As Spring starts to creep into Britain and with summer on the horizon, the days grow longer, and the beautiful, incredibly diverse islands invite visitors from around the globe to explore its virtually endless attractions.

But where to start? Ask the locals, suggests Sue Petrie, British Airways’ Regional Commercial Manager, Trade, Southern & East Africa. Petrie, who has a wealth of travel experience, says, “There’s so much to see and do, but if you have a limited time to visit, you may prefer to focus on a few activities in one area, rather than travelling far and wide.”

One such destination, she suggests, is Newquay in Cornwall. It’s famed for surfing and Fistral Beach in particular draws riders of all proficiencies. So surfing – or surfing lessons, if you need them – should certainly be on your agenda. Fistral is just one of five splendid beaches on that stretch of the coast, with Instgram-able wide, white, sandy beaches and of course, excellent waves.

And there’s no better time to visit this Cornish paradise which is just one flight connection away, thanks to multiple daily flights operated by British Airways from South Africa to Heathrow year-round, and then Heathrow to Newquay five times a week, between 2nd July and 7th September 2020.

Once you’ve mastered your takeoff and bottom-turn, it’s time to explore Newquay and the many other attractions nearby, some of which have some oddly evocative names. Petrie names a few:

Dive into Polly Joke: nothing to do with a wisecracking parrot, but rather a beautiful swimming spot between two headlands, with calm, deep water and plenty of rock pools and caves to explore. Visitors enjoy the seclusion and tranquility of this place when other beaches in the area get crowded. Originally the spot was known as Jackdaw Cove, or Pol-Lejouack in Cornish.

The Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre is a must-see for aircraft enthusiasts of any age, with a vast range of machines from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. Visitors are not only allowed to touch these beasts of the air but encouraged to climb aboard. Tripadvisor rates the experience at 4.6/5, with visitors commenting on how knowledgeable and friendly the volunteer staff are. The museum is next to RAF St Magwan air force base and Cornwall Airport Newquay, so the busy skies, the roar of jet-engines and the tang of aviation fuel make for a nostalgic experience. If you fancy seeing Cornwall from the air, a short trip in a light aircraft can be arranged. A café on site offers light meals, including the famed Cornish cream tea. And because we’re in Cornwall rather than Devon, spread jam on your scone first, followed by cream.

Hit the trail: The wild beauty of Cornwall lends itself to walks, and there are dozens of routes, from easy to arduous. Apps like iWalkCornwall take the guesswork out of navigation and help you find a route that suits you: moorland, coastal, riverside, a beach or a historic site.

Slake your thirst: If you’ve spent a few hours in the waves or exploring, walk down the 133 roughly-hewn stone steps to the exquisitely-named Lusty Glaze Beach, which nestles in a horseshoe-shaped cove, away from busier spots. Check local calendars for updates on events like beach rugby and sunset concerts, many of which are free. A restaurant nearby is famed for its hot chocolate on cooler days, and its high teas. Lusty Glaze also offers self-catering cottages and a boutique hotel. And the name? Apparently it’s derived from the Cornish name for the beach, “the place to view the blue boats,” referring to the little vessels used to move the iron ore that was mined in the nearby hills.

Tuck in, with ghosts optional: Newquay has many outlets for food and drink, ranging from the ubiquitous – and acclaimed – fish and chips on the beach, to good coffee, gastropub fare and fine dining.