Newquay

Surfers and seals sharing the best waves in Cornwall

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.

4
out of 5

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.

Average temperatures during the day in Newquay.
December
9°
Jan
8°
Feb
8°
Mar
9°
Apr
12°
May
15°
Jun
17°
Jul
19°
Aug
19°
Sep
17°
Oct
14°
Nov
11°

What people say about Newquay

4
People
4
Food
4
Spaces
4
Value
3
Safety
4

Places nearby Newquay

Best places to visit in🇬🇧United Kingdom

Articles about United Kingdom

Image of Harry Potter filming locations
Image of Harry Potter filming locations

Harry Potter filming locations

December 2023,
The cinematic realm of Harry Potter has captured the imaginations of countless individuals across generations. Yet, the magic extends beyond the screen into tangible spaces scattered throughout the Un
Image of Bucket list-worthy places in the UK
Image of Bucket list-worthy places in the UK

Bucket list-worthy places in the UK

December 2023,
Welcome, fellow adventurers, to the enchanting land of the United Kingdom! Prepare to be captivated by a myriad of incredible destinations that are just waiting to be added to your travel bucket list.
Image of Game of Thrones filming locations
Image of Game of Thrones filming locations

Game of Thrones filming locations

December 2023,
Game of Thrones was filmed across large parts of Europe and Northern Africa. From Jon and Ygritte's love nest in Grjótagjá, Iceland to THE walk of shame in Dubrovnik, Croatia. The TV series is an adap
Image of Killing Eve filming locations
Image of Killing Eve filming locations

Killing Eve filming locations

May 2024,
The BBC thriller series Killing Eve has taken viewers to many places across Europe as it follows MI5 agent Eve Polastri and assassin Villanelle. The cat-and-mouse story unfolds in cities like London,
Image of The most beautiful national parks in the world
Image of The most beautiful national parks in the world

The most beautiful national parks in the world

November 2024,
National parks are unique in several ways, about 15% of all land and 8% of all water in the world is protected. National parks are protected pockets of nature that offers a unique opportunity for bot
Image of The best places for women to travel alone
Image of The best places for women to travel alone

The best places for women to travel alone

October 2024,
There are many places around the world that are great for female travelers! When choosing a destination to visit alone, women tend to look for places that are safe, easy to get around on foot or by pu
Image of The 10 most expensive cities in the world
Image of The 10 most expensive cities in the world

The 10 most expensive cities in the world

November 2024,
Money talks, and in these ten cities, it speaks the loudest. So which is the most expensive city in the world? According to the Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2023 by Julius Bär, the top ten prici
Image of All World Expo locations since 1851
Image of All World Expo locations since 1851

All World Expo locations since 1851

November 2024,
For more than a century and a half, global citizens have congregated at World Expos to celebrate human achievement, explore pressing issues of the day, and experience the cultural expressions of peopl
Image of The 30 best food cities in the world
Image of The 30 best food cities in the world

The 30 best food cities in the world

November 2024,
This is a list of the top food destinations in the world based on the opinions of travelers from more than 100 countries. If you travel to eat, this is for you! It doesn’t matter if you are a foodie o
Image of The World’s Most Stunning Hikes
Image of The World’s Most Stunning Hikes

The World’s Most Stunning Hikes

October 2023,
Are you an avid hiker looking for a challenge? Look no further than some of the world's most incredible trails! From the breathtakingly beautiful landscape of Torres del Paine in Chile's Patagonia to
Popular on Humbo right now
Humboâ„¢AboutVisitedBucket listSustainable travelPrivacyTerms