Your Local Guide

Your Guide to Newquay

Beaches, Coastal Walks, Food & Things to Do

Newquay sits on one of the most dramatic stretches of the North Cornwall coast. Eleven sandy beaches, world-class surf, a harbour full of character, and a food scene that has quietly outgrown its reputation.

We’ve hosted here, and these are our honest picks - the places we send friends, not just guests.

Newquay’s Beaches

With eleven beaches within walking distance or a short drive, you’re spoilt for choice. Here’s what each one is best for.

Towan Beach

Right on our doorstep and the closest beach to the town centre. Sheltered sand, rock pools and a seawater pool make it ideal for families. Towan Island is connected to the cliffs by Newquay’s famous suspension bridge. Surfing is restricted during summer months, so it stays calm for swimming and sunbathing.

Fistral Beach

Cornwall’s most famous surf beach, about 750 metres of sand facing northwest into the Atlantic. Consistent waves year-round make it a magnet for surfers of all levels. It gets crowded in summer, both on the sand and in the water, but it’s not to be missed. Multiple restaurants and bars line the beach.

Great Western Beach

A popular family beach of several west-facing sandy coves, backed by towering cliffs that provide natural shelter. The smaller surf makes it a great place to learn to ride waves. Check tide times before visiting - high tide covers most of the sand.

Tolcarne Beach

West-facing with a large expanse of sand, backed by 150-foot cliffs. One of the most popular family beaches, with beach huts for hire, a beach shop and excellent waterside restaurants. Worth visiting for the views of the headland and harbour alone.

Lusty Glaze Beach

A privately owned cove with full public access, naturally sheltered by tall surrounding cliffs. The beach offers adrenaline-fuelled activities, family facilities and a restaurant with a bar and summer DJ sessions. Access is down steps cut into the cliff. A short walk along the coastal path brings you to Whipsiderry, a quiet cove at the foot of the cliffs at low tide. The name “Lusty Glaze” comes from the Cornish for “a place to view blue boats”.

The Harbour Beach

Newquay’s smallest beach, just a couple of minutes from our apartments. Safe, sheltered bathing and stunning surroundings make it popular with families. The harbour itself has great places to eat and drink.

Crantock Beach

Over a mile long with sand dunes all around, about a 2-mile walk along the coastal path from Newquay. The River Gannel estuary runs along the north end, separating the beach from Pentire headland. A favourite with locals during summer because of its remoteness - usually relatively quiet.

Watergate Bay

Two miles north of Newquay, a vast sandy beach in an exposed north-westerly location. Popular for water sports, kite flying and sand art. Multiple restaurants sit right on the beach, making it a great destination for lunch after a coastal walk.

Porth Beach

A large expanse of golden sand, popular with families and swimmers thanks to its sheltered cove and safe bathing. Look out for the blowhole at the end of the island, visible at mid tide.

Holywell Bay

A dune-backed expanse of sand, perfect for a quiet day on the beach. At low tide there’s a sea cave worth exploring, plus a shallow river crossing the beach that’s ideal for toddlers to paddle in. Popular with locals and visitors, though the sand dunes can make wheelchair and pushchair access difficult.

Coastal Walks from Newquay

The South West Coast Path runs right through Newquay. These are our favourite walks, from a gentle 45-minute stroll to a full day along the cliffs.

Newquay Shoreline Loop - 5 miles, Easy to Moderate

A full circuit of Newquay’s headlands and beaches, starting from the harbour. Takes in the Huer’s Hut (the old pilchard lookout), Towan Head, Fistral Beach, and the Pentire headland, then loops back via the Gannel Estuary and Trenance Gardens. You pass every major beach in town. Stop at Fern Pit Café on the Gannel for coffee overlooking the estuary. Dog-friendly all year along the Gannel.

