Newquay

 

Newquay is a touristy beachside town located in the Cornwall county that is lined by the Atlantic Ocean. With plenty of things to do in Newquay, there is no time to get bored.  Cornwall as a whole is popular with surfers, holidaymakers and those that just love the beauty of this coastal region.

The place is known for its beautiful sandy beaches and this why it is the perfect holiday destination not just for the residents of the UK but all those that discover that there is so much more to the UK than London.

 

The town has a lot of activity for both the children and the adults that is why couples, as well as families, have a good time here.  There are plenty of places to visit in Newquay, interesting and cool Newquay attractions that will delight every again.

 

 

 

🏄‍♀️ Coastal Fun & Hidden Gems: Top Things To Do in Newquay, Cornwall

Nestled along Cornwall’s rugged Atlantic coast, Newquay is the UK’s surf capital and a go-to destination for beach lovers, nature seekers, and foodies alike. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer coastal escape, here’s how to make the most of your time with activities that combine adventure, relaxation, and style.

🌊 1. Catch Waves at the Best Beaches in Newquay

Start your day with salty air and sandy toes at Fistral Beach, a world-famous surf spot, or the family-friendly Towan Beach right near town. For seasoned surfers or first-timers alike, you’ll find lessons, rentals, and plenty of cafés to refuel after a session. These are hands-down the best beaches and surfing in Newquay.

🧭 2. Explore the Top Things to Do in Newquay Cornwall UK

Beyond the beaches, Newquay has plenty to offer:

• Stroll the South West Coast Path for dramatic cliffside views

• Visit the Blue Reef Aquarium with sea views of its own

• Take a boat tour to spot dolphins and seals off the Cornish coast
  Don’t miss these top things to do in Newquay Cornwall UK for a well-rounded experience.

🚗 3. Take Scenic Day Trips from Newquay

Base yourself in Newquay and explore nearby gems like:

• Padstow for foodie delights and Rick Stein’s famous seafood

• Tintagel Castle, steeped in Arthurian legend

• St. Ives, a postcard-perfect art town
  These Newquay day trip ideas from Cornwall offer charming detours and less-crowded beaches.

🛡️ 4. Protect Your Trip with UK Travel Insurance

Planning coastal hikes or surfing lessons? Make sure you’re covered with UK travel insurance for coastal trips, especially if you’re partaking in water sports or renting a car. Many policies also include coverage for domestic cancellations and delays.

🏨 5. Where to Stay: Boutique Hotels in Cornwall

Newquay and nearby villages offer charming inns and seafront retreats. Look out for Cornwall boutique hotel deals on booking platforms that offer loyalty perks or seasonal discounts — perfect for romantic weekends or stylish solo escapes.

🧗‍♀️ 6. Book Outdoor Adventure Tours

Add adrenaline to your itinerary with outdoor adventure affiliate tours in the UK — from coasteering and kayaking to guided hikes and wildlife safaris. These experiences pair perfectly with Cornwall’s wild natural beauty and are often available through bookable affiliate platforms for added revenue opportunities.

 

 

Things To Do In Newquay Cornwall

 

Newquay is among the many beautiful and stunning places and towns in Cornwall worth visiting. Whether you are visiting Newquay to learn how to surf, for a chill out holiday, bringing the family for the summer holidays, there is something for everyone. Below are plenty of fun things to do in Cornwall for the whole family.

 

Strolling And Exploring The Beaches

Newquay has beautiful golden sandy beaches, that are perfect for laying down and chilling while soaking the sun; or building sandcastles and running here and there with the kids. There is a total of 15 beaches in Newquay and the best part is no matter where you would be staying, you would have at least one beach in your vicinity. The most popular beaches in Newquay are:

• Fistral Beach

Fistral Beach is the most famous in Newquay and for most people, this is what comes in mind when they think of Newquay. It is also one of the best beaches to surf in the UK. This beach is usually visited by families because of the facilities available here like restaurants, car parking, surfing equipment and so on. This beach also hosts events like ThunderCat Racing, Broadmasters and IFWA Ski Championships. The whole region has amazing spots to surf which makes deciding which is best between Newquay and St Ives in terms of where to base yourself to me the most of your stay.

