Newquay campsites

Known as the surfing capital of Britain, Newquay is one of the most iconic coastal destinations in the UK. Located on the north coast of Cornwall, this lively seaside town boasts top beaches, stunning scenery, delicious food, and bags of Cornish charm.

Newquay is home to eleven beaches and has over seven miles of golden sand stretching across the coastline, the most famous of which is Fistral Beach. This iconic beach is a surfer’s paradise, with consistent surf breaks, beach bars and cafes, as well as hosting international competitions like Boardmasters. Watergate Bay offers two miles of golden sand and is another great pick for surfers, whilst Lusty Glaze Beach is perfect for adventure, with climbing and abseiling from the surrounding cliff tops. For quieter spots, in the heart of the town, you’ll find Towan, Tolcarne and Great Western beaches, as well as Porth Beach to the east and Crantock Beach to the west, great for families with calmer waves and a more relaxed atmosphere. 

Newquay is known as the surfing capital of Britain for good reason, it’s where British surfing first took off in the 1960s, and continues to thrive today. The town is home to a number of surf schools, has beaches for every level, from beginners to seasoned pros, and has a large surfing community. There’s also plenty more watersports here if surfing isn’t your style, with bodyboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing and snorkelling on offer at Newquay Watersports Centre. Newquay is also famous for coasteering, a mix of cliff jumping, wild swimming and rock climbing with an instructor who guides you to explore the coastline from the water.

For adventures above the waves, don’t miss Newquay Harbour, the historic heart of the town and home to a number of boat trips. Go seal spotting on a wildlife boat tour, try your hand at fishing or take in a scenic tour and cruise along to Crantock Beach or Watergate Bay. Or if you’d rather stay on dry land, it’s the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll with a Cornish ice cream and watch the world go by.

Beyond the water, there are plenty more attractions on offer. Visit Lane Theatre Newquay, the only live theatre in town, featuring a lineup of comedy, plays and musical events. Or take a trip to Trerice, an Elizabethan manor house with a beautiful garden. For a moment of peace just outside the town, take in the Japanese Garden in St Mawgan with its koi ponds, water gardens, bonsai trees and winding pathways. 

Trenance Gardens and Leisure Park is a historic parkland with a boating lake, historical cottages, swimming, tennis and woodland trails. It’s also home to Newquay Zoo, where kids can get up close to lions, monkeys, tropical birds and penguins, as well as learning about conservation through a range of educational experiences. For more family friendly fun, the Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay is also a must do, with over 40 fascinating displays exploring life beneath the waves. Or take a trip on a steam train at Lappa Valley, complete with soft play, outdoor spaces and boat rides. The Oasis Fun Pool and Pirates Quest Adventure Golf are also sure to be a hit for all the family. 

For outdoor adventures, the South West Coast Path passes right through Newquay, connecting some of Cornwall’s most iconic beaches and coastal scenery. Don’t miss the chance to spot Huers Hut, one of the oldest buildings in Newquay. Choose to head south towards Fistral Beach or North to Watergate Bay, with both of these walks taking anything from an hour to a full day coastal adventure. For a chance to explore Newquay at your own pace, the Newquay Discovery Trail is a self-guided walking route where you can discover historic sites, cliff top viewpoints and famous beaches, choosing to either take the town or coastal trail. The Bedruthan Steps are also a must-see for dramatic coastal views.

After your action-packed days, you’ll have worked up quite the appetite and you’ll be spoilt for choice here. Unsurprisingly, given its location, Newquay is renowned for its fresh seafood and fish and chips, with many restaurants serving a daily catch, the most famous of these being Rick Stein’s Fistral, right on the beach. Also, no trip to a Cornish town would be complete without afternoon tea, just remember that the jam goes on first here! For more delicious local treats, a Cornish pasty and a saffron bun are both a must try, and for a local tipple, you’ll want to sample one of the Cornish Ales on offer. Newquay is a top pick for younger crowds too, particularly in the summer months, where the town comes alive in the evenings with a buzzing nightlife.

Newquay is the perfect blend of laid back coastal life and excitement. With golden beaches, watersports, coastal walks, family fun and fantastic food, it’s the ideal place for a Cornish adventure.