Newquay, located on the north coast of Cornwall in the UK, is a popular seaside town that has a huge amount to offer travelers of all ages and backgrounds. Read further for some of the best activities in Newquay.
There is always plenty going on in the town and its surrounding areas – although the most popular time to take a trip to the area lies between June and September.
Mid to late Summer is when the weather is warmest in the southern areas of England – and the period during which you’ll have the most opportunity to enjoy superb events and experiences.
So – what exactly can you do in Newquay?
In this article, the team at Property Solvers Home Buyers explore just a few of the varied and invigorating activities you can enjoy when you pay a visit to this top British destination.
Nightlife
With a plethora of restaurants, bars and clubs to choose from, with many remaining open well into the night, Newquay really does come alive at night – particularly in the summer months.
There are plenty of different establishments to choose from, including historic boozers, top notch gastro destinations, live music hubs and all out raves. Whatever your preference, you can easily cherry pick an experience that suits you.
The town’s main hospitality and events district clusters along the top end of Beach Road and Gover Lane, where they connect to the Central Square.
Check out the Newquay Nightlife website for all the details you need, and to learn about any upcoming events.
Beach and Watersports
The Cornish coast is a top destination for beachside chill and adrenaline-rich thrills.
Within a very short distance, visitors will come across Newquay Beach, Fistral Beach, Towan Beach, Great Western Beach, Tolcarne Beach, Porth Beach and many more besides.
These locations offer all kinds of experiences, from a relaxing sunbathing session to bodyboarding, surfing, coasteering, kayaking and SUP or paddleboarding.
Hiking
If you love stunning coastal scenery, you shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to hike the many beautiful trails around Newquay. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Newquay for active people.
Cornwall experiences warmer than average temperatures compared to much of the UK, so it’s a great idea to make the most of your time in Newquay by getting out and about.
Experience landmarks like the Pentire Steps, the Perranporth Dunes, the River Gannel and the Lappa Valley to name just a few – all the while taking in the salty sea air and admiring the varied landscape and generally balmy weather.
History
While the town of Newquay officially began its life as a collection of cliffside fortifications back in the 17th Century AD, its roots date way back to Celtic times.
Its previous name, Towan Blystra, is Kernowek or Cornish Celtic for “blown hill” – so named for the Northeasterly winds that regularly pass through.
There are a number of fascinating historical buildings or sites nearby that visitors can experience, including the Elizabethan Trerice Manor – where craft activities, reenactments, falconry displays and more take place throughout the year.
You can also take a look at the remains of the ancient shipyards along the Gannel, visit the 18th Century cottages in the Trenance Gardens or see the distinctive Huer’s Cottage on Towan Head.
There’s also a site of significant archeological interest at Trevelgue Head, where you can see the remains of a settlement with parts dating back to the Bronze, Iron and Mesolithic Ages, complete with the foundations of roundhouses and two barrows.
Nature
As is the case for many popular seaside towns, Newquay has a wealth of nature and wildlife-related attractions that will charm visitors of all ages.
Among the most popular is Newquay Zoo, which sits close to the town center. There, you’ll see lions, monkeys and plenty more besides – and the on-site cafe is very popular too.
There is also a superb Blue Reef Aquarium, which is home to an amazing selection of sea creatures, from the local to the tropical.
You’ll also have the chance to experience fascinating sea life out in the wild when you book one of a range of boat trips or snorkeling and diving excursions that start from various points along the coast local to Newquay town center.
On any of these trips, you may spot gray seals, tuna, blue sharks, basking sharks, porpoise, minke whales and much more!
A trip to Newquay can mean a whole host of different things to different people – with exciting opportunities for individuals of all ages and preferences.
From nature lovers and outdoorsy types to thrill seekers and party animals, this seaside town with a rich and exciting history and culture has something to offer everyone.
