Newquay

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Newquay

The coast of dreams, ravaged by the Atlantic Ocean and lined by spectacular sandy beaches, where you will find towering cliffs sheltering small rock pools. The sea is teeming with life, and the crystal-clear water is perfectly alluring, whether you are dreaming of a relaxing swim or an adrenaline-pumped afternoon of extreme sports. If you shy away from the surf, you can admire the spectacular views from above as you stroll along the tops of the cliffs or wander back into town and into one of the many delightful gardens.

The City

Newquay is unquestionably Britain’s surfing capital with national and international competitions attracting athletes and spectators throughout the year. But it is also a popular, lively resort area with miles of fine beaches, calm coves and cliff-top walks where you can have a go at spotting Cornish dolphin. There is something here for everyone, irrespective of the weather. Play pitch and putt near Marcus Hill or head out to the Trenance Gardens. From the harbour you can take short cruises and buy freshly-caught shellfish or make the most of the pleasure area and watch all the activity. Newquay has developed its own unique culture and offers an exciting holiday, with its fashionable bars, clubs, cafés and restaurants as well as first-class indoor attractions such as the Aquarium, Cornwall Pearl, National Maritime Museum, or the Eden Project. From safe sandy beaches ideal for children to the hectic thrills of the roaring breakers, you are sure to find the perfect spot for yourself on one of Newquay’s fourteen beaches. And with walking, cycling, horseback riding, bowling, tennis, fishing, kite surfing, wakeboarding, diving, power kiting or abseiling, plus a host of indoor and outdoor attractions all in the surrounding area, it really is impossible to be bored here.

Beach Life

With 11 beaches in the vicinity of Newquay’s town centre there is a slice of shore for everyone, but you should always remember to bathe between the red and yellow flags and be aware of the tide. The sea at Newquay is crystal clear, but the ocean tides are strong, particularly near headlands and rocks. Great care should be exercised at ebb tide periods, there are tide clocks on the principal beaches and Lifeguards will always give advice. All the beaches have good facilities including cafés, but Great Western beach, reached by a steep slope leading off Cliff Road, is the best family beach for small children.

Do & See

Newquay is a destination with a laid back charm which offers a range of top quality attractions for every age and interest. Here you will find activities both in and out of the water, in fact it is said that Newquay is one of the United Kingdom´s top ten beach destinations. You will also find indoor activities like Blue Reef Aquarium and The Eden Project and outdoor activities like Newquay Zoo. The whole family will definitely have a nice holiday in Newquay.

Dining

Reducing the impact on the environment by purchasing food from local producers has become a British trend which, thanks to the ocean, countryside and milder climate in Cornwall, means that it is at the forefront of this culinary movement. The finest local produce and a beautiful setting have attracted master chefs specializing in seafood and native vegetables; with more top quality restaurants opening than you can poke a fork at.

Cafes

When you are in Newquay you will never be far from coffee shops, you will find plenty of pleasant places where you can relax and take a cup of coffee. Many of the coffee shops offer traditional English breakfast, lunch and dinner. To drink you can have skinny latte, americano or hot chocolate and if you like something sweet you can have a pastry or a cake.

Bars & Nightlife

Most visitors to Newquay are outdoor types who like to burn the candle at both ends, finishing off exhausting days of sport with several hours of serious socialising.

Shopping

This beach town has a plethora of gift shops and intriguing little shops down charming side streets to give the town a real identity of its own. As you walk eastward from the bus station, you will find the highest concentration of shops along the pedestrian stretches of Manor Road, and the streets north of it up to The Crescent. On Bank Street you will find good independent shops specialising in gifts. Once you have done a loop round the pedestrian area, head back past the bus station and onto East Street where you will find more of Newquay’s own Bargain Hunters and Nice Things then carry on onto Cliff Road for more gifts and bric-a-brac.

Tourist Information