Discover Newquay | Recommended Places to Stay & Visit

Why is Newquay Worth a Visit?

Newquay is worth visiting for its unbeatable combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and relaxed beach-town atmosphere. The town is home to some of the best beaches in Cornwall, including the iconic Fistral Beach, which is renowned for its excellent surf conditions. Newquay also offers a variety of attractions for all ages, from the wildlife at Newquay Zoo to the exhilarating Blue Reef Aquarium. Whether you're a seasoned surfer, a nature lover, or a family looking for a seaside holiday, Newquay’s blend of adventure and charm makes it a must-visit destination on the Cornish coast.

Newquay Highlights: Things to See and Do in Newquay

1. Fistral Beach

Fistral Beach is Newquay’s most famous and popular beach, particularly renowned for its world-class surf. With its wide stretch of golden sand, powerful Atlantic waves, and stunning coastal views, Fistral Beach is a haven for surfers of all levels. It hosts international surf competitions such as Boardmasters, and there are plenty of surf schools and rental shops nearby for beginners wanting to catch their first wave. For those not keen on surfing, Fistral is also perfect for sunbathing, beach walks, or enjoying a drink at one of the beachfront cafés, such as the Fistral Beach Bar.

2. Newquay Zoo

Newquay Zoo is a family-friendly attraction located in Trenance Gardens, just a short walk from the town centre. Home to over 1,000 animals, the zoo offers the chance to see exotic species such as lions, lemurs, and meerkats, as well as endangered creatures from around the world. The zoo’s tropical house is particularly popular, and there are plenty of interactive exhibits and animal talks to engage visitors of all ages. It’s a great place for a family day out and provides an educational experience in a fun and exciting environment.

3. Blue Reef Aquarium

Located on Towan Beach, the Blue Reef Aquarium takes visitors on a journey beneath the ocean, showcasing the marine life of Cornwall’s coastal waters and beyond. With a variety of exhibits, including an underwater tunnel where you can walk through a tropical reef surrounded by sharks and rays, the aquarium is perfect for families and anyone interested in marine biology. Highlights include the giant octopus, seahorses, and a collection of exotic fish from around the world. The aquarium also offers stunning views of the beach and is a great way to combine learning with a visit to the seafront.

4. Great Western Beach

If you’re looking for a quieter alternative to Fistral, Great Western Beach is a lovely, sheltered spot nestled beneath the cliffs. This family-friendly beach is great for swimming, rock pooling, and paddleboarding. Its shallow waters and gentle waves make it ideal for those new to water sports or young children. The beach is easily accessible from the town centre and has a small café serving snacks and refreshments. Its peaceful atmosphere makes it perfect for a relaxed beach day.

5. The Gannel Estuary

For nature lovers, a visit to the Gannel Estuary is a must. This tranquil tidal estuary is located on the outskirts of Newquay and is a great spot for paddleboarding, kayaking, or birdwatching. At low tide, the Gannel reveals wide sandbanks and quiet walks, while at high tide, the estuary fills with water, making it perfect for exploring by kayak or paddleboard. The area is rich in wildlife, with wading birds and marine creatures frequenting the estuary. It’s also a peaceful escape from the busier beaches and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

6. Newquay Harbour

Newquay’s historic harbour is a charming spot where you can watch local fishermen bring in their catch of the day, take a boat trip along the coast, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. The harbour area is a hub of activity, especially in the summer months, with pleasure boats, fishing trips, and wildlife excursions departing regularly. Visitors can take a boat trip to spot seals, dolphins, and even basking sharks, or enjoy a meal at one of the nearby seafood restaurants overlooking the harbour. It’s a great place to soak up the maritime atmosphere of this traditional Cornish town.

7. Holywell Bay

Located just a short drive from Newquay, Holywell Bay is a stunning, unspoilt beach surrounded by dramatic sand dunes and rugged cliffs. The beach is known for its wild beauty and is a favourite spot for both surfers and families. Its long, sandy shore and shallow waters make it ideal for beach games and paddling. Holywell Bay is also popular with walkers, thanks to its location on the South West Coast Path, offering scenic hikes along the coast. Fans of the TV series Poldark will recognise the beach, as it has been used as a filming location for the show.

8. Trenance Gardens and Boating Lake

For a more relaxing day out, Trenance Gardens offers beautiful landscaped gardens, a tranquil boating lake, and plenty of open space to enjoy a leisurely walk or picnic. The gardens are home to a range of family-friendly attractions, including a miniature railway, play areas, and a tearoom. The boating lake is a peaceful spot where you can hire rowboats or pedalos and explore the lake at your own pace. The gardens are located near Newquay Zoo, making it easy to combine both attractions into a fun family day out.

