Your guide to Newquay

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Travellers and cabin class, 1 Adult, Economy

Perched on the stiff upper lip of Cornwall’s north coast, this seaside town is the UK’s number one surf destination, with waves for pros and newbies alike. While most visits to Newquay move with the tides, there’s a thriving ‘apres-surf’ scene worthy of your attention. From dramatic cliffside hikes and seafood feasts to speakeasies and sunsets over a dozen golden beaches, our Newquay travel guide has it all.

Newquay highlights

Get on a board

Time your stay in Newquay for the surf season (autumn and winter). You’ll find the biggest waves on Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay, both competition hosts on the UK surfing tour. If you’re new to the sport, book surf lessons, and then practise on the smaller sets that roll through Towan or Great Western Beaches.

Explore nearby villages

Take some time out of your stay in Newquay to explore the surrounding countryside. Find walking paths on the coast and visit pubs and cafes just north of Newquay in Mawgan Porth. Visit the Japanese Garden in St Mawgan, near Newquay Airport, or explore the long beach in Perranporth, just south of town.

Savour the seafood

You can’t pass through this salty stretch of Cornwall without sampling the excellent seafood restaurants. Order mussels, prawns or chowder at the Michelin-starred Fish House near Fistral Beach, or load up on classic fish and chips at neighbourhood eateries. You’ll also find several seafood choices near Newquay Harbour.

Newquay: Know before you go

Language	English
Currency	British pound (pound sterling) (£)
Time zone	UTC+0 (GMT) and UTC+1 (BST)
High season	July - August
Low season	November - February

Find the best time to go to Newquay

Weather in Newquay

March – May: Newquay enjoys mild springs, with waters warming up by May. Hop in a kayak to explore hidden caves and coves. And pack plenty of layers.

June – August: Summer temperatures hover around a pleasant 16°C. Get down early to stake your spot on the sand. British weather is unpredictable, so expect everything from rain showers to heatwaves.

September – November: Come autumn, water temperatures stay warm, and the surf schools are still open, making it a great time to catch a wave.

December – February: It rarely dips below freezing in Newquay. Experienced surfers come for winter’s mighty waves, but everyone else appreciates them over a pint. Layers and waterproofs are a must.

Events in Newquay

St Piran’s Festival (March): Honour Cornwall’s patron saint and this unique Celtic culture. A parade through town kicks off the festivities, with events showcasing traditional dancing, folk tunes and sea shanties. Support the Cornish language revival by taking a class.

Boardmasters Surf & Music Festival (August): Watch the pro surfers battle it out on Fistral Beach, which also hosts skate and BMX events. From there, head for Watergate Bay to see big-name acts take the stage.

Newquay Harbour Festival (September): Celebrate Cornwall’s rich maritime history by sampling freshly caught seafood. Or take a sea safari to spot basking sharks, dolphins and the residents of Seal Cove.

The best neighbourhoods in Newquay

Newquay town centre

Newquay town centre is the best area to stay in Newquay to have everything within walking distance. Browse Bank Street, Newquay’s high street, to find well-known brands alongside sweet shops. Or visit the BIG Newquay Market (held on the first Saturday of the month from April to November), where local producers and creators sell their wares. And Great Western Beach is never more than a 10 minute walk away.

Good for: Restaurants, nightlife, walkability

Fistral Beach

Fistral Beach is where to stay in Newquay for sports and surfing. Choose from a range of budget-friendly and upscale hotels just south of the beach. Reserve a tee time at Newquay Golf Club. Head to the north end of the beach to book surfing lessons, shop for beachwear or end the day with a drink overlooking the water.

Good for: Beach, golf, shopping

Crantock

If resort town Newquay is too busy for you, neighbouring Crantock is just a 10-minute drive away, across the River Gannel. Here you’ll find an assortment of campgrounds, self-catering apartments and bed and breakfasts. Visit uncrowded Crantock Beach, walk the coastal footpaths through wildflowers and grasses, or book a treatment at the Crantock Bay Spa.

Good for: Village, spa, quiet beaches

Things to do in Newquay

Family friendly things to do

Wild about animals? See armadillos, zebras and more at Newquay Zoo. Or discover wildlife in the surrounding Trenance Gardens and Leisure Park. Go to the Lappa Valley to ride on narrow-gauge trains. When planning your trip, be sure to check on seasonal things to do with family in Newquay. These include the Newquay Bouncy Castle Fun Park, open during the summer.

Shopping

Bank Street is the best place to go shopping in Newquay, with art galleries, clothing boutiques and sweet shops. Find deals from independent shops at Killacourt, near Towan Beach. Walk to Cliff Road (next to Great Western Beach) to buy surfwear and dine at local restaurants. Or browse local Cornish brands at Bon Bon Fistral.