• Lusty Glaze Beach

This beach was nominated as the Beach of the Year in the year 2017. It is more of a private place since there is less hustle and bustle. The restaurant and the bar here provide seating to eat and drink while enjoying the view. Sports like surfing and abseiling can be enjoyed here.

Other famous beaches in Cornwall are Polzeath beach, Tolcarne, watergate bay, and Porth Beach.

 

 

Newquay Zoo

Newquay Zoo is a multi-award-winning zoo that is also completely nonprofit and one of the biggest charitable organizations in this field. If you are looking for cool Newquay activities then the zoo is worth a look in. From the notorious reptiles to the tropical colorful birds; this zoo is home to more than 1000 exotic animals and provides safe grounds for conservative breeding of the endangered species. In fact, a part of the entry ticket price is granted as a charity to this organization in continuing its efforts for protecting animals. In addition to watching the animals, there is face painting for kids, a café and grill and a Dragon maze. The zoo is open from 10am till 5pm and the tickets are priced as below as:

• Adult (16+) £15.25*
• Child (3-15 years) £11.45*
• Child under 3 years Free
• Senior citizen & student £13.00*
• Saver Ticket (2 adults, 2 children) £47.75*

*If you prefer not to donate, admission prices are: Adult – £13.85, Child – £10.40, Senior Citizen & Student – £11.80, Saver ticket – £43.40.

 

 

Trerice

Trerice is an Elizabethan era manor house that has influences from the Dutch architecture, nestled in a hushed neighborhood. Among the many things to do in Newquay or cool places to visit in Newquay is this gem. The house is well maintained and has old English furniture on the inside. It also has a garden, a restaurant, a second-hand book shop, and plant sales.

House open daily from 2 March until 3 November 2019 11:00 – 16:30 (last entry)

Garden, shop & restaurant open daily until 3 November 2019 10:30 – 17:00

Trerice Ticket Price:

• Adult     £11.70  £10.50
• Child     £5.85    £5.25
• Family   £29.25  £26.25
  • 1 adult, 2 children           £17.55  £15.75

Group Adult

• Minimum group size 15 N/A       £9.90

Group Child

• Minimum group size 15 N/A       £4.90

 

Winter Opening Prices:

• Adult     £8.40    £7.50
• Child     £4.20    £3.75
• Family   £21.00  £18.75
• 1 adult, 2 children           £12.60  £11.25

Group Adult

• Minimum group size 15 N/A       £7.10

Group Child

• Minimum group size 15 N/A       £3.50

 

DairyLand Farm World

DairyLand farm world is home to a lot of farm animals like piglets, rabbits, lambs, donkeys and so on. These animals can be bottle-fed by the public. Other activities include pony rides and milking. There is an onsite café, a coffee and tea shop and picnic area as well. The farm is open for visitation from 10am and till 5 pm and the ticket prices are:

 

Ticket Type        Ticket Tariff

• Adult 16 – 60 years of age            £11.25 per ticket
• A child over 80cm           £8.75 per ticket
• Children under 80cm     Free
• Seniors  £8.75 per ticket

With these prices, a 7-day free return is included.

DairyLand Farm World Supersaver tickets prices:

• Family of 3 – £27
• Family of 4 – £35
• Family of 5 – £43

 

 

Get A Taste Of Cornish Food

Foods to try in Cornwall:

