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- Lusty Glaze. An easy-going restaurant and café nestled in the stunning, secluded cove of Lusty Glaze. This dog-friendly establishment offers stunning scenery alongside tasty dishes that span bite-sized bar snacks and scrummy suppers.
- Pirates Quest. Am immersive, walk-through experience that lets you relive the years when pirates ruled the seas. Fans of Jack Sparrow will love this retelling of the real-life Caribbean pirates, as actors guide you through realistic sets, magical caves and misty streets on this hour-long adventure.
- Retro Sound Records. A small indie record store specialising in rare and collectable vinyl. Run by Stephen Godwin-Day, this little treasure trove offers a wide range of LPs and singles.
- Newquay Zoo. The town’s zoo offers a glimpse into the lives of 130 different species of the world’s creatures. Located in the lush Trenance Gardens, Newquay Zoo is a small but well-established spot that originally opened in 1969.
Be amazed by the local marine species from the Cornish coast to hundreds of tropical species in the gigantic ocean display complete with an underwater tunnel. Newquay remains an important Cornish fishing port and a trip to Newquay Harbour is a must on your ’10 things to do before you leave’ list.
- Beaches and more beaches... It isn't really a coincidence that Newquay is where it is. The whole of Cornwall's north coast is home to some of the most spectacular sandy beaches, but nowhere is there a greater concentration than around Newquay.
- Surfing. Known as the UK's surf city, Newquay has a surf heritage going back to the 1960s. It was traveling Ozzies who spotted the potential of Fistral beach as a world class surf spot and since then the town's identity has become defined by surfing.
- Blue Reef Aquarium - The Blue Reef Aquarium has an enviable location right on the seafront at Towan Beach. This is a wonderful place to kill a few hours on a rainy afternoon, or otherwise, and there is enough to see here to keep all but the most awkward teenagers occupied.
- Fishing Heritage. It's hard to imagine now, but once-upon-a-time Newquay was a small fishing village and there were no tourists. Back in the 15th century the main industry in town was pichards and fishing was still a big part of life right up until the railway arrived in the late 1800s.
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The best things to do in Newquay include hitting the waves with one of the town’s best surf schools, lazing on its beautiful beaches, visiting family-friendly attractions like the zoo or Trenance gardens, seeing north coast highlights like the nearby Bedruthan Steps or kicking back in a pub or bar – Newquay has some of Cornwall’s best!
I’ve written a full blog post about places to stay in Newquay, but here are some of my favourite options:
Is Newquay nice?
Newquay is a prime holiday destination in Cornwall, and it’s very nice! Here, you’ll find some of the best beaches in the country, with ample surfing opportunities, and a bustling town centre with plenty of shops, restaurants and bars.
Is Newquay rough?
Newquay does have a vibrant nightlife scene, and occasionally this can lead to drunken violence. However, if you aren’t walking around on the streets at 3 am, it’s unlikely that you’ll notice this!
What is the best time to visit Newquay?
The warmest months in Newquay are July and August. But this isn’t necessarily the best time to visit; masses of tourists descend on the town in peak summer, so it can be incredibly busy and expensive! I like visiting Newquay in May and September. The weather is usually decent, but the crowds are much more manageable and prices are better. If you want something really unusual, you can always visit in the winter for dramatic storms (and virtually no other tourists!). The Headland Hotel even doe...
As you can see, there are so many things to do in Newquay. The beautiful beaches and roaring nightlife certainly make the town famous, but it’s also worth sticking around to enjoy the historic houses and beautiful gardens in the area, as well as the aviation museum! Whether you’re on a road trip around Cornwallor visiting Newquay for a week’s holid...
May 24, 2023 · Situated in North Cornwall, Newquay is a popular seaside town renowned as the 'home of British surfing'. With a captivating coastline, exciting water sports, wildlife, and thrilling family attractions, Newquay is a treasure trove for tourists. Here's an in-depth guide on top things to do in Newquay Cornwall!
What is Newquay Most Famous For? Newquay is home to some of the best beaches in the UK and is one of the top surfing destinations in the world. Situated on the beautiful north coast of Cornwall, it’s easy to see why it’s long been a hugely popular holiday destination.
Sep 29, 2023 · Newquay is home to a number of great sandy beaches. Some of the best ones include Fistral Beach, which is very popular with surfers and dog owners; Tolcarne Beach, which families love going to; and Crantock Beach, which is great for swimmers and snorkelers (you may even spot some dolphins!)
