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Newquay

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About Newquay

Newquay’s seven white sandy beaches, regularly rushed by sweeping Atlantic waves, have made this waterfront town more than just a seaside resort, it’s become Cornwall’s most popular surfing destination. But Newquay's popularity goes back to the 1850s when it became a family seaside holiday destination. A number of grand hotels went up during the latter years of the 19th century, convenient for both the ocean and the station, but today accommodation is more varied, and the best places to stay in Newquay includes B&Bs and guesthouses, family-style hotels, converted mansions and restaurants with rooms.

Newquay is still popular with families. One reason is its fabulous beaches — between Newquay Harbour, Towan, Tolcane, Porth, Great Western, and Fistral, there’s around 12 miles worth of sand to find space on. Newquay also has Cornwall’s largest zoo, as well as its largest aquarium – which is centrally positioned on Towan Beach, opposite Towan Island. Trenance Gardens boating lake, miniature railway, playground and mini golf course, are another easy attraction for families. Newquay also has some fantastic rockpooling sites, an owl sanctuary, a farm, and the Crealy Adventure Park theme park. Local to Newquay there are a number of National Trust properties, and some excellent walks too.

If you’re here to surf, the best places to stay in Newquay will be close to Fistral Beach. It’s got the reputation for being one of the UK’s best beach breaks, and has all the surf shop and surf school infrastructure as well. The town also has a number of fantastic restaurants, with the bars to match.

The Best Places to Stay in Newquay

For the Views

  • Lewinnick Lodge is a stylish restaurant-with-rooms in a wonderful clifftop spot which means that most of the rooms have incredible sea views that stretch for miles. The ten rooms are simply, and stylishly, decorated, using a nautical palette. The Cornish fare in the restaurant is fantastic and the hotel will provide you with ample recommendations about what you might like to enjoy between meals. Children are welcome too, as are dogs.

For Romantics

  • The Scarlet is a chic eco-hotel, and a wonderful place to relax, overlooking Mawgan Porth beach. The 37 rooms and suites are decorated with contemporary style and local art – but nothing that detracts from the incredible views guests enjoy from each of the vast windows. The cocktail lounge spills out onto a terrace with more views, as does the hotel restaurant. Don't miss the natural pool with a view and the stunning clifftop cedarwood hot tub. Adults only.
  • The Fistral Beach Hotel is an adult’s only hotel, with 71 minimalist rooms and suites; a great restaurant, specialising in Cornish cuisine produced locally; an impressive spa and indoor pool, and a small but very complete gym. Great value, even if you want to treat yourselves to a private suite with a hot tub and water views.

For Families

  • The Bedruthan Steps Hotel is a fantastic value, and very family-friendly hotel right on the Atlantic Ocean, with incredible views. It's perfect for families because it’s big and friendly, with a good range of room options and configurations. There are three pools, and a spa, and two restaurants. There’s also a games room, and direct access to the beach.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

  • If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Newquay has its own airport: Cornwall Airport Newquay, which is about ten minutes outside town by car or taxi, or about 20 minutes by bus. Exeter Airport is on the opposite coastline, but is still second closest, about an hour and a half away by road, or two and a half hours by bus. If you’re travelling via London the trains leave from Paddington, and take about five and a quarter hours direct.
  • If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
  • Newquay is busiest in the summer, when it’s an obvious choice for anyone looking for some sun and seaside fun in the UK. The atmosphere is lively, the air scented with pasties and sunscreen, there are lots of surfers to watch, and a good chance of seeing a dolphin or a seal. But there are plenty of reasons to visit Newquay outside of summer too: in autumn the water is still warm, but the families have all had to go back to school, so it’s quieter, and much better than summer for clifftop walks and exploring the woods. Winter is the quietest time of year, and ideal for holing up with loved ones, or enjoying some peace and quiet while the weather may rage outside. Spring is colourful with flowers, and noisy with birdsong, and everything starts to re-open at an excited, but relaxed pace. Outside of the school holidays you can get much more affordable hotel rates, but if you do visit out of season make sure you check to see what is and isn’t open. And whenever you visit it’s a good idea to pack your wet weather gear.

Still not sure where to stay?

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Best Hotels in Newquay

  • Watergate Bay Hotel Newquay (United Kingdom) 80 rooms from $231

    Families  -  Surf's up for families with lessons at Wavehunters and a Kids' Zone, ensuring fun for all ages in a sea-view paradise
    Surfing  -  Dive into the Atlantic with expert-led surf lessons, a thrilling embrace of Watergate Bay's wild waves
    Great walks  -  Explore Cornish charm with a coastal walk, the hotel's doorstep the start of your adventure
    Total relaxation  -  Unwind in luxury with a sea-view spa treatment, the ocean's calm a backdrop to relaxation
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Sawdays

    A chic hotel offering front-row seats to Cornwall's coast. Beach-chic vibe pairs laid-back luxury with a modern, glass-adorned design, inviting the outdoors in. Boasting an infinity pool with ocean views, surf school, and varied dining options, it's a haven for both adventure and relaxation See More

