Things to Do in Newquay

“Beautiful Newquay, located on Cornwall’s north Atlantic coast, is a firm favourite with British and international tourists alike and attracts thousands of people looking for sun, sea, and surf. Here are the best things to do in Newquay!

The Best Things to Do in Newquay
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Go Surfing on Fistral Beach
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Fistral Beach in Newquay is undoubtedly the UK’s most famous surf beach and home of the British National Surf Championships.

During the summer months, the waves are great for beginners, but the swells get bigger and more powerful, making it the perfect place for more experienced surfers.

There are plenty of surf school, shops and cafes to choose from so it’s easy to make a day of it!

There are also plenty of other great beaches in the area, including the Great Western Beach which is dog friendly all year round and Watergate Bay which is also a fantastic surfing Beach.

Newquay Fish Fest
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Continuing the festival theme, why not time your trip to Newquay with its famous Fish Fest.

This 3-day festival centres around live cooking demonstrations by professional chefs, live music, food and craft stalls and of course, lots of fresh fish pulled straight from the Atlantic Ocean.

Go for Sundowners at Lusty Glaze
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The name may sound a little strange, but don’t let that fool you. Lusty Glaze is a beautifully stunning, privately-owned cove on the outskirts of town.

There’s a lovely restaurant and café, which has great food and a varied programme of events including their famous Sundowner Sessions. The location was named number 1 on the list of ‘Most picturesque live music venues in the UK’ by The Times.

Boardmasters Festival
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Every August, Newquay hosts the fabulous Boardmasters Festival.

The festival attracts around 150,000 revellers and takes place over five days and in two locations, Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay.

The festival attracts big names in both music and surfing and is known as one of the most family-friendly festivals in the UK too, so there are plenty to keep the little ones occupied. Make sure to book your Newquay hotel early as they can fill up quickly!

Go on a Pirate’s Quest
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Kids and adults alike will love Newquay’s Pirate’s Quest, an immersive and interactive experience where you can learn all about what it was like to be a pirate back in the day.

Visitors can visit Blackbeard’s Tavern, escape a shipwreck and walk through lots of realistic sets, with special effects (including authentic smells) and actors making the experience that little bit more authentic.

Take in a Show at the Lane Theatre
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Newquay only has one theatre, founded by the local Amateur Dramatic Society.

Whilst only a small theatre, they hold lots of wonderful events throughout the year including plenty of tribute acts, plays, and of course, a Christmas pantomime.

If you want to go further afield, Cornwall’s stunning Minnack Theatre is only an hour and twenty minutes’ drive from Newquay.

Get Active at the Newquay Activity Centre
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Fancy getting active on your trip to Newquay? Then visit its wonderful activity centre.

As well as surfing, they offer things like stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, and coasteering.

Visit the House at Trerice
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Trerice is an Elizabethan manor house and a National Trust property. Steeped in history, the house makes for a fascinating day out.

History lovers will enjoy all the artefacts on display and get a kick out of the interesting architecture of the house.

There’s also a beautiful garden to explore, as well as a shop and restaurant.

Walk the South West Coast Path
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The South West Coast Path is the the UK’s longest walking trail, going all the way from Minehead in Somerset, through Devon and Cornwall, before ending in Poole, Dorset.

You can take the walks from Newquay in either direction, but a popular one is the 12-mile Newquay to Perranporth hike.

Newquay Land Train
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Kids will love a ride on the Newquay Land Train, a hop-on, hop-on service with live commentary from the conductor.

The route stretches for 5 miles, lasts for just under an hour and takes you past many of the main spots in town, including Trenance Gardens and Boating Lake, as well as many of the beaches.

The train usually runs between April and November and costs £6.50 for adults and £1.50 for children under 12.

Have you been to Newquay, or would you like to go? Make sure to check out our Explore by Expedia homepage for more travel inspiration, including nine things to do in Cornwall and the definitive guide to Cornwall’s top attractions!”