Imagine a place where you can lose days watching the surf roll across turquoise waters and break onto one of many beaches, or push yourself to the limits trying out adrenaline activities. A place where you can enjoy fine dining, indulge in the local catch of the day, simply enjoy a good old Cornish pasty. Ladies and gentlemen…we give you Newquay!
We love the stunning coastal surroundings of Newquay and we’re not the only ones. The once traditional English bucket and spade destination has evolved into a vibrant surfing mecca, with activities to entertain everyone.
There’s a Newquay attraction to suit every kind of day. The Blue Reef Aquarium is an all-weather attraction for all ages. Wander your way through the seven seas and find yourself face to face with the weird and wonderful little guys that call our oceans home, and there are plenty of interactive displays to bring things to life for kids too. Newquay Zoo is another favourite, and it’s home to hundreds of species, a children’s play area and a year-round calendar of events.
Every Newquay holiday needs a steam train ride, and the Lappa Valley mini steam railway is the perfect family outing. If you fancy getting out on two wheels during your break, the Lappa Valley is just a few minutes from the St Piran Way national cycle route, so you can take the bikes along and enjoy the countryside to boot.
Where do we start when it comes to the beaches in Newquay? The home of the UK surf scene, Newquay was pretty much made for beach bums. Let’s start with Fistral Beach. Home to Boardmasters and a whole host of annual surfing events, Fistral rolls on for miles. Whether you try your hand at surfing and book a lesson, or you practice your sandcastle creating skills for the day, you’ll find plenty of facilities and RNLI lifeguards throughout the high season.
Recommended by The Good Beach Guide for its excellent water quality, Watergate Bay is another favourite Newquay beach. This large, open bay sits around 3 miles from Newquay and it’s home to 2 blissful miles of soft golden sand. Watergate Bay’s a popular spot with families, and if you fancy watching the surfers show off their skills it’s a great spot to sit back and watch the action on the waves.
Named Beach of the Year 2017 by The Times and The Sunday Times, Lusty Glaze Beach has it all. The sheltered cove of Lusty Glaze gives this beach a feel of days gone by, and there are plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained during the day.
Newquay has a thriving foodie scene and that means its restaurants are as impressive as its beaches.
First of all, let’s cover off the basics… Truscotts and the Harbour Chippy (both on Fore Street) are local favourites for their giant-sized battered fish fillets and deliciously thick-cut chips. A must-visit too is Rick Stein Fistral where the fish and chips are served in a laidback atmosphere overlooking the sea (well it’s Newquay after all!) – and we can’t think of a better way to end a day spent lying on the sand while the sun works its magic.
You’ll also find multiple cafes offering the best pasties in Newquay like The Cornish Oven Café and Cornish Bakery, and if your palette is feeling adventurous, The Boathouse which sits right on the beach at Newquay Harbour is a collaboration of street food vendors offering everything from paella, curry and pizza to sushi and doughnuts. (March to October)
Over at Towans Beach the popular Sailor’s Arms with its sea-facing terrace is where you can enjoy a loaded Sub, Burger or Pizza accompanied by a cocktail or two. Then on to Fistral Beach for a relaxed bite to eat on the wraparound balcony overlooking the sea at The Fistral Stable. And if you’re a fan of seafood you’ll need to stop in at The Fish House Fistral, as veteran chef Paul Harwood serves up a Michelin-style menu using locally caught fish and shell fish straight from Newquay harbour.
For that relaxed spot to wind down as the sun sets on the beach, head to the Bowgie Inn near Crantock Beach. This pub has superb views that make the classic pub meals taste even better, and we love it.
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