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UPDATED 13/04/2026
Vibrant Newquay (once known as Towna Blystra) was, like so many Cornish towns, historically a fishing port. The town’s ‘new quay’ was funded in the 1400s and the name stuck. Now you are more likely to come across pleasure crafts than fishing boats.
Newquay may have once had a reputation as a post-exam party town, a place for hen and stag parties, not a family resort, BUT we assure you it has now been reinvented. It is still a surfing mecca, because it has amazing waves to catch, but it also has so much more to offer.
The town has transformed, with nightclubs of old replaced by indy bars and restaurants attracting a new clientele.
Now something of an independent food haven, including vegan and vegetarian options, people are attracted by more upmarket trends. Additionally, is a very strong community spirit which has been allowed to shine through once again.
The proximity of Newquay Airport is also an attraction for travellers.
Despite the airport, most people still arrive in Newquay by car or train. By road, depending on where you are travelling from, most visitors come via the M5, then the A30, before joining local roads for the final stretch into town. It is a simple journey once you are in Cornwall, and the A30 remains the main route west.
Newquay’s airport is, of course, a real bonus for travellers. Cornwall Airport Newquay offers a range of domestic and international flights, with routes changing seasonally, so it is always worth checking the latest schedule before you travel. The airport is around 6 miles from Newquay town centre and can be reached by taxi or by the 56 bus service.
It is also easy to get to Newquay by train from across the UK. Newquay railway station is right in town, close to the centre and beaches, and is served by National Rail services. Depending on where you are travelling from, your journey may involve a change en route, so it is best to check live rail times before setting off.
Cornwall is also well served by buses, and Newquay has regular local and connecting services through Transport for Cornwall, including routes linking the town with places such as St Austell, Padstow and Cornwall Airport Newquay.
If you are driving to Cornwall in a plug-in electric vehicle, you may also want to point readers towards your charging guide.
Newquay has a mixture of council-run and private parking, so it is worth choosing carefully, especially in the busier months. In peak season, on-street parking can be very limited, so for a more relaxed visit it often makes sense to head straight for a car park.
Cornwall Council operates a number of car parks in and around the town, including options for the centre, harbour and several of the beaches. For the town centre, harbour, Great Western and Tolcarne beaches, try The Manor, Fore Street, St George’s Road, Mount Wise or Albany Road. There is also a small car park at Newquay Harbour, although as it is a working harbour it can fill up quickly.
If you are heading for Fistral Beach, be aware that the main beach car park is private, tends to get busy and is camera-controlled, so it is important to keep an eye on your timing. Around Fistral, there are also council-run options including Belmont, Dane Road, Towan Headland and Tower Road. For beach days further out, you could try Lusty Glaze, Porth or Watergate Bay. If you are visiting Crantock or Holywell Bay, National Trust parking may be a good option, particularly if you are a member.
Parking charges vary depending on the car park, the season and whether it is short stay or long stay, so it is always worth checking signs on arrival. As a guide, Cornwall Council parking in Newquay currently starts from around £1.30 for up to 1 hour in some long-stay car parks, while Fore Street short-stay starts from £1.60 for up to 30 minutes or £2.50 for up to 1 hour. In long-stay car parks such as The Manor, summer charges currently rise to £11.50 for 24 hours, with a weekly ticket at £29.00 in some locations.
In some council car parks, evening parking is free or cheaper, depending on the location. For example, The Manor has a paid evening session, while some others such as Albany Road, Dane Road and Trenance have no charge after 4pm. Several council car parks also offer Rover tickets, which can be useful if you are planning to explore more widely during your stay.
If you are paying by phone, do check the payment terms carefully, as a small transaction fee may apply. As ever in Newquay, a little planning goes a long way in summer.
There are some fun places to try, foodwise. These are just a selection, but do check out our top places to eat in Newquay, here.
The Tom Thumb Cocktail Bar is a classy, local, sustainable bar specialising in premium cocktails and coffee, home-made syrups and vermouths plus food such as vegan mezze boards; they usually hold events there, too.
If eating at home, why not try Sprout Health? Based in an old print house, it is popular for one-pot meals such as delicious daals. The cakes are pretty tasty, too, and you can buy healthy store cupboard staples.
Don’t forget Rosa’s for mini-golf (great to entertain the kids) and American-Italian inspired plates. For casual dining on the coast, Great Western Beach is a burger and surf paradise. Try Pachanga for authentic Mexican food near the town centre, serving up tasty tacos and more.
Seafood lovers will adore the Fish House at Fistral, for vibrant dishes cooked by chef Paul Harwood, but do have a search around as there are so many places to eat in the town.
Escape to the water’s edge for fine dining at luxurious Lewinnick Lodge, which is home to classic Cornish dishes and seafood specials, with the bonus of spectacular cliff edge views over the Atlantic ocean.
The Fistral Beach Hotel is also renowned for an awesome dinner out. Maybe enjoy a spa day followed by dinner.
Kids love stories of the deep, so pay a visit to the Blue Reef Aquarium looking out over Towan Beach in Newquay, where you can take a walk through the underwater tunnel, explore the species of fish and learn about marine conservation.
Of course, Newquay Zoo is a must. Along with 100s of animals to discover, a Tarzan Trail and play area, there are daily animal talks led by the zoo rangers where you can learn amazing facts about the species living at Newquay Zoo. Parking nearby can be an issue (and expensive) so walk there if you can, or catch the land train from Newquay Town Centre. Booking online is advised for best price.
For those looking for a more refreshing experience, Newquay Waterparks are also nearby, with different waterparks offering a variety of slides, pools, and activities. Or if you’re holidaying with a train enthusiast, choose Lappa Valley, not far from Newquay it’s coined as ‘Cornwall’s secret world of play and trains’.
