43 Things to Do in Newquay

But there’s so much more to it than that. Cornish people celebrate a very distinctive culture, with Celtic and pagan influences, and mythologies that uniquely belong to this very independent region. Because of this, visiting Cornwall can feel a little like being abroad - especially when the sun is shining.  

The landscape in and around Cornwall is stunning, with never-ending wide bays, steep cliffs, and rocky headlands. It’s the perfect setting to explore with a four-legged friend, which explains the popularity of Newquay with dog owners. 

Cornwall is all about being outside, enjoying the bracing sea breezes and the crystal clear seas. Come and find out for yourself just how many things there are to do in beautiful Newquay.

Visit Newquay’s iconic Fistral beach

This is Newquay’s - and possibly Cornwall’s - most famous beach. Home to the annual Boardmaster’s Festival, Fistral Beach is the unofficial home of British surfing, where surfer pros can be spotted catching Cornwall’s biggest wave, the famous Cribbar, when conditions are right. 

Fistral Beach itself is a three-quarter kilometre expanse of golden sand that’s officially split into South Fistral, Main Fistral, and Little Fistral. The beach is backed by steep sand dunes, and at the northern end, you’ll find the International Surfing Centre, home to surf-inspired shopping and some great casual eateries.

Spot the sea creatures at the Blue Reef Aquarium

When you’re visiting the seaside, it’s the perfect time to learn more about sea creatures, and what better place to learn than at The Blue Reef Aquarium. It’s a favourite attraction for visitors, with over 40 different water habitats to explore. One area recreates the sea conditions in Newquay, so you can find out what might be swimming underneath you as you take a dip at the nearby beaches. You can also take a walk through the underwater tunnel for fantastic close-up views of a coral reef and its inhabitants, including angelfish, pufferfish, and the aquarium’s scariest residents, the sharks.

Soak up the atmosphere at Newquay Harbour

Newquay has a pretty harbour that’s used for both fishing and as a pleasure cruise pick-up point. Dating back as far as the 1400s, the original medieval quay in the town was called Towan Blystra, but it was replaced in the 1830s with what we see there today - the new quay that also gave Newquay its modern name. It’s an attractive small-scale working harbour, which, with the sunshine, lapping waves, and cawing gulls overhead, is an evocative place to sit and watch the world go by. Regular events are also held at the harbour, including the annual Newquay Fish Festival.

Go seal-spotting on a Newquay Sea Safari 

Speaking of the pleasure cruises at Newquay Harbour, if this is something you want to take advantage of while you’re visiting - and really, why wouldn’t you? - maybe try a popular sea safari with Newquay Sea Safaris and Fishing. These 2-hour trips regularly depart from the harbour, taking you on a wildlife spotting trip on the high seas. The tour takes in Fistral beach and the beautiful Cornish coastline, and as well as spotting seals and dolphins, you’ll also learn a whole lot about marine animals and conservation along the way.

Become a bodyboarding pro

Perfect for a day out with friends is this private bodyboarding lesson at a beach in the heart of Newquay. You and three buddies will be provided with all the gear you need, and a boarding expert will teach you the tricks - at your own pace - making sure you all catch some waves by the end of the class. A great way to bond and make memories, we can’t guarantee there’ll be a future bodyboarding champion among you, but we’re sure you’ll have a fantastic, laughter-filled time while you learn.

Visit the Cornwall Gold and Tolgus Mill

The Cornish Gold and Tolgus Mill is an excellent attraction where you can learn all about Cornwall’s hugely important tin mining history, and also engage in some retail therapy. Tolgus Mill was opened in 1865, and is still in use today, recovering tin ore from the site’s stream, and using it to create exquisite Cornish jewellery. The profits from the Tolgus jewellery collection are fed straight back into the mill, helping to restore and maintain this important link to the region’s heritage. 

Become a Coasteer

An adrenaline-inducing way to explore Newquay’s stunning coastline is by learning how to ‘coasteer’, an activity you may not be familiar with, but which you arguably should be while in Cornwall. Coasteering encompasses all manner of interactions with the coast, from hopping across rocks, exploring caves, wild swimming, and if you’re feeling brave, jumping off cliffs. You’ll receive expert tutelage on a guided coasteering experience, which will result in you feeling ‘at one’ with the watery world in and around Newquay.

Step back in time at the Lane Theatre

The Lane Theatre has been active since 1931 but moved to its current Lane Village Hall location in 1980 - and following major renovations, it was reopened in 2000 by honorary patron Phillip Schofield. The 128-seater theatre’s plays are highly recommended, with numerous playwrights becoming patrons or commissioning their own shows here after being impressed with the quality of the productions.

