- Some of the finest beaches in the UK
- Great for trying extreme sports
- Fantastic food and drink
Learn to surf with English Surfing Federation.
Situated only 100 meters from Fistral Beach, ESF cater for all ages abilities with courses starting from 1/2 day beginners. Read more.
The most popular holiday destination in Cornwall boasts 9 stunning beaches and a wide variety of amenities from surf shacks to high street brands and superb dining experiences. The Jamie Oliver inspired Fifteen restaurant and Fistral Beach, Britain’s surfing mecca, are well known draws, yet Newquay offers so much more from secret beach walks to easy access to the rest of Cornwall.
Being just 7 miles from the A30 trunk road means that the towns of Padstow (10 miles) and St. Ives (20 miles) are within easy reach along with the county capital of Truro (10 miles). Attractions such as The Eden Project (12 miles), The National Maritime Museum in Falmouth (17 miles) and Crealy Adventure Park (6 miles) ensure that there is something for everyone in the area.
Food and Drink
Newquay was put on the map as a culinary destination when Fifteen opened at Watergate Bay in 2006. Other restaurants in the town include Lewinnick Lodge on the Pentire headland, perched on the cliff and offering international cuisine, or Fistral Blue on the beach, The New Harbour Restaurant serving fresh fish and the Chy Bar overlooking Towan Beach.
For a self catering option, the town centre has a typical collection of local and national retailers, including Sainsburys, Tesco Metro and Morrisons on the outskirts of Newquay.
Family Attractions
Exploring the beaches and rockpools along the coastline is a great (and free) way for children of all ages to enjoy Newquay. Step off the sand and there are a number of places to visit in the town, such as Newquay Zoo in Trenance Park, a 20 minute walk from the seafront, The Blue Reef Aquarium on Town Beach in the centre and Tunnels through Time.
Further afield there are many attractions within a short drive, such Cornwall’s Crealy Adventure Park, the Lappa Valley Steam Railway, Dairyland Farm World all of which are within a 10 mile drive. Further afield, The Eden Project, The National Maritime Museum in Falmouth, Flambards in Helston and Land’s End make for great days out.
Shopping
The surfing culture is prominent when you walk down Newquay town centre where big brands such as Animal, Quiksilver, Gul and Fat Face have their own outlets, alongside individual surf shops such as the Newquay Surf Centre, Boardwalk and North Shore.
Elsewhere in the town, major high street retailers such as Boots and WH Smiths sit alongside cafés and gift shops.
History and Heritage
Newquay’s history is influenced by Cornwall’s mining trades where the town became a port for the transportation of tin lead and clay during the industrial revolution. The area rich in stories of smuggling and shipwrecks as the Atlantic takes its toll on the coastline. This can be explored at the heritage coast centres and tourist information centres dotted along the coastline.
Other notable sites in Cornwall include Tintagel Castle (25 miles), the legendary birthplace of King Arthur, Charlestown Shipwreck Centre (20 miles), Geevor Tin Mine (35 miles) in West Cornwall, The Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro (10 miles), Poldark Mine (20 miles) and Pendennis Castle (25 miles).
Beaches
From west to east - Crantock, Fistral, Little Fistral, Towan, Great Western, Tolcarne, Lusty Glaze, Porth, Watergate Bay – each with their own facilities and characteristics make up an unparalleled choice of beaches. Each beach has it’s own characteristics, so if you are looking for space and peace, try Crantock or Porth. For a surfing lesson try Fistral, Tolcarne or Watergate Bay. And for central convenience with on-beach amenities Towan and Great Western will meet your needs.
The Venus Beach Company on Tolcarne Beach serve delicious organic produce while the Adventure Centre on the privately owned Lusty Glaze beach have a range of activities to try including a zip wire up above the beach, coasteering and even a range of massages.
Events and entertainment
Time your visit to watch one of the many beach based competitions in Newquay throughout the year.
- The English National Surfing Championships in early May at Watergate Bay.
- Run to the Sun in late May.
- The Midsummer Night Surf in mid-June.
- The Boardmasters on Fistral Beach in early August.
- Beach Rugby at Lusty Glaze in late August.
- Polo on the Beach and Newquay Fish Festival, both in mid-September.
Activities
The Adventure Centre on Lusty Glaze beach offer a wide range of extreme supports, both on their beach and in the area. Also try Adventure South West who have a shop in the town centre and Surfing is Therapy who offer and personal service in Newquay.
Newquay has a sports centre, near the Zoo, with a climbing wall, squash courts, gym and hall for hire. For outdoor types, the South West Coastal Path is an immediate draw with spectular views to enjoy, while directly behind Fistral Beach, Newquay Golf Course welcomes visitors to a round of golf with sea views.
Travel
Newquay Cornwall Airport serves most parts of the UK, including London, the Midlands, Edinburgh and Glasgow, and for a car-free break use the Bio Travel fleet of eco-friendly taxis to transport you into Newquay. There is also a train station in the town, linking to St. Austell and the national network.
Newquay is some 7 miles from the A30 trunk road, now fully dual carriageway to the M5 at Exeter.