9. South West Coast Path

Newquay is located along the famous South West Coast Path, a 630-mile walking trail that offers some of the best coastal views in the UK. The sections around Newquay provide a variety of walks, from short strolls to longer hikes, all with stunning vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, rugged cliffs, and golden beaches. One of the most popular walks is from Newquay to Watergate Bay, a scenic stretch that takes in breathtaking views and hidden coves. The coast path is perfect for those looking to explore the natural beauty of Cornwall on foot.

10. Boardmasters Festival

Held every August, Boardmasters Festival is one of Newquay’s biggest events, combining world-class surfing with live music, making it a must for surf and music fans. The festival takes place at Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay, featuring surf competitions, BMX displays, and beachside concerts. The music line-up includes a mix of top international and UK artists, with genres ranging from indie to electronic. The festival’s beachside setting, combined with its laid-back vibe, makes Boardmasters one of the highlights of Newquay’s summer calendar.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There:

Newquay is well-connected by road, rail, and air. Newquay Cornwall Airport offers flights to and from several UK cities, including London, Manchester, and Birmingham, as well as some European destinations. The airport is just a 15-minute drive from the town centre. Newquay Railway Station offers regular services to and from Par, where you can connect to trains from London Paddington and other major UK cities. If you're driving, Newquay is easily accessible via the A30, with good road links to the rest of Cornwall.

Getting Around:

Newquay’s town centre is compact and walkable, with most of the main attractions and beaches located within a short distance of each other. If you’re staying in town, walking is the best way to get around. For trips to nearby beaches or attractions outside the town, there are regular local buses, taxis, and bike rentals. Coastline Travel Cornwall offers bus routes that connect Newquay to other popular destinations like Padstow, St Ives, and Truro.

Parking:

There are several public car parks in Newquay, including the Manor Road Car Park, Mount Wise Car Park, and Fistral Beach Car Park. Parking can be busy during the summer months, especially near the beaches, so it’s a good idea to arrive early. Some beaches, like Crantock Beach, also offer National Trust parking, which is free for members.

Dining:

Newquay’s dining scene offers something for everyone, from beachside cafés to fine dining restaurants. Rick Stein’s Fistral is a popular spot for fish and chips with a view, while The Fish House at Fistral offers fresh, locally caught seafood in a relaxed setting. For casual dining, Box & Barber is known for its great coffee and healthy breakfasts, while Lewinnick Lodge, perched on the cliffs at Pentire, offers fantastic views and a modern menu featuring Cornish produce. Many of Newquay’s restaurants and pubs feature fresh seafood, local meats, and produce from the surrounding Cornish countryside.

Shopping:

Newquay offers a mix of high street shops, surf stores, and independent boutiques. Fistral Beach is home to several surf shops, where you can pick up the latest gear from brands like Quiksilver and Billabong. For unique gifts and local products, head to Newquay’s Fore Street or Bank Street, where you’ll find artisan crafts, Cornish fudge, and clothing. The Whiskers Emporium is a great spot for vintage clothing and local art. During the summer, various pop-up markets appear along the seafront, offering locally made crafts, jewellery, and foods.

When to Visit:

The best time to visit Newquay is between May and September, when the weather is warm, and the town’s beaches and outdoor activities are in full swing. Summer (June to August) is the peak season, with lively festivals, events, and perfect conditions for water sports. Spring (April to May) and early autumn (September) are also great times to visit, with fewer crowds, pleasant weather, and beautiful coastal walks. Winter in Newquay can be quiet, but it’s still popular with surfers seeking large swells and those looking for a peaceful escape.

Local Events:

Newquay’s events calendar is filled with exciting festivals and competitions. The Boardmasters Festival, held in August, is the biggest event of the year, attracting surfers, skateboarders, and music fans from all over. The Newquay Fish Festival, held in September, celebrates the town’s fishing heritage with seafood tastings, cooking demonstrations, and live music. The Night Surf at Fistral Beach is another popular event, where surfers compete under floodlights in a unique night-time competition. Throughout the year, the town also hosts smaller surf competitions, charity swims, and cultural festivals.

Exploring Beyond Newquay:

Newquay is ideally located for exploring more of Cornwall’s stunning coast and countryside. Just a short drive away, Padstow is a picturesque fishing village known for its seafood restaurants and scenic harbour. St Ives, with its famous art galleries and beautiful beaches, is another must-visit, while Tintagel Castle, steeped in Arthurian legend, offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline. For a scenic road trip, follow the Atlantic Highway (A39), which runs along the dramatic north Cornwall coast and offers spectacular views and charming villages along the way.