Discover Newquay – A Coastal Gem in Cornwall

This seaside town was thrust into the limelight in the swinging Sixties as it became the home of British surfing, and soon it was a teenage celebration hotspot. Now it’s matured, and you can find secret French-inspired wine bars, impressive outdoor spas, and beachside saunas bringing together wellness and nature.

In the not-too-distant past, the little pocket of Newquay along the north Cornish coast was a mecca for hedonistic youngsters, where celebrating their end of exams was a rite of passage. Along with gaggles of stag and hen parties, it felt at odds with its laid-back surfer roots after becoming the home of British surfing.

Fast forward to now, and Newquay has worked hard to grow up and shake off its unfavorable reputation. Coastal chic beachside hotels, watersports centers, mobile saunas promoting wellness in nature, and new restaurants, pubs, and bars that champion the local bounty are all playing their part in transforming Newquay.

Another key player is the little town of Mawgan Porth next door. Though locals have managed to keep this hotspot mostly under wraps for years, it’s now starting to draw in the ‘It’ crowds. But who can blame them when you see its supremely wide open sandy beach, with little hidden coves and inlets flanked by dramatic cliffs? Its serene atmosphere is quickly making it one of the best destinations along the north coast – just don’t tell anyone.

Where to Stay in Newquay

If you’re in need of some fresh air, space, and proper relaxation, try an adults-only outdoor spa-focused hotel, a mansion with multiple pools, or a cool and contemporary ‘surf-in-surf-out’ waterfront hotel. Whichever you choose, all make the most of their dramatic ocean views right on their doorstep.

Watergate Bay Hotel

Watergate Bay is a lesson in cool beach design, encapsulating that laid-back Cornish attitude. Think calming hues, contemporary furniture, cozy corners, and abstract coastal artworks. Its waterside design is inspired by Alpine hotels, offering plenty of watersports lessons for a slice of beachside living in the salty sea air. If it’s relaxation you want, the Swim Club’s 25-meter indoor swimming pool and outside wooden hot tub and sauna (which all overlook the sea, of course) has you covered. The gem in the crown is the vast Beach Loft rooms. Some have Japanese or freestanding baths, while all have floor-to-ceiling windows with uninterrupted views of Watergate Bay’s two-mile stretch. Zacry’s restaurant offers beachfront fine dining, showcasing local produce with dishes like kelp-cured market fish with bisque and saffron rouille.

Address: Trevarrian Hill, Newquay TR8 4AA

The Headland Hotel

Towering above Fistral Beach is one of Newquay’s landmarks, the Headland Hotel, which you might recognize from the Nineties film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Witches. Still family-owned, this Grade II-listed hotel retains plenty of Victorian charm, dominated by the grand sweeping staircase and ballroom, but it’s working through updating some of the older decor. Rooms are spacious, with pastel colors, modern floral wallpaper, and luxuriously large bathrooms. The newly renovated RenMor (Cornish for ‘restaurant by the sea’) adds a dose of modern glamour. Dishes include local estate Tregothnan fallow deer or skate wing, but don’t miss barbequed flatbreads with smoked romesco or crispy ‘thousand island’ layered chips. The biggest update is the Aqua Centre complex, which sprawls six swimming pools. Brave the outside cold water pool and reward yourself with the bubbling hot tub – aim to use it at sunset for the best views in the house.

Address: Fistral Beach, Headland Road, Newquay TR7 1EW

The Scarlet Hotel and Bedruthan Hotel & Spa

Perched on the cliffside in the town of Mawgan Porth is The Scarlet Hotel. It’s an adults-only retreat with a tranquil outdoor spa overlooking the beach. Its unique outside pool resembles a natural lake – unheated and packed with reeds. There are also wood-fired hot tubs and a barrel sauna. Back inside is a heated pool, steam room, and dedicated quiet relaxation room. Dine in the restaurant that overlooks it all for the ultimate relaxation. Sitting not far behind it is its sister hotel, the family-friendly Bedruthan Hotel & Spa, which has kids’ play zones and family workshops.

