Things to do in Newquay
This is going to be a very different summer for all of us, but Cornish businesses are working hard to put measures in place to ensure there’s still plenty of things to do whilst remaining safe on your holiday.
Our holiday park near Newquay is the perfect base from which to explore the local area.
Beaches
Newquay is famed for its beautiful beaches and what seaside holiday would be complete without a bit of sand castle building or rock pooling?
FISTRAL BEACH is internationally famous for being a surfing hot spot, with keen surfers travelling from all over the world to ride the best waves in Newquay.
TOWAN BEACH is the closest to Newquay Town Centre and also the home of the Blue Reef Aquarium, making it perfect for a family-friendly outing. Not far along the coast is TOLCARNE – a beach full of character with its iconic colourful beach huts.
Voted The Sunday Times 2017 Beach of the year, LUSTY GLAZE is a favourite among locals – after a visit you’re sure to see why!
Whilst visiting Cornwall, you’ll probably be wanting to walk in the footsteps of the cast of Poldark, so why not visit the dramatic rock faces and cliffs of HOLYWELL BAY which featured frequently in the BBC Drama.
All of the above beaches are usually covered by lifeguards in the summer months however we advise checking the RNLI website for more details.
Local Attractions
There are plenty of exciting attractions in and around Newquay.
BLUE REEF AQUARIUM is open daily and situated on Towan Beach. The aquarium is home to 40 naturally-themed habitats taking you on a journey from the Cornish coasts to the exotic seas. Spot Black Tip Reef Sharks, Giant Pacific Octopus, and travel through a spectacular coral reef in their breath-taking underwater tunnel.
Tickets can be purchased on the day, but we recommend booking online for the best price.
Take a nostalgic steam train ride through beautiful Cornish countryside at LAPPA VALLEY. One of the best family days out in Cornwall lets you travel by train to a secret valley of fun and adventure. They’re open daily until November 1st and booking online through their website is advised.
HOLYWELL BAY GOLF provides golf for all ages and abilities. There’s a Par 3 18-hole course, Pitch ‘n’ Putt, and Mini Golf all with stunning views of the North Cornwall coastline. Open 8am – 8pm over the summer months with onsite food and drink available for takeaway.
Get close to over 1,000 of the world’s rarest and endangered animals surrounded by 13 acres of lush tropical gardens at NEWQUAY ZOO. To keep visitors safe this summer they’re limiting numbers of guests, so be sure to book your arrival time slot on their website so you don’t miss out.
Local Food & Drink
Perfectly perched on the West Pentire Headland, overlooking the golden sands of Crantock Beach, THE BOWGIE INN is an ideal spot to enjoy some food in the sunshine. Open daily and booking is essential – be sure to reserve your table before visiting and download the Bowgie App to make placing food and drink orders simple.
Exploring the Area
The gorgeous SOUTH WEST COAST PATH (a 630 mile National Trail from Somerset to Dorset, running through Devon and Cornwall) runs right along Newquay’s coastline, from Porth Beach to Firstal. It’s easy to walk as little or as much of the 3 mile route as you like, and plenty of opportunities to take a rest on one of the many cliff top benches and enjoy the spectacular views and spot the local wildlife. Seals, dolphins and whales have all been sighted off Cornish shores.
Another great way to explore the area and discover some fun facts about Newquay’s history is with a TREASURE TRAILS. Treasure Trails can be purchased online, easily downloaded (or posted to you) and provide a real-life adventure that fires up the imagination and gets you exploring the most interesting parts of Cornwall (as well as the rest of the UK) to hunt for clues. There are two Treasure Trails in the centre of Newquay, including the brand new ‘Spooky Newquay’ Trail, as well as one in neighbouring Crantock.
Must-see Cornish Attractions
Venture out of Newquay and you’ll find a whole selection of fun and iconic attractions a short journey away.
Experience the ‘Best Day of the Week’ at FLAMBARDS Theme Park in Helston. A great family fun day out with plenty of exciting things to do whatever the weather! Brave the sky-high thrill rides and the traditional rides in Ferdi’s Funland. Discover dinosaurs in the Jurassic Journey. Step back in time in the life-size Victorian Village and experience Britain in the Blitz in the award-winning Indoor Attractions.
Tickets must be booked online – where you can save 10%!
CAMEL CREEK in Wadebridge is a vibrant and welcoming family theme park, uniquely interpreting the legends of the area and famous for delivering great adventures and days out for the whole family. They have set up a system for you to book your visit in advance – either pay online or reserves spaces and pay on arrival. They have a maximum number of visitors a day though, so book through their website while there are still spaces.
One of Cornwall’s most iconic attractions is adapting this summer. THE EDEN PROJECT have introduced new timed tickets for all visitors which must be booked online in advance to limit the amount of guests each day. Experience Eden as you’ve never seen it before, take in the beauty of the Rainforest Biome, teeming with tropical plants, and soak up the sublime sights and smells of the Mediterranean Area . You can also enjoy the Core building, home to the magnificent Infinity Blue sculpture, and explore 30 acres of wonderful wide open space in the Outdoor Gardens.
More stunning sights can be found at THE LOST GARDENS OF HELIGAN. They have also introduced pre-booked timed tickets which enable the staggering of visits throughout the day. Step back in time and lose yourself in Europe’s largest garden restoration; a world of romance, heritage and adventure awaits your discovery.
For something completely different, why not visit Cornwall`s Biggest Axe Throwing Venue – AXE HEADS, based at Heartlands, offers the ultimate alternative activity. Arrive a novice and leave a skilled axe thrower with the guidance of fully trained axe instructors. Hour-long sessions can be booked Thursday – Sunday. Discount Code available onsite.
