Things to do in Newquay | A Locals Guide

THINGS TO DO IN NEWQUAY, CORNWALL

A few of the popular attractions Newquay has to offer…

Surrounded by cliffs and beautiful bays, Newquay is located on the rugged north coast of Cornwall. The first thing you notice about Newquay is its laid-back surfer atmosphere, and with 7+ beaches in and around the town, you can see why Newquay has become known as the surf capital of the UK.

Newquay attracts a diverse range of people throughout the year, from stag & hen groups to families in the summer holidays and of course friends and couples on quick weekend surf breaks. With such a varied mix of visitors it's no wonder Newquay has a huge array of accommodation, activities and eating-out options. You could say there are plenty of things to do in Newquay!

With so many things to do in Newquay, we've also compiled a quick list of '5 Things to Do Before Leaving Newquay.' So if you don't have much time in the area and want to tick off the must-do's this is the list for you. (scroll down)

One of the best aspects of Newquay is there is something for everyone and could be what helps to entice returning visitors each year.

NEWQUAY

Getting around

Visiting Newquay has many advantages the top two advantages being once you have arrived it's really convenient and easy to get around on foot. If arriving by train you'll most likely be able to reach your accommodation and all the hotspots of the town within a few minutes walk.

Newquay is also a great base for day trips to other parts of Cornwall. With many of the top destinations and days out in Cornwall being roughly 40 minutes or less (traffic dependent) by car, a day trip to the south coast towns such as Fowey is easily accomplished.

Where to park in Newquay? Parking is typically fine and fairly stress-free until the six-week summer holidays. If you're visiting in any of the half term holidays or the main 6 weeks holidays, expect the car parks to be full by 11am.

Fore Street, Fore St, TR7 1LN (Only 2 hours)

The Manor, St Georges Rd, TR7 1RL

Mount Wise, Mount Wise, TR7 2BH

Dane Rd, TR7 1HL

Belmont, 19 Belmont Pl, TR7 1HG

Harbour, Station Rd, TR7 2NG (Dont even think about it. Picture tight spaces, limited parking and lots of people)

Trenance Leisure, Edgcumbe Ave, TR7 2LZ

Pentire Headland Car Park, Esplanade Rd, TR7 1PS, UK

Atlantic Road Car Park, Atlantic Rd, TR7 1QQ, UK

Gannel Road, Gannel Rd, TR7 2AG, UK

If you want a stress-free time parking arrive in Newquay before 10am and leave your roof box at home as nearly all of the car parks have height barriers.

Park and Ride: For those travelling Park and Ride site across from Hendra Holiday Park on the A392. Hop on the 93 bus, and enjoy a scenic route passing by Newquay Zoo and Newquay Railway Station before reaching Newquay Bus Station. It's a convenient service that's part of the broader 93 timetable connecting Truro and Newquay.

THINGS TO DO IN CORNWALL FOR COUPLES

Newquay Town Centre

While the beaches might be the initial drawcard, Newquay town centre has a relaxed holiday vibe with several revamped hotels, a flourishing restaurant scene and a new focus on wellness. Here are a few great things to do in Newquay town centre.

Kook juice bar

Check out these surf shops

As with any seaside town centre, there are arcades.

Check out the Heuers hut. There plenty of great vantage points around.

Things to do in Newquay for couples

Newquay can be a great place for couples to go for a short break or a surfing holiday. golden sandy beaches, the soothing sounds of waves, and the salty breeze kissing your face. There are some fantastic things for couples to do in this idyllic Cornish town.

Surfing adventure for two: Book a surf lesson this is a great way to learn something new, have fun and build up an appetite for one of the local restaurants that evening!

Picnic at Towan Headland: Pack a few snacks and treats and find a secluded spot along Towan Headland. Enjoy panoramic views of the coastline overlooking Fistral Beach or the Gazzle.

Seaside Dining at the Fish House, Fistral: Indulge in a culinary journey at the Fish House, a renowned seafood restaurant overlooking the beautiful beach below. Savour the freshest catches of the day before heading.

Rent an E-Bike: Tour the coastal paths, cruise the town and generally cover more ground with some E-bike hire. Choose your own path or let us suggest a popular route, you'll be surprised how much of Newquay you can see on an E-bike.

E-BIKE RENTAL

Gain a whole new perspective to exploring Newquay's coastline with an electric bike. There is plenty to do and see when riding, from cruising through Newquay town to visiting Porth beach, Watergate Bay, and Crantock beach. With over 50km of assisted pedal power, you can easily explore all the wonders Newquay has to offer.

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JET SKI RENTAL

Go for a blast across the water from Lusty Glaze and around Newquay Bay. You will receive training to drive from one of our instructors before you leave Lusty Glaze Beach. Once instruction has been given you will be in the drivers seat, accompanied by one of our friendly Jet Ski instructors.

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HOLYWELL PITCH ‘N’ PUTT

Take on the challenge of our ponds, streams and famous cliff-hanging 18th hole to test your golfing skills in a relaxed and stunning setting. We are justifiably proud to be considered by many as the number one Pitch and Putt Course in the South West.

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COASTEERING

Journey along the coastline in an immersive experience which caters for all appetites and experience levels. From short swimming sections, low level traversing to cliff jumps, whirlpools, sluices and zawns Coasteering is an absolute adventure.

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BEACHES IN NEWQUAY

BEACHES IN NEWQUAY One thing Newquay is not short of is beaches. From the more hidden and out-of-the-way beaches such as Poly Joke or Whipsiddery to Famous Fistral Beach or the town beaches of Towan, Great Western Beach and Tolcarn, which comprise the Newquay Bay, there's a beach for each day of the week. Fistral Beach One of the most widely known surfing beaches anywhere in the UK and is the home of British surfing. Great for surfing, sunbathing and soaking up the atmosphere there's plenty on offer and easy to get to. Fistral beach can be broken down into sections. South Fistral, is the quieter end of the beach and leads to Pentire and Pentire headland. Look for the little cafe perched on the cliff. Perfect for coffee and snacks. North Fistral, Little Fistral & The Cribbar. North Fistral Beach houses the Fistral Beach complex which is home to many surf spots, shops such as Annes Cottage & Fatface, and restaurants like Rick Steins Fish & Chips and The Stable. You'll also find Bucket & Spade shops a beach bar and of course surf hire and surf school. You can park here but as you've guessed this gets busy early and has a height barrier. Little Fistral is a short walk along the coast path which then leads to The Cribbar and Towan Hedland. You can follow this path all the way along the headland and end up in Newquay Harbour. Towan Beach & the Bay Graced by the iconic Towan Island, connected to the mainland by a suspension bridge, creating a charming backdrop of Newquay's coastal charm. Towan Beach, is a magnet for surf enthusiasts and families alike. Typically the more sheltered of all the beaches in Newquay, Towan Beach is home to Cornish Wave surf school and is where we run our daily activities. Surfing: One of the main reasons Newquay has been crowned as the home to British surfing is the shape of the coastline which creates a large sheltered bay, but also has exposed beaches and a river estuary. Which combined provide plenty of options for surfing. So when the wind and swell aren't great on one beach, there is a chance it's not too bad on another beach. Allowing for more surfing days in the week. Jumping in the surf must be one of the top things to do in Newquay. For a more in-depth guide to the amazing beaches here in Newquay, you can read our guide here..

ATTRACTIONS

Blue Reef Aquarium

A water wonderland for all the family. Explore and discover a wide variety of sea creatures and learn about their habitats. From guided talks, feeding time to kid’s birthday parties, Blue Reef Aquarium has a lot to offer.

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Eden Project

Without a doubt Cornwall’s largest and most interesting attraction. The Eden Project is a must see for families and couples. The Eden Project captures learning, nature and adventure all under one roof. From large rain forests, contemporary gardens, summer outdoor concerts to adrenaline zip lines this really isa fascinating way to spend the day.

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Bedruthan Steps

The coastline that surrounds Newquay is known for its dramatic cliffs, rolling seas and fabulous surf beaches. Not far from Newquay you will discover Bedruthan Steps, an impressive tidal beach that can only be explored at certain times of the tide. Conquer the near vertical chizz led out steps to explore the hidden caves and wonders of the Cornish coastline.

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Horse Riding on the Gannel Estuary with Newquay Ridings Stables

Another great activity for the family or individuals that may appreciate a relaxing way to take in the sights of the Gannel estuary and Crantock beach. Guided tours promise safe instruction and cracking views as you meander your way through the low tide river mouth, coastal paths and the expansive Crantock beach

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Newquay Zoo

For those wild at heart a trip to Newquay Zoo is perfect for animal lovers. Get up close and personal with animals of all shapes and sizes. With over 130 species including big cats to lovable meerkats, visit the tropical house or help out with Lemur feeding time there is lots to see at Newquay Zoo.

