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A mini guide to
Newquay & the North Coast: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Arrive by branch line
The Atlantic Coast Line runs from Par to Newquay, and Wikipedia says the station is close to the town centre and the beaches.
Pick a beach for the day
Visit Cornwall says Towan Beach is in the centre of the town, Fistral is the main surf beach, and Crantock and Watergate Bay are outlying beaches.
Look out from Huer’s Hut
The listed lookout on Towan Head dates from perhaps the 14th century and was later used to watch for the seasonal arrival of pilchards.
Walk the cliffs at Bedruthan Steps
The National Trust part-owns the coast between Padstow and Newquay at Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps. Wikipedia says the Trust runs a shop and café there.
Allow for waves and tides
Atlantic beaches can have strong surf and tidal currents, so read Visit Cornwall’s beach safety page and the signs on the beach before you swim.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Newquay & the North Coast?
Newquay & the North Coast is in Cornwall, England. Surf beaches, headlands and family attractions on the Atlantic coast. Nearby stops and stations include Newquay, Par, Cornwall Airport Newquay.
How long do I need in Newquay & the North Coast?
Two days. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Fistral Beach, Huer's Hut, Towan Head. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Newquay (GWR, Atlantic Coast Line); Par (GWR, CrossCountry); Cornwall Airport Newquay (Flights); Local buses (Transport for Cornwall). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 10 places to eat and drink in and around Newquay & the North Coast, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 6 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Newquay & the North Coast accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Newquay & the North Coast
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Crantock
Village two miles south-west of Newquay on the south side of the River Gannel, where Celtic missionaries founded an oratory in 460.
Perranporth
Seaside town about seven miles south-west of Newquay with a two-mile beach facing the Atlantic.
Newquay Zoo
Zoo on a 13-acre site in Trenance Park, the largest in Cornwall.
Cornwall
More areas to explore
Padstow & the Camel Estuary
A fishing port, estuary cycling and sandy bays on the north coast
Open the mini guide →
Fowey, Polperro & the south-east coast
A sailing harbour, fishing villages and the clay-pit gardens of Eden
Open the mini guide →
St Ives & West Penwith
Galleries, harbour beaches and the granite moors of Penwith
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Mawgan Porth: John Allan, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Crantock: Partonez, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Perranporth: Lewis Clarke, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Newquay Zoo: Simon Cobb, CC0, source
- Padstow & the Camel Estuary: Derek Harper, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Fowey, Polperro & the south-east coast: Marika Reinholds, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- St Ives & West Penwith: ArildV, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Penzance, Mousehole & Land’s End: Lewis Clarke, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Falmouth & the Helford: Tim Green, CC BY 2.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Cornwall