Best things to do in Newquay

Newquay is Cornwall’s prize and joy and, with its effortless charm, dazzling golden beaches and epic waves, it’s not a surprise. It’s a UK coastal wonder and is rightly one of the top tourist spots in the country. It offers everything from award-winning restaurants to the world-famous Watergate bay beach.

With so much on offer, it can be hard to know where to start. However, this handy guide will give you all the advice you need to have a properly great day. if you’re going heading down to the South West Coast, make sure you spend the

See the best places to stay in Newquay > 

Best Places to Eat in Newquay

With everything from classic tea rooms to grand restaurants, there’s little wonder why Newquay has become renowned as one of the culinary hotspots of Cornwall. While you’re visiting Newquay, we’d recommend heading to some of these, they’re the best you can find in the whole town.

First and foremost, you need a classic sea-front brekkie. So acclimatise to that fresh sea-breeze as you make your way up to Fern Pit Cafe. Fern Pitt offers excellent views over Crantock Beach, so enjoy a table on the balcony to make the most of these waterside views. Enjoy a full English (Cornish, in this case) breakfast and a coffee in the fresh air; what a great start to the day.

For lunch, it’s definitely worth checking out Flounders Fish and Chips. It’s a favourite amongst locals for its fresh fish, crisps chips and, of course, mushy peas. It may not be the healthiest option, but there really is nothing better than some fish and chips on fistral beach.

Observation makes you hungry, right? If so it’s time to visit Cloud Cafe for lunch. This sunny and relaxing cafe has a vintage twist and is a great place to recharge. There’s a good choice of lunch food; from quiches to toasties, and they do a great afternoon tea too. Additionally, they cater for vegetarians and offer gluten-free options, so there should be something for everyone here.

For something a little more upmarket, head to The Fish House. It offers fresh fish, seasonal ingredients and some inventive twists on old classics. It really is all about the fish here, but if you’re with a vegetarian or straight up carnivores, don’t fear as there’s lots on the offer to cater for all tastes.

If you want to try something a little different while staying in the centre of Newquay, head to Kahuna. It’s one of the cities most popular Asian restaurants in the whole county and, with popular classics including pad thai, it’s easy to see why.

After a jam-packed day, we’re sure you’ll be looking forward to dinner. In Newquay, the luxury restaurants come in small packages. Bush Pepper, for instance, is a contemporary Australian restaurant behind a small, red and white shop front. Inside you’ll find quirky opulence and a great, locally sourced menu.

Best Activities to do in Newquay

Less than a ten-minute drive away we have Newquay’s Blue Reef Aquarium, perfect for teaching the kids a thing or two about conservation. And if its scares they’re after – it scares they’ll get. Blue Reef is home to the Carcharhinus Melanopterus, the largest of all their breeds of shark, which glides above your head in the underwater tunnel.

If you’re not ready to leave behind the animal species just yet, then you don’t have to. Get down to Newquay Zoo to get acquainted with even more animals. It’s a great place to take the kids with lots of outdoor space and some of the most exotic wildlife to be found in the country.

If the crowds and activity are all a bit too much, there are several places to relax in Newquay. The Japanese Gardens is an oriental haven of lush greenery and traditional architecture. Amongst the water features and statues make sure to keep your eyes peeled for gigantic dragonflies floating in the mini trees. But, the peace can’t last forever. In fact, we think it’s time to try out man’s most chaotic activity – zorbing

Cornwall Zorbing Park provides an adrenaline rush for the whole family, on one of the longest and most extreme zorbing tracks in the world. During this activity you’ll get in a huge inflatable ball and roll down a hill filled with wacky obstacles.

Alternatively, for some swashbuckling fun, be sure to visit Pirate’s Quest. This is an immersive walk-through experience that will offer fun for all the family. It’s proper family entertainment and, with amazing costumes and professional actors, is not one to be missed.

No description of Newquay is complete without talking about the surf schools available here. If you’re coming to Newquay during the summer months, it really is a must. So get your wetsuits on and get surfing! People travel from across the country for the surfing opportunities in Cornwall, and Newquay is rightfully one of the top destinations in the entire county.

Best beaches to visit in Newquay

Porth beach is one of the best beaches in the whole of Cornwall. With tons of activities available here, it’s definitely worth the short drive. Just 5 minutes’ from the city centre, if you’re looking for an expansive beach with immaculate soft sand, then this is the place for you.

Fistral Beach is in Fistral Bay and is just half-a-mile west of the town centre. It’s also the most popular beach in Newquay with surfers. With epic high cliffs and sand dunes, it’s a playground for thousands of tourists every year. With epic waves, the beach also plays host to a number of surfing events across the summer.

Towan Beach is the most central of Newquay’s beaches and is located just below the Killacourt and Beach Road. It’s sheltered by Towan Head, making it the perfect beach for novice surfers or swimmers. It boasts the calmest waters of the three and is a top choice if you’re here with children.

With so much to do in Newquay, we’re sure you won’t need to travel far outside of the town. However, if you’re looking to go further afield, then St. Ives is only a short drive away. Plus, there’s lots to explore in neighbouring Penzance.