• Cornish Pasty – made from a short cust and filled with potatoes, swede, onions and minced or diced beef.
• Cornish Clotted Cream – This is one to try and for those that love a good afternoon tea, cornish clotted cream and jam on a scorn is just heaven in your mouth. The famous Cornish clotted cream is a soft cream made from unpasteurised milk and steam heated. Although not in Newquay some of the best places for Cornish afternoon tea are Mullion Hotel, Trengwenton Tea Rooms, The Dwelling House and The Chapel House, just to name a few.
• Cornish Yarg is a Cornish cheese made specifically from the milk of Friesian cows.
• Cornish Saffron Bun – a delicious treat made using sycamore leaves and flavoured with saffron.
• Cornish Ice Cream – come rain or shine, this is a must-try when you are in Cornwall. Cornish ice cream is made from whole mils and comes in many creamy flavours.
• Seafood stews and platters – considering the location and with many of the towns in Cornwall in close proximity with fishing villages, means plenty of access to a variety of seafood so there are is plenty of opportunities to try out fish and chips, amazing seafood stews and seafood platters. Newquay has plenty of restaurants that are serving up delicious food that you cannot go wrong with anyone of them. Among these, you can check out Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen on Watergate Bay.

 

 

Screech Owl Sanctuary

This sanctuary is home to owls from around the world; over 40 species. Sick or endangered owls are brought here and taken care off. The sanctuary also provides space for conservative breeding of owls and visitors can see baby owls during the specific season.

Other animals in the house include Alpacas, Pygmy goats, Meerkat, Shetland Ponies. Visitors can interact with these animals and have a one on one session with the owls as well. There is a play area for kids as well as an onsite café. This sanctuary is open for visitation daily from 10 am till 5pm.

 

Screech Owl Sanctuary ticket prices are:

• Youth & Adult (15+)       £11.50
• Child (3-14)        £9-00
• Toddler (under 3)           Free
• Senior citizen     £11.00
• Family Ticket
• Adults & 2 Children     £34.00

 

Pirate’s Quest

A thrilling one-hour adventure for both kids and adults! Pirate’s quest includes 360 degrees set tour and performance by theatrical actors dressed as pirates including storytelling regarding famous pirates in the history. Online booking is advised since seats get occupied pretty fast.

Pirate’s Quest Tickets prices are:

• Adult (16+) £10.95
• Child (age 3-16) £7.95
• (Under 3 are free)

 

Newquay Blue Reef Aquarium

Get up close to the exotic marine animals especially the ones native to Cornish coast in this underwater sea tunnel. There are more than 40 innovative displays for you to interact with sea animals like Southern Stingray, Piranha Fish, octopuses, Omiros, blacktip Reef Sharks and many more. There is also a nursery for taking care of the newly born and an on-site cafe. The aquarium also hosts seasonal events, workshops, and competitions. Ticket prices are:

Ticket Type        Ticket Tariff

• Disabled             £10.25 per ticket
• Family Ticket for 4          £39.10 per ticket
• Family Ticket for 5          £47.60 per ticket
• Junior 3 – 12 years          £8.75 per ticket
• Senior Citizen/Student   £10.25 per ticket
• Standard (13+)  £11.30 per ticket

 

 

Lappa Valley Steam Railway

For interesting things to do in Cornwall, take a step back in history by mounting this steam railway, that gives you a ride across the beautiful terrains of the Lappa Valley.

Lappa valley has a lake equipped with boating facilities, golf area, a maze, mine engine house, children’s play area, and a restaurant. The departure timings are 10.40am, 11.20am, 12pm, 12.40pm, 1.20pm, 2pm, 2.40pm, 3.20pm, 4pm and 4.40pm. and the ticket prices are:

• Adults £12.95
• Children (3-15 years) £10.95
• Over 60’s £10.95
• Family Saver (2 adults & 2 children) £43.00
• Family Super Saver (2 adults & 3 children) £46.00
• Dog (must be on a lead) £1.00
• Children aged 2 and under are FREE

 

 

Oasis Pools

If you are looking for fun and amazing things to do in Cornwall for kids and adults then check out Oasis pools. Oasis fun pools are indoor and outdoor pools located within the award-winning Hendra Holiday Park.

