Whether you're travelling by train, coach, car or plane, it's worth planning ahead. Newquay and the surrounding roads can get extremely busy during Boardmasters week, while trains, accommodation and other transport options can fill up quickly.

This guide covers the main ways to get to Boardmasters 2027, where you'll need to travel to, parking, shuttle buses and getting between Watergate Bay, Fistral Beach and Newquay.

Where is Boardmasters 2027?

Boardmasters takes place in Newquay, Cornwall, across two main locations: Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach.

Watergate Bay

Watergate Bay is the main Boardmasters festival site. This is where you'll find the main music arenas, stages and festival camping.

If you have a weekend camping ticket, Watergate Bay is the destination you'll need to plan your main journey around.

Fistral Beach

Fistral Beach is closer to Newquay town centre and hosts Boardmasters' surfing and beach activities.

Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach are separate locations, so don't assume you can simply walk from one to the other as part of your festival day.

Getting to Boardmasters by train

For most festivalgoers travelling by rail, Newquay railway station is the key destination.

Newquay is connected to the national rail network, although your journey may involve one or more changes depending on where you're travelling from.

Once you arrive in Newquay, you'll need to continue to your accommodation or the main festival site at Watergate Bay.

Boardmasters has traditionally provided festival shuttle transport around Newquay and Watergate Bay. 2027 shuttle details and timetables will be added when officially confirmed.

Tips for travelling by train

Book as early as you can once tickets for your journey become available. Cornwall is extremely popular during the summer and Boardmasters adds considerable extra demand.

If you're camping, remember you'll need to carry everything you bring between the train and your onward festival transport.

Also check your return train before leaving home. Sunday night and Monday departures can be particularly busy as thousands of festivalgoers leave Newquay.

Nearest railway station: Newquay

Getting to Boardmasters by coach

Travelling by coach can be a convenient option, particularly if you don't want to drive or carry camping equipment through several train connections.

Dedicated festival coach services have operated for previous editions of Boardmasters, connecting the festival with locations elsewhere in the UK.

The official Boardmasters 2027 coach routes, departure locations, prices and booking information will be added here when they're announced.

If you're considering travelling by coach, compare the arrival point with your ticket and accommodation before booking.

Driving to Boardmasters

If you're driving, your destination will depend on whether you're heading to the main festival site, parking facilities or accommodation elsewhere in Newquay.

The main Boardmasters music and camping site is at Watergate Bay, near Newquay, Cornwall.

Traffic around Newquay and Watergate Bay can be significantly heavier during festival week, particularly on the main arrival and departure days.

Give yourself plenty of additional journey time and follow the official Boardmasters festival signage and traffic instructions rather than relying solely on your sat-nav as you approach the site.

Boardmasters parking

If you're planning to drive to Boardmasters, check whether you need to pre-book a festival parking pass.

Parking arrangements can differ depending on your ticket and whether you're camping, attending for the day or staying elsewhere.

Don't assume you'll be able to arrive and purchase parking at the entrance.

Boardmasters 2027 parking locations, passes and prices will be added here once officially confirmed.

Driving checklist

  • Check whether your ticket includes parking.
  • Pre-book a parking pass if required.
  • Download your parking confirmation before travelling.
  • Fill up or charge your vehicle before reaching the busiest roads around Newquay.
  • Allow extra time on festival arrival days.
  • Follow official festival traffic signs near the site.
  • Make a note of where you've parked before heading into the festival.

Flying to Boardmasters

Cornwall Airport Newquay is located close to Newquay and Watergate Bay, making flying a potential option for festivalgoers travelling from parts of the UK that have direct services.

Flight routes and frequencies vary, so check what's operating for your travel dates before making plans.

You'll also need to arrange the journey from the airport to the festival site or your accommodation.

Remember to check airline baggage restrictions if you're planning to fly with camping equipment.

Boardmasters shuttle buses

Festival shuttle buses are an important part of getting around Boardmasters, particularly for people staying in Newquay rather than camping at Watergate Bay.

Previous festivals have operated transport connecting Newquay with the main festival site.

