Whether planning a day out in Newquay or a staycation, you’ll need to know about things to do in Newquay. From sunbathing to a surf lesson or discovering Newquay attractions, you’ll be excited to explore what this Cornwall town offers. The popular seaside resort is family friendly and dog friendly.
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Best things to do in Newquay
Newquay has previously been voted one of the nation’s favourite seaside towns. It’s found on the north coast of Cornwall. The town and places to visit near Newquay will keep everyone entertained. Here’s what you can expect when you visit Newquay.
Things to do in Newquay for FREE
Whether you’re on a budget or want to keep your spending money for other things, luckily, there are plenty of free things to do in Newquay.
Spend time on one of the beaches
You will be close to one of the stunning beaches wherever you are in Newquay. Fistral Beach is Newquay’s iconic beach. It is long and sandy, ideal for a winter walk or summer sunbathing. It also hosts festivals and events.
🐾 Dog friendly all year round
Porth Beach is sandy and sheltered by headlands on both sides. It is accessed by a narrow footbridge and even the remains of an ancient settlement. At the end of the island is a blow hole which can be seen at mid-tide.
🐾 Porth Beach has a ban on dogs between Easter and September.
Crantock Beach is at the mouth of the Gannel Estuary, boarded by sand dunes and cliffs. The most popular beach area is next to the river, with a National Trust car park. National Trust Members can park here for free!
🐾 Dog friendly all year round
Towan Beach
Overlooking Newquay Bay on Towan Head is the newly restored Huer’s Hut. The current building is mid 19th Century, but there has been a shelter for a Huer since the 14th Century. The Huer would watch out to sea all day, even on moonlit nights, looking out for shoals of pilchards or other fish passing by. He would then announce their presence to the fishermen by shouting “Hubba, Hubba” or “Heva, Heva”.
🐾 Dog friendly all year round
Other Beaches
What to do in Newquay? Find all the beaches! There’s also Harbour Beach, Whipsiderry Beach and Watergate Bay, which are dog friendly all year round. Or Great Western Beach, which has a seasonal ban for dogs from May to September in the Blue Flag areas.
Newquay Harbour
The town was previously known as Towan Blystra until they got a new harbour or quay, and the name came with it! Newquay Harbour is one of the most picturesque locations and even has a small beach to relax on and enjoy the spectacular sea views. It’s an ideal location to watch the fishing boats return with their catch of the day.
The Newquay Fish Festival takes place in mid-September and includes live cookery tuition, special guests and fish and food-themed stalls. Another is Newquay Lifeboat Day in July, where you can do actual training exercises.
🐾 Dog friendly
Trenance Gardens
Situated on the outskirts of Newquay Town Centre is the picturesque Trenance Gardens. Here are magnificent old trees and colourful flowers. There’s also a Grade II listed museum where you can learn more about history and see old pictures. There’s also a Boating Lake, one of the cheap things to do in Newquay, but also romantic.
🐾 Dog friendly
South West Coast Path
From Newquay, the Coast Path stretches out with views everywhere you look. The sea’s erosion has carved out caves of marble, and blowholes have been created where water has been forced through the rocks. There are various walks to choose from, including easy to challenging.
🐾 Dog friendly
Things to do in Newquay for families
Some of these activities in Newquay aren’t just for families but are certainly designed with them in mind.
Newquay Zoo
Cornwall’s biggest zoo is in Newquay. Get close to the world’s rarest and endangered animals whilst learning about conservation work and exploring the lush tropical gardens. Newquay Zoo also offers animal experiences and is open daily, rain or shine.
🐾 Not dog friendly
Blue Reef Aquarium
Be amazed by local marine species from the Cornish coast to tropical climates. See fantastic creatures that live in the sea at Blue Reef Aquarium. Come face to face with giant crabs, lobsters, seahorses, and tropical sharks. Get a better understanding of the natural world and why looking after the underwater world is essential.
🐾 Not dog friendly
Treasure Trails
Become a detective for the day and crack the clues on a Treasure Trail. You can do it at your own pace, but on average takes 2 hours, and you’ll cover 2 miles. This Cornwall printable activity, or viewable on your phone or table, is ideal for all ages. There are even text message clues if you get stuck at the attractions Newquay.
🐾 Dog friendly
Pirate’s Quest
At Pirate’s Quest, travel back 300 years whilst playing 12 holes of adventure golf. All ages will love the retelling of real-life Caribbean pirates as actors guide you through realistic sets, magical caves and misty streets. For those brave types, you can grab a glow-in-the-dark golf ball and descend into Davy Jones’ Locker.
🐾 Not dog friendly
Unique things to do in Newquay
If you’re looking for things to do in Newquay for young adults or things to do in Newquay for couples, check out these quirky ideas.
Cornwall Karting Circuit
St Eval Kart Circuit is located on the outskirts of Newquay. Test your karting skills and race against others on the 1.3km track. There’s a family track and adult only, which can reach 70 miles per hour. The ultimate adrenaline fuelled Newquay activities.
🐾 Dogs on leads welcome
Escape Surf School
Newquay is known as the surf capital of England, and with the incredible beaches here, it is no wonder that surfing is the main activity. There are numerous surf schools, surf hire and surf shops on the beaches and in the town to get you kitted out and ready to hit the waves.
Escape Sure School is open twelve months of the year, seven days a week, are perfect surfing school if you want to learn or improve your skills.
Fishing and Boat Trips
Fishing trips from Newquay Harbour offer you the chance to grab a rod and line and see what you can catch at sea. Whether an experienced angler or novice, you could catch pollock, squid, mackerel or even a small shark.
With Newquay Sea Safaris, you can enjoy a fantastic day of fishing. An amazing array of fish can be caught from inhabited reefs and wrecks around North Cornwall, including submarines, steamers, cargo and hospital ships which were torpedoed during the first and second world wars.
🐾 Bring your dog along for the ride
Lappa Valley Steam Railway
Take an exciting, nostalgic steam train ride at Lappa Valley from the car park to the leisure park. Alongside woodland walks and an outdoor adventure play area, there’s a 12-hole golf course, boating lake and indoor soft play area.
🐾 Dog friendly. They can ride the train with you, and there are even large fields at the top of the valley where they can be let off lead for a run. Water bowls are around the site, and dog biscuits are available.
Lane Theatre
See a show whilst visiting Newquay. With stand-up comedy, live music, tribute acts and theatre productions, there’s always something different to see at the Lane Theatre. Great throughout the year, but one of the ideal things to do in Newquay in winter.
🐾 Not dog friendly
Things to do near Newquay
You can experience attractions near Newquay and other Cornwall things to do without travelling far.
Flambards Theme Park
Thrill seekers will enjoy Flambards. The ultimate thrill ride is the Sky Force. Take a spin on the Hornet Rollercoaster, get to the top of SkyRaker, brave the Thunderbolt or ride the Colorado River Log Flume. There’s even a giant soft play park for younger children.
🐾 Dogs on short leads are welcome but are not permitted in any undercover areas
Camel Creek Adventure Park
Another of the things to do in Newquay in the rain is the all-weather Camel Creek Adventure Park. It is one of Cornwall’s leading visitor attractions. It has family friendly rides, giant play areas and animal encounters. Open seven days a week. Pay once and visit as many times as you like for seven days.
🐾 Not dog friendly
National Trust Trerice
Trerice is a historic manor in the parish of Newlyn East, near Newquay. The surviving Tudor manor house is known as Trerice House. The garden features an orchard with old varieties of fruit trees. Nomenclature The Celtic prefix Tre- or Tref- is commonly found in Cornish place names, denoting “hamlet, farmstead or estate”, and pre-dates the 7th Century Anglo-Saxon invasion of Britain.
Top Tip – Visit in the afternoons, as the mornings are very popular. The last entry is 4pm.
🐾 Not dog friendly
Entry is free for National Trust Members.
With your National Trust Membership, you can visit over 500 houses, gardens, parks and castles in England, Wales and Northern Ireland from £6.40 per month. Members get:
- Unlimited free entry to all of the properties.
- Essential companion card where you can bring up to two carers if you have a disability. These can be different people; the card is in your name.
- Free parking at the majority of car parks. Some National Trust car parks are in other natural areas like beaches and countryside walks. You can save money just by using their car parks.
- Annually you’ll be sent a handbook full of information about the properties. However, the website is easy to navigate, finding places to visit by area or postcode.
- Regular members magazine, sent three times a year.
- Regular e-newsletters.
- Join by direct debit and get a £15 gift card to spend in the National Trust shops or café.
Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm
Cornwall’s first and largest cider maker, Healeys Cyder Farm, is much more than a distillery and brewery. They want the public to understand the importance of tradition and process, with its tours offering a glimpse into their award-winning cyders, spirits, juices and jams. There’s also a vintage car display, a museum, farm animals and a tea room.
🐾 Dogs on leads are welcome. For obvious reasons, dogs are not permitted in the production halls or the jam kitchen.
Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre
With exhibits, stories and a simulator, you can be a pilot for the day at the Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre. Walk through the fully functional, ex-Royal Air Force aircraft hanger amongst historic jet fighters and bombers. Climb into real jets from the 1940s to the 1980s.
🐾 Dogs on short leads welcome
Japanese Garden
In an idyllic Cornish setting is an authentic Japanese Garden. Traditionally Japanese gardens strive for perfection and balance, combining manmade and natural elements. Take a seat in the Willow Wood, enjoy the peace and tranquillity in the Zen Garden and explore Maple Mountain.
🐾 Not dog friendly
Carnewas at Bedruthan
Near Padstow, just 18 minutes from Newquay, is the dramatic coastline of Carnewas at Bedruthan. With spectacular cliff-top views stretching across Bedruthan beach. Walk the well-established paths, take in the sea air, spot wildlife and enjoy nature.
Parking is free for National Trust Members.
🐾 Dog friendly
Book a Tour
Embarking on a tour with Viator promises an enriching and hassle-free experience that’s hard to beat. You’re not just booking a tour; it’s an expertly crafted itinerary curated by locals and seasoned travellers, ensuring you uncover the hidden gems and must-see attractions. From walking tours to culinary adventures and everything in between, Viator offers an extensive range of options tailored to diverse interests and budgets.
Food in Newquay
Don’t panic; there are plenty of places to eat in Newquay. I was told it’s a real foodie hotspot – but I must have gone to all the wrong places. I’ve had better food elsewhere in Cornwall. However, there are plenty of cuisines to discover, so research before eating out, but here are a few suggestions.
The Lusty Glaze is in a secluded cove offering stunning scenery and tasty dishes. During the day, there is relaxed dining and formal in the evening. It’s on many people’s top things to do at night in Newquay list. In 2023, The Pickled Chef will have a residence serving seafood linguine, seared scallops, bang bang cauliflower and sticky toffee pudding.
🐾 Dog friendly
Or visit celebrity chef Rick Stein’s restaurant on Fistral beach. It serves fish and chips as well as flavours from India. On the menu are fish chilli burgers, cod curry, Goan chicken curry and Rick’s famous homemade tartare sauce, aioli and authentic curry sauce. Eat in or take away. Have I had better fish and chips elsewhere? Absolutely, but a pleasant meal nonetheless.
🐾 Both dog friendly
There’s also Sprout Health Foods serving home-cooked vegetarian meals. They also host free regular workshops and events from yoga to poetry. Or, Bush Pepper and Australian-inspired eatery. It serves eggs in the morning and kangaroo and crocodile at night. They are bringing the flavours of Down Under and adding Cornish charm.
🐾 Not dog friendly
My favourite find was Hakari Kitchen, and I’m gutted I only found it as we were leaving Newquay. The street food vendor has poutine, po’boys and kimchi fried rice. There are also grilled cheese sandwiches, Philly cheesetakes and dirty fries. This takeaway is a must-try!
Get 50% off food in Newquay
We all need to refuel and rehydrate. If you love food and drink, do you have a Tastecard? You get 50% off the food bill or two meals for the price of one. There are over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. Get a 60-day free trial here:
Pubs in Newquay
Most pubs serve food throughout the day, and many have sea views. Watch the fishing boats return to Newquay Harbour as you enjoy your favourite drink – perfect. Watch sports on the big screens and enjoy live music.
If you’re on a budget, The Towan Blystra is a Wetherspoon pub serving real ales, craft beers, cider, wine and spirits. Sometimes it’s nice to splash out on a cocktail or two, and Tom Thumb Speakeasy prides itself on offering an extensive menu.
Some dog friendly Newquay pubs include Concho Lounge (we have Juno and Fino Lounge in Cardiff), where they offer pints, wine, cocktails and homemade drinks. The Sink Inn has local food and beverages, with ten craft beer and cider lines alongside your favourite tipples. The Red Lion in the harbour is a traditional pub, as well as the Fort Inn in the town centre.
Please note the Bowgie Inn often appears as a dog friendly pub when you search online. However, it is in the outside areas only. So, not ideal on a rainy or cold day. However, it has one of the most incredible beer gardens in the whole country.