Thrills and spills at Camel Creek Adventure Park

Just a half-hour outside Newquay is Camel Creek Adventure Park, a fun family day out packed full of rides and attractions aimed at kids aged 6 and younger. It’s set up in four themed zones: 

• Creature Creek, where little ones can meet their favourite animals and reptiles.
• Kiddies Kingdom, where you’ll find rides for smaller adventurers.
• Thunder Canyon, full of bigger rides and attractions for the braver family members.
• Swampy and Dina Land, where the park’s beloved characters live.

Trenance Gardens and Leisure Park

Just a few streets back from the sea is Trenance Gardens and Leisure Park. It’s a great alternative to a day at the beach, and there’s plenty here to keep everyone entertained, from kids to grandparents. Here are some of the best attractions.

Newquay Zoo

For a wild day out right in the heart of town, Newquay Zoo is an exceptional option. A conservation-aware park, the animals here live in habitats that replicate their natural homes, and the zoo is part of the Wild Planet Trust, which aims to conserve animal habitats long-term. Kids will love seeing the animals, including comical meerkats, mighty lions, and exotic zebras.

Trenance Gardens

Trenance Gardens themselves are a picturesque place for a stroll, taking in the range of trees and flowers on display. Your nose may lead you to the fragrant rose garden where you can stop and contemplate a while. To fully appreciate these Georgian gardens, you can pick up a Tree Walk brochure, which contains loads of information about the plants - including a number of sub-tropical species - that you’ll come across during your visit.

Boating Lake

The boating lake sits at the centre of Trenance Gardens and is a pretty place to come and enjoy the traditional British pastime of feeding the ducks. As you take a gentle walk around the lake’s edge, you’re likely to see moorhens, cormorants, and unusual black swans. Plus, if they’re feeling sociable, you may even spot an otter or two. Pedalos can be hired at the lake, providing a different, but equally lovely, vantage point of the gardens from the water. 

Little Western Railway

Come and take a ride on Horton, Cornwall’s oldest steam-powered miniature engine, that runs as part of the Little Western Railway in Trenance Gardens. A brilliant experience for both kids and adults, this is nostalgic fun at its best. Running all through the summer, the 300-yard route passes through a tunnel and over a stream and picks up passengers from a specially-created miniature platform.

Trenance Cottages

If historical architecture floats your boat, why not come and explore the Trenance Cottages, a row of traditional Grade II-listed Cornish cottages. The interiors and exteriors of Vine, Middle, and Rose cottages have all been fully renovated, recreating the Cornish way of life as it would have been many years ago. With interesting items on display helping to tell the story of the cottages, and with the whole site being run and maintained by volunteers, this attraction has heart and is a real pleasure to visit.

Enjoy paddleboarding Cornwall’s coastline

Do you ever spot a paddleboarder far out to sea, looking calm, collected, and oh so cool? Become that person with an expert-led paddleboarding lesson and coastline tour. You’ll get kitted out in the proper gear ready to learn all the tips and tricks that will help you be at one with the sea. After paddling around Newquay getting up close to sea creatures, and with birds soaring overhead, you’ll feel you can take on the world - or at least a couple of beers when you’re back on dry land.

Ride the Newquay Land Train

Sometimes your feet just want a rest, especially when you’re visiting somewhere with as many sights as Newquay. So take the weight off for a while and hitch a ride on the Newquay Land Train. Taking a tourist-friendly route that passes many of the main attractions, this is a lovely way to see the town. A daily hop-on hop-off pass is available so you can jump on as many times as you like for a full day. 

Play pilot at the Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre

The Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre is a no-brainer for planespotters of any age. You’ll love sitting in the cockpits of a range of jets dating back as far as the 1940s. There’s a collection of over 1,500 model aircraft, and with the heritage centre being located right next to Newquay Airport, you can simultaneously watch full-size planes landing on the runway. Take the pilot’s seat in a Hawker Hunter simulator, flying the skies around Newquay. It’s a thrilling day out that you won’t soon forget.

Take part in a water activity weekend for women

If you fancy treating yourself to a sociable adventure getting to know new people while trying out some water-based activities, this could be just the thing for you. This Women + Waves weekend will allow you to sample all the best activities in the area including activity du jour, wild swimming, as well as surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Newquay’s coastline is the best place to explore these exciting activities, and the experience is all the better for encouraging connections that could last a lifetime.

