Newquay
Newquay is Cornwall's premier holiday resort, boasting some of the finest coastline in Europe and no less than eleven beaches! Although well known as Britain's surfing capital, there are many other activities and the surrounding countryside has a wealth of places to visit. The town is an ancient one - the 'new quay' from which it takes its name dates from the fifteenth century, when it was known as 'Towan Blystra'. Newquay offers wonderful cliff and beach walks, a picturesque harbour and the variety of activities one associates with such a major resort, including golf, squash, tennis, putting, bowls, surfing and even shark fishing! There are also hidden coves and atmospheric smugglers' pubs which are a living reminder of the more colourful side of Cornwall's history.
Hotels
We use the Eliot Hotel, a Leisureplex hotel.
Town Centre With such a good selection of High Street and local stores, shopping is a pleasure in Newquay. Bank Street, Newquay's main high street, is mostly pedestrianised, with interesting alleyways yielding little craft and antique shops. There is also a great variety of tea shops, cafes and bars.
Beaches in Newquay are amongst the best in Europe. Tolcarne and Great Western are the most popular family beaches, with safe bathing and soft golden sands. Fistral beach, which is almost a mile long, is a surfer's paradise and many national and international competitions are held here each year.
Activities and Attractions
Tourist Information Tel:01637 854020
www.visitnewquay.org
Blue Reef Aquarium Tel:01637 878134
Features include open-top tanks allowing contact with stingrays and a giant tropical ocean display with its own underwater tunnel.
www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk
Newquay Zoo Tel:01637 873342
An award-winning attraction which is home to many rare and endangered species.
www.newquayzoo.co.uk
Lappa Valley Steam Railway Tel:01872 510317
Running on one of the oldest track beds in Cornwall, the circular journey lasts for around two miles.
www.lappavalley.co.uk
The Cornish Birds of Prey Centre Tel:01637 880544
Over 50 birds of prey, some of which take part in flying displays, as well as parrots, peacocks, macaws and many other interesting species.
www.cornishbirdsofprey.co.uk
Trewithen House and Gardens Tel:01726 883647
Although the house itself is a worthy attraction, most visitors come here to see the magnificent gardens, which feature many trees and shrubs from as far afield as Burma and China, plus a magnificent collection of rare and exotic flowers.
www.trewithengardens.co.uk
Minack Theatre Tel: 01736 810181
A unique award-winning open-air theatre, its high quality performances are presented against a stunning back drop of rugged cliffs and endless skies.
www.minack.com
Japanese Garden & Bonsai Nursery Tel:01637 860116
Opened in 1997, the authentic Japanese Garden includes waterfalls, bridges, stone lanterns, bonsai collections and even a Zen garden of tranquility.
www.gardensincornwall.co.uk
Tunnels Through Time Tel:01637 873379
Innovative attraction which tells the story of Cornwall's history with a wonderful array of colourful characters.
www.tunnelsthroughtime.co.uk
Events
Helston's Flora Day
Tel:01326 565431
The Flora Day is characterised by its Furry Dance, with the gentlemen wearing top hats and tails for the Principal Dance and the ladies their finest dresses, while the children are dressed all in white.
www.helston-online.co.uk
Newquay Lions Carnival held in July is a vibrant affair that fills the streets with colour and entertainment.
www.newquaylions.co.uk
Fowey Regatta takes place in August and features daily sailing events as well as a midweek carnival, Red Arrows display and closing with a spectacular fireworks extravaganza.
www.rfyc-fowey.org.uk
Run to the Sun Festival takes place in May and includes events and activities for all ages, as well as a spectacular array of vintage and classic vehicles.
www.runtothesun.co.uk
Royal Cornwall Show Tel:01208 812183
Themes include music and dance, food and drink, equine events and a steam fair.
www.royalcornwallshow.org
Padstow Carnival Week starts the last week in July.
Padstow Obby Oss Festival takes place in early May and is a traditional Cornish festival with singing, dancing and a procession through the streets.
www.cornishlight.co.uk
For further events, details and listings see:
www.visitnewquay.org
Excursions from Newquay
The details below are intended as a general guide only. For specific tour details, first check Availability and then follow the link from the Tour Description.
Eden Project is without doubt a fascinating experience for both enthusiasts and non-gardeners alike; with its awe-inspiring architecture and stunning array of plants it is a must-see for all visitors to this area of Cornwall.
www.edenproject.com
Charlestown is remarkable in that it has survived as a working port and still exports a small amount of china clay today. The historic town has largely escaped development and remains one of the finest and most fascinating places on the Cornish coast.
www.cornwall-online.co.uk
St Ives is one of Britain's most picturesque towns with steep, narrow winding streets and a delightful harbour.
www.stives-cornwall.co.uk
Padstow is an ancient, yet busy fishing port which is characterised by its pastel colourwashed cottages and quaint, narrow streets. It was an area which was frequently visited by the late poet laureate John Betjeman and is also noted as the capital of Cornish seafood cuisine.
www.padstow.com
Penzance and Land's End provide all the ingredients for a fascinating day out. Stroll around the pretty harbour in Penzance then visit Land's End, the 'first and last point of England', which is one of the country's top tourist attractions.
www.landsend-landmark.co.uk
St Michael's Mount On top of this volcanic rock sits a romantic castle/house dating from the 12th Century.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Bodmin was once the county town of Cornwall and Bodmin Museum charts the history of the town up to the end of the second world war. Take a scenic journey on the Bodmin and Wenford Steam Railway, or visit Bodmin Gaol where the Crown Jewels and Domesday Book were stored during the first world war. It is now a museum with a bar, restaurant and gift shop on site.
www.visitnorthcornwall.com
Tintagel is surrounded by myth and mystery. It's ruined castle, perched atop steep cliffs which rise some 100m from the sea, was built by Reginald, Earl of Cornwall in the middle of the 12th century on the ruins of what is widely believed to be the legendary Camelot.
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Truro is the county town of Cornwall. The 16th century cathedral, with its 250 foot central tower and three spires is well worth a visit and the Royal Cornwall Museum, which is Cornwall's oldest, has many interesting exhibits, including local minerals and even an unwrapped mummy!
truro.cornwall.net
St Austell This old market town is one of the largest towns in Cornwall. It was for centuries an important mining town, but the discovery of its china clay deposits increased the town's growth and economy. It is also home to the largest brewery in Cornwall and the magnificent Eden Project is only two miles from here.
www.staustelltown.co.uk