Newquay Cornwall Surfing Capital of Britain.
A short guide with pictures

Newquay Surf capital of Britain

Beach | Cornwall Surfing | St Agnes

Newquay, facing the Atlantic Ocean on the North Cornwall Coast is the largest resort in Cornwall, and self styled surfing capital of Britain. Once a isolated fishing community, reliant on pilchards, with an still unspoilt harbour. Why not wander along the Quay, where at high water the local fishermen unload their catch- baskets of crabs destined for top restaurants. It is also the place to book a sea angling trip.

The harbour is a real suntrap in a beautiful setting, what could be nicer than sitting in a deckchair soaking up the sun, watching the hustle and bustle all around? A hundred years ago the harbour exported china clay and ore brought in by railway. With the decline of mining the railways bought in a new harvest- Victorian tourists.

Newquay Beaches

Fistral Beach where the surfing contests are held, and where you can learn to surf with tuition from professional surfers. Newquay beaches some of the best and safest in Cornwall. Don't forget to look at our surfing pictures gallery. There are lots of places to stay in and around Newquay Bed and Breakfast. Around the Headland, and back towards the town, