Looking to get out of town for the weekend? Well, I just spent a long weekend in a gorgeous little spot on the north coast of Cornwall, England, called Newquay and wanted to share my tips on how to spend a few days in this seaside town. With multiple beaches to choose from, you can spend your days walking, surfing, or just relaxing oceanside. No car? No problem. I found that Newquay’s compact size makes it easy to get around by foot or public transportation. Follow the breath-taking coastal trail around the peninsula, get up close to local marine life at the Blue Reef Aquarium, or refuel at one of Newquay’s many cafes and restaurants. When the weather cooperates, rent a surfboard or kayak and experience the Atlantic up close and personal. With so much natural beauty and fun to be had, Newquay is the perfect quick UK getaway.
Getting to Newquay
- Newquay is accessible by bus, train or car. I flew from Dublin into Newquay Cornwall Airport, only a 15-minute bus ride from town. The flights were super cheap and took less than an hour each way.
- By bus:
Bus travel is convenient if you want to avoid driving. Regular bus services run from major towns and cities across Cornwall and the UK to Newquay, including Truro, St Ives, and Plymouth. Once in Newquay, the town centre and beaches are easily walkable or you can hop on the local buses.The newly introduced Tap & Cap made purchasing travel easy and convenient while I was in Cornwall. The system allows you to just tap when boarding and exiting the buses. Simply tapping when boarding and again when exiting will automatically deduct the correct fare of up to £7 for any given day or £25 within a given week. This is regardless of the number of trips taken. - By train:
Newquay has its own train station in the town centre with services running frequently from major destinations like London, Bristol, and Manchester. The scenic journey takes around 5-6 hours from London. Upon arrival, everything in Newquay is within walking distance or a short bus ride from the station. - By car:
If you want flexibility, driving is a great option however, parking in Newquay can be tricky during busy periods, so opt for public parking lots over street parking. Some hotels and rentals also offer parking. With its own airport, train station and excellent road connections, Newquay has never been easier to get to. So pack your bags and escape to the Cornish coast for a fun weekend in the sun and surf. The perfect British getaway awaits!
Things to Do in Newquay
Explore the Beaches
Newquay is home to some of the best beaches in Cornwall, with soft white sand and rolling Atlantic waves. Fistral Beach, the most popular in town, is a great starting point for beach hopping. It’s quite obvious from the moment that you arrive, no matter what season, that this place is a surfer’s paradise. Walk along the oceanside path to witness dramatic cliffs and coastal views, then refuel at one of the beachfront cafes. Take the more adventurous route and climb over the rocks between Fistral and Little Fistral beach to spot anenomies, mussels, and little sea creatures dwelling in the rock pools.
If you want to escape the crowds, head to Lusty Glaze Beach. Accessible only by steps, this cove has a secluded feel and is ideal for a quiet sunbathe or swim. For families, Tolcarne Beach has lifeguards, rock pools to explore and equipment to rent.
With so many beautiful beaches along this coast it can be hard to decide which ones to check out if you have limited time. Thankfully the first few I mentioned are close to one another. A little bit of a further walk away, Porth Beach is more secluded but still close to town. Watergate Bay has two miles of beach and hosts events year-round. At low tide, you can walk between some beaches over the rocks.
Hike the Coastal Trail
The South West Coast Path winds around the peninsula, offering stunning sea views. Walk a short section, like Towan Head to Porth Beach, or tackle longer stretches if you have a full day. The path goes up and down hill, so wear proper shoes and take breaks to enjoy the scenery. Pack a picnic, as there are plenty of spots to sit along the way.
Visit the Aquarium
Newquay’s Blue Reef Aquarium is home to local sea life as well as tropical fish and otters. It has huge ocean tanks, a shark tunnel, and touch pools for getting up close with starfish, crabs and lobsters. The aquarium is very hands-on and family-friendly, with scheduled feeding talks and activities throughout the day.
Dine and Shop in Town
Newquay has a charming town centre with shops, restaurants, and cafes to explore. Grab fish and chips or a Cornish pasty for a casual meal or try one of the seafood bistros. Many places use locally-sourced ingredients. Shop for surf gear, beach towels, or Cornish crafts as a souvenir.
There’s so much to experience on a weekend in Newquay, from enjoying the great outdoors to dining al fresco in town. Make the most of your trip by getting out early and staying up late—you can always catch up on sleep once you’re back home! A visit to this picturesque seaside town will leave you refreshed and wanting to come back again.
Where to Stay in Newquay
Newquay has accommodation options for every budget. As a popular beach destination, hotels and B&Bs line the coastal roads and fill up quickly during the busy summer season. For the best deals, visit in the spring or autumn.
Hotels
Mid-range hotels in the town offer comfortable rooms, some with sea views, starting around 100 pounds a night. From historic luxury hotels to budget boutique hotels, these accommodations place you within walking distance of the beaches and town centre.
B&Bs
For a quintessential English experience, stay in one of Newquay’s bed and breakfasts. Most are located in charming Victorian buildings and run by friendly local hosts. Have a search through Airbnb to check out these quaint little houses, and don’t be surprised if most offer a full English breakfast as part of your stay.
Rentals
If you want more independence, rent a holiday apartment or cottage. These self-catering properties can be found all over Newquay, from studio apartments to three-bedroom homes, starting around $500 a week. Having a kitchen means you can take advantage of the local seafood and produce at the markets and cook Cornish specialties at home.
Camping
For a budget-friendly beach getaway, bring a tent or campervan and stay at one of Newquay’s campgrounds. Many sites will offer camping pitches with electrical hook-ups right near the coast, starting around 30 pounds a night. Facilities include hot showers, laundromats, playgrounds and onsite shops. Just be prepared for basic amenities and variable weather!
With gorgeous beaches, coastal walks and an easy-going vibe, Newquay is a perfect spot for a relaxing weekend getaway. Finding the right place to stay will help ensure you make the most of your time exploring all this seaside town has to offer.
The bottom line is that Newquay has so much to offer for a fun weekend getaway. With beautiful beaches like Fistral and Towan to check out, along with scenic walks around the peninsula, you’ll have plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors. Don’t worry if you don’t have a car, as the compact town centre is very walkable. Pop into the Blue Reef Aquarium if the weather’s not cooperating, or just duck into one of the many charming cafes and restaurants around town. And if conditions are ideal, rent some gear and try your hand at surfing, kayaking, or paddleboarding. However you choose to spend your weekend, Newquay’s laidback coastal vibe is sure to leave you feeling refreshed.
