Newquay – surfing capital of England

It’s no wonder surfers talk about Newquay in hushed, reverential tones. Thousands come to watch and take part in the annual surfing competitions, with visitors arriving from as far afield as Australia to ride the 8-foot waves. Holidays in Newquay are also traditionally family-centred, with 11 gorgeous beaches and plenty of family attractions to keep the kids amused. Away from the sea, the Cornish patchwork countryside and Newquay’s historic city centre will astound you with its laid-back way of life and friendliness. Fishing, dolphin-spotting, kitesurfing, kayaking and storm-watching are all respectable ways to spend your time in Newquay. If you can drag yourself away from the Atlantic coastline, there are cycle routes, Elizabethan manor houses, spectacular gardens and dairy farms to explore. Kids will love the caves, rockpools and bodyboarding. Or, for more organised activity, visit popular Trenance Park or Cornwall’s largest fastest outdoor Go-Kart Track at St Eval.

Why Go?
Go for the surf, beaches and rolling countryside. Go for the historic city of Newquay with its vibrant nightlife. Go for a pint of local ale and a pasty in a traditional Cornish pub! Whether you’re seeking family fun, huge waves or sleepy villages, holidays in Newquay are a blast!

When To Go?
The best (and busiest) time to visit Newquay for warm weather is during the summer months of July and August. For surfers though, September and October are the months when you’re most likely to catch the best waves. Lodges and hotels on or near the seafront tend to be cheaper than in the peak summer season, and there are plenty of well-equipped campsites nearby.

How To Get There?
Newquay is served by Newquay Cornwall Airport (NQY), six miles north of the city centre. Direct flights are available from London and most other major cities within the UK, with low-cost airlines offering most of the flights. Other public transport options include travelling by train to Newquay Station (less than a mile from the centre) or by coach.

Must See
For world-class waves and international surfing competitions, don’t miss Fistral Beach, while Lusty Glaze, a beach and outdoor adventure centre, offers surfing, coasteering, zipwire, abseiling, rockclimbing, kiteboarding and mountain biking. Don’t leave Newquay without visiting the Eden Project, the world’s largest greenhouse, created to showcase mankind’s relationship with plants. For a full family day out, Trenance Park with onsite Waterworld is acres of fun and just a five-minute stroll from the city centre. After a day enjoying the 60m water flume, pools, crazy golf, boating lake, miniature railway, horseriding, tennis and zoo, look forward to tea in the Lakeside Café!