Places to stay in Newquay
If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book in advance and as soon as possible. Prices rise the closer you get to the travel date. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all budgets.
Travelodge Newquay Seafront
I stayed at the Travelodge Newquay Seafront. The stay was purchased during their January Sale, so we got a great deal – 4 nights in May, room only, for £256, including the pet charge. We had to pay an additional £40 for parking at Asda, which is across the road. I was a bit apprehensive about this at first because I didn’t know the area. But it was so easy and convenient.
The rooms aren’t serviced unless you stay for more than 6 days. However, you can request top-ups and fresh towels. Ivan was made to feel welcome by the staff and guests. The only “difficulty” we had was trying to clean his food bowl in the tiny sink.
What I loved most was listening to the waves when nodding off and, of course, waking up to the sound too. Considering the room is above Aldi and on a main road, I was concerned it would be noisy – especially on the weekend – but we had no issues at all. We heard nothing, and our window was open all night!
Parkdean Resorts
Holywell Bay Holiday Parks is part of Parkdean Resorts, just 15 minutes from Newquay. If you’re after peaceful relaxation, you’ll find it here at the caravan and camping holiday park. There’s a heated outdoor pool with a 300-foot waterslide. You can also take a 10-minute stroll to the beach.
🐾 Dog friendly
Park Leisure Holidays
The luxury holiday homes at Pentire in Newquay are part of Park Leisure Group and are open all year. Choose from stylish caravans, lodges, cosy cottages and glamping experiences. They all have two or three bedrooms, flat-screen TVs and are modern and well-equipped. Lodges also have a balcony or decking area. You’ll also be incredibly close to places to visit in Newquay.
🐾 Dog friendly
Haven Holidays
Perran Sands Holiday Park is only a 15-minute drive from Newquay. Facilities include two heated swimming pools, sports and leisure activities and a privately owned beach with a surf school. Both caravans and lodges are available in this peaceful paradise. Accommodation starts from £69 for three nights.
🐾 Dog friendly
Best Western
There are two Best Western hotels in Newquay. Best Western Hotel Bristol overlooks the golden sands of Tolcarne beach. The hotel has 24-hour room service, free parking, and free WiFi.
🐾 Dog friendly
Porth Veor Manor Hotel is just over a mile from Newquay. Prettily perched above Porth Beach, you can take in the breathtaking views across to Trevose lighthouse. The 19th Century manor has original features such as a winding staircase and open fires. There is free parking and free WiFi throughout the hotel.
🐾 Not dog friendly
Cornwall Hideaways
Cornwall Hideaways have a massive selection of luxury holiday homes to make your next staycation perfect. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a family holiday, there’s plenty to choose from. You’ll be able to find properties with the things on your tick list, including dog-friendly, sea views, walking routes or even a log fire. There are barn conversions, cottages, lofts and manor houses.
🐾 Dog friendly
Sykes Cottages
Sykes Cottages has over 17,500-holiday cottages to rent across the UK, including in Cornwall and the surrounding areas. There are pet-friendly cottages, large holiday homes and even houses with hot tubs. They’ve been operating for over 30 years, so you know you’re booking is in good hands.
🐾 Dog friendly
National Trust Holidays
You can stay in cottages, converted farmhouses and campsites in Cornwall with National Trust Holidays. With countryside views, you’ll have all the facilities and home comforts to hand, including patio areas or gardens and BBQs to enjoy in warmer weather.
National Trust Holiday Promo Code
Get 15% off selected cottages for bookings made and taken by 31 May 2024. Use discount code NTAF.
Plan a Trip with Expedia
Booking a hotel via Expedia is a seamless experience that offers convenience and choice at your fingertips. With just a few clicks, you can browse through a wide array of cosy boutique hotels to luxurious resorts, tailored to your preferences and budget. Compare prices, read reviews from fellow travellers, and explore amenities, ensuring you find the perfect place to stay for your trip.
Create your Itinerary
Using TripAdvisor when booking a hotel allows you to access a wealth of reviews and ratings from fellow travellers, helping you make an informed decision on where to stay, while also providing recommendations and insights on planning things to do during your trip.
Last Minute Deals
You can also plan with LastMinute.com. Stay at great hotels at a fraction of the price. When booking a hotel, utilising LastMinute enables you to secure fantastic deals on accommodations, ensuring a budget-friendly and spontaneous travel experience.
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