Newquay Mini Guide
So, Tell me About Newquay
Newquay is a seaside resort in
Cornwall, England, situated on the Atlantic coast. It is popular with tourists due to its beaches and coastline and is most famous for being the surf capital of the UK.
How can I get There?
Newquay has its own train station so you can easily travel by train from
London. National Express provides a long distance coach service to many cities in the UK and also Europe. Travelling by air is also an option as 15 airports in the UK have flights into Newquay Cornwall Airport, making the town easily accessible. Once you are in town, you can use the local bus service to get around or hiring a car is a good idea to really explore everything Cornwall has to offer.
What can I do in Newquay?
Visit the zoo! Explore the tropical house rainforest enclosure, listen to the keeper’s lecture and help with feeding time. There is also the Blue Reef Aquarium nearby. Taking a surf lesson at the Bluewings Surf School, is a must and try your moves out (or just watch!) at Fistral Beach. For something less energetic, take a walk in Trenance Leisure Gardens and take a boat out on the lake.
Is it a Good Place to eat?
Fifteen Restaurant in Watergate Bay is owned by Jamie Oliver and uses the best seasonal and local produce for its dishes. If you love seafood, go to Newquay Harbour Restaurant, where you can have your fish almost straight from the sea. You can also try Senor Dicks for a taste of Mexico and salsa dancing or if meze is your thing go to Kahuna Tolcarne. For something simple, get fish and chips at Truscott’s, it is in the top five fish and chip shops in the west country.
After Dark…
You can see a performance at the Lane Theatre or the Hendra Holiday Park offers a wide range of nightly entertainment, including cabaret acts and theme nights. Newquay is famous for its lively nightlife and attracts party-goers from all over Europe. Pure Newquay is a state of the art super club with 4 rooms and a VIP club – it is a favourite with radio stations and DJs. Other popular clubs are Berties and Buzios which both have bars and nightclubs. The Walkabout is an Australian themed venue with a patio overlooking Towan Bay, you can eat there too and enjoy live music.
What can I see Outside of Town?
St Michaels Mount is well worth a visit – it is a tiny rocky island just off the coast with a medieval castle and church. When the tide is out, you can walk across the bay to it! Visit the picturesque villages of Looe and Polperro and discover the legend of King Arthur at Tintagel Castle.
Are There any Special Events?
Newquay is home to many special events and festivals, especially in the summer. The Fish Festival is very popular, you can sample the local seafood cooked on the barbeque and watch the entertainment on offer – you can also bid at the fish auction! Polo on the Beach is held in September and features the top polo players in the country. Of course one of the most important events is the Quiksilver Surf Final in August, where you can watch the pro junior and European finalists compete.