Pentire Headland - 2 miles, Moderate

The shortest walk on this list and one of the most rewarding. Follow the South West Coast Path from Fistral to the point of Pentire, where a bench overlooks open ocean. Seals and dolphins are regularly spotted from here, especially early morning. In early summer, the opposite headland at Crantock lights up with poppies. About 1.5 hours at a gentle pace. Return via Riverside Crescent and stop at Lewinnick Lodge for a drink with a view.

Crantock & the Gannel - 1.7 miles, Easy

A short, flat walk along the Gannel Estuary to the village of Crantock. Beautiful views across the tidal creek and out to the Atlantic. The salt marshes attract herons, kingfishers and little egrets. Crantock Beach at the end is backed by dunes - one of the quieter spots near town. About 45 minutes, ideal for families with young children. At low tide you can cross to Crantock Beach via the seasonal ferry or footbridge.

Watergate Bay via Porth - 5 to 6 miles, Moderate to Hard

A proper day walk along the cliffs northeast of town. Passes Trevelgue Head (an Iron Age promontory fort with 6,000 years of continuous habitation), crosses Porth Beach, climbs past Whipsiderry, and finishes at the wide golden sweep of Watergate Bay. Take the No. 56 bus back to Newquay. Allow 3 to 4 hours and bring sturdy shoes - some steep sections.

Holywell Bay via Porth Joke - 6 to 7 miles, Moderate to Hard

Southwest along the coast to one of Cornwall’s best-kept beaches. Starts at West Pentire, drops into the tiny cove of Porth Joke (Polly Joke), climbs Kelsey Head where seals bask below, then continues through dune systems to Holywell Bay and its sacred spring. Wild, undeveloped coastline with no cafés until Holywell. The 13th-century Treguth Inn at Holywell is a good finish point. Return via the No. 85 bus.

Bedruthan Steps - 0.8 miles, Easy

A short but spectacular clifftop trail at one of North Cornwall’s most iconic spots, about 15 minutes’ drive north of Newquay. Park at the National Trust Carnewas car park and walk out along the coast path for views of massive rock stacks rising from the beach below. On a clear day you can see from Trevose Head to Park Head.

Things to Do in Newquay

Within a few miles of the harbour you can be on a wildlife safari boat, halfway through a clifftop walk, or jumping off rocks into the Atlantic. And when the weather turns, there’s an aquarium, a zoo, live theatre and more.

On the Water

Surf Lessons - from £45pp. Newquay is the surf capital of the UK, with over a dozen breaks within walking distance. Fistral is the headline beach, but Great Western and Towan are gentler for beginners. Newquay Activity Centre (running since 1996, voted the UK’s No.1 surf school) offers 2-hour group lessons, private coaching and family sessions from age 3+.

Coasteering - from £55pp. Scrambling, cliff jumping and swimming along the rocky coastline with a guide. Newquay’s geology - caves, gullies, blowholes - makes it one of the best coasteering locations in the country. All equipment included. Sessions run about 2 hours, age 8+ for public groups.

Sea Kayaking - from £60pp. Guided tours along the headlands and into sea caves. The Gannel Estuary kayak tour is a quieter alternative - a heritage and wildlife paddle through the tidal creek. Family kayak tours (age 3+) available.

Paddleboarding - from £60pp. SUP tours along the coast or up the Gannel Estuary. The estuary tour is the calmer option - flat water, wildlife and shelter from wind. Giant “Super SUP” boards (fits 6 to 8 people) are a fun group option.

Snorkelling - from £45pp. Guided snorkel tours off the headland explore the kelp forests and rocky reef. Spider crabs, wrasse and cuttlefish are common; a resident seal lives in Newquay Harbour. Wetsuits provided.

Boat Trips

Newquay Sea Safaris - from £30pp. Wildlife coastal cruises from Newquay Harbour. Hidden coves, sea caves and headlands. Grey seals are near-guaranteed; dolphins, basking sharks and sunfish in season. Family-friendly, dogs welcome.

