Newquay Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Fistral Beach showing a sandy beach and a coastal town as well as a large group of people
Newquay which includes a sandy beach and landscape views
Fistral Beach featuring a beach and signage as well as an individual male
Watergate Bay featuring a house and a coastal town
Newquay showing a coastal town, shopping and heritage architecture

Admire historic sites, enjoy quaint coastal walks and seek out hidden coves that lie between rugged headlands in the surf capital of the country.

The surfing haven and fishing town of Newquay is among the largest and most well-known parts of Cornwall. Gardens and family-fun attractions complement its stunning collection of cliff-sheltered beaches. Peruse the town centre’s independent boutiques and rental shops, which celebrate the town’s surf culture.

Bring your board to sandy Fistral BeachOpens in a new window, one of England’s most famous surfing spots. Practice surfing on the enormous waves of “the Widow Maker” and take part in surfing competitions. Behind the sand is Newquay Golf Club, which has stellar sea views.

Newquay has a variety of beaches to suit all tastes, from the headland-sheltered shores of Porth BeachOpens in a new window to the polo contests and restaurants of Watergate BayOpens in a new window. Access the most central and popular stretch of sand, Towan Beach, on foot from the town centre. During high tide, retreat to the higher-ground boutiques and cafés for excellent views of the sea.

Overlooking Towan Beach is the Blue Reef AquariumOpens in a new window, which contains more than 40 displays of intriguing marine life. Look for sea creatures such as reef sharks, moray eels and rays within its tanks.

At the end of May, Newquay is host to the Run to the Sun car and music festival. Inspect custom cars and enjoy the high-energy atmosphere as acclaimed DJs and performers entertain the revellers.

Try fish and chips or a Cornish pasty, a delicious pastry filled with vegetables and meat. Stay until after dusk to witness the town’s nightlife. Mingle with locals in traditional pubs or dance all night at the discos.

Expect warm and sunny summers. Winters here, which are usually dull, cold and wet, are perfect for storm-watching.

Fly to Newquay Cornwall Airport, which is 5 miles (8 kilometres) northeast of the city. Trains and buses also carry passengers to Newquay from other locations within the country. Drive the scenic 280-mile (450-kilometre) route from London in around 5 hours.

Newquay attracts young surfer crowds and families with its picturesque beaches and fun activities.

Where to stay in Newquay

Newquay showing a coastal town, shopping and heritage architecture

Newquay City Centre

4.5/5(114 area reviews)

Newquay City Centre is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, lively bars and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Great Western Beach or Tolcarne Beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Newquay City Centre
Great Western Hotel
Great Western Hotel
3 out of 5
Cliff Road, Newquay, England
The price is £75 per night from 23 Jun to 24 Jun
£75
23 Jun - 24 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Newquay. Enjoy parking (surcharge), daily housekeeping and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (788 reviews)
"Lovely staff"

Reviewed on 19 Jun 2025

Great Western Hotel
Pentire Newquay Cornwall Hotel
Pentire Newquay Cornwall Hotel
3 out of 5
Pentire Avenue, Newquay, England
The price is £85 per night from 29 Jun to 30 Jun
£85
29 Jun - 30 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Newquay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (630 reviews)
"Wonderful staff, nice room, and amazing breakfast!"

Reviewed on 3 Jun 2025

Pentire Newquay Cornwall Hotel
Bedruthan Hotel and Spa
Bedruthan Hotel and Spa
4 out of 5
Mawgan Porth, Newquay, England
The price is £158 per night from 29 Jun to 30 Jun
£158
29 Jun - 30 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Newquay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (391 reviews)
"Good stay"

Reviewed on 8 Jun 2025

Bedruthan Hotel and Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
SeaSpace
SeaSpace
4.5 out of 5
Watergate Rd, Newquay, England
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Newquay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Watergate Bay Beach and Fistral ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (40 reviews)
"Incredibile property facing the Incredibile Atlantic ocean view. The facilities were top notch in the very new hotel. Staff were extremely helpful and accomodating. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on 18 Jun 2025

SeaSpace
Modern 12ft-wide holiday home with one double with en suite W.
Modern 12ft-wide holiday home with one double with en suite W.
Newquay
Stay at this holiday home in Newquay. Enjoy balconies or patios and a hot tub. Popular attractions Watergate Bay Beach and Fistral Beach are located nearby.
7.2/10 Good! (7 reviews)
"Really great stay. Easy check in. Lovely holiday home and site."

Reviewed on 6 Jun 2025

Modern 12ft-wide holiday home with one double with en suite W.
Beachcombers Apartments
Beachcombers Apartments
4 out of 5
Watergate Bay, Newquay, England
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly apartment in Newquay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Watergate Bay Beach and Fistral ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (65 reviews)
"What a beautiful apartment! Clean, spacious, and very comfortable. The view from the balcony were spectacular! The beach was a couple of mins walk. And was a joy to walk along every evening. We found the apartment well located to explore Cornwall. And it was a very short drive to Newquay for any ..."

Reviewed on 29 May 2025

Beachcombers Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Newquay

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
134
5 - Excellent 43%
4 - Good
134
4 - Good 43%
3 - Okay
39
3 - Okay 12%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Excellent definitely going again. Xxx

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The Merrymoor is in Mawgan Porth not

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Important to go during the summer season, as more is open. Other than that Headland hotel was wonderful!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

it’s our happy place - even was lucky enough to get married there xx

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Newquay itself is (like a lot of seaside towns) in need of some tlc.

4/5 - Good

Prof

It’s somewhat down market - tattoo parlours and takeaways - but well situated on the cliffs.

Cities near Newquay