Newquay – Amazing Beaches, Fantastic Surfing and Cornish Charm
Newquay is one of the most popular seaside resorts in the UK. It’s known for its cheap and cheerful hotels, lovely sandy beaches and magnificent Atlantic waves that make it one of the best surfing destinations in the UK. In recent years, it has become synonymous with stag and hen parties which don’t always put this seaside town in the best light. But there is a concerted effort by the local authorities to change the perception of the town to make it a great destination for partygoers and families alike.
Excellent Sandy Beaches
Newquay has good transport links with a railway station in the centre of town and Cornwall Airport Newquay just a 15-minute drive away. There’s also a wide range of accommodation to meet all budgets, ranging from hostels to high-end boutique hotels. Of course, one of the main reasons people choose Newquay as a holiday destination is because of its great selection of beaches, each with their own distinct character. Near the town centre, Towan Beach with its little suspension bridge is a popular choice and, located at the mouth of the River Gannel, Crantock Beach was voted best beach in 2013 by BBC programme Coast. For those seeking water sports such as surfing, Fistral Beach is the place to go. It’s a challenge for experienced surfers and beginners can take advantage of the numerous shops along the seafront offering the hire of surfing equipment. The services of instructors can also be arranged to help the learning process.
Nightlife in Newquay
For those enjoying a hen party or stag do on bargain late deals, there are plenty of nightclubs and pubs to keep the party going into the small hours of the morning. Koola Nightclub on Beach Road is a legendary Newquay venue; split over two floors it attracts famous DJs and live acts with a particular focus on underground music. A short walk away, near Newquay railway station, East Street is home to pubs, clubs and restaurants. Here, the entertainment ranges from foam parties where everyone can go wild to medieval-themed restaurant meals. There are also bars in the area inspired by the speakeasies of 1920s America that serve amazing cocktails. For a more chilled atmosphere, head to Fistral Beach which is one of the most popular places to spend an evening; visitors can enjoy eating a meal and sampling a wide range of alcoholic drinks while looking out onto the beautiful beach.
The Historic Harbour Area
Newquay Harbour is a lovely spot for those seeking a more sedate pace. The new harbour or ‘quay’ (hence the name Newquay) was built in the 1830s and retains a traditional Cornish look and feel. Here, there are several popular restaurants and traditional pubs in which to spend a lazy afternoon tucking into fresh seafood and chatting with locals over a pint or two of beer. Seafaring activities are also available here with companies offering boat trips that depart from the harbour. Thanks to Cornwall’s sub-tropical climate, there’s always the chance of glimpsing dolphins, sharks, and a wide array of colourful fish. Golf fans will enjoy visiting nearby Newquay Golf Course, which overlooks Fistral Beach. It’s perfect for a leisurely round and a tipple at the 19th hole! This area of Newquay also offers period hotel accommodation, some with great views over the Harbour.
Fun for the Whole Family
Trenance Leisure Park is the place to go for a wide range of family-friendly activities. Less than a mile from the centre of town, it offers a miniature railway, tennis courts and a pitch and putt. There’s also a pleasant park with swans and children’s playgrounds to enjoy. Probably the main attraction here is Newquay Zoo. It houses over a 1,000 animals including lions and zebras and features regular ‘feed and talk’ shows that aim to entertain and educate. Keeping with the animal theme, next to Towan Beach, Blue Reef Aquarium is a must-see. In its 40 different habitats, sharks, giant octopuses and puffer fish among many others can be seen. On rainy days, Oasis Fun Pool is another way of enjoying fun in the water. An eight-minute drive, it’s open in the summer season and offers various pools, water flumes and waterfalls to splash around in. There’s also a camp site here for those seeking an alternative to hotel accommodation.
Day Trips from Newquay
As well as all the sights and attractions in and around Newquay, there are also plenty of other things to see in Cornwall. The famous Land’s End, the westernmost point of England, is only an hour’s drive away. Foodies will also want to take a trip along the coast to Padstow which is home to top-notch restaurants owned by the likes of Rick Stein and Paul Ainsworth. There is also a good selection of hotels here so that everyone can enjoy a drink in the evening. One of Cornwall’s biggest attractions is the Eden Project, located just outside St. Austell. It’s just 30 minutes by car or alternatively, for those without a car, it’s possible to get the train to Par and then catch connecting buses to the Eden Project. The huge ‘Biomes’ are a sight to behold and really give visitors the sense of being in a tropical rain forest.