UPDATED 12/06/2025

According to BBC Radio Cornwall, Newquay is officially the largest town in Cornwall, and the best known. Newquay was, like so many Cornish towns, historically a fishing port. Once known as Towna Blystra, the town’s ‘new quay’ was funded in the 1400s and the name stuck.

In the last decade Newquay’s reputation has changed somewhat, once known as a party town for stag parties and hen dos, it’s now much more gentrified. Making a wonderful location for a family holiday, surfing escape or a romantic break for two. Newquay Town Centre is full of independent eateries, cool coffee shops and an eclectic mix of shops, while the beaches are the most famous in the country. Newquay nightlife is still one of the best in the county with cocktail bars, late-night bars and nightclubs for those who want to party the night away.

Here we highlight some of the best that Newquay Town Centre has to offer.

BIG Newquay Market

Held on the first Saturday of each month from March to November, the BIG Newquay Market transforms Bank Street and the Killacourt into a vibrant hub of local creativity and community spirit. From 10am to 4pm, around 50 independent traders showcase contemporary crafts, vintage treasures, homewares, and artisan food and drink. Visitors can enjoy live music, creative workshops, and family-friendly activities, all set against the stunning coastal backdrop. Organised by Cornwall Shop Small in collaboration with Newquay Farmers Market, Love Newquay, Newquay BID, and the Town Council, this free event celebrates the best of Cornish talent and enterprise

Newquay Shops

It’ll come as no surprise that surfer’s paradise Newquay influences the shops on the high street, with surf shops being a speciality here. Head to Married to the Sea for ocean-inspired lifestyle clothing for men and women, meanwhile Watershed sell skateboards, surfboards, headwear, bags and lots of other cool apparel, or Northshore Surf Shop has a website so you can browse online then buy in store, where staff are super-friendly.

Newquay high street stretches the entire length of the town, and there’s a mix of shops to browse, so we’re sure there’s something for every style of shopper!

Newquay Events

In the summer months Newquay is full of vibrancy, with a roster of events taking place. However, you’ll find Newquay events taking place all year round. from music events, festivals and Cornish celebrations, there’s plenty to see and do.