Headland Hotel, Newquay

So when you've got the Winter blues, and your favourite hotel pops up with a great deal on Secret Escapes, then what's a girl to do? Be a bit spontaneous and snap it up sharpish, that's what.

I know it's been a while, as we visited on the last weekend of November, but I had such a wonderful weekend that I just have to share it with you.

The deal with Secret Escapes was for a two night break at the Headland Hotel in Newquay, including breakfast and dinner for one night. I loved this hotel last time we visited (previous post here) and we received the same great service this time around.

We upgraded to a 'Splendid' room, which was well worth spending that little bit more! Take a look around our home for the weekend...

Undoubtedly the best views I've ever had on waking in this bed...

After running around the room squealing at every corner and new discovery, we calmed down enough to unpack, and decided to crack open the champers left for us. We toasted the weekend out on our balcony, and recovered from the 4 hour journey by taking in the view and watching the waves.

A little bit blustery!

After a few hours of chilling out in luxury, we decided to wrap up warm and head out for the night. First stop was The Stable, where you can find the best pizza and cider with incredible panoramic views over Fistral beach.

We shared a 'Headland Herbivore' pizza, packed with herby roast potatoes and creamy Cornish blue cheese. I know, carb heaven right?

 All washed down with a speciality cider or two!

All fed and watered, we prepared ourselves to face the bracing wind once again, and headed into town. The annual Music and Cider Festival was in town, with a giant marquee full of cider loveliness and the best beachy acoustic music to sway along to.

That night also happened to be the night that the Christmas lights were turned on, so we headed back outside down to the Harbour, to watch the best firework display I've seen in years! A pretty magical start to our winter weekend...

Cardiff Food Festival

For the last few years, we've popped down to Cardiff Bay to experience the annual Cardiff Food & Drink Festival, which lasts (this year) from Friday 10th - Sunday 12th July.

We were umming and aaahing whether to go this year, but when I found out that my favourite street food crew were there, it was a decision maker. By the time we rolled into the City, it was way past my lunchtime and I was feeling the hanger, so I jumped right into the huge queue for Meat and Greek. There's not much that can make me queue when I'm that hungry, but it was worth it...

The chicken souvlaki, expertly cooked over coals, coated in tangy tzatziki and of course with extra halloumi. Whenever there's the option, always extra cheese.

Once I'd got my Greek fill, we wandered around the bay to find some food for Mr. P. Stumbling upon another recent favourite, Dusty Knuckle Pizza, he opted for the salami version.

Good choice too, I'd say. (Of course, I stole a slice in the interest of being a good food blogger).

With happily full stomachs, we meandered in and out of the stalls. It was a little too busy for my liking, and I almost lost a few toes in the scrabble. We came home with a few small goodies, but nothing peaked my interest enough to fight the crowds, who seem to go a little crazy when there's a free chunk of cheese involved!

Some of the stalls are certainly looking a little tired, and there's only so much overpriced chutney and fudge that you can really care about.

But in my eyes, the stalls are just a sideline to the real fun of the day. The food piazza is bustling with show cooking and interesting local cuisines. Grab some freshly cooked grub, pick up a Pimms and find yourself a spot in front of the bandstand.

There's not much better than a blue skied day down Cardiff Bay!