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Newquay is one of Cornwall’s most famous towns, best known for its surf beaches, dramatic cliffs and laid-back coastal lifestyle and excellent food scene. While it has a reputation as a lively surf town, there is far more to Newquay than waves and wetsuits. From wild coastal walks and wildlife encounters to family friendly attractions, hidden beaches and excellent food spots, Newquay works just as well for couples, families and first time visitors to Cornwall.

This guide covers the best things to do in Newquay, including beaches, walks, activities, rainy day ideas and nearby day trips. Whether you are planning a long weekend or a couple of weeks, this is a complete, practical guide to making the most of your time in Newquay.

How to Use This Guide

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Best Things to Do in Newquay

Newquay offers activities for every type of visitor. Whether you’re seeking adventure, family fun, or simply sunbathing on one fo the many beautiful beaches, this list highlights the town’s most memorable experiences and hidden gems.

Surf at Fistral Beach

Fistral Beach is Newquay’s most iconic spot and one of the best surfing beaches in the UK. With consistent Atlantic swells and a wide sandy bay, it attracts surfers of all levels throughout the year. If you are new to surfing, there are several well-run surf schools offering beginner lessons and equipment hire. Even if you do not surf, Fistral is worth visiting for the views, coastal walks and beachside cafes and restaurants overlooking the waves.

Discover our favourite surf beaches in Cornwall

Walk the South West Coast Path

Newquay sits along one of the most scenic sections of the South West Coast Path. Coastal walks from the town offer clifftop views, hidden coves and plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities. One of the most popular routes runs from Towan Head to Pentire Point, passing beaches, headlands and sea views that look stunning in all seasons. This is an easy way to experience Cornwall’s coastline without needing a car.

Spend the Day at Watergate Bay

Watergate Bay is a wide, open beach just north of Newquay and feels much more spacious than the town beaches. It is popular for surfing, beach walks and relaxed dining with sea views. At low tide, the beach stretches for two miles and is ideal for long walks. It is also a good option for families thanks to its size, facilities and easy access.

Watergate Bay Hotel is one of our favourite places to stay in Cornwall, offering luxury accommodation, fine dining and incredible coastal views.

Relax on Towan Beach and Towan Head

Towan Beach is one of the most central beaches in Newquay, located right below the town centre. It is a great choice if you want to combine beach time with cafes, shops and coastal walks. Towan Head, the grassy headland above the beach, offers panoramic views over the coastline and is a lovely spot to watch the sunset or enjoy a picnic.

Visit Newquay Harbour

Newquay Harbour is a quieter, more traditional part of town where fishing boats still come and go. It is a great place for a gentle walk, particularly in the early morning or evening. Nearby Harbour Beach is sheltered and often calmer than the main surf beaches, making it a popular spot for families during summer.

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for harbour seals that follow the fishing boats. We would recommend eating at the boat house. There are many choices of foods and the views over the harbour are spectacular.

Watch the Sunset at Crantock Beach

Crantock Beach sits just outside Newquay and is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. Backed by sand dunes and the Gannel Estuary, it feels far more rural than the town beaches. It is especially popular in the evening, when the light over the dunes and sea creates one of the best sunsets in Cornwall.

The car park is owned and run by the national trust and is free for members.

Take a Wildlife Boat Trip

Boat trips from Newquay Harbour offer the chance to spot seals, dolphins and seabirds along the coast. These trips are weather dependent but can be a real highlight if conditions are right. Even short coastal cruises give a different perspective on Newquay’s cliffs and caves, and sightings of wildlife are common during the warmer months.

Try Coasteering Along the Cliffs

For something more adventurous, coasteering is a popular activity in Newquay. Guided sessions involve swimming, scrambling and cliff jumping along the coastline, all led by experienced instructors. It is a fun way to explore sea caves and rocky coves that are not accessible on foot, and no previous experience is needed.

