Cliff Road, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 2NE

welcome to

Great Western,
Newquay

Buy a gift card

Things to do in Newquay

S un, sand and surf. The playful buzz of Newquay attracts holidaymakers the world over. It’s the perfect base camp for exploring Cornwall’s dramatic north coast and boasts a collection of the country’s finest golden beaches right on its doorstep. Adrenaline junkies can get their thrill fix on the surf, while there’s plenty to keep those seeking a slower pace occupied across beautifully scenic walks and nearby attractions.

NEED A LITTLE INSPIRATION?

WHAT COULD YOUR CAMERA ROLL LOOK LIKE?

EXPLORE THINGS TO DO IN NEWQUAY

With over 20 years of industry experience, the longest running surf school in town, Newquay Activity Centre offers grin-inducing fun for all! They are the winners of the Cornwall and South West Tourism Awards. 

Surfing Lessons, Bodyboarding, Coasteering, Paddleboarding, Kayaking, Outdoor Training, they do it all and more here in Newquay.  Cornwall’s adventure capital. New skills are gained and great memories are made with Newquay Activity Centre.

Based in the heart of Newquay just minutes from the town centre and a short walk away from both Towan and Fistral beach, its location offers the full experience with plenty of surf shops, independent retailers and cafes/restaurants on its doorstep.

Open seven days a week, all year round, their fantastic team are industry-leading experts with a wealth of international experience, so what are you waiting for? Get in touch and try the best adventure activities in Newquay today!

 

1. EXPLORE OUR STUNNING COLLECTION OF BEACHES

Newquay boasts some of Cornwall’s biggest and best beaches. You can easily spend a day on any one of its sweeping stretches of golden sands. Each is renowned for its cleanliness and wealth of activities.

Fistral is a surfer’s paradise, attracting wave riders from around the world each year. Lusty Glaze is the perfect place to get active, with abseiling and watersports and plenty more on offer. Towan Beach is another highlight and nestles beneath a popular family destination in the Blue Reef Aquarium. 

What’s more, all of the beaches are dog friendly, so your cute companions won’t be missing out on any of the fun.

  

  

 

2. SURF'S UP!

Fistral Beach is renowned for being the surfing capital of the UK. You don’t need to be a pro to get involved, with plenty of local surf schools and equipment hires on hand to ensure you’re kitted out and hitting the waves in no time.

The annual Boardmasters Festival sees elite athletes battle it out on the water. Not only is it the UK’s most high-profile surfing event, but it also attracts global artists to its music stage. Thousands flock to Newquay to experience the magic of Boardmasters every summer.

 

 

3. TRY COASTEERING WITH NEWQUAY ACTIVITY CENTRE

For a different kind of adrenaline rush, why not try a spot of coasteering? It certainly makes for a different way to explore and immerse yourself in the dramatic, rocky coastline and its wildlife. 

Discover old smugglers’ caves, whirlpools and cliff jumps, all while keeping your eyes peeled for seals and dolphins.

 

 

  

  

4. WALK THE SOUTH WEST COAST PATH

Newquay sits right on the South West Coast path, giving you access to miles and miles of breath-taking scenery. It’s an ideal base camp for walkers looking to explore the north coast.

Being exposed to the Atlantic ocean makes for compelling seascapes that evolve with the seasons. Our coastline is an ever-changing vista, so you can expect the spectacular colours and temperament of the ocean to morph each day, and sometimes by the hour!

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. SWASHBUCKLE WITH PIRATES!

Journey back in time 300 years to the golden age of piracy. At Pirate’s Quest, you’ll come face to face with buccaneers, mermaids, and smugglers. This captivating walk-through voyage features live actors that bring Cornwall’s more colourful history to life. It’s a must for family holidays.

  

 

 

  

  

6. MEET ANIMAL FRIENDS AT NEWQUAY ZOO

Come face to face with over 130 rare and beautiful species. From armadillos to zebras, Newquay Zoo has some truly impressive residents. You can even feed the lemurs and get to know the penguins!

 There are plenty of activity trails, a play area, and a dragon maze to tire the little ones out. It’s all just a short walk from the Fort's front door.

 

  

7. HEAD TO LAPPA VALLEY STEAM RAILWAY

Nestling in wonderfully scenic countryside on the outskirts of Newquay, the Lappa Valley Steam Railway has something for all the family, including Rover. Enter into a world of nostalgia as you ride the famous steam trains along one of the oldest railway tracks in Cornwall, passing remnants of the area’s rich mining heritage. 

It’s not all about trains. From a canoeing lake and crazy golf course to an indoor play area and plenty of nature trails and woodland walks, the 35-acre site offers plenty of fun-filled activities for families to make a day of it. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome too.

  

 

8. STEP BACK IN TIME

This stunning Elizabethan manor house provides an oasis of calm that’s just a short drive from the buzz of Newquay’s town centre. Trerice has remained relatively untouched by changing building fashions over the centuries and stands as a proud time capsule overlooking its equally elegant gardens.

A true Cornish gem, step back to the Tudor times and bask in open parklands for an altogether more peaceful day out.