The Esplanade Hotel Blog

With a packed programme of free summer activities, family-friendly facilities and some of Cornwall’s best-loved attractions within reach, The Esplanade Hotel beside Fistral Beach in Newquay is the perfect base for families looking to make the most of the school holidays.

Free kids’ activities all summer

From 24th July to 30th August, little guests can enjoy a daily line-up of activities. Join us for arts and crafts, treasure hunts, mocktail classes, silent discos, beach games, obstacle course challenges, pool tournaments and relaxed movie nights after a busy day outdoors. for those quieter family holiday moments between adventures borrow games, puzzles and books from our book nook.

For all activities, please sign up at Reception on the morning of the event. (Activities are subject to change.)

View the full summer activity schedule

Caricatures with Cassie

Caricaturist Cassie will be in the lounge 7.30-9.30pm on selected Tuesdays and Thursdays in July and August creating live shaded caricatures, with portraits revealed in just a few minutes.

Register direct with Cassie from 7.15pm on the day.

Football Fun Factory

Young football fans can join Football Fun Factory every Wednesday from 6–7pm, when an inflatable pitch transforms the courtyard into an action-packed space for children aged 5–12.

Splash, play and explore whatever the weather

When the sun is shining, Fistral Beach is just moments away for sandcastle building, surfing, swimming and coastal walks. When the Cornish weather turns, the indoor swimming pool, cinema, indoor and outdoor play areas, games and books mean there is still plenty to enjoy without leaving the hotel.

Share your summer memories

Join in with our summer Instagram competition for the chance to win 250 Philema Rewards Loyalty Points each week. Share your favourite 2026 Esplanade summer moment, tag @EsplanadeHotel, tag The Esplanade as your location and use #ShareYourSummer.

Entrants must be members of Philema Rewards to receive the prize. Find out more here.

Family days out across Cornwall

Beyond the hotel, head to one of Cornwall’s family-friendly attractions for fun days out. At the Eden Project, Dinosaurs Return brings a prehistoric adventure to the Rainforest Biome from 25th July to 6th September. The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition also returns to Eden this summer, offering a quieter moment of wonder between adventures.

At The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Steve Backshall’s Wild Heligan runs until 2nd September, bringing outdoor adventure, natural play, wildlife workshops and live nature-led experiences to the estate.

Head to Cornwall Gold for free pirate summer fun, following The Tolgus Voyager trail, solving clues and discovering Cornwall’s milling and smuggling history along the way.

For more classic Newquay days out, Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay Zoo and Lappa Valley offer plenty for curious little explorers, from marine life and wildlife to trains, play and open-air discovery.

Plan your family summer holiday in Cornwall

Whether you’re planning beach days, swim sessions, creative afternoons or adventure-filled outings, The Esplanade is perfect for families who want everything within easy reach. For family friendly Cornwall holidays with sea views, summer activities and Newquay on your doorstep, make The Esplanade Hotel your home by the coast this summer.

Explore summer holiday breaks at The Esplanade