Walk the plank at Pirate’s Quest 

For something a little darker, take a trip back to the 1800s to a time when buccaneers ruled the town. Walk through a series of impressive 360-degree sets at Pirate’s Quest that show how life would have been back in the time of pirates, glimpsing onboard a pirate ship and at the streets of old-time Newquay. Keep an ear out for Calico Jack’s resident performers who may spill some pirate secrets, like why they really wear an eye patch. 

Cultivate some calm at The Japanese Garden

About a 15-minute drive north of Newquay is a wonderfully restful place, with a vibe in direct contrast to the hustle and bustle of Newquay. Built as a contemplative space, the beautiful Japanese Garden is great for horticulturists looking for something a little different. Japanese gardens traditionally look for harmony between natural beauty, and controlled form, and this garden gets that balance just right. Changing throughout the seasons, this is a place to visit at any time of year. There’s also a noteworthy shop, stocking traditional Japanese items like bonsai alongside beautiful fabric scarves and singing bowls.

Meet the animals at Dairyland Farm Park

Dairyland Farm Park is a wholesome day out for all the family. Located on what used to be a working farm, there are loads of opportunities to find out all about the farming processes, including how the old creamery functioned, as well as the importance of farming for this region. For little ones, there are so many activities, it’s choosing what to do first that’s the hard part. With tractors and pony rides, a construction zone, and in the summer months, a maize maze, there are hours of entertainment. Oh, and ice cream - we mustn’t forget that. 

Play a round at Newquay Golf Club

In an unbeatable location overlooking Fistral Beach, if you want to feel the sea breeze as you play, Newquay Golf Club will be the ideal proposition for you. Opened in 1890, this historic golf club has a beautiful 18-hole course, where non-members are also welcome to play. With an unusual clubhouse called ‘The Tower’, this will be a golfing day out that’s unlike any other. 

Explore Trerice Manor House

On the outskirts of Newquay and set in stunning Cornish countryside is Trerice Manor. Built by the wealthy family man John Arundell V in 1572, this Elizabethan property is famous for its Great Hall window that is particularly rare, with 576 glass tiles dating back as far as the 1500s. Exploring the interior is a treat, with the many corners and crevices showcasing this manor house’s unique character. The small but perfectly formed gardens are also a pleasure to tour, and there’s a tea room where you can continue to soak up the elegant atmosphere while taking afternoon tea.

Take a sea kayaking lesson 

A fabulous way to explore the Cornish coastline is from a kayak. Whether or not you’ve kayaked before, this private sea kayaking adventure will be a great way for you and three of your besties to explore the open waters of this iconic town, enjoying the spectacular scenery and learning a new skill. It’s all about confidence, and your expert instructor will make sure the lesson moves at your preferred speed, teaching you the safety basics before you set off. Paddle around mysterious caves, and play entertaining paddle games as you traverse the coastline on this 3-hour epic escapade.

Things to do in Newquay with a dog

Newquay is a doggy paradise. Bring your favourite four-legged friend when you visit and you’ll find a warm welcome at many of the town’s beaches, attractions, and eateries. Here are some of the best.

Visit Holywell Bay Beach

The tiny village of Holywell is south of Newquay and one of its main attractions is the huge Holywell Bay Beach which stretches for over a mile. It’s a great place to take your dog on an invigorating walk, exploring the Holywell Cave at low tide, and maybe even spotting the 100-year old shipwrecked Argentinian coaster.

Towan Headland

Towan Headland is a great lookout point with uninterrupted views of the sea and Fistral Beach below. A rocky outcrop, you’ll undeniably feel the power of nature here listening to the crashing waves and being buffeted by the wind. Dogs will love running around exploring all the salty smells and if the weather’s not so great, you can take shelter in a pretty white hut facing the sea.

Cardinham Woods

Located inland a few miles from Newquay is Cardinham Woods, a fantastic place for long, romping walks at any time of year. Dogs are welcome and will love splashing in the streams and choosing a favourite stick from the many branches dropped throughout the woods.

Steam train at Lappa Valley

The Lappa Valley is just outside Newquay and makes for a lovely family day out. It’s unusual to find somewhere that dogs are allowed on rides, so take advantage and invite your canine chum on the sit-in miniature Lappa Valley Steam Railway. Undoubtedly, they’ll have their head sticking out of the window within seconds!

Bowgie Inn beer garden

The Bowgie Inn is a dog-friendly establishment, which allows furry friends in their outside spaces - but with a view this good, it’s unlikely you’d want to be inside anyway. Overlooking beautiful Crantock beach, there’s a sizeable beer garden in which to eat - and for your dog, there are Bonios are available at the bar.

Mawgan Porth Beach

If you’re looking for a more sheltered beach, this could be a good bet. A deep bay sitting between two steep headlands, Mawgan Porth is a popular beach for families, but it is also dog-friendly.