Boardmasters 2027 shuttle routes, stops, operating hours and prices are still to be confirmed.

We'll update this section when the official 2027 travel information is released.

Getting from Newquay to Watergate Bay

Watergate Bay is located outside Newquay town centre.

If you're staying in Newquay but attending the main music festival, you'll therefore need to factor the journey to and from Watergate Bay into your plans each day.

Festival shuttle services are normally the most useful option for many visitors, subject to the confirmed arrangements for 2027.

It's particularly important to check how you're getting back after the final performances rather than waiting until the end of the night to make a plan.

Getting from Newquay to Fistral Beach

Fistral Beach is much closer to central Newquay than Watergate Bay.

If you're staying in Newquay, getting to the surfing and beach events at Fistral is therefore different from travelling to the main music festival at Watergate Bay.

Check the day's schedule before travelling so you know which Boardmasters site you actually need.

Getting between Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay

One of the most important things for first-time visitors to understand is that Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay aren't the same festival site.

Fistral is associated with Boardmasters' surf and beach programme, while Watergate Bay hosts the main music festival and camping.

If you're planning to visit both locations during your trip, allow enough time to travel between them and use the official transport arrangements available during the festival.

Staying in Newquay vs camping at Boardmasters

Where you stay makes a significant difference to your travel plans.

Camping at Watergate Bay

Camping puts you close to the main music arenas and removes the need to travel back into Newquay at the end of each night.

The trade-off is that you'll need to bring your camping equipment to and from the festival site.

Staying in Newquay

A hotel, hostel, holiday rental or other accommodation in Newquay can give you easier access to the town and Fistral Beach.

However, you'll need to factor in daily transport to and from the main Watergate Bay festival site.

Accommodation in and around Newquay can be in particularly high demand during Boardmasters, so booking early is recommended.

When should I travel to Boardmasters?

Your best arrival day depends on your ticket type and campsite entry time.

Don't travel to the festival site before your ticket permits entry. Check the opening information attached to your particular Boardmasters ticket before setting off.

If you're travelling a long distance, consider the potential for summer traffic and busy public transport when deciding how much time to allow.

Travelling home after Boardmasters

Don't forget about Monday morning when planning your festival.

Large numbers of people will be leaving campsites, accommodation and Newquay at similar times, which can put additional pressure on roads and public transport.

If you're travelling by train, coach or plane, leave enough time between departing the festival and your booked service.

Drivers should also be prepared for delays when leaving the festival area.

Boardmasters 2027 travel FAQs

What is the nearest train station to Boardmasters?

Newquay railway station is the main rail station for festivalgoers travelling to Boardmasters. You'll need onward transport if you're heading to the main Watergate Bay festival site.

What is the nearest airport to Boardmasters?

Cornwall Airport Newquay is the nearest airport to the festival.

Can I drive to Boardmasters?

Yes, but festival parking arrangements apply. Check the official 2027 parking information and pre-book a parking pass if your ticket requires one.

Are there shuttle buses to Boardmasters?

Boardmasters has operated shuttle transport between Newquay and Watergate Bay at previous festivals. Full 2027 shuttle information is still to be confirmed.

Is Boardmasters in Newquay?

Yes. Boardmasters takes place around Newquay, with the main music and camping festival at Watergate Bay and surf activity at Fistral Beach.

Can you walk from Newquay to Boardmasters?

Don't plan your festival around walking from central Newquay to the Watergate Bay site. Check the official festival shuttle and transport arrangements instead.

Where should I stay if I'm not camping?

Newquay has hotels, hostels, guest houses and holiday accommodation, but demand is high during Boardmasters. If you stay away from Watergate Bay, make sure you also plan how you'll travel to and from the festival each day.

Plan your Boardmasters 2027 weekend

Getting your transport sorted early can make your Boardmasters weekend considerably easier.

Before travelling, double-check your ticket entry time, parking arrangements, train or coach bookings, shuttle information and return journey.

We'll keep this guide updated as more official Boardmasters 2027 travel, parking and shuttle information is announced.