Newquay

For details of places to stay and things to do in Newquay, Cornwall, please try the links on the left.

WITH no less than eleven beaches to choose from, Newquay is the ideal destination for those who like nothing better than lazing the day away on golden sands and dipping their toes in the sparkling waters of the sea.

Families favour the sheltered beaches of Towan, Great Western and Tolcarne, which are all close to the town centre and offer a wide range of facilities.
Crantock beach is backed by sand dunes that offer hollows that are ideal for a private picnic. At low tide the pools and mudflats provide endless enjoyment for the younger members of the family, who will have a whale of a time digging for the creatures that lurk beneath the surface.
The beaches of Porth, Mawgan Porth and Lusty Glaze are situated on the edge of Newquay, while to the south of the town the stretch of Watergate Bay attracts keen surfers as well as those looking for more room to spread out.
And speaking of surfers, this part of the coastline offers some of the best surfing conditions in the UK. Fistral Beach is one of the best, and even if you don't want to have a go then it's a great spectator sport. You may not understand some of the surfing terms that you'll no doubt hear, but after watching the daring feats on the waves you'll understand why it's such a gripping sport.

There are plenty of places to go and things to do away from the beaches. Trenance Leisure Park covers 26 acres where family attractions include Newquay Zoo, Waterworld and a mix of facilities that include boating, bowling, tennis and crazy golf. Tenpin bowling, golf and a state-of-the-art sports centre that has a new rock climbing facility are other options. At nearby Goonhavern, Miniatura Park offers three attractions on one site.

Under the cliffs to the north-west of the town you'll find Newquay's working harbour. During the summer months it plays host to a number of water-borne events that include a unique harbour sports day and gig and sailboat racing.

The influx of young people keen on surfing has given rise to a number of trendy bars and restaurants, but there is also a superb range of family restaurants and pubs serving succulent steaks, and, of course, locally caught fish. As well as the traditional Cornish pasties and delicious clotted cream teas there are dishes from India, China, Italy and Mexico in the town's excellent variety of restaurants.