Newquay Activities Guide

newquay ACTIVITIES GUIDE

blissful beaches

fistral beach

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PET FRIENDLY PARKING FACILITIES

At the heart of Cornwall's thriving surfing scene, Fistral is a breathtaking wide expanse of golden sand with powerful waves. Adjacent to the iconic Headland Hotel and the Newquay links golf course, here you can kick back at one of the surf bars, find your feet on the board, or just explore the Pentire Headland for epic views.

Dogs welcome all year.

There is a 250 space car park at Fistral - the charges vary throughout the year.

The northern end has plenty of facilities including the Surf Centre, toilets, cafes, surfboard and wetsuit hire and the lifeguard station.

holywell bay

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PET FRIENDLY PARKING FACILITIES

Famous for it's ginormous sand dunes and small river that meanders down to the sea, Holywell Bay is a firm favourite for those holidaying in North Cornwall. The sand is beautifully soft and dotted with shells, and the huge expanse of beach is perfect for families. The name Holywell is derived from holy well and it is believed this refers to a cave at the northern end of the beach. Only accessible at low tide (so take care) the cave contains an unusual rock formation which creates a series of basins.

Dogs welcome all year.

National Trust car park at the rear of the dunes. Charges vary.

The village boasts numerous pubs and convenience stores. There is also a lifeguard station directly on the beach.

crantock

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PET FRIENDLY PARKING FACILITIES

Stretching out in front of the picture-perfect Crantock village, at the mouth of the Gannel estaury, this idyllic beach offers a stark contrast to Newquay and is a great choice for those looking for a peaceful alternative. This beach is a haven for wildlife and a sanctuary for seabirds so keep your eyes peeled!

Dogs welcome all year.

There is a beach car park in the town or use the Bowjie Inn car park. Alternatively, park up on the Pentire Headland.

Beach kiosk serving refreshments during the summer months.

towan beach

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Sitting in the lee of Towan Head to the west this is Newquay's most sheltered beach and nestles up against the town's harbour. This makes it an ideal family beach with the waves here being generally small in all but the stormiest conditions.

Perhaps the beach's most iconic feature though is 'the Island', or Jago's Island to give it the correct name. This tall stack of rock at the eastern end of the beach seems an improbable place for a home, but that's exactly what it is. There has been a house atop this island from the turn of the twentieth century.

Dogs welcome all year.

Newquay Town Centre parking is a few minutes away from the beach. There are a few parking spots on the residential streets nearby but you'll be lucky to find one free.

There are plenty of facilities on and around the beach. Disabled access is facilitated via the sand chair hire scheme and there is a lifeguard service during the summer months.

PET FRIENDLY PARKING FACILITIES

great western beach

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The beach is popular with both families and surfers and although it is close to the heart of Newquay it is still one of the quieter beaches. There are rock pools to explore for the kids and you can walk to all the neighbouring beaches at low tide. It is also popular with beginner surfers.

High cliffs tower over the beach giving some protection from the worst winds, but also cast a shadow later in the afternoon so it is not always the best place for sunbathing.

Dogs welcome all year.

There are two car parks on either side of the Railway station.

Toilets, cafes, deck chair hire, surfboard hire and lifeguard cover during the summer months, disabled access

PET FRIENDLY PARKING FACILITIES

watergate bay

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PET

At low tide the beach at Watergate Bay becomes a vast expanse of unbroken golden sand backed by high cliffs. Watergate can be considered the first of a succession of fabulous beaches leading to (and through) Newquay. The bonus is with it’s size and distance from the town (2 miles) you can still find a quiet piece of sand to yourself.

The beach is set between the cliffs Trevelgue Head to the south and Stem Point in the north and the coast path here is well worth exploring. The neighbouring beaches of Porth and Mawgan Porth appear positively diminutive compared the stretch of Sand at Watergate Bay.

Dogs welcome all year.

There are 2 car parks towards the middle of the beach both of which charge.

The facilities include a beach side cafe, restaurant, toilets and shop.

porth/polly joke

DESCRIPTION

PET FRIENDLY

PARKING

Situated in a deep cove between headlands, with Crantock beach to the north and Hollywell Bay to the south Porth Joke is often overlooked. Known locally as Polly Joke this unspoilt sandy beach can be an oasis of calm throughout the year despite being 5 miles from Newquay.

The narrow beach here is deeper than it is wide and backs onto a shallow valley with a stream running down. At low tide there is enough sand here on even the busiest day, there are also rock pools and caves for explorers of all ages.

Access to Porth Joke is fairly limited with the small car park being a fair walk away. Then again this is probably a price worth paying for the relative peace and quiet.

Dogs welcome all year.

There is a small National Trust car park about 15 minutes walk away at West Pentire.

perranporth

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At low tide Perranporth beach and neighbouring Penhale sands join together to form one of the largest stretches of unbroken sand on the North Coast. At one end is Perranporth, the archetypal beach town with the high street backing on to the sand. Progressing towards Penhale Point an extensive network of sand dunes rise behind the beach. This is a Special Area of Conservation and also home to a buried church.

Most of Perranporth's facilities and features are located towards the town end of the beach. There are rockpools, caves, a stream and Chapel Rock, with a small bathing pool on its seaward side. A little further along is the 'Watering Hole', a pub not just overlooking the beach, but actually right on the beach.

Dogs welcome all year. Must be kept on lead in July and August9am-5pm.

PET FRIENDLY

bedruthan steps

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PET FRIENDLY PARKING FACILITIES

One of the county's more dramatic beaches. It gets it's name from the huge slate outcrops scattered along the beach and not the inordinate number of steps you need to go down to get to the beach. It is said that the outcrops were put there by Bedruthan, a giant, and used as stepping stones.

At low tide the beach itself stretches for over a mile with plenty of interesting nooks and crannies.

As the numerous warning signs point out the cliffs are dangerous as are the tides and there is a good deal of potential to become cut off at high tide.

Dogs welcome all year.

There is a fairly substantial privately owned car park stretching to near the top of the cliffs.

Nearby are Carnewas cliffs owned by the National Trust with a cafe and toilets.

mawgan porth

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PET FRIENDLY

Mawgan Porth beach is just far enough from Newquay (4 miles) to avoid the crowds and summer excesses, yet benefit from the same golden sands and beautiful coastline. The beach here is sheltered by high cliffs to each side and at low tide there is ample sand for everyone, even on the busiest of days.

Mawgan Porth is a great family beach with lots of rockpools, caves and even a large stream running down the southern side of the beach. In terms of facilities there is everything you would expect from one of the region’s best beaches including disabled access.

There is seasonal lifeguard cover at Mawgan Porth and whilst swimming is generally safe this is also a popular surfing beach so is fairly exposed to the Atlantic swells.

Dogs welcome all year.

family fun

oasis fun pools

POOLS, RIVER RAPIDS & WATERFALLS

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The Oasis Fun Pools in Newquay is the ideal attraction for the whole family whatever the weather! With a choice of two fabulous swimming pools for all the family, a river rapid ride to take your breath away, water cannon and geyser for a real soaking, a giant tap, fountains and waterfalls too!

Three fabulous water flumes… The fast and furious high speed aqua whiz flume, the exciting wet & wild 265ft super flume, and the fun for all gentle fun slide! Water splashing, spray-tastic, squirty wet and watery fun for everyone!

Hendra Holiday Park, Newquay, TR8 4NY

CONTACT

01637 870 711

www.oasis-hendra.co.uk

cornwall waverunner safaris

WATERSPORTS & WATER ACTIVITIES IN NEWQUAY

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Come & join us for an outdoor adventure on the Cornish coast. We have a range of activities to make your day at the beach a blast!

From Jet Ski, Rib Rides and Surf Lessons to Banana Boats, Paddlebording & Beach Games, there is something to suit everyone at both our locations in Cornwall.

Lusty Glaze Beach, Lusty Glaze Road, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 3AE

CONTACT

01637 806 106 www.cornwallwaverunnersafaris.co.uk

crazy golf newquay

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Set in beautifully landscaped gardens within the Trenance Leisure Park, with parking nearby, our well renowned 18 hole Astro Turfed Crazy Golf is a must for everyone to enjoy.

Suitable for all ages and abilities. Friendly service, everyone welcome, come and join us and have some fun!

Trenance Park, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 2N

www.facebook.com/TrenanceLeisurePark

BEAUTIFUL 18 HOLE MINI GOLF COURSE

blue reef aquarium

LOCAL FISH, SHARKS AND RAYS & TROPICAL SPECIES

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Situated on Towan Beach in the centre of Newquay, opposite the famous island, the Blue Reef Aquarium is a stunning visit. Be amazed by the local marine species from the Cornish coast to hundreds of tropical species in the amazing ocean display complete with underwater tunnel.

Towan Promenade, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1DU

CONTACT

01637 878 134

www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/newquay

better extreme trampoline park

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ADDRESS

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Newquay Trampoline & Play Park. The new family attraction has both trampolining and soft play activities for all ages.

Better, Newquay Trampoline and Play Park

Trenance Park

Newquay

Cornwall TR7 2LZ

01637 853 828

https://extreme.better.org.uk/newquay

dairyland farm park

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Dairyland Farm World, near Newquay, Cornwall offers a fantastic adventure park to suit all ages. From slides to the nature trail, tractor rides and pony rides, to milking the cows, feeding our animals and touring our museums. A visit to our fun farm promises a great value family day out!

If the weather’s not so good, don’t dispair! – Dairyland offers a whole host of family fun all under cover including The Bull Pen – our Massive Indoor play centre, Tour the milking parlour and take part in the milking of the cows, our interesting and factual farm museums where you can explore Cornish farm life throughout the ages and not forgetting Clarabelle’s kitchen café with our wide range of great value food and drink.

Tresillian Barton, Newquay, TR8 5AA

01872 510 246

www.dairylandfarmworld.com

CORNWALL'S AWARD WINNING FAMILY DAY OUT

lappa valley

SECRET WORLD OF PLAY AND TRAINS

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Lappa Valley is the only attraction in Cornwall that transports families on an exciting nostalgic steam train ride into a secret world of traditional fun and family adventures. Children will delight in the thrill of trains and boats, explore nature, let off steam in our outdoor spaces before refuelling in comfort at the fantastic café.

Lappa Valley, St Newlyn East, Newquay, TR8 5LX

CONTACT

01872 510 317 www.lappavalley.co.uk

camel creek adventure park

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Camel Creek Adventure Park is a vibrant and welcoming visitor destination year-round, uniquely interpreting the legends of the area and famous for delivering great adventures and days out for the whole family. The Park is an all-weathers’ attraction and open all year round, with annual activities reflecting the seasons. Please note that we only allow assistance dogs.

Tredinnick, Wadebridge, PL27 7RA

CONTACT

01841 540 276 www.camelcreek.co.uk

newquay zoo

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A great day out for kids and big kids alike, get closer to your favourite animals at Newquay Zoo.

Meet lots of amazing species from armadillo to zebra! Up close animal encounters will give you the chance to meet some of the most popular residents and learn all about them from their dedicated keeper. You can see carnivore feeding, and even help feed the penguins and the meerkats yourself.

As well as exciting keeper talks, there’s activity trails, face painting, seasonal events and a children’s play area.

Visit Café Lemur for a delicious lunch, or choose from various areas throughout the zoo where you can enjoy a picnic lunch. And of course, a zoo wouldn’t be a zoo without a gift shop, so support Newquay Zoo’s charitable objectives and take home a special present with real value.

Newquay Zoo, Trenance Gardens, Newquay, Cornwall

TR7 2LZ (Sat Nav postcode TR7 2NN)

CONTACT

01637 873 342 www.newquayzoo.org.uk

lost gardens of heligan

A STUNNING CORNISH SECRET GARDEN

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Cornwall’s real-life secret garden, The Lost Gardens of Heligan is a horticultural wonderland. Hailed as ‘the garden restoration of the century’ it offers a fantastic day out for the whole family, all year round.

Exploring the grounds you’ll discover formal lawns, kitchen gardens, greenhouses full to the brim with fruit, and secret grottos. The exotic outdoor jungle steals the show, where you can adventure along the raised boardwalk, snake across ponds and marvel at giant rhubarb, towering bamboo and banana plantations.

There’s also a unique shop offering the chance to pick up a holiday souvenir or two and a tearoom providing the perfect environment to enjoy morning coffee, delicious home-cooked lunches and Cornish cream teas.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Pentewan, St. Austell, Cornwall, PL26 6EN

CONTACT

01726 845 100 www.heligan.com

foodie favourites

samphire restaurant

HEADLAND HOTEL, FISTRAL BEACH

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Perched on the clifftop above the wide expanse of Fistral Beach, the two Rosette-awarded Samphire Restaurant offers modern fine dining in an iconic setting, boasting some of the best coastal views in Cornwall. Located within the traditional Headland Hotel, Samphire derives from the abundance of seaside greenery that surrounds the beach, offering featuring on the menu to complement the incredible natural bounty of fish and seafood found in Cornwall.

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ADDRESS

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Lobster, Cornish seafood

The Headland, Fistral Beach, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1EW 01637 872 211 www.headlandhotel.co.uk

dune restaurant

FISTRAL BEACH HOTEL

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Just footsteps from our luxury apartments at Fistral Beach, Dune serves everything from gourmet burgers to succulent steaks, delicious desserts to the catch of the day. The passion of the culinary team shines through into each carefully-crafted plate, and the views are honestly unbeatable! We recommend the popular 5-course tasting menu (complete with personalised wine pairings), or even stepping off the beaten track and sampling some of the vegan delights on their exclusive menu.

Luxury set menu, locally sourced fine dining

Fistral Beach Hotel, Esplanade Rd, Newquay, TR7 1PT

CONTACT

01637 852 221

www.fistralbeachhotel.co.uk

c-bay bar cafe

CRANTOCK BAY

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A short jaunt south along the Cornish coastline, and visitors to the region happen upon the wide sandy stretches of Crantock Beach - the coastal playground for those in the know. Offering a relaxed, laid-back vibe, C-Bay Bar serves up homely breakfasts, fresh bakes, great coffee and afternoon tea during the day, switching to a more sophisticated menu in the evening - sourcing locally-caught and sustainable seafood, all served up on their gorgeous outdoor terrace.

Great breakfasts, home-bakes, salads and nibbles

C-Bay, West Pentire, Crantock

TR8 5SE

CONTACT

01637 830 229

www.crantockbay.co.uk

sea spray cafe

FISTRAL BEACH

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Situated in one of the UK’s best surfing locations, Fistral Beach, you can tuck into tasty local treats as you watch the tide roll in and out in this stunning spot. With indoor and outdoor seating, this family run cafe specialises in local cuisine and offers a range of brewed beers and cocktails. You san sit back with your favourite tipple and take in one of the best sunset views out there.

British/Local Cuisine with vegan options

14 Esplanade Rd, Newquay TR7 1QA

www.facebook.com/SeaSprayFistral

rick stein @ fistral

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One of our personal favourites, Mr Stein has the winning recipe for the ultimate seaside 'chippy' down to a tee here at Fistral Beach. Stepping indoors, warm your toes by the roaring log fire, before moving into the contemporary restaurant and tucking into possibly the best fish and chips in the South. Not only are the basics mastered, but guests can choose to add on their epic 'Goan Curry Sauce', unbelievably crispy onion rings and even a mini bottle of Prosecco to spice up your evening!

Fish & chips!

Fistral Beach, Headland Road, Newquay, TR7 1HY

CONTACT

01841 532 700

www.rickstein.com/restaurants/fistral

FISTRAL BEACH

lewinnick lodge restaurant

FISTRAL BEACH

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Offering one of the best views over the Atlantic on the whole North Cornish coast, Lewinnick Lodge has a long-standing reputation for finedining and a special atmosphere. Choose to dine in the contemporary restaurant, lounge by the fireside in the dog friendly bar or bask in the sun on the terrace (keeping your eyes peeled for dolphins!).

Small plates, great steaks and luscious desserts

Pentire Headland, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1QD

CONTACT

01637 878 117 www.lewinnicklodge.co.uk

the fistral stable

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Branding themselves 'Cider Loving Pizza Makers', their mantra perfectly describes their simple but incredibly popular offering. The Stable sources the best local ingredients for their West-Country inspired dishes, carefully crafts their own organic sourdough pizza bases and takes pride in tasting the newest (and coolest) additions to the Cornish cider scene. Our favourite slice has to be 'Billy The Kid'; rosary goats’ cheese, spinach, field mushrooms, caramelised onion and hazelnut - bliss! For al-fresco fun, they also offer takeaways so you can take your feast to the beach.

Organic sourdough pizza, local cider

Fistral Beach, Headland Road, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1HY

CONTACT

01637 878 311

www.fistral.stablepizza.com

FISTRAL BEACH

the fish house fistral

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Paul Harwood’s Fish House is a new restaurant in Newquay located on Fistral Beach a stones throw from the sea. The inspiration for the food comes straight from the sea, using locally caught fish and shell fish caught straight from Newquay harbour. For us, the star of the show is their seafood sharer board combining a whole host of nautical delights including crab cakes, salt and pepper prawns, crispy squid and salt cod stuffed piquillo peppers!

Seafood, shellfish and fine dining

Unit 5 international surf centre, Fistral beach, Headland road, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1EW

CONTACT

01637 872 085

www.thefishhousefistral.com

FISTRAL BEACH

get active

newquay golf club

TEE OFF WHILST ENJOYING MAGNIFICENT ATLANTIC OCEAN VIEWS

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Newquay Golf Club is one of Cornwall’s finest links courses with magnificent views over the Atlantic Ocean. This picturesque 18 hole course offers the perfect introduction to Links Golf for everyone from beginners to serious golfers.

Measuring 6141 yards long off the Blue Tees, Newquay’s scenic seaside location overlooking the famous Fistral Beach provides an ideal location for a course that is both challenging and rewarding to play. The par 69 course is renowned for having some of the best greens in the county and is well protected by some well-placed pot bunkers, making accuracy the key to good scoring.

The Clubhouse, open daily from 8am to 11pm in the summer months, is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and have a drink and a bite to eat after an enjoyable 18 holes.

Tower Road, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1LT

CONTACT

01637 874 354 www.newquaygolfclub.co.uk

carlyon bay golf club

THE CORNWALL GOLF HOTEL THAT IS IN A CLASS OF ITS OWN

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Stand on the first tee of this Championship Golf Course, and the spectacular sea views will take your breath away. Carlyon Bay Golf Course is a truly magical combination of manicured fairways and greens set in captivating scenery, while providing an exhilarating golfing challenge.

Sea Rd, Carlyon Bay, Saint Austell, PL25 3RD

CONTACT

01726 814 250 www.carlyonbay.com/golf

cornwall football golf club

THE UK’S FIRST FOOTBALL GOLF PARK

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FootballGolf uses the same rules as golf but instead of using a club, players kick a football into a hole – novel but incredible fun! There are plenty of hazards and obstacles along the way helping make the game a challenge for competitive friends and family.

Trenowah Rd, Saint Austell, PL25 3GD

01726 68952

www.cornwallfootballgolf.co.uk

coasteering

AN UNFORGETTABLE DAY OUT

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Wearing a wetsuit, a buoyancy aid and a helmet, you’ll see a side to Cornwall’s beautifully craggy coastline that you never knew existed: smugglers’ caves, natural sluices and incredible marine life, all combined with the adrenaline rush of jumping from cliffs into the sea.

Your action packed outdoor adventure is operated by Newquay Activity Centre and you’ll be taught new skills to help you negotiate your way from the course starting point in one of Newquay’s natural inlets all the way to the finish point up to a kilometre away. But coasteering isn’t a race – it’s about swimming with the swell, using the tide, clambering through caves, marvelling at towering cliffs, and being guided through natural sea water, sluices and whirlpools.

heritage & culture

wheal martyn clay works

THE UK'S ONLY CHINA CLAY MINING MUSEUM

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ADDRESS CONTACT

Take a wander around the interactive Discovery Centre, exploring historic trails, woodland walks in grounds teeming with wildlife, and spectacular views of a modern working clay pit.

The collection includes working waterwheels, tools and machinery, vintage lorries and an extensive archive.

Carthew, Saint Austell, PL26 8XG

01726 850 362

www.wheal-martyn.com

the japanese garden, newquay

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The Japanese Garden in Cornwall provides an authentic Japanese garden design in an idyllic Cornish setting. Built as a meditative garden it is the perfect space where one can calm the mind & let go of unwanted stress through contemplation & reflection.

St Mawgan, Nr Newquay, TR8 4ET

01637 860 116

www.japanesegarden.co.uk

trerice house

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An intimate Elizabethan manor and a Cornish gem, Trerice remains little changed by the advances in building fashions over the centuries, thanks to long periods under absentee owners.

Today the renowned stillness and tranquillity of Trerice is much prized by visitors.

Kestle Mill, Newquay, TR8 4PG

CONTACT

01637 875 404

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/trerice

ELIZABETHAN MANOR HOUSE