Top 10 Things to do at Boardmasters

Boardmasters is firmly established as a must-attend on the UK festival calendar and set across two of the country’s most picture-perfect sites. Alongside an unmissable line-up of world-class artists, there’s so much more to discover beyond the music. So we’ve rounded up our favourite things to do at Cornwall’s own surf and music festival…

1. The Music

Photo Credit: Danny North

Like we said, Boardies is notorious for a line-up spanning a multitude of genres and artists, but there’s not just the main stage to enjoy! Boardmasters has a whopping 10 stages, from getting your groove on to DJ sets at Unleashed, to kicking it back at The View, you’ll never be short of the chance to discover your new favourite act. 

2. Fistral Beach

Photo Credit: Izzy Challoner

Fistral Beach is the world famous home of British surfing and the origin of Boardmasters festival; a vibrant surf competition where you can watch pros from all over the world in action, you can take a stroll around the surf village packed with shops, restaurants and bars, chill out on the beach, or even have a go at surfing yourself! It wouldn’t be Cornwall without a new board or oversized tee to take home!

3. Boardmasters Presents…

Just because the headliners are off stage doesn’t mean the party is over! Dance ‘til dawn with Boardmasters Presents, a series of after parties which take place at Sailors and Berties in Newquay town centre. Hop on the shuttle bus from site and head into town. This year’s line up included Danny Howard, Belters Only, Jodie Harsh and more. 

4. The Keg & Pasty

One of our personal favourites, as Brits we love a pub… so Boardies brought the pub to us! Discover The Keg & Pasty with a frothy ale in hand. Soak up live music from some iconic tribute acts and comedy from stand-ups, all while enjoying a pint and pasty. Our personal faves this year were Shoasis for singalong goodness. 

5. Silent Disco

Dance like no-one is watching, and sing like no-one is listening… because they can’t hear you! The silent disco is a fan-favourite, and the largest in the UK! From those cheesy dance hits to pop classics, there’s feel good tunes for everyone on Wednesday and Thursday to keep festival goers entertained for hours on end. 

6. Surf School

Photo Credit: Thomas Ledee

It would seem a shame to waste the waves whilst at Boardmasters, but they’ve got you covered! Sign up for a surf lesson, or enroll at a surf school for a couple hours, for an experience you won’t forget! With qualified experts to support you, you’ll be able to learn all the surfing basics and take your first steps in ruling the waves! 

7. Boutique Camping

Make the most of your Boardmasters experience and take your camping to the next level. With dozens of options to choose from, from reserving a pre-pitched tent to save you the leg work, to full on glamping in your own private Royal Indian Shikar… Trust us, we’re tempted too! 

8. The Big Wheel

The Boardmasters site is absolutely beautiful, so why not see it in all its glory? Take a trip on the famous big wheel and take it all in, we recommend going just as the sun is going down to see one of those beautiful Boardies sunsets over the sea… there really isn’t a better feeling. 

9. VIP 

Pull up a chair, or even better… grab a hammock! The VIP area is the perfect place to chill out with your friends, with an exclusive bar and food vendors, as well as a DJ going on until 2am!

10. Zennor Haven

We get it, those moments to chill out are much needed at a festival. So we present to you, the Zennor Haven. Why not spend your morning relaxing and unwinding with yoga and movement, acoustic music and taking time for yourself, with all the hustle and bustle of festival life this is one of our favourites! 

There’s so much more going on and we encourage everyone to go and explore all the site has to offer. This has got us reminiscent and we’re already counting down the days we’re back at the beach!