Deep Sea Fishing - from £25pp. 2-hour, 4-hour and full-day charters. Blue shark, tuna and conger eel alongside mackerel and pollack. All tackle and bait provided. Private charters available.

Seal Cove Tour - £35pp. A dedicated 2-hour cruise focused on the seal colonies along the coast from Newquay Harbour. A good option for a shorter, targeted wildlife trip.

Family Attractions & Rainy Days

Blue Reef Aquarium - Towan Beach. Right on the seafront, with an underwater tunnel running through an ocean tank. Home to Omiros, a rescued loggerhead sea turtle, plus reef sharks, seahorses and tropical species. Daily talks and feeding sessions - shark feed at 2:30pm is the highlight. Gift shop and café on site.

Newquay Zoo - open 10am daily. Thirteen acres of wildlife and gardens in Trenance, a short walk from the town centre. Red pandas, sloths, meerkats, otters and hundreds more species. The Tropical House and Wonders of the Wild are both indoors. Save 15% booking tickets online before 10am on the day. Picnics welcome.

Lane Theatre. Newquay’s only live theatre, run by volunteers since 1931. A 138-seat venue with tribute acts, plays, comedy and music nights. Shows typically 7:30pm, tickets from £12.50.

Lighthouse Cinema (WTW). Multiple screens showing current releases, with accessible screenings, Silver Screen sessions and parent-and-baby showings. Private screen hire available for gaming or parties.

Trenance Gardens & Boating Lake. A free park in the centre of town with a boating lake, play areas and the Garden Café. Good for younger children on a dry afternoon.

Worth Knowing

  • Jet Ski Safaris - Cornwall Waverunner Safaris run guided jet ski trips along the coast.
  • Clifftop Sauna - Olla Hiki Sauna runs a mobile wood-fired sauna perched on the cliffs above Fistral Beach through summer.
  • The Oyster Lady - Katy Davidson runs oyster and shellfish masterclasses near the harbour. Small groups, hands-on. theoysterlady.co.uk

Where to Eat in Newquay

Newquay’s food scene has quietly outgrown its reputation. Between the surf shops and nightlife, you’ll find a Michelin-starred tasting menu, a Basque pintxos bar, locally caught seafood metres from the harbour, and street food on the sand.

Worth the Splurge

Ugly Butterfly - Michelin Star. Adam Handling’s restaurant at The Headland Hotel, overlooking Fistral Beach. Awarded a Michelin star in early 2026. Nine-course tasting menu built around hyperlocal ingredients. The bar and terrace are dog-friendly. Book ahead. uglybutterfly.co.uk • 01637 872211

RenMor - AA 2 Rosettes. The Headland’s main restaurant - floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Fistral. Cornish coastal produce, breakfast through to dinner daily. Legendary Sunday lunches (Oct to May). Dogs welcome. headlandhotel.co.uk • 01637 872211

Lewinnick Lodge. Boutique hotel and brasserie on the cliffs at Pentire. Panoramic ocean views from every table. Long-standing local favourite. lewinnicklodge.co.uk • 01637 878117

Seafood

The Fish House - Fistral Beach. Chef Paul Harwood, 14 years with Rick Stein. Locally landed fish straight from Newquay Harbour, simply cooked. Booking essential. thefishhousefistral.com • 01637 872085

Harbour Fish & Grill. Built into the cliff overlooking the harbour, views across seven beaches. Award-winning chef Aaron Janes. The building started life as a 1930s grain store. Booking essential. theharbourfishandgrill.com • 01637 873040

Casual Dinner

Counter Culture - Pintxos Bar. Basque-inspired pintxos that could hold its own in San Sebastián. Fresh pintxos, good wine list. 07903 091747

The Clover Club. Tapas-style small plates. Silver for Restaurant of the Year, Cornwall Tourism Awards 2025. Children’s menu, Saturday bottomless brunch. the-cloverclub.co.uk