The Gannel Estuary

The Gannel Estuary sits to the south of Fistral beach, and is a fantastic place to let your dog off the lead to explore, while you take the opportunity to spot some wildlife, including egrets and salmon.

Pentire Headland

Another jaw-dropping view awaits you at Pentire Headland, and to enjoy a longer walk, this National Trust route will take you and your dog on a 3.4-mile trail taking in views of Stepper Point and Tintagel Castle. If you’re lucky, you might spot some peregrine falcons hovering overhead.

Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm

Although this is an alcohol-themed day out, it’s suitable for families, and dogs are allowed as long as they remain on a lead. At Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm, you can explore the inner workings of cyder production, as well as exploring Cornwall’s first whisky distillery in over 300 years. Taste a sample or two, and explore the rest of this farm, before sitting down to a delicious cream tea - furry family members welcome too!

Best Places to Eat in Newquay

Newquay's full of delicious restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs - and we've rounded up some of the best of them to add to your itinerary.

The Boat House 

You’ll find The Boat House in Newquay Harbour. An exciting street food market, this is where you’ll find the freshest of fish, as well as more exotic cuisines. Pick your favourite beachfront spot to chow down, and soak up the wonderful view. 

Rick Stein Fistral

Rick Stein is a British legend, and his Cornish restaurants are institutions in this neck of the woods. His Rick Stein Fistral Beach restaurant is famed for its fish and chips served with Goan curry sauce, but there’s a range of meals available that will appeal to everyone in your family.

Retroblast Coffee

If you like your cafes a little out of the ordinary, Retroblast Coffee will be right up your street. Serving a delicious assortment of coffees, milkshakes, and snacks, the entertainment is what sets this place apart - it’s located in a classic arcade lounge, home to old-school titles like Ms Pac-Man and Track and Field providing some true retro gaming fun!

The Fish House Fistral

The waterfront Fish House seafood restaurant is a simple and casual place where you can sample high-quality produce and cooking while overlooking Fistral beach. Led by Paul Harwood, who studied under Rick Stein for many years, this award-winning restaurant is in the Michelin Guide, which gives you an indication of the culinary treat you’re in for if you visit.

St Mawgan Tea Room

A perfect stop after visiting Mawgan Porth beach is the St Mawgan Tea Room. A simple village store and cafe with pretty gardens serves up classic tea room fayre, including delicious preserves and chutneys which are made on the premises.

The Beach Hut

Located in the Watergate Bay Hotel, the bright and airy Beach Hut restaurant benefits from superb views over the beach and towards Newquay town. Serving up ubiquitous seafood dishes, but also less common options, such as broccoli fritters and Korean BBQ short rib, this is a winner for everyone.

Rebellion Roasthouse and Moonshine Bar

The Rebellion Roasthouse and Moonshine Bar is next to Great Western beach in the centre of town, and describes itself as ‘a bit more badass than your normal restaurant’. With customisable menu items and a unique cocktail menu, this is a no-brainer if you’re looking to up the ante at dinnertime.

Kahuna

Kahuna is located in an appealing space with tropical-Asian decor and offers Asian food created by a husband and wife team who have travelled extensively picking up cooking inspiration along the way. The restaurant always offers a good selection of veggie and vegan options and has a strong collection of wine to complement the beautifully presented plates. 

Cove 24

Open for casual lunches and intimate dinners, the stylish Cove 24 uses local produce from passionate suppliers, including freshly caught seafood and Cornish-reared meats. Diners are in for a treat at this restaurant, which offers high-end dining and views towards Towan beach from its upstairs cocktail lounge. FAQs

FAQs

Is Newquay worth visiting?

The answer to this question is simple - yes! Newquay is a fantastic place to visit if you love the outdoors, and enjoy beaches and being active. Maybe you live close enough to visit Newquay for the day, or perhaps you’ll make the long trip to Cornwall for a well-deserved summer holiday. Wherever you’re coming from, Newquay is a friendly and welcoming place with a relaxed vibe and loads to do during the day and well into the night.

Is Newquay a party town?

If you’re looking for a party, you’ll find one in Newquay. There’s a huge surf culture based in the town, so there are always plenty of younger visitors in the summer learning to surf by day, and enjoying the nightlife by night. Newquay has also developed into a popular stag and hen destination, for the sheer amount of nightlife packed into the relatively compact town centre. 

Equally, if you don’t want to party, it’s easy to stay away from the more lively nightlife venues, and there are plenty of low-key, relaxed bars and restaurants to enjoy.