WORLD-CLASS SURFING, SOFT GOLDEN SAND AND A FANTASTIC SELECTION OF RESTAURANTS, MAKES NEWQUAY A HAVEN FOR BEACH LOVERS, FOODIES AND SURFERS ALIKE.

A beach per day during your stay? This can be easily achieved on a self catering holiday in Newquay, with its 15 bays in and around the lively surfer’s town. Popular hotspots include the adrenalin junkie’s favorites of Fistral and Watergate, or more peaceful Lusty Glaze and Porth for family ambles. Stroll along the sandy basin of the Gannel river at low tide all the way to Crantock Beach and its striking sand dunes. Crispy battered fish sizzles from grill to plate down at the harbour, and coffee and cocktails go down a treat in high street favorites and independent pop-ups along the town’s main strip.

Sunset over Newquay.

Browse our last minute availability and special offers for your next beach getaway. 

BEACH LIFE

FISTRAL BEACH:

The long and sandy Fistral beach is backed by towering sand dunes and is renowned as one of the UK’s top surfing destinations, offering consistent waves that attract surfers of all levels.

Lifeguards
A lifeguard services operates from April to October.

Dogs
At Fistral beach, dogs are allowed all year round.

TOLCARNE BEACH:

Tolcarne beach is a little quieter than Fistral beach, making this an ideal spot for families and those seeking a peaceful beach experience.

Lifeguards
The beach is lifeguard patrolled May-Sept.

Dogs
There is a dog ban on Tolcarne Beach from 1st April to 31st October.

A little further afield, Crantock Beach and Watergate Bay are also well worth a visit.

Top Tip: If you are visiting in June, seeing the blooming poppy fields with the Cornish coast as a backdrop at Polly Joke is an absolute must.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK?

Lewinnick Lodge

Nestled above the cliffs of Pentire Headland, Lewinnick Lodge serves breakfast, lunch and classic dishes served with a sea view

Zacry’s Restaurant
Zacry’s Restaurant at Watergate Bay (just a short drive from Newquay) serves British food from Cornish ingredients, combining bold and interesting chargrilled flavours.

The Fish House Fistral (included in the Michelin guide)
Just a stone throw from the sea, the Fish House’s menu focuses on classic seafood dishes & drinks in a cosy, rustic setting.

The Harbour Fish And Grill
Built into the cliff and overlooking the Harbour offers fresh locally sourced fine dining dishes.

The Boathouse – Street Food on the Beach
The laid-back venue at Newquay harbour is ideal if all of your party like to eat different foods. With numerous food stalls serving street fare & locally sourced dishes, everyone will find something to their liking.

RETAIL

For the perfect unique shopping experience featuring bespoke and handcrafted products, visit the Killacourt located in the heart of the town centre

Newquay boasts a number of pop-up farmers markets throughout the year when independent Cornish businesses showcase their goods

As you stroll along the high street you’ll encounter a mix of individual and specialist local shops, restaurants and cafés as well as national names all mixed in with surf shops, boutiques and supermarkets.

BEACH RETREATS RECOMMENDS

THINGS TO DO IN NEWQUAY

Trerice
Trerice just outside Newquay is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts. The Elizabethan manor house, with its stunning architecture, period furnishings, and captivating artefacts, provides a unique glimpse into the opulence of the Elizabethan era.

Trenance Gardens
Visit Trenance Gardens, featuring beautiful flora, peaceful lakes, and walking paths. The adjacent leisure park offers a range of family-friendly activities, including a boating lake, mini-golf, and a play area.

Sea Safaris
Go on a sea safari with Newquay Sea Safari. Cruise hidden coves, explore secret beaches and meet Cornwall’s wildlife up front and close in their natural habitat. Spot Cornish grey seals, see Newquay’s infamous dolphins and if you’re lucky you might even see a shark.

Outdoor Adventures
Kayaking, Stand-Up Paddle Boarding, Coasteering, Jet Skiing, Diving or Fishing. If you like being active, you’ll never get bored in Newquay.

WALKS

TAKE A STROLL THROUGH NEWQUAY

Starting from the harbour it’s a steep hike up to the Huer’s Hut – where marvellous views await you. Back along the cliff you will walk past Towan Head, the legendary Fistral beach and back along to Pentire Point. Round the headland, you start heading back along the beautiful Gannel – lush trees and tropical gardens hug the cliffs down to the estuary.

Distance: 5.8 miles

HOLYWELL TO CRANTOCK

The circular footpath leads from the headland of Holywell Bay meanders along the coast past Poly Joke and on to the wide golden sands of Crantock. During the summer months, the return journey takes you through breathtaking fields of poppies. Part of the route take you pass the Bowgie Inn – a great stop for refreshments or a quick bite to eat.

Distance: 4.7 miles

BEDRUTHAN STEPS

This short walk at Bedruthan Steps offers crisp and salty sea breezes, heart pounding exercise and a feast for the eyes. Owned and managed by the National Trust, you can start this walk from Carnewas car park. You’ll find a winding path that offers you the best of the wild Atlantic, its birds and wildlife.

Distance: 0.7 miles

NEWQUAY INSPIRATION

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A group of people sitting in a marquee.

What’s on this October half term in Cornwall

A dog standing on a beach.

A good lead: recommended days out for your dog

A wooden door on a hill with the sea in the background.

The forgotten corner of Cornwall

A person surfing on a wave.

Watch and act