Graze Tapas & Wine. Spanish and Mediterranean tapas near the harbour. Heated terrace, open year-round. grazetapas.co.uk • 01637 520413

The Colonial - Tolcarne Beach. Hotel restaurant right on the beach with a huge summer terrace. Lobster BBQs, good brunch. tolcarnebeach.co.uk • 01637 872489

Rebellion Roast House. Prohibition-era themed bar and grill. Big burgers, smoked brisket, ribs, steaks. rebellionroasthouse.co.uk • 01637 878334

Indian Summer. Award-winning Indian restaurant, running since 2001. indiansummerrestaurant.co.uk

Concho Lounge. Relaxed all-day café with full kids’, gluten-free and vegan menus. Great courtyard. thelounges.co.uk • 01637 871707

Pizza, Street Food & Beach Eating

The Boathouse - Newquay Harbour. Street food market and bar on the sand. Multiple rotating vendors, cocktails. Ideal when a group can’t agree. streetfoodonthebeach.co.uk

Fistral Bar & Kitchen by Rick Stein. Beachside bar and kitchen overlooking Fistral. Open daily 10am to 10pm. Walk-ins welcome. Dog and family-friendly. rickstein.com • 01637 303103

ROSA - Fistral Dunes. American-Italian bar, pizza, pasta, cocktails, and 18-hole mini golf. rosanewquay.co.uk

Fistral Stable - Pizza & Cider. Sourdough pizza and cider house overlooking Fistral. Saturday bottomless pizza brunch. stablepizza.com • 01637 878311

Secret Garden - Pizza & Wine Bar. Stunning harbour views from the back terrace. Artisan pizzas, organic wines. secretgardennewquay.co.uk • 01637 841346

Saltsheds Bar & Bistro. Coastal dining overlooking Towan Beach. Seasonal menus, live music at weekends. Dog-friendly. saltsheds.com

Pubs

The Bowgie Inn - West Pentire. On the headland between Crantock and Porth Joke, views up the entire North Cornwall coast. Right on the Coast Path. Over 30 local gins, Cornish ales, brunch club. Worth the drive. bowgie.com • 01637 830363

The Smugglers Den Inn - Cubert. Thatched 16th-century pub near Holywell Bay. Beer garden with children’s play area. Wednesday pie night, Sunday roasts. thesmugglersden.co.uk

The Fort Inn. Family-friendly pub with indoor/outdoor play areas and bay views. fortinnnewquay.co.uk • 01637 875700

Coffee & Daytime

  • Box & Barber (82 Fore St) - Award-winning coffeehouse. Dog-friendly, free WiFi.
  • Fore Street Café Bar - Modern British brunch all day. Highest-rated in town. Dog-friendly.
  • Jam Jar Café - Small and perfectly formed. Great coffee and breakfasts.
  • Café Cloud - Vintage café near the harbour. All-day breakfast, cream teas. Gluten-free options.
  • Fern Pit Café - On the Gannel Estuary. Natural stopping point on coastal walks.
  • WAX - Watergate Bay. Great for lunch after the coastal walk.
  • Great Western Surf Café - Family-run, locals’ favourite. Unpretentious.
  • The Green HeArt Café (18 Tower Rd) - Vegetarian & vegan. Dog-friendly.
  • Sprout Health Foods - Health food shop with café. Coffee and sweet treats.

Drinks

  • Tom Thumb - Newquay’s best cocktail bar. One Star in the Pinnacle Guide. Dog-friendly.
  • Wasted Grapes - Wine bar in Cribbar Yard. Fine wines by the glass, vinyl nights. Dog-friendly.
  • Ginger & Joe - Cocktails and food. Good for bar-hopping with Tom Thumb.