Address: Tredragon Road, Mawgan Porth, Newquay TR8 4DQ

Where to Eat in Newquay

From historic pubs to the freshest seafood cooked up in modern restaurants right on the sea wall, these are the worthy tables to consider.

Box & Barber

There are no bookings here, just walk-ins, which speaks to the casual feel of Newquay. Box & Barber is an easygoing spot right in the center of town, making it a great pit stop for post-beach activities, whether for surfing, swimming, or walking. With organic food, natural wines, and sustainably sourced coffee, it’s perfect for lazy brunches. Choose from Antipodean and Mexican brunch dishes, like breakfast burritos with tofu, hash, refried beans, avocado, pico de gallo and spinach, acai bowls, or substantial doorstop-wedge sourdough toasties to help refuel.

Address: 72-74 Fore Street, Newquay TR7 1EY

Verbena

Just behind the main high street, trendy little Verbena takes up residency in a converted garage. The good news is that after years of pop-ups, Adam is about to open his new permanent venture on Newquay’s Pentire headland with a similar menu. With a celebration of north Cornish location, think small plates of delicate freshly made pasta, olive oil-poached meaty monkfish, or intensely flavored dry-aged beef crudo.

Address: Cribar Yard, Bank Street, Newquay TR7 1EP

The Fish House Fistral

Chef Paul Harwood cut his teeth at Rick Stein’s, so it’s unsurprising his own venture follows suit. Find it on Fistral Beach among surf shops and a surf school, fitting into its beachside setting. As the name denotes, it’s all about seafood here, much of which is caught in Newquay. Expect dishes like Korean fried monkfish and Sri Lankan prawn curry.

Address: Unit 5, International Surf Centre, Fistral Beach, Headland Road, Newquay TR7 1HY

Where to Drink in Newquay

Whether you’re after cocktails in little-known wine bars with French-inspired snacks or hunting down sustainably sourced coffee, here’s where to enjoy the best drinks in town.

The Bottle Shop

This dinky little wine bar and deli could easily be missed and seems to be a local secret. Head before dinner to make the most of happy hour, which ends at 7pm. On the menu are natural and biodynamic wines and zippy cocktails with fun twists. Pair them with charcuterie boards or French-inspired small plates.

Address: 1 Wesley Yard, Newquay TR7 1LB

Tom Thumb Cocktails

This speakeasy-style bar is in the middle of town, with well-made cocktails featuring local ingredients. The classic Espresso Martini uses local beans, while a good sign is customers don’t get far before enjoying their purchases.

Address: 27A East St, Newquay TR7 1DN

The Roasting Room

Inside this demure shop, you’ll often find enthusiastic baristas creating handmade roasted coffee, using responsibly sourced beans. Cakes are homemade by the owner’s family, contributing to a real community vibe.

Address: 65c Bank Street, Newquay TR7 1DL

The Best Things to Do in Newquay

As the home of British surfing, taking a dip in the sea should be high on your list, especially with a beachside sauna available. Here are some ‘can’t leave without doing’ activities.

Beaches and Surfing

With 11 beaches covering a seven-mile expanse, Newquay is undoubtedly the UK’s top surfing destination. Fistral was the first beach to be surfed back in the Sixties and has hosted the world surfing championships numerous times. Don’t miss the opportunity for a surf lesson here.

Trerice House

Away from the beaches, Trerice is one of Cornwall’s best-preserved Elizabethan manor houses. After exploring the Great Hall, you can wander through the beautiful knot garden.

Address: Kestle Mill, Newquay TR8 4PG

Olla Hiki Sauna

Nordic-inspired saunas by the sea are connecting wellness trends with nature. Sweat it out in the sauna, then cool down with a cold-water swim, which has health benefits including improved circulation and reduced stress. The mobile sauna is currently at North Fistral Beach, where it will be until mid-May.

Address: Fistral North Beach, Headland Road, Newquay TR7 1HY