Explore Great Western Beach at Low Tide

Great Western Beach is tucked below the cliffs near Newquay station and is often overlooked by visitors. At low tide, it is great for exploring, especially with children. It connects to Tolcarne Beach, but make sure not to get cut off by the tide.

Visit Newquay Zoo

Newquay Zoo is a popular family attraction set in 13 acres of land just outside the town centre. It is home to a wide range of animals and focuses on conservation and education. The zoo is well laid out and makes for a relaxed half-day activity, especially if the weather is mixed.

Discover Blue Reef Aquarium

Located on Towan Promenade, Blue Reef Aquarium is ideal for rainy days or short visits. It features local marine life alongside tropical species, with underwater tunnels and interactive exhibits. It is particularly good for younger children and offers an easy indoor activity if the weather is not the best.

Wander Trenance Gardens and Boating Lake

Trenance Gardens is a peaceful green space just inland from the town centre. It features landscaped gardens, woodland paths and a boating lake where you can hire pedal boats in summer. It is a quieter side of Newquay and a nice break from the busier beaches.

Walk to Pentire Point and the Gannel Estuary

Pentire Point is a headland on the southern edge of Newquay and offers stunning views over Crantock Beach and the Gannel Estuary. The walk is particularly beautiful in spring and summer, when wildflowers cover the cliffs. At low tide, the estuary creates a calm, scenic landscape that feels far removed from the town.

Eat Seafood with Sea Views

Newquay has no shortage of places to eat, but seafood is a real highlight. From casual fish and chips to sit-down restaurants overlooking the ocean, there are plenty of options to enjoy local produce. Many places focus on simple, fresh dishes that suit the coastal setting perfectly.

Read our Newquay food guide

Take a Surf Lesson as a Beginner

Even if you have never surfed before, Newquay is one of the best places in the UK to try it. Beginner lessons are widely available and usually include all equipment. Instructors focus on safety and technique, making it accessible for all ages.

Go Cycling Around Newquay

Cycling is a great way to explore the area around Newquay. Quiet lanes, coastal paths and countryside routes offer varied scenery and manageable distances. Bike hire is available locally, and routes can easily be adapted to suit different fitness levels.

Visit the Newquay Heritage Archive and Museum

For a bit of history, the Newquay Heritage Archive and Museum provides insight into the town’s past, from its fishing roots to the rise of surfing culture. It is a small but informative stop that adds context to your visit.

Watch the Sunset Near the Headland Hotel

The clifftop area near the Headland Hotel is one of the best sunset spots in Newquay. The views stretch across Fistral Beach and the Atlantic Ocean, and it is particularly atmospheric in the evening. Even if you are not staying at the hotel, the surrounding paths are open to walkers.

Take a Day Trip to Padstow

Padstow is around a 30-minute drive from Newquay and makes an excellent day trip. Known for its harbour, food scene and coastal walks, it offers a different feel to Newquay while still being very much part of the Cornish coast.

Visit St Agnes and Chapel Porth

St Agnes is a charming coastal village south of Newquay, with historic mining heritage and dramatic scenery. Chapel Porth Beach is particularly impressive, with high cliffs and strong waves. This area is ideal for walking, photography and quieter beach time.

Explore Bedruthan Steps

Bedruthan Steps is one of Cornwall’s most famous coastal viewpoints, located north of Newquay. The towering sea stacks and rugged cliffs are breathtaking, especially at sunset. Access to the beach itself depends on tides and conditions, and the main steps to the beach have been closed after a rockfall, but the clifftop views alone are worth the visit.

Enjoy Newquay’s Evening Scene

Newquay has a lively evening atmosphere, particularly in summer. While it is known for nightlife, there are also plenty of relaxed bars, pubs and evening cafes for a quieter night out. Sunset drinks overlooking the sea are a popular choice.

Best Beaches in Newquay

Newquay is surrounded by excellent beaches, each with a slightly different feel.