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  • Fistral Beach Hotel Newquay 71 rooms from $122

    Active Holiday  -  Whether you want to surf, hike, or stretch out in a yoga class - there are a wide range of activities for guests
    Romantic Break  -  A sleek adult-only coastal hotel with the option of fine dining, in-suite hot tubs, and couples' massages
    Spa  -  The full-service spa comes complete with a vitality pool, steam room, sauna, and hot tub as well as a wide treatment list
    Restaurant  -  Local ingredients are used to produce modern British dishes at the Dune restaurant, one of the best in Newquay
    SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolViewsParking

    Wonderful views and a relaxing atmosphere abound at this adult-only luxury coastal hotel. Sleek rooms are minimalist in design with the unfussy design drawing focus to the fabulous sea views. With a full-service spa and Cornish fine dining, this is a romantic base for a couples' escape. See More

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  • Bedruthan Hotel Newquay (Cornwall) 101 rooms from $192

    Spa breaks  -  Pamper yourself at the top of the range luxury spa, using all natural products and treatments — heaven!
    Families  -  With family orientated rooms, great dining options and the beach close by it's ideal for families
    Eco break  -  A sustainable and environmentally minded hotel with an extensive responsible tourism pledge
    Restaurant  -  The Wild Cafe and The Herring serve seasonal dishes using the best of local produce
    SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide

    A family-friendly hotel with fabulous views of the Atlantic Ocean. Interiors are contemporary throughout. Rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, wooden floors, and minimalist furniture. With two Cornish restaurants, three pools, a spa, and plenty of activities - this is a real crowd-pleaser. See More

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  • Lewinnick Lodge Newquay (Cornwall) 10 rooms from $231

    Foodies  -  The restaurant is inspired by the surrounding land and sea and served contemporary Cornish cuisine
    Romantic Break  -  Rooms boast spectacular sea views and enormous clawfoot tubs - a very romantic setting
    Sights nearby  -  The Blue Reef Aquarium and Newquay Zoo are a short drive
    Sailing  -  Newquay sailing club for all your nautical needs
    RestaurantGardenPet friendlyParking

    A boutique restaurant with rooms boasting fabulous sea views from its clifftop setting. Simple yet stylish, modern rooms decorated in light hues with luxe bathrooms. With the beach on your doorstep and a brasserie serving very good modern Cornish fare, this is a charming coastal hideaway. See More

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  • The Scarlet, Cornwall Newquay 37 rooms from $250

    Romantic Break  -  With a spoiling spa, luxurious rooms with sea views, and fine dining - this is the perfect setting for romance
    Spa  -  An eco spa featuring a bromine-filtered indoor pool, outdoor natural reed pool, a wooden sauna, and pod treatment rooms
    Restaurant  -  Seasonal dishes are served in the restaurant alongside a good selection of wines
    Surfing  -  There are several surfing beaches nearby and plenty of surf schools too
    SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViews
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays

    Relaxing, purpose-designed eco-friendly hotel overlooking Mawgan Porth beach. Rooms are decorated with contemporary furniture & local art. Enjoy sea views from the cocktail lounge and the stylish hotel restaurant. Expect fantastic spa facilities for relaxation and great outdoor activities nearby. See More

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  • The Headland Newquay 96 rooms from $301

    Swimming Pool  -  Six pools include indoor Lap pool, Hydrotherapy pool & kid's splash pool. Outdoors there's a sunset spa, vitality & edge pools
    Active Holiday  -  The Cornish coast offers a plethora of outdoor activities; surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, walking, fishing & sailing
    Families  -  Very family-orientated with well-designed rooms, lots of activities, child-friendly dining & a relaxed overall feel
    Spa breaks  -  A true sanctuary, The Headland Spa boasts award-winning facilities, signature Elemis treatments & beauty services
    TennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

    This grand Victorian seaside hotel has been transformed into a super-luxe contemporary spa hotel. Located on its own headland, expect beach access, killer views & plenty of space. Incredible Aqua Centre, six swimming pools, destination spa & opulent yet cosy rooms & suites make this a crowd-pleaser. See More

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  • Tolcarne Beach Colonial Rooms Newquay (Narrowcliff Road) 9 rooms from $340

    Beach Life  -  Located directly on a beautiful stretch of private beach this is a unique option in Cornwall due to its proximity to the sands
    Active Holiday  -  Whether you want to surf, paddleboard or spend the day hiking - there is plenty to do in the area
    Surfing  -  The surf in Newquay is world renowned and a number of surf schools operate from the beaches
    Restaurant  -  Modern contemporary cuisine using the freshest local produce
    RestaurantPet friendlyParking

    A chic collection of beach cabins and suites set directly on a private stretch of beach. Interiors are quirky and luxurious, filled with antiques and offering indulgent bathrooms and terraces for beach views. The restaurant serves up particularly good seafood. An ideal pick for a romantic break. See More

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