Summary
Newquay, renowned as England’s surfing haven, boasts remarkable Blue Flag beaches embraced by the North Atlantic.
While surfing is a year-round activity at this resort, it gains a distinctive vibrancy in summer when the population swells significantly and events such as the Boardmasters Festival take place.
The surf beaches attract a youthful and trendy crowd; however, there are also secluded inlets where families can enjoy sandcastle building and swimming in clear waters.
Newquay exudes an air of affluence, with celebrated chefs like Rick Stein and Jamie Oliver establishing beachside dining establishments.
Apart from the beaches, visitors can discover an Elizabethan National Trust property at Trerice, along with an historic harbour constructed two centuries ago for the region’s former mineral industries.
Let us delve into the top attractions in Newquay:
1. Surfing
The name “Newquay” has become synonymous with surfing in England, having been discovered in the 1960s by Australians and Americans.
These pioneers were the first to navigate The Cribbar, also known as the Widow Maker.
This reef break off Newquay’s Town Headland can reach heights of up to ten meters between December and January.
For those less experienced in surfing, Newquay’s primary surf spots—Fistral Beach, Watergate Bay, and Crantock Beach—offer surf schools and camps that provide a combination of accommodation and training for durations of a week or more.
If you are already skilled in surfing, there are numerous rental shops available, and all surf beaches around Newquay are monitored by RNLI lifeguards.
2. Fistral Beach
Undoubtedly the premier surf beach in England, Fistral Beach faces west and captures the full force of the North Atlantic’s swells.
Fistral is worth visiting even if you do not intend to surf, as it features a stunning 750-meter expanse of golden sand, bordered by dunes and overlooked by the impressive Headland Hotel to the north.
It is an ideal location for both experienced surfers and beginners to catch some waves, and the International Surfing Centre offers a surf school, retail outlets, rental options, and dining facilities.
If there happens to be a surf competition in Newquay, it is likely to be held at Fistral Beach, whether it is the Quiksilver Skins, stages of the UK Pro Surf Tour, the Boardmasters Festival, or the BUSA Championships.
Following an exhilarating day on the water, you can enjoy a captivating sunset over the waves.
3. Porth Beach
Porth Beach is a favorite for family vacations in Newquay, distinguished from other beaches on this list by its mild surf and generally safe swimming conditions.
This beach stretches along a lengthy inlet, flanked by two extensive headlands and Porth Island to the north.
During the summer months, surfing is prohibited here, making Porth Beach an ideal choice for families with children who can enjoy building sandcastles on the gently-sloping golden sands, exploring rock pools, and swimming in the shallow water.
A footbridge connects the cliff-top to Porth Island, allowing you to discover the earthworks of an Iron Age fort and a series of Bronze Age barrows.
At mid-tide on windy days, a remarkable blowhole can be observed on the southern side of the island.
4. Trerice
Offering a retreat from the North Atlantic, this charming Elizabethan residence remains largely unchanged since its construction nearly 450 years ago.
Trerice features a classic E-shaped floor plan and was commissioned by Sir John Arundell, the High Sheriff of Cornwall.
The property has been maintained by the National Trust since the 1950s, which invites visitors to view a collection of over 1,000 pieces of art, furniture, and decorative items.
Be on the lookout for the two distinct gable designs on the façade, the 16th-century stained glass windows in the Great Hall, picturesque views from the Great Chamber towards St Newlyn East Church, and a historic barn that now accommodates a restaurant.
Outside, one can find a recreated Elizabethan formal knot garden, planted with yews in 2013, as well as an orchard featuring historic varieties of fruit trees.
5. Crantock Beach
Also managed by the National Trust, Crantock Beach located on the Gannel Estuary evokes the same awe as Fistral Beach.
The shoreline is protected by Pentire Point and West Pentire, two elongated grassy headlands adorned with cliffs, and behind them are dunes resembling a miniature mountain range.
The beach is inclined towards the ocean, thus providing favorable breaks that may suit those new to the sport.
The Big Green Surf School can assist in getting beginners started or offer equipment for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.
Similar to many beaches in Newquay, Crantock features a gradual incline into the sea and, despite higher waves, offers relatively safe swimming conditions.
RNLI lifeguards are on duty from May to September.
6. Watergate Bay
For sheer cinematic beauty, it is difficult to surpass the vast expanse of Watergate Bay, located three miles up the coast from the town center.
This beach is bordered by high cliffs that taper into a valley housing a small beachfront community featuring surf rental shops and dining establishments.
Watergate Bay is also exposed to the full intensity of the North Atlantic and encompasses two miles of golden sand.
Surfers traverse great distances to experience these premium breaks, while kite-surfing is also popular here, along with traditional kite-flying for those with children.
7. Newquay Harbour
This town emerged around its sheltered harbour, which has existed since 1439. However, its current scale only developed by the late 18th century to facilitate the transport of valuable local mineral ore deposits to smelting mills in South Wales.
A tramway and tunnel were constructed to transport carts down the cliff from the town to the harbour piers, and the tunnel entrance can still be seen today, now utilized for storing traditional Cornish six-oared pilot gigs.
Stroll to the end of the north pier for a unique viewpoint of the harbour against its cliffs and to observe the boats entering the port.