Fistral Beach is best for surfing and watching the waves.
Towan Beach is central and convenient, close to shops and cafes.
Great Western Beach is sheltered and ideal for rock pooling.
Crantock Beach offers wide sands and a more natural setting.
Lusty Glaze Beach is tucked into a steep cove and feels more secluded.
Watergate Bay is expansive and perfect for long walks.
Tolcarne Beach family friendly, excellent restaurant and accommodation options

Read our best beaches in Cornwall guide

Things to Do in Newquay with Kids

Newquay is very family-friendly, especially during the warmer months. Beaches with lifeguards, gentle coastal walks and attractions like Newquay Zoo and Blue Reef Aquarium make it easy to plan varied days. Trenance Gardens is also great for children, offering space to run around and a boating lake in summer.

Things to Do in Newquay When It’s Raining

Even in bad weather, there is plenty to do in Newquay. Indoor attractions like the aquarium, museum and local cafes provide shelter, while scenic drives along the coast can still be enjoyable on grey days. Spa facilities and swimming pools in nearby hotels are also a good option for relaxation.

Read our what to do in Cornwall when it rains

Best Time to Visit Newquay

The best time to visit Newquay is from late spring to early autumn. May, June and September offer warm weather, fewer crowds and better value accommodation. July and August are when Cornwall is at its busiest, particularly during school holidays. Winter visits are quieter and great for coastal walks, although some attractions may have limited hours.

Read our best time to visit Cornwall guide

Where to Stay in Newquay

Newquay offers a variety of accommodation to suit every type of traveller, from luxury hotels and boutique guesthouses to self-catering apartments. Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay are popular areas for sea views and a more relaxed atmosphere, while the town centre is convenient for shops, restaurants, and quick beach access. Families often prefer quieter beaches, while couples may enjoy clifftop hotels with sweeping coastal views.

The Headland Hotel
This iconic clifftop hotel overlooks Fistral Beach and offers stylish rooms, spa facilities, and panoramic sea views. Perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway.

BOOK | THE HEADLAND HOTEL

Watergate Bay Hotel
Located right on the expansive Watergate Bay, this hotel is ideal for families and adventure seekers. Surfing lessons, cycling, and seaside dining are all on the doorstep.

BOOK | WATERGATE BAY HOTEL

Tolcarne Beach Village
Set directly on Tolcarne Beach with incredible views of the ocean. Tolcarne is Ideal for families or couples, it combines a relaxed beachfront atmosphere with easy access to Newquay town centre, shops, and local attractions.

BOOK | TOLCARNE BEACH VILLAGE

Read our best spa hotels in Cornwall guide

Find your perfect place to stay using our interactive map below.

FAQs About Visiting Newquay

Is Newquay worth visiting if you do not surf?
Yes. Newquay is not just for surfers. It offers great beaches for relaxing, scenic coastal walks, wildlife boat trips, good food and easy access to nearby villages and beaches.

How many days do you need in Newquay?
Two to three days is enough to see the main highlights. For a slower pace with beaches, walks and day trips, 4 to 5 days is ideal.

Is Newquay good for couples?
Yes. Newquay is a great choice for couples, especially outside peak summer. Clifftop walks, sunset views and coastal restaurants make it ideal for a relaxed break.

Is Newquay good for families?
Yes. Newquay is very family-friendly, with safe beaches, lifeguard patrols in summer, attractions like the zoo and aquarium, and plenty of outdoor space for children.

Is Newquay busy in summer?
Yes. Newquay is busiest in July and August, particularly during school holidays. May, June and September are much quieter and still offer good weather.

What is the best time to visit Newquay?
Late spring and early autumn are the best times to visit Newquay. These months offer warm weather, fewer crowds and better value accommodation.

Can you visit Newquay without a car?
Yes. Newquay has a train station and many beaches and attractions are within walking distance. Local buses make it possible to explore nearby areas, although a car gives more flexibility.

Is Newquay a good base for exploring Cornwall?
Yes. Newquay works well as a base for exploring Cornwall’s north coast, with easy day trips to places like Padstow, St Agnes and Bedruthan Steps.