It's a little different to Bondi Beach, but as the unofficial surfing capital of Britain Newquay does have a distinctly laid-back feel to it when the sun is shining. Blessed with beckoning beaches from secluded coves and family beaches to the sunbathing and surfing hotspot of Fistral Beach, Newquay has a glorious square metre of sand for everyone.
As the place to head for a sun-fuelled holiday in Cornwall, Newquay's tourists are a mix of families, retirees, surfer dudes, holidaying youths and bronzed posers. The town is lively with an array of thumping clubs and pubs, but also has its fair share of quieter, more sophisticated eateries. In addition to excellent beaches and agreeable restaurants, the town's shops have got plenty to keep visitors happy on coach holidays to Newquay. While many shop windows sport surf attire, there is also a pleasant array of gift shops and intriguing side street stores to investigate.
Away from the beaches, other attractions such as Newquay Blue Reef Aquarium and Newquay Zoo are on hand to keep visitors occupied.
Coach holidays to Newquay typically include return coach travel, resort accommodation in Newquay to allow for free exploration, entertainment on some nights and breakfast or half board meals. Being ideally situated in the middle of Cornwall's north coast means that the Eden Project, St Ives, Falmouth and Land's End are part of many coach holidays' included excursions.
Tourist offices
For further information about Newquay you can visit the tourist office website as visitnewquay.org
There's a lot to see and do whilst staying in Newquay. Some things to think about may include:
Newquay Harbour
One of the town's best kept secrets , the harbour is a great place to visit when in Newquay. Nestled in under the towering cliffs, the harbour is largely protected from the westerly wind and usually bustling with many small fishing boats. From here you can visit one of the kiosks and take a boat ride around the bay or even go out fishing for half a day.
Fistral Beach
Known best for its surfing due to swells from the Atlantic Ocean, Fistral Beach has become a surfers paradise. Each year International surfing competitions are held and people come from across the world to surf the large swells. If surfing is not your cup of tea, you can always stop and grab some refreshments from the nearby cafe (please note that it operates at reduced hours out of season).
Lost Gardens of Heligan
This traditional walled garden was created prior to the First World War and was only rediscovered again in 1990 when its current owners opened up a tiny room in the corner of their garden. Even now, the garden retains a level of mystery that attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Eden Project
Opening in 2001, the Eden Project has become a tourist landmark for those visiting Cornwall and is within easy reach of Newquay. It was created to tell the story about man's relationship with plants. Inside Biomes you can see a wide variety of plants and flowers which are acclimatised to tropical and Mediterranean temperatures and do not grow in the British Climate.
To help you have an enjoyable holiday in England, please take a look at these useful tips and advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office:
Health and Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended by all our tour operators and for some operators it is a condition of booking. When choosing a travel insurance please ensure it fully covers all your personal requirements including pre-existing medical conditions, cancellation charges, medical expenses, and repatriation in the event of accident or illness. As a British citizen you will obviously be entitled to free emergency health care on the NHS.
If you are visiting England from outside the United Kingdom and fall ill or are involved in an accident and are from an EU country or Switzerland, you can use a valid EHIC issued by your home country to access healthcare. Please note this is not an alternative to travel insurance. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised for nationalities planning on visiting the UK.
For the latest information and travel advice regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), please click here
If you need to contact the emergency services whilst in the UK simply dial 999 or 112 to ask for an ambulance.
Crime
The United Kingdom is a safe place to visit, however, as with all countries please exercise common sense. Petty crime can occur so take your usual precautions such as not leaving luggage unattended, beware of pickpockets in tourist areas and leave valuables in the hotel safe.
Local Laws and Customs
Queuing is a British Institution - jump a queue at your own risk!
If you are visiting from outside of the United Kingdom, it is wise to check customs requirements before you travel. If you are planning to bring alcohol, tobacco or souvenirs into the country, you need to be familiar with the UK's custom laws. If you go over your allowances, you may have to pay tax or duty. It is worth checking the HM Revenues and Customs website before you travel.
UK Entry Requirements
When travelling between the UK, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man you may need to show a Border Force officer a document confirming your identity. In most cases an official form of identification such as a driver's license or an armed forces identity card will be ok. However, some airlines will insist you show a passport so please check before you travel.
If you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein you can enter the UK with one of the following identity documents: a passport, an Irish passport card or a national identity card issued by an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, if you’re eligible to use one. The identity document should be valid for the whole of your stay.
If you’re from outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you must have a valid passport to enter the UK. It should be valid for the whole of your stay. You may also need a visa, depending on which country you’re from. Please check here if a visa is required before you travel.