you're thing, you can at least enjoy a sunset view over one of the most iconic beaches in Cornwall. The sky at Fistral beach, a stone's throw from The Headland Hotel, can house an eclectic colour palette at this time of year. A dazzling display of summer hues over an azure-ocean – there's a lot to love here.

Here are a few more reasons Newquay should be on your bucket list this September.

The Crowds Have Thinned Out

It's the same story every year, roads blocked, traffic backed for miles and it can be frustrating during the height of summer. Not that we blame everyone coming to visit these wonderful shores – we welcome tourists, of course. But during September, it's as if a magical switch flicks and the place slows right down. Newquay becomes the beating heart of the Duchy's surf scene. It's just toned down versus the height of summer. You can find a surf spot to yourself early mornings, and surf through the day, into the evening. It's easy enough to get to Fistral from the Healand Hotel. Just walk out the door and loop down to the beach. Or walk along the South West Coast Path towards Towan, a sheltered spot from big swells that can rifle in over the back half of the year. The town too maintains a wonderful pace of life, lots still happening and bright evenings as the last summer dazzle plays out.

It's The Swell Season!

That's right. The northern hemisphere has come alive with waves. During September, powerful North Atlantic storms spin up way out in the middle of the ocean, and deliver some of the best surf of the year to the shores of Newquay. The swell season typically runs from September through to the end of February, but the added bonus in September is the water's still incredibly warm and the waves are firing. Get the summer feel, with less crowds and decent waves. This is why September is the perfect time to visit Newquay.

UK's Surf & Skate Expo Is ON

For the first time in almost two decades, the UK will have its own surf and skate expo, and it's being held right here in Newquay, from September 12th to 14th. Skate legend Tony Alva has just been confirmed for this year's event, as well as keynote talks from a variety of surf heroes, like Andrew Cotton, a shapers' talk with some of Cornwall's finest board-makers, the GB skate nationals, junior surf competition and so much more. Check it out, here: https://uksurfskateexpo.com/

The SURF! Exhibit Is Worth a Visit

If there's a down-day during your trip, the surf's weird, or the weather takes a turn, why not head to the coastal town of Falmouth, on the Duchy's south coast, to check out the SURF! Exhibit at the National Maritime Museum? This exhibit celebrates 100-years of waveriding in Cornwall, and reveals how the county became a centre for innovation in the surf scene. Through 100 surfboards, the exhibition shows the history of once unknown female surfers, reveals the 1920s pioneers who led the way and spotlights surf champions. This is well worth a visit, and Falmouth is a great town to walk around, grab lunch, before the drive back to Newquay to get the sunset on the north coast. Read more here: https://nmmc.co.uk/surf/

Which leads neatly into...

The Sunsets Are Still Dazzling

Summer's not over. The days may be shorter but those days are fabulous. You can sit right out the front of The Headland Hotel, wrap up under a blanket and watch the sun set over the beach. Or take a stroll to the nearby Towan Headland and look back at Fistral or out to sea. And right here, if the swell is big enough, is where the UK's prime big wave spot The Cribbar starts to work. You can safely watch it at sunset from the headland, just around the corner from the hotel.