Additionally, one can find sand beneath their toes on the beach at the harbour, and if the sea breeze has aroused your appetite, there are multiple cafes, inns, and restaurants located right on the harbour.
8. Gannel Estuary
Prior to its confluence with the North Atlantic at Crantock Beach, the River Gannel expands into a tidal estuary that stretches for over a mile.
Historically, the estuary was dredged to transport pilchards or coal to the town for loading onto the railway.
Although this section of the river is subject to tidal influences, the waters are quite sheltered, making it a tranquil locale for kayaking, away from the roaring Atlantic.
As you stroll along the banks, there are several footbridges crossing the river, although these may become submerged during high tide.
With care, one might encounter wading birds like little egrets, godwits, and redshanks, while species such as smelt, bass, salmon, and trout can be seen swimming in the shallows.
9. Lappa Valley Steam Railway
Children will particularly enjoy the Lappa Valley Steam Railway, which features a train park with three miniature gauge lines.
These lines are served by vintage steam and diesel locomotives and are situated within a park that includes a variety of ancillary activities.
The primary railway route, extending from Benny Halt to East Wheal Rose, dates back to 1849 and was originally laid for a silver lead mine, with an engine house and chimney stack still overseeing the park.
Since the 1990s, two additional lines have been inaugurated, both commencing from the station at East Wheal Rose.
In addition to enjoying rides on the three trains, children can solve a brick path maze, partake in mini-golf, paddle on the lake in canoes, and explore the playgrounds.
10. Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre
Throughout much of its history, Newquay Airport has had a military presence, which persisted until the last RAF squadron relocated in 2008. The Cornwall Aviation Centre resides against the backdrop of former RAF HAS (Hardened Aircraft Shelter) facilities, which were utilized by Coastal Command.
This evocative site allows visitors to explore a collection of exquisite British-made aircraft from the post-war era, including the renowned Hawker Siddeley Harrier Jet, the only fighter jet ever capable of vertical takeoff.
The display also includes two airliners, a Vickers VC-10K3 and a BAC 1-11, along with two Hawker Hunter fighter bombers and an English Electric Canberra, which was the Royal Air Force’s inaugural jet-powered bomber, introduced in 1951.
11. Newquay Zoo
The largest zoo in Cornwall and the sole establishment housing lions, Newquay Zoo is home to more than 130 species, some of which may be unfamiliar to visitors.
The zoo participates in breeding programs for rare and endangered species, including Owston’s palm civets, Sulawesi crested macaques, and red-fronted macaws.
Inside the Tropical House, a humid rainforest environment allows visitors to observe skinks, poison dart frogs, a sloth, and a variety of insects and reptiles.
A schedule for feeding times and keeper talks provides insider information, and young visitors have the opportunity to hand feed meerkats and Humboldt penguins.
12. South West Coast Path
The 630-mile South West Coast Path, classified as a National Trail, meanders along Newquay’s rugged coastline on its winding journey towards Poole in Dorset.
Beginning at Newquay station, you can traverse a picturesque stretch westward to Pentire Point.
This pathway will lead you to two headlands that offer stunning views and photo opportunities.
Your journey starts along the route of Newquay’s historic horse-drawn tramway, which was used for transporting coal until 1926. Following a thorough exploration of Newquay Harbour, you will arrive at Huer’s Hut, which will be discussed shortly.
Continuing along the rocky Towan Head and past the neo-Gothic Headland Hotel (1897) and Fistral Beach, you will discover that Pentire Point bears evidence of human activity dating back 8,000 years, alongside Bronze Age barrows approximating 4,500 years old.
13. Huer’s Hut
The whitewashed stone structure perched on the cliff above Newquay Harbour has a fascinating history.
In the 1300s, this spot served as a hermitage for monks who lit a beacon to alert ships to the underwater rocks at the cliff’s base.
It subsequently became a strategic lookout point for fishermen seeking gigantic pilchard shoals as they entered Newquay Bay.
From this vantage, the “Huer” directed vessels below using hand signals, while the boats encircled the fish utilizing weighted vertical nets known as seine nets.
14. Japanese Garden
Located in the Vale of Lanherne, a short distance past the airport, this small yet exquisitely designed Japanese Garden is open from March to October.
This one-acre space features a Zen Garden, Stroll Garden, and Water Garden, all arranged in accordance with Japanese tradition and cultivated with exotic plants that thrive in Newquay’s climate.
The garden includes a bamboo grove, azaleas, rhododendrons, Japanese maples, a Zen pavilion, a waterfall, koi carp ponds, and a tea house for relaxation and reflection.
15. Boardmasters Festival
Taking place in mid-August, the Boardmasters Festival is a five-day celebration of music and extreme sports occurring at two venues in Newquay.
Most performances are held at Watergate Bay, providing an exceptionally scenic backdrop for live music.
The artist lineup caters to diverse musical tastes, with 2018’s headliners including George Ezra, The Chemical Brothers, and Catfish and the Bottlemen.
Festivities persist late into the night with Boardmasters After Parties at various clubs in central Newquay.
Fistral Beach serves as the site for the festival’s international surf competitions. In between events, attendees can explore the Surf Village and Cornish Market while watching skate and BMX demonstrations.
As the sun sets over Fistral Beach, there are live performances, barbecues, and DJ sets right on the sand.