Renowned for its beaches, Newquay’s are amazingly clean, and generally dotted with surfers (it is a surfing mecca). The key beaches, Towan, Lusty Glaze, Tolcarne and Great Western, are all pretty sheltered and safe for swimming, too. Try Newquay Water Sports Centre for kayaking, coasteering, surf rafting and other adrenaline sports.
The surfing is unmatched – Fistral Beach offers a world-class surfing experience. Nearby Watergate Bay is perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing. See our secret journal post about Crantock Beach, perfect for snorkelling. Don’t forget the harbour, too. Stop by for an ice cream or traditional fish and chips.
For local seaside prints, Melanie McDonald offers sea and surfer prints to remind you of your holiday.
Lusty Glaze ©Ian Woolcock Shutterstock
Fistral Beach is the UK’s undoubted number one surfing destination, for its consistency and great swell. It supports surfers or all levels, so you can give it a go even if a newbie. Groms (young surfers) welcome.
Towan Beach is one of the most central of the Newquay beaches, lying directly below Killacourt, a popular community green space, and within walking distance from the main town. Towan Beach is most recognisable for ‘The Island’, a home on a lonely rock, accessed via a 90 ft suspension bridge, and formerly the residence of the famous scientist Sir Oliver Lodge. Check out the caves along the beach.
Watergate Bay is one of the largest Newquay beaches, located around 3 miles north of Newquay itself. The drive to Watergate Bay affords amazing views of the coastline, and the short stroll down to the beach (2 miles of golden sand) is extremely easy. Plus Watergate Bay always has space for everyone.
Although privately owned, Lusty Glaze Beach is open to the public. Named after the Cornish translation of ‘a place to view blue boats’, this place beloved by the local community is secluded between cliffs.
A trip to Pollyjoke Beach is well worth a walk. Off the beaten track, it is a beautiful little cove set away from the main activity of Newquay. In spring, the beach is overlooked by dramatic huge fields of red poppies.
To be honest, surf shops are the speciality here, so check out these four.
Married to the Sea is an Ocean Lifestyle clothing brand selling handmade, quality apparel, for men and women, with ocean related logos and designs available both in store and online. Perfect for clothing, bags, accessories and boards.
Wave Project runs award-winning surf therapy and beach school projects across the UK. In Cornwall, projects run in Bude, Polzeath, Newquay, Gwithian and St Ives. Their store, on Fort Street, is fabulous, but their gear can also be found online where you can purchase awesome surf related apparel. The Wave Project offers free surf-therapy courses for people diagnosed with mental health disorders, ranging from mild to severe. The shop helps fund their vital work.
Northshore Surf Shop has a website so you can browse online then buy in store, where staff are super-friendly.
Newquay Street Market and Shops is a great place to find all the gear you need for a day of surfing. There are a number of surf shops selling everything from wetsuits and boards to wax and accessories. You can also find a variety of other shops selling souvenirs, clothing, and gifts.
An attraction for families is the aforementioned Newquay Zoo, set in over ten acres of sub-tropical lakeside gardens and home to many endangered species. The Blue Reef Aquarium with its shark tunnel is also a fab outing for a rainy day. Or you may fancy a special spa day. Here are a couple we recommend, at Fistral Spa and Headland Spa.
You don’t have to surf to come here, but it helps, so why not give it a try?
In summer, the Boardmasters Festival at Fistral Beach attracts global competitors whose skills are a joy to watch, with plenty of music on offer. It is also home to the English Surfing Nationals. The summer also sees a balloon festival, gig racing, surf life-saving events and RNLI Lifeboat Day, so there are many events to engage with. Outdoor activities are abundant, with something for everyone. Whether you’re a surfer, a biker, a hiker, or just a fan of the great outdoors, you’ll find something to enjoy in Newquay.
For the less energetic, try a round of golf at Newquay Golf Club. Right on the coast, this Cornish golfing gem has great greens and gorgeous views. Try a visit to the Lane Theatre which presents comedy plays throughout the summer.
Newquay is set within a beautiful area of countryside with plenty of walks. Along with the South West Coast Path, if you want some peaceful beauty then why not opt to visit the bonsai, pagodas and ponds of The Japanese Garden?
Trenance Gardens are another fine option for a day away from the beach. They are a great dog-walking spot, with plenty of space for your furry friend to run and explore. The gardens also have a lake, a cafe, and a playground, so there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Art at the Beach caters for all ages and abilities, offering bespoke art lessons, group classes, team building and online learning at Newquay Beach.
The narrow-gauge Lappa Valley Steam Railway is especially lovely in spring.
The town is also home to a number of annual festivals, including the Boardmasters Surf Festival, the Street Food Festival, and the Newquay Beer Festival. There are also many other events and celebrations throughout the year, making Newquay a great place to experience the best of Cornish culture.
Newquay has a maritime climate. Be warned, the wind can whip up from the coast. In summer, from June through August, it is usually a sunny spot. Weather in late June, early July and September is still usually pretty pleasant.
Have a supply of 50p pieces as most of the toilets in Newquay have a charge. You will find them at Narrowcliff, Killacourt, Fore Street, Esplanade, Railway Station, Porth Beach, Watergate Bay, Trenance Gardens, Pentire Headland and Little Fistral.
Newquay Holiday Cottages & Luxury Homes
Rebecca Moore
LOCAL EDITOR AND CORNISH AFICIONADO
Rebecca Moore is a seasoned editor and content writer with over a decade of experience, specialising in Cornwall’s unique lifestyle, travel, and culinary scene. Her expertise has been featured in media outlets such as The Sun, Express, and Cosmopolitan. A proud Cornish resident, Rebecca’s authentic insights help readers explore the best of the Duchy.
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