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The home of surfing
NEWQUAY

Newquay Holiday Cottages

Our self-catering holiday cottages in Newquay make great bases to explore the town’s choice of stunning beaches and soak up its laid-back pace. In more recent years Newquay has developed into a hive of activity, with trendy restaurants and bars giving it a more modern feel, while the beach cafes, Cornish pubs and established luxury restaurants provide a tempting haven for those needing to refuel. Whether you want to try your hand at surfing, relax with a book on the beach or explore the Cornish countryside, Newquay will suit all moods and tastes.

VIEW GUIDE TO NEWQUAY
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The newquay guide

Beach near Newquay holiday cottages by Forever Cornwall

A beach lover's dream

An obvious draw for many is the world-class surf that can be found on most of Newquay’s beaches, however it is just as exciting to watch from your sunbathing spot on the sand. In the 7.5 miles of coastline including and surrounding Newquay there are ten beaches, most of which are at least half a mile long — some even bigger at low tide, providing plenty of space to explore.

Lifeguards cover most of these beaches from March through until September and you’ll be able to watch the surfers harness the Atlantic rollers from the shore — or join them if you’re brave enough! Whichever sandy stretch you choose to relax on, you’ll be spoilt for choice – and the best thing is, regardless of where you choose to lay your towel, you are never more than 10 minutes from a shop, cafe or restaurant.

Fabulous food

Newquay is one of the largest towns in Cornwall and offers a huge, varied choice of eateries. The world-class surf offering has brought with it a multitude of cultures to the town, with Australian, Indonesian, Italian and Portuguese restaurants strung along the streets. There are plenty of fantastic seafood restaurants to experience too, most sourcing their fish straight from the local harbour so you’ll be dining on the freshest ingredients! Whether you after a cosy roast or award-winning meal, classic fish and chips or hand made burgers,  you won’t be going hungry when you stay in one of our holiday cottages in Newquay.

Walk coves and countryside

Newquay is a vibrant hive of activity and there is so much to do in and around the town centre that the walking opportunities can be overshadowed. But head out of town and you’ll discover cove after secret cove (Polly Joke is a particularly beautiful one), or walk amongst the fields of scarlet poppies that bloom on the cliffs between Holywell Bay and Crantock.

Walk out to one of many of Newquay’s headlands, watching for blow holes, a particularly spectacular experience when the wind whips up the crashing waves below. Venture a little further and walk the coast path to the dramatic Bedruthan Steps — bring the car with you and wait till nightfall to experience the dark skies for perfect star gazing.

Beaches
Beach near holiday cottages in Newquay by Forever Cornwall

Fistral

What better place to get to grips with a surfboard than Fistral? This world class surfing beach often boasts perfect waves and its golden sands are a constant lure for families, plus there are lifeguards from 30th March until 28th October and there are plenty of amenities very close by. Dogs are welcome on this beach all year round.

Beach near holiday cottages in Newquay by Forever Cornwall

Towan Beach

Towan Beach is right in the heart of Newquay – mere moments from the town centre. With Newquay harbour to the west of the beach and the impressive ‘Island’ with its suspension bridge linking it to the mainland it’s a pretty amazing setting for a day at the beach! This beach has full lifeguard cover from 5th of May until the 30th of September, and dogs are welcome all year round.

Newquay Beach in vicinity of holiday cottages by Forever Cornwall

Porth Beach

Head east out of town and find Porth Beach – a sheltered stretch of sand that, when the tide is out, is much bigger than it looks! It is a ‘blue flag’ beach, meaning it has been recognised for its cleanliness and water quality – and with lifeguard cover (from 19th May to 30th September) and a cafe overlooking the beach, Porth is a perfect family friendly beach. Dogs are welcome from 1st of October until 30th of April, from 1st May to 30th September there is a seasonal ban in operation and dog are only able to go on the beach from 7pm – 8am.

Beach near holiday accommodation in Newquay by Forever Cornwall

Lusty Glaze

Lusty Glaze is a little more hidden than Fistral or Towan but it is utterly beautiful. Sheltered by high cliffs with a fabulous restaurant on the beach and atmospheric, free(!) sundowner live music sessions during the summer, Lusty Glaze is a great place to be. There’s also an activity centre on the beach, so whether you fancy surfing, abseiling or dodgeball, there’s something for everyone at this beach.

