Newquay Adventure Guide: Surf, Explore, and Relax!
Experience the perfect blend of surf, sand, and adventure in Newquay.
24 May 2023
Lucie Collins
UK Travel Writer
As a tourist, a trip to Newquay, located on the coast of Cornwall, United Kingdom offers a perfect blend of stunning beaches, lively nightlife, and outdoor activities. The town is renowned for its phenomenal surf spots and surf schools, making it an ideal getaway for adventure seekers. Moreover, visitors can explore the town's charming fishing villages, cliff-top walks, and the Eden Project, one of the world's largest botanical gardens.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Hotel: Headland Hotel A luxurious hotel with stunning sea views. Perfectly located, only a short walk from Fistral Beach and Newquay town center.
- Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Stable. Their sourdough pizzas are a must-try!
- Explore the gorgeous Newquay Harbour and watch the surfers catching waves.
- Visit the Blue Reef Aquarium to see a variety of marine creatures including sharks and sea turtles.
- Indulge in Cornish cream tea at The Cream Tea Cafe. Freshly baked scones, jam, cream and a pot of tea perfect for an afternoon snack.
- End the day with a spectacular sunset at Fistral Beach and enjoy the lively atmosphere of bars and restaurants.
- Head for the South West Coast Path for a breathtaking walk linking cliff tops and secluded coves.
- Stop by the picturesque town of Padstow for incredible fish and chips from Rick Stein's restaurant.
- Visit the dramatic Tintagel Castle, take a mesmerising stroll down to Merlin's Cave, and explore the ruins of this historic fortress.
- Learn about local history at The Heritage Centre, complete with interesting exhibits on the town's past.
- Get a taste of the local specialities eating at traditional pubs like The Fish House, offering freshly-caught seafood.
- Sign up for a surf lesson with one of the many surf schools that operate on Newquay's beaches.
- Satisfy your lunch cravings with a "pasty" from Ivor's Pasty Co. This iconic Cornish dish consists of a pastry filled with meat and vegetables.
- Take a tour of the picturesque Gardens of Heligan, one of Britain's most famous heritage gardens.
- Head back to the hotel for an indulgent spa treatment, followed a dip in the cliff-top pool.
- End the evening with a hearty meal at The Headland Hotel's Samphire Restaurant, serving hand-picked Cornish ingredients taking advantage of the surrounding sea and countryside.
- Visit the Waterworld waterpark and speed down the flumes or try the wave machine or perhaps the relaxing spa pools & hot tubs.
- Relax with lunch at one of the cafe's or restaurants outside or inside the water park.
- Head over to Lusty Glaze, a secluded cove for some of Newquay's best adventure activitiesabseiling, coasteering, rock climbing and zip-lining.
- Experience a Cornish Cream Tea at Canteen and Cocktails in the town center, specialising in homemade scones and various teas.
- End your day winding down with a well deserved well-crafted cocktail from Tom Thumb or a cold beer from the The Stable's extensive beer selection.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Newquay, United Kingdom by plane is to fly to Newquay Cornwall Airport, which offers direct flights from major UK airports and a few international destinations.
Car
Driving is a good option if you want to explore the surrounding areas and have more flexibility. The A30 is the main road that connects Newquay to other parts of the UK.
Train
There is a train station in Newquay, but it is not well connected to other cities. The best way to get there by train is to take a train to a nearby city like Plymouth or Truro and then take a bus or taxi to Newquay.
Boat
While it is technically possible to get to Newquay by boat, this is not a common mode of transportation. The nearest port is in Falmouth, and from there you can take a bus or taxi to Newquay.
Bus
Taking a bus is a convenient way to get to Newquay, as there are several companies that offer direct services from major UK cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester.