The Perfect Weekend in Newquay

Newquay beach

If you like waves or parties, you’ll love Newquay because it’s a town that’s all about surfing and nightlife. But you don’t have to be post-exams or pre-wedding to enjoy a mini-break here. In fact, the town is full of family-oriented activities too! Whether you’ll be packing a surfboard, a pair of killer heels, or a pushchair, you’ll have a great time on the beautiful Newquay coast. Book a room in our Newquay Seafront hotel to enjoy the perfect British summer break.

Culture

Aviation enthusiasts will love the new Classic Air Force museum that will teach you all about the history of flying in the South West of England. Trerice Manor House makes for a great afternoon’s exploring, particularly this year, as the National Trust celebrates its 60th year under its ownership. The Cornwall Galleries, known locally as Treasure Trove, make for a great place to look at local art and even to buy some if you want a nice way to remember Cornwall by.

Sight-Seeing

The Lappa Valley Steam Railway is definitely a sight to see, where you can also enjoy sights from it, as you ride the traditional miniature steam train through a picturesque wooded valley to East Wheel Rose. The Japanese Garden & Bonsai Nursery is definitely worth seeing, but, of course, the main sights are the beaches, which are best viewed from the coastal path that runs along the cliffs.

Family Fun

The beach and the sea are your best friends if you’re trying to find something to keep the kids amused. But if building sandcastles doesn’t cut it, book some surf lessons at one of the surf schools along Fistral Beach, or head to Asylum Entertainment for some wacky fun in the form of Beach Sumo, AquaZorbs and BumperBalls. There’s also Bucaneer Bay nearby for wannabe pirates, an aquarium, an indoor water-park and a great zoo.

Nightlife

Newquay has the reputation of being the party town of the south west. Stags and Hens flock here all year round, and the streets are packed come dark in the summer. Whatever your music taste, you’ll find something to suit it at Koola Bar, with three different levels and regular live bands. Berties Club is the place to head if you’re looking to meet someone of the opposite sex, with frequent wet t-shirt contests and reduced rate ladies’ nights. For a more low-key affair, try a traditional pub like Skinners Ale House, or for a bustling pub vibe, The Newquay Arms, which is the place to be in the summer.

Food

Cornwall provides most of the country with its seafood, so a good fishy meal is a must while you’re there. Here’s where to eat for every meal of the day:

Breakfast: Fistral Chef is really popular with locals and the cafĆ© does a great range of classic breakfast foods. The perfect place to stop after a sunrise surf… or a heavy night out.

Lunch: Flounders is legendary in Newquay for its incredible fish and chips. Head there for lunch and you’ll hear plenty of West-Country accents in the queue, which makes a change from the touristy spots.

Tea: A Cornish cream tea might be the best in the country, and you’ll find a cracking example of it at Martha’s Tearoom. The scones are to die for!

Dinner: Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant is where you should go if you want to eat some delicious food and to feel good about doing it. The top quality restaurant was set up to give disadvantaged young chefs another chance, as they go through the restaurant’s apprentice programme, which nurtures their cooking talent. As well as an excellent, Italian-inspired menu, the restaurant has the best views of stunning Watergate Bay.