Best things to do in Newquay

Newquay Essentials

Newquay is the surfing capital of the United Kingdom, centered around the world-famous Fistral Beach which hosts international competitions. The town features a series of sandy bays including Towan, Harbour, and Great Western, all accessible from the town center and sheltered by dramatic Atlantic cliffs. Beyond the coastline, the area includes the 18-hole Newquay Golf Course links and family-oriented attractions like the Blue Reef Aquarium and Newquay Zoo, located within the landscaped Trenance Leisure Park.

Newquay Essentials — Map

Nilfanion / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Fistral Beach

A world-renowned surfing beach hosting major international competitions. It is bordered by high cliffs and sand dunes, offering consistent Atlantic swells and professional lifeguard cover during summer months.

Airwolfhound / CC BY-SA 2.0

B

Newquay Zoo

Newquay Zoo is a zoological garden located within Trenance Leisure Park in Newquay, England.

Nilfanion / CC BY-SA 4.0

C

Blue Reef Aquarium

Located on the seafront, this aquarium features an underwater tunnel through a tank containing blacktip reef sharks and stingrays. Exhibits focus on both local Cornish marine life and tropical species.

zishan fahim / CC BY-SA 4.0

D

Towan Beach

The most central beach in Newquay, situated at the base of a steep hill. It is notable for 'The Island,' a distinct rock stack connected to the mainland by a private suspension bridge.

Derek Harper / CC BY-SA 2.0

E

Newquay Golf Course

An 18-hole links course established in 1890. It overlooks Fistral Beach and offers a traditional coastal layout designed to challenge golfers with Atlantic winds and undulating fairways.

F

Harbour Beach

A small, sheltered beach located within the town's working harbor. It is protected by stone piers and serves as a base for local fishing boats and coastal sea safaris.

G

Porth Beach

A long, narrow beach protected by two high headlands. It features a shallow stream running across the sand and is connected to Porth Island via a narrow footbridge.

H

Great Western Beach

A sandy beach backed by high cliffs and Victorian-era hotels. It was one of the primary locations for the emergence of UK surfing culture during the 1960s.