Holidaymakers at beach near holiday accommodation in Newquay by Forever Cornwall

Watergate Bay

Watergate Bay is a vast, two-mile stretch of golden sand on the outskirts of Newquay. Popular with surfers, sun seekers and dog walkers, there’s plenty of room on this beach for everyone. A small village with the same name has formed around the beach, with three good restaurants – and plenty of surf schools, of course! There is a car park near the beach, making for easy access, and it’s lifeguarded from the 5th of May until the 30th of September – as well as being dog-friendly all year round.

Beach near self-catering holiday accommodation in Newquay by Forever Cornwall

Crantock

The River Gannel flows from the approach to Newquay right around the outskirts of the town and out into the Gannel Estuary before reaching the sea. Here, there is an idyllic beach that sits either side of the river as it makes its way down the sand to meet the sea. Crantock is a great place for kids, who can play under the watchful eye of the lifeguards (present from the 19th of May until the 30th of September). Dogs are welcome all year round.

Food & drink
Newquay restaurant near holiday cottages by Forever Cornwall

Fish and seafood

With a sea view to die for, dishes inspired by fish brought in on the local day boats and a brilliant wine list, The Fish House on Fistral Beach is not one to miss. Also on Fistral is Rick Stein’s Restaurant, a relaxed, family friendly restaurant serving up dishes such as classic fish and chips to prawn tacos. Emily Scott’s restaurant in neighbouring Watergate Bay is worth a visit for its delicious seafood and local ethos and is an hour’s walk around the headland from Newquay.

Restaurant at Mawgan Porth near to Forever Cornwall holiday cottages

Pubs and inns

With epic views of Crantock Beach and the Pentire Headland, The Bowgie Inn offers pub grub and chilled vibes, and is a great place to take the family or pit stop on a walk (it’s just off the coast path). For gastropubs, the lovely Lewinnick Lodge and the Plume of Feathers at Mitchell are all favourites, as well as other more traditional village pubs offering Sunday roasts.

Cool cafes

The crab and lobster served at Fern Pit Cafe, on the East Pentire headland, is caught by cafe’s own fishing boat. It arguably boats the best cafe views in the town, too. Box and Barber is a new offering on Newquay’s Fore Street with a strong ethical ethos — expect burritos, smoothies, juices, big salads, açai bowls and freshly baked goodies delivered every morning by local bakeries. Slightly out of town (but only just) Heart and Soul is a community cafe on an organic orchard. Most of the ingredients come from the site.

Pasties

Shop local

In recent years, a flurry of places selling local produce has opened in the north coast’s largest town, including a new vineyard, several sourdough bakeries and delis. Its weekly farmers’ market, held in the bustling heart of the town, is a great place to get hold of all your fresh produce and Cornish goodies to take back home.

Things to do

Newquay wildlife

Newquay may not seem a likely wildlife wonderland, but with Blue Reef Aquarium and Newquay Zoo less than ten minutes from all our Newquay retreats, animal-lovers will be delighted at the opportunities to get up close and personal with some amazing species. From reef sharks to giant octopi, the aquarium has plenty to see and much more to learn — they do a huge amount of conservation. This is similar at Newquay Zoo, where the staff pride themselves on their dedication to conservation and their breeding programmes. Spot lions, sloths and monkeys at this family-friendly attraction. Also check out Newquay Wild Activities for an amazing day out on their fantastic Rockpool Ramble or Wildlife Walk, which showcases the wonderful wildlife along the coast.

Surf lesson in progress near Mawgan Porth holiday cottages by Forever Cornwall

Surfing Lessons

As the mecca of surfing, no holiday to Newquay is complete without a lesson. Whether you’re a total novice or looking for some expert advice, get hold of Cornish Wave and get in the water. The guys will get you kitted out with a board and wetsuit and take you out into the waves to give it a try – who knows, you might find a new talent?! Cornish Wave cater for all ages and abilities – a great way to spend a family day out or the perfect activity for a group of friends.

Trerice House & Gardens

From March, the Elizabethan manor house and it’s grounds of National Trust’s Trerice, is open to the public. Trerice’s house will take you through the history of the estate, while the tranquil gardens are the perfect place to stroll through and relax. Enjoy a cream tea in the cafe and peruse the shelves of the shop – why not buy a plant souvenir?