A coastal town in Cornwall known for its seven sandy beaches and reliable surf breaks. Home to the annual Boardmasters Festival and the Blue Reef Aquarium.
Newquay lines Cornwall's Atlantic coast, where nine sandy beaches draw surfers and beachgoers year-round. At Fistral Beach, you can watch international surfing competitions or take lessons yourself. Walk through the shark tunnel at Blue Reef Aquarium, feed penguins at Newquay Zoo, or climb to the 14th-century Huer's Hut for views across the working harbor where fishing boats still dock daily.
Surfing at Fistral Beach
Waves break consistently along Fistral Beach's half-mile stretch of sand, bordered by tall dunes and granite cliffs. Five surf schools operate year-round, with instructors teaching basics like paddling and standing up on beginner-friendly foam boards. During winter storms, advanced surfers paddle out to The Cribbar, a reef break off Towan Head where waves reach 30 feet.
Family Activities
Lions roar during feeding time at Newquay Zoo, where 130 species live including red pandas and Humboldt penguins. Zoo keepers lead educational talks about animal conservation at scheduled times throughout the day. At Blue Reef Aquarium, walk beneath sharks and rays in the 15-meter underwater tunnel. The Victorian-era Trenance Leisure Gardens has a miniature railway circling its lake, plus rowing boats available for rent among flowerbeds planted in the 1900s.
Getting Around Newquay
Cornwall Airport Newquay connects directly with London and other UK cities, lying 5 miles from the town center. Direct trains run from London Paddington during summer weekends, while year-round routes require a change at Par station. The Surf Rider, a road-based tourist train, circles between beaches and main sites. Most beaches and attractions sit within a 20-minute walk from the town center.
Local Food Scene
Fishing boats dock each morning at Newquay's harbor with fresh catches of mackerel, cod, and crab. Beachfront cafes serve Cornish pasties filled with locally-sourced beef, potato, and swede, alongside beer-battered fish and chips. At Watergate Bay, restaurants line the clifftop with views across the two-mile beach below.
Events and Festivals
The Boardmasters Festival transforms Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay each August with surfing competitions and music stages. September's Fish Festival fills the harbor with cooking demonstrations where local chefs prepare just-caught seafood. Local theater groups perform open-air plays in Trenance Gardens on summer evenings.
Weather and Best Times to Visit
Beach activities peak from June through September when temperatures reach 18°C (65°F) and sea temperatures warm to 14-18°C (58-64°F). Winter brings bigger waves for experienced surfers, though air temperatures drop to 9°C (48°F). The coastal location keeps winters mild, but pack waterproof clothing as rain showers occur frequently throughout the year.