Take in the culture

Enjoy exhibits about Cornish history and art at the Newquay Museum & Gallery. For a free museum in Newquay, visit the Trenance Heritage Cottages, where you can walk through renovated 19th-century Cornish homes. Drive 30 minutes to Charlestown (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to see thousands of artefacts collected from shipwrecks at the Shipwreck Treasure Museum.

Nightlife

If you love live entertainment, Lane Theatre features plays from the Newquay Dramatic Society and performances from touring entertainers. Head to Newquay’s pubs and inns for local ale, beer and cider, usually accompanied by live music. If you’re looking for a lively night out, Newquay has several nightclubs that stay open into the early hours.

Places to eat

You’ll find plenty of options for dining in Newquay. Enjoy upscale dining in hotel restaurants, hearty pub meals at lunchtime and a meal with a view at beachside restaurants. Don’t forget to drop in to a cafe or tea room for a classic Cornish cream tea. Just remember — in Cornwall, the jam always goes on the scone first.

Beaches

You’re spoilt for choices for beaches in Newquay. Head to Towan Beach for a family-friendly setting where you can sign up for surf lessons on beginner waves. Or take the kids to explore rock pools at low tide on Great Western Beach. Avoid the crowds with a short drive to Whipsiderry or Crantock Beaches.

Get ready for Newquay

Budget

Explore Newquay by focusing on its craggy cliffs on a budget, turquoise coves and golden beaches. When hunger strikes, find a meal at an inexpensive restaurant for around 15 British pounds (£). Or pick up a flaky Cornish pasty, a popular snack eaten by 18th-century miners. Wash it down with a beer for less than £5. Short taxi rides are about £7.

Day trips from Newquay

Celtic lore comes alive on the King Arthur Trail. Start in Tintagel, an hour’s drive north, to check out Merlin’s Cave and the site of Arthur’s final battle. An hour south in Porthcurno, the open-air Minack Theatre is carved into granite cliffs, offering dramatic views of the crashing Atlantic.

Getting around Newquay

You can get to most places in Newquay on foot. Taxis and Uber are available for longer trips, or hire a car if you plan to explore Cornwall at length. The Newquay Train Station connects to the national rail network through Par. There are also plenty of bike rentals in town if you want to hit the coastal trails.

FAQs about visiting Newquay

What currency is used in Newquay?

You'll be using the British pound (GBP) for payments while in Newquay. Pay with your card when it's possible, but keep a small amount of cash on you for places that don't take cards.

What language is spoken in Newquay?

English is what you'll hear in most conversations. From everyday greetings to playful local lingo, you'll probably add a few new words to your vocabulary during your city break in Newquay.

Is it safe to visit Newquay?

Newquay is generally a safe city for visitors, but like anywhere, it's always good to take sensible precautions. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, keep local emergency numbers handy and only get in licensed cabs or ride-share services. Additionally, stick to well-lit places if you venture out at night during your stay in Newquay.

How expensive is a trip to Newquay?

The airline you travel with, where you leave from, and the time of year you go can impact the cost of a city break in Newquay. Prices for Newquay flights and hotels can differ widely, but booking in advance and keeping your travel dates flexible can help you score savings.

What is the coldest month in Newquay?

Plan your trip to Newquay for January and you'll be there when conditions are at their coolest. 2°C (36°F) is as cold as the city gets.

When is the best time to visit Newquay?

June to August is the high season for tourism, with warm temperatures. But the best surfing waves come ashore in winter (October to March) — definitely wetsuit weather. You can find budget trips to Newquay in April, May and September. The weather is pleasant, and the beaches are less crowded.

Is Newquay a good place to visit?

Fistral Beach and Towan Beach are just a glimpse of what this city has to offer. Explore the list of things to do in Newquay and see why you have to go.

What is the hottest month in Newquay?

The hottest month in Newquay is July, which sees highs of 20ºC (68ºF).

How many days do you need for a trip to Newquay?

You can enjoy the seaside during a weekend break to Newquay. Consider staying for five days or longer if you plan to surf, want to explore the natural areas or experience village life in the surrounding countryside.

What is the rainiest month in Newquay?

The wettest month is November, which has an average rainfall of 11 cm. But don't let a drizzly day ruin your Newquay trip — there's still loads to do indoors such as shopping, exploring museums, or relaxing in cosy cafes.

Is Newquay a good city break?

Newquay is a good city break if you want to spend a weekend on the coast. Don’t expect a big city’s diverse nightlife scene in Newquay, but you will find enough to fill your itinerary.