Indulge in a series of water sports like water rides and slides, snorkeling, archery, soccer and many more. The pool is open from 10 am till 6 pm and there is also a restaurant and coffee shop. The prices are:

Oasis Pool During Peak Prices:

• 13th July – 31st August   Indoor Pool
• 1 Session            Outdoor Pool
• All-day  1 Session Indoor
• & All Day Outdoor
• Adult     £9.25   
• Child – 5-15 years            £7.25  
• Child – 3-4 years £4.00 
• Child – 0-2 years                 free   
• Family – 2a & 2c £30.00 
• Spectator                        £1.00   

 

Oasis Pool Off-Peak Prices

• All other times  Indoor Pool
• 1 Session            Outdoor Pool
• All-day  1 Session Indoor
• & All Day Outdoor
• Adult     £7.25    £7.25    £12.35
• Child – 5-15 years            £5.95    £5.95    £10.30
• Child – 3-4 years £3.50    £3.50    £5.95
• Child – 0-2 years free       free       free
• Family – 2a & 2c £23.50  £23.50  £40.25
• Spectator           £1.00    –            –

Oasis Pool Opening Times:

• 13th July to 31st August – Open 11.00am to 6.00pm daily.
• 29th March to 12th July and 1st September to 3rd November – Open 11.00am to 6.00pm daily.

 

 

 

Things To Do In Newquay When It Rains

 

Lets face, summer in the UK is promised to no one. We have amazing weather at times and if you happen to be in Cornwall when the weather is good, thank the weather Gods and have a Cornish beer to celebrate. Either way Cornwall is beautiful even when its raining. So, if you happen to visit this beautiful spot of Cornish seaside when the weather isnt ideal. Here are a few things to do in Cornwall when it rains:

 

• Take to the pubs for a nice hearty pub lunch.
• Visit the tea rooms and drink tea matched with clotted cream on scorns.
• Cornwall is home to many spas, indulge in a bit of pampering and forget about the rain outside. Perfect for those looking for things to do on days out in Cornwall for adults.
• Visit the Blue Reef Aquarium, this is perfect if you are visiting Newquay with kids. Escape the rain with the family and head indoors with a bit of fun thrown in.
• Head to Pirate’s Quest in Newquay for indoor activity suitable for the whole family.
• Oasis pool is also another good one, yes you are running from the rain only to get wet but its super fun activities once you have warmed. 
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How To Get To Newquay And Getting Around

 

If you are aboutt 5 or even 6 hours drive from Cornwall then I would suggest you just drive to Cornwall. That way you can easily get around to all the beautiful sights and amazing beaches in Newquay. If that option isnt available, you can get to Cornwall or get to Newquay specifically, by train.

GWR operate the train services leaving from London Paddington. Trains from London to Cornwall take about 5 and half hours. You can also take the coach which takes about 9 hours! Its cheaper but takes a lot longer. There is also a sleeper train from London to Penzance. If you are traveling from Bath to Cornwall or even Bristol to Cornwall there are also daily trains from these cities too.

 

Once you arrive in Cornwall, there are rail networks in the county as well as bus services. I personally prefer having the option of having our car hence we drove the 5 hours from London to Cornwall. To check trains, buses and car options and times of services check out Omio which gives you times, dates and prices for each transport option.

 

Where To Stay In Newquay

 

There are plenty of options for where to stay in Newquay, whether you want to stay in a lovely holiday park like Treveller Holiday Park, a cool hotel with amazing sea views like the Legacy Hotel Victoria or Pentire Hotel or even the beautiful Atlantic Hotel with stunning views. 

If you like the feel of a home away from home you can also rent a holiday home in Newquay,  or even an apartment with ocean views.

With Newquay being a popular town in Cornwall, there are a lot more options for accommodation than perhaps some of the other towns. Even so, there are about 560 hotels in Newquay, it’s still worth booking hotels well in advance as during the summer months they book out months in advance. 

 

Also See

• Visiting Minack Theatre In Cornwall
• Top Fishing Villages In Cornwall To Visit
• Why You Need To Visit Durdle Door In Dorset
• 15 Photos To Inspire You To Visit

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