Explore the unbeatable beaches and vibrant seaside town of Newquay. With a thriving surf community, it’s a must-visit spot along Cornwall’s north Atlantic coast.
Known as the UK’s surfing capital, with some great breaks to satisfy all abilities.
A foodie hotspot with top-tier restaurants specialising in seafood and seaside views.
Various beloved family-friendly beaches with sandy shores.
A range of other intriguing attractions for everyone to enjoy.
Where is Newquay?
Newquay is among Cornwall’s most popular seaside holiday spots – of which there are many! Nestled along Cornwall’s Atlantic coast, Newquay boasts spectacular stretches of golden sands, turquoise water and quintessential Cornish charm.
The town is an approximate 30-minute drive from Truro and Redruth. It is a similar distance from us at The Valley, making it a great place for a day trip when you’re ready to explore the wonders of Cornwall’s north coast.
Is Newquay Worth Visiting?
Newquay is often touted as the UK’s surfing capital, so whether you’re a pro on the waves or want to try it for the first time, you’re in the right place. And if surfing isn’t your thing, there are a range of other watersports to experience in the area.
The town is also beginning to build quite the reputation as a foodie hotspot, thanks to the abundance of seafood and other local treats.
If it’s a classic seaside holiday you’re after, Newquay is perfect!
Things to Do In Newquay
Newquay boasts a range of things to do, with nearby attractions catering to families, thrill seekers, history lovers and anyone who wants to experience a slice of Cornwall at its best. Here are some of the top things you can do when visiting Newquay:
Watersports at Newquay Activity Centre: Whether it’s surfing, coasteering, kayaking or paddleboarding, the activity centre will set you up for an amazing day on the water.
Beaches: With several award-winning beaches in the area, you’ll have trouble picking which one to see first (more on these below)!
Newquay Sea Safaris: Boat tours, snorkelling trips and cage diving experiences to get up close to the local wildlife with the chance to see blue sharks, basking sharks, dolphins and seals.
Walk the South West Coast Path: There are various walks along the Coast Path, taking you past some of Newquay’s best coastal features and beaches, including the trail at Bedruthan Steps.
Trecice: An National Trust Elizabethan manor surrounded by tranquil gardens.
Trenance Gardens: By the Zoo you’ll find lovely gardens for a stroll, set alongside an action-packed leisure park with fun for the whole family, including the miniature railway, crazy golf and various play parks.
Newquay Zoo: Cornwall’s biggest Zoo and home to 100s of animals, including penguins, meerkats, zebras, red pandas and much more.
Blue Reef Aquarium: A chance to see all sorts of marine life, including sharks in the underwater tunnel.
Dairyland Farm Park: A children’s adventure park with animals, indoor play areas, tractor rides, wildlife trails and lots of other activities to keep little ones busy.
Beaches in Newquay
If you’re in Newquay, a trip to the beach should be at the top of your agenda – but which beach? There are so many breathtaking ones to explore!
Great Western Beach: A fantastic sheltered family beach just a few minutes from the town centre. It’s great for surfing too.
Towan Beach: A popular beach featuring the famous island stack. At low tide, you can get to Great Western and Tolcarne.
Tolcarne Beach: A crescent of soft sand overlooked by imposing cliffs that’s popular with families and surfers.
Newquay Harbour & Beach: A picturesque location where you can sit back and relax as you watch the fishing boats come in.
Fistral Beach: Perhaps the most renowned surfing beach in the UK, Fistral is home to the Boardmaster Surf Championships.
Lusty Glaze Beach: A privately owned cove with a more secluded feel than the other beaches mentioned here.
Porth Beach: Swathes of white gold sand surrounded by vast headlands.
Whipsiderry Beach: A quiet spot surrounded by cliffs with rock pools and caves to explore.
Crantock Beach: Stunning vast sands between the Pentire headlands.
Holywell Bay Beach: A sandy beach backed by dunes and small rocky islands. Another popular surfing and swimming spot.
Perranporth Beach: A beloved spot just outside Newquay, boasting pristine sands and some good surfing waves.
Watergate Bay Beach: Two miles of golden sands, rugged cliffs and lots of space for dogs and kids to run around.
Mawgan Porth Beach: A pretty family beach set between Newquay and Padstow.
Where to Eat in Newquay
When you’ve had a glorious adventure at the beach or any of Newquay’s other attractions, what better way to complete the experience than with a delicious bite to eat at one of the town’s best eateries? From fine dining restaurants, to laid back bars to cosy cafes, there are plenty to choose from.
Rick Stein Fistral: A family-friendly pub in an idyllic location overlooking the beach focusing on combining local seafood with delicious flavours from around the world.
Lewinnick Lodge: Set on the edge of a cliff, you can’t get much more dramatic and memorable than this. The menu is full of brasserie favourites inspired by local, seasonal ingredients.
Cove24: An elegant restaurant and cocktail lounge with delightful tapas and an all-day menu.
The Fish House Fistral: A classic seafood menu in a cosy pub setting right on the beach.
The Boathouse: A relaxed street food market and bar, offering local seafood, sweet treats and drinks.
Secret Garden: Artisan pizza and cocktails for an unbeatable evening relaxing while looking out at the sea and sunset.
Kahuna: A Pan Asian restaurant with a menu inspired by years of travelling. Enjoy flavours from Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand and more.
Moules & Co: A laid-back eatery specialising in mussels, with plenty of other tasty options too.
Box Barber: A cosy modern cafe offering pancakes, breakfast burritos, smoothies and lots of other brunch treats.
Toast Wine Bar: A family-run tapas bar with a diverse menu and a fantastic atmosphere.
And this is just a tiny example of what’s on offer, you’ll find plenty more amazing spots for a delicious bit to eat when visiting Newquay.
Still planning your perfect Cornish holiday? Our luxury holiday park in Cornwall is ideally located with easy access to the north and south coasts making for a great base for all your day trips, whether to Newquay or elsewhere.
