Newquay is one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations, and with all its picturesque scenery, it’s not hard to understand why. Newquay is the ideal place for the whole family to relax, unwind, and enjoy a fantastic, fun-filled escape.
Having been voted as “One of the Nation’s Favourite Seaside Towns” in the prestigious Which Holiday Survey and “Best Family Holiday Destination” by readers of COAST magazine, Newquay is known for its fine beaches and elegant charm. Keep reading to find out more about our magnificent corner of the world.
Where is the Beautiful Town of Newquay?
Located on the north coast of Cornwall (also known as the Atlantic Coast) in south-west England, Newquay is nestled in the heart of our stunning county. It sits slightly north of other popular Cornish locations like Holywell Bay and Perranporth Beach.
The region is easily accessible via a variety of travel options. Cornwall Airport Newquay receives flights from London Gatwick and Manchester airports all year round, and in the summer months, flights are also available from Belfast City, Newcastle, Doncaster, Stanstead, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Birmingham.
If you prefer to catch the train, then you’ll complete your journey at Newquay train station, which sits right next to the buzzing Great Western Beach.
Newquay is also easily accessible by car. There aren’t any motorways in Cornwall, so most drivers will travel to the end of the M5 near Exeter, or the end of the A303, and then take the A30 across Cornwall and into Newquay, which is well signposted.
What Can I Expect to Find in Newquay?
The popularity of Newquay as a UK holiday destination is largely due to its astonishing natural assets, which include some of Cornwall’s finest beaches. To appreciate the beauty of these beaches, all visitors need to do is walk down to the harbour on a sunny day or evening and soak up the vast swathes of golden sand, glistening waters and towering cliffs.
Newquay caters to a diverse range of visitors, with excellent surfing opportunities, vibrant nightlife, and fantastic family-friendly attractions – there’s a lot on offer here. Its reputation as the UK’s surfing capital began back in the 1960s and has continued to grow, with Fistral Beach becoming a regular stop on the professional surfing circuit in the 80s and 90s.
A great range of top-quality attractions are within easy reach, such as zoos, aquariums, gardens, and golden sandy beaches, alongside classic events like the Boardmasters music and surfing festival, and a wide range of exhilarating activities both in and out of the water.
Newquay is also a hot spot for mouth-watering food, with ample top-class restaurants to choose from and a wide selection of places to eat, offering all types of cuisine for all budgets. The town is bursting with cafés, bars and restaurants, and it’s been in high demand from well-known chefs who aspire to open up their new restaurants in the area. So, you can expect a superb meal out here in Newquay!
Where Are the Best Places to Visit in Newquay?
One of Newquay’s hottest tourist draws is Fistral Beach, which is one of the best surfing beaches in all the UK and Europe. This long, sandy beach is west facing, offering the perfect location for families to enjoy the simple pleasures of the sea and surf, combined with first class facilities including surf equipment hire, lessons, shops, showers, toilets, car parking, and, of course, various restaurants and cafés.
One of the decadent restaurants which sits on the shores of Fistral Beach is Rick Stein. There’s something everyone will love at this family-friendly eatery, from Rick’s famous fish and chips served with homemade tartare or Goan curry sauce, to Asian kitchen curries and noodles which can be eaten in the restaurant or taken away to eat on the beach. They also serve mouth-watering homemade desserts and tasty Cornish cream tea!
Overlooking Fistral Beach and a landmark of Newquay is the Headland Hotel in which you can find the Michelin starred Ugly Butterfly restaurant, this is a fine dining restaurant with silver service. This is one of award winning chef Adam Handling’s restaurants, another of which is only a couple of minutes drive from The Beeches – the Tartan Fox pub located in a 400 year old building. The Tartan Fox offers fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere.
Another of Newquay’s finest beaches is the Great Western Beach, which is popular with both families and surfers. Despite being close to the heart of Newquay, it’s still one of the area’s quieter beaches, and there are plenty of rock pools for inquisitive minds to explore. Neighbouring beaches are also easy to walk to at low tide, and the towering cliffs which surround it provide a dramatic backdrop.
A funky spot to enjoy some food near Great Western Beach is Secret Garden, known as Newquay’s premium pizza and wine bar. Serving delicious artisan pizzas, organic wine, carefully crafted cocktails, local Cornish beers, gins, and ciders, the restaurant provides some of the best views in the area whilst you enjoy a refuelling bite to eat and refreshing drink.
Experience the Best of Newquay with The Beeches Glamping
The Beeches Glamping provides the perfect base for families to return to after fun-filled days out exploring the very best of Newquay. Our luxury glamping pods sleep between four and five people and boast spectacular views of the Cornish countryside. Our guests can experience the great outdoors without sacrificing any home comforts. Spend long, relaxing evenings enjoying a soak in the hot tub under sparkling, starry skies, and gather around the flickering flames of the firepit to toast marshmallows. Book your idyllic stay at The Beeches Glamping today!