Takeaways

  • The Little Lobster Box - Creative seafood dishes, via Just Eat.
  • The Lobster Box - Ready-to-eat lobster food boxes delivered. thelobsterbox.co.uk
  • Flounders - Award-winning fish and chips. Famous spicy curry sauce.
  • Green Chilli - Indian/Balti. 01637 877402
  • Stavros - Greek. 01637 876391
  • Wah Hing - Chinese. 01637 874702

Food Shopping

  • Morrisons - Treloggan Road
  • Sainsbury’s - Fore Street
  • Aldi - Cliff Road
  • Lidl - Treloggan Road
  • Trevilley Farm Shop - Local meat, eggs, breads, pies, cheese, preserves. 01637 872310
  • Local Butcher - 9 Chester Road. Fresh local meat, specialist sausages. 01637 873571

Tips

  • Book ahead in summer - Newquay is one of the UK’s busiest seaside towns in July/August. Lunch is easier than dinner.
  • Dog-friendly: Tom Thumb, Wasted Grapes, The Bowgie Inn, Fore Street Café Bar, Box & Barber, The Green HeArt Café, RenMor, Fistral Bar & Kitchen, Ugly Butterfly bar/terrace.
  • Best for families: The Fort Inn, The Smugglers Den, Concho Lounge, The Clover Club, Fistral Stable, The Boathouse, ROSA.

A Brief History of Newquay

Sixteen hundred years ago, all that existed within the modern boundary of Newquay was a settlement on Porth Island where inhabitants hunted and mined for iron.

In 1439, Bishop Lacey of Exeter allowed the citizens of what was then known as Towan Blistra to build a New Quay. The town’s second life as a fishing port followed, culminating in the arrival of the great pilchard shoals of the 18th century and the galvanising cry of “Heva!” from the whitewashed Huer’s Hut, still standing above the harbour today.

When the pilchards went, the Industrial Revolution came, turning Newquay from a fishing port to a commodity port loading tin, lead and china clay. Over the 17th and 18th centuries, fishing and agriculture didn’t pay too well, and wages were supplemented by smuggling and “wrecking”. Cargo of silks, spices and brandy were hidden in the caves at Crantock, and wreckers would swarm from St Columb and St Mawgan at news of a ship in difficulties near the Bedruthan Steps.

The Cornish language, with its 2,000-year tradition and close ties with Welsh and Breton, was the mother tongue during the 18th century. Now the language is heard only in bardic revivals and plays at the Plen an Gwary - the open-air theatre.

Today, Newquay has eleven spectacular sandy beaches and is known as the Surfing Capital of Britain, with a huge selection of surf shops, board manufacturers and surf schools. A holiday destination that truly has something for everyone.

Useful Information

Beach Safety

  • Find the red-and-yellow flags and swim between them.
  • Read the safety signs and ask a lifeguard for advice.
  • Swim with a friend. Never underestimate the tide.
  • If you get into difficulty, raise your hand and shout for help.
  • Wear sunscreen and keep children covered - the Cornish sun is stronger than it feels.

Getting Around

  • Train Station - Station Parade, TR7 2NF. 0345 7000 125
  • Bus Station - TR7 1GA
  • Newquay Airport - St Mawgan, TR8 4RQ. 01637 860600
  • A2B Taxis - 01637 877777
  • 123 Taxis - 01637 851234
  • No. 56 bus - Newquay to Watergate Bay (handy for one-way coastal walks).
  • No. 85 bus - Newquay to Holywell Bay.

Useful Apps

  • iWalk Cornwall - Guided walking routes with GPS. Useful when mobile signal drops out on the coast path.
  • Tide times - Several beach crossings (Crantock, Porth) are only passable at low tide. Check before you set off.

Where to Stay

We’re Lee and Louise, and we host two sea view apartments right on Towan Beach in the heart of Newquay. Both sleep four, with free parking, fibre Wi-Fi and Airbnb Superhost status.

  • Island View - our top-floor penthouse with panoramic sea views.
  • Harbour View - a first-floor apartment with harbour and sea views.

See both apartments or get in touch to book.

Ocean Waves & Beach Days