If you’re coming to Cornwall on holiday, make some time to visit Newquay. It may be known for its nightlife; however this busy resort has lots more to offer, especially for families and anyone who loves getting out on the water.
This is what Newquay’s famous for: its fabulous surfing beaches and laid-back surfing culture. The surfing here is suitable for all levels, and if you’re an absolute beginner, book into one of Newquay’s surf schools. Even if you don’t fancy riding the waves yourself, head down to Fistral and watch the experts at work: it’s quite a sight.
This stretch of Cornwall’s coast has some outstanding beaches. Towan, Tolcarne and Great Western beaches are in the town, so are great spots for families who like to be near facilities. Nearby Lusty Glaze has a good watersports centre, while of course, Fistral is the spiritual home of UK surfing. Drive two miles out of town to beautiful Crantock: worth knowing about, as it’s dog-friendly all year.
Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay is in the centre of town by Towan Beach. Come here to learn more about Cornwall’s aquatic residents, as well as meeting sea-life from all over the world. The Ocean Tunnel is a highlight, and look out for the babies in the Nursery exhibit. It can get busy on a rainy day, but you can book ahead online.
Take a breather from the bustle of Newquay, and head out of town to the Elizabethan manor house of Trerice. You can explore this beautiful National Trust house, and wander around the orchard and knot gardens. Look out for family events, or simply come here to breathe in the scents of lavender and roses. As you’d expect from the NT, the tearoom is a brilliant spot for the must-have Cornish cream tea.
If you’re in Cornwall with the kids, Dairyland outside Newquay is a must. Tractor rides, ponies, sweet little pets to meet: it’s the perfect place for any little one who loves animals. As well as the farm side, there are go-karts, trampolines and a nature trail for outdoor fun. There’s a choice of places to eat plus picnic areas.
Lappa Valley is another popular family attraction near Newquay. Book a ride on their steam-hauled train, followed by a relaxing paddle around the lake on a swan boat. Challenge the family to a round of crazy golf or take a tour of the collection of narrow-gauge locos. Raining? Not a problem: The Engine Shed is a new indoor play area (soft play plus cafe: everyone’s happy).
Watergate Bay is just two miles from Newquay, but has a completely different feel. The large, sandy beach is home to the Extreme Academy, which offers aquatic activities ranging from surfing and SUPing to beach yoga. After a session in the sea, head for one of Watergate’s upscale restaurants.
Join the famous South West Coast Path at Newquay and explore this beautiful stretch of coastline up close. There’s a (moderately challenging) ten-mile walk between Newquay and Porthcothan, where the path weaves between intriguing little coves. Feeling energetic? Leave the coast path and take the steps down to Bedruthan.
Newquay has the look and feel of a 20th-century holiday resort; however it’s far older than that, and it’s really rewarding to explore the town’s older places. Walk around the harbour, then make for the clifftops, where you’ll see the old Huer’s Hut, where in the 19th century, the “Huer” would watch out for approaching shoals of fish, and shout down to the fishermen. The views up here are spectacular.
Newquay has upped its game recently, and there’s far more to its culinary repertoire these days than post-pub takeaways. Try Rick Stein’s place on Fistral or the waterside restaurants of Watergate Bay. In town, there’s everything from pasties to Indian restaurants, and there’s no shortage of cosy country pubs in the villages around Newquay.
Newquay is about half an hour’s drive, coast-to-coast, from The Cornwall, and there’s a good choice of car parks in the town. Newquay is surrounded by pretty villages and plenty of visitor attractions, so this whole area is worth exploring.
For more tips about visiting Cornwall, read our latest articles or simply drop us a line.
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