Cycle The Camel Trail

Just a 20 minute drive from Cornish Wave in Newquay, drive north out of Newquay towards Wadebridge. Enjoy easy bike hire and choose the length of your ride. Maintained cycle paths make it easy for all walks of life to enjoy the scenic views of the North Cornish Coast. If you make it Padstow a must is to seek out Rick Stein’s fish and chips.

Dairy Land Farm World

Ideally suited to children 2-10 years old. Dairy Land has a wide selection of farm based activities such as tractor rides, outdoor trampolines and a massive indoor play area. Suitable in wet weather this could be the rainy day out that you’re looking for.

Healey’s Cider Farm

A warning label comes with this. If you haven’t heard of Cornish rattler and you’re a fan of cider then you must give this a try. Either visit their refurbished visitor centre or buy pint or two in Newquay’s bars. Originally distilled at a ridiculously high percentage Cornish rattler is marketed as the cider with a bite. The home of rattler Healeys Cider farm is around twenty minutes from Cornish Wave Surf School in Newquay. If you intend to visit for some tasting make sure that you have a designated driver.

Cornwall’s Crealy Adventure Park

After enjoying a Cornish Wave surf lesson or coasteer session and you still have some energy left, Cornwall’s Crealy Adventure Park is a great little theme park not far from Newquay. A typical theme park with some great Cornish flavours you’ll be spoilt for choice on which rides or entertainment shows to visit.

SURF SHOPS IN NEWQUAY

Slide & Glide Surf Shop Newquay

Home to Slide and Glide surf boards. Lee runs an authentic surf shop in the heart of Newquay that has all a surfer could want. Stand Up Paddle Board specialists, Lee has got you covered with advice, lessons and rental. Needing to sell a surfboard or wishing to buy second hand models this is the place to go.

North Shore Surf Shop

1980, Northshore has solidified its position as a beloved surf shop among locals and visitors alike. With a laid-back atmosphere and a passion for the waves, Northshore offers more than just surfboards and hardware; it's a lifestyle hub.

Custard Point Surf Shop

Long standing Newquay surf shop Custard Point has been shaping, advising and selling surfboards and hardware since 1983. With a large stock of retro, mini mal’s, eggs, alternative shapes and Stand Up Paddle boards produced to be ridden in UK waters, Custard Point is a must to pop into when in Newquay. Check them out for surf board, SUP and kayak rental this summer.

FOOD & DRINKS

Whiskers Café & Bar Newquay

Whiskers is a great little coffee shop by day and a lively boutique bar by night. They boast home made locally sourced produce and their very own coffee bean Morale. Organic wines, local craft beers & ciders topped off with live music are on the menu each evening. With open mic night every Monday, fantastic live music on Wednesdays and funky DJ’s at the weekend Whiskers is a great place to catch some good music whilst enjoying a good drink. Super friendly staff caters for all dietary requirements and you can even bring your dog.

The SInk Inn

A great local bar with seating outside, live dj's and comedy. Lots of local ales and ciders to choose from. The Sink is a late afternoon and late evening spot and definitely worth popping by.

The Stable Fistral Beach

Pizza, pie, ciders and a stunning location. A fairly new addition to Newquay, The Stable prides itself on classic West Country foods and houses one of the largest selections of ciders known to man. Enjoy taster trays of weird and wonderful ciders or relax with one of your favourites whilst enjoying the panoramic view of Fistral beach. Time your visit as the sun sets over the Atlantic for a really special start to your evening.

Moo Ice Bar

If fancy a little ice cream refreshment then the Moo ice cream bar is the place to go. Located right in the centre of Newquay, Moo ice bar offers a big variety of refreshing smoothies, milkshakes and of course delicious clotted ice creams.

Box & Barber

Located right next door to Slide & Glide surf shop, The Box & Barber cafe has been a favourite for breakfasts and lunches to locals and visitors alike. committed to using organic, sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. With our all-day menu boasting a range of goods from pancakes, to breakfast burrito’s, smoothies, juices, salads, açai bowls and more.

Red Lion Pub

One of the oldest and friendliest drinking establishments in Newquay. The Red Lion pub offers great views over the Newquay Harbour and serves classic pub food accompanied by local Cornish ale. Live bands on Friday and Saturday nights make for an entertaining evening.

Lewenick Lodge

Easily the best Bar/Restaurant in the area. The Lewenick lodge offers unrivalled views with amazing food and service. Drop in for a quick drink and game of pool as part of a coastal walk around Newquay, some light lunch or a special evening meal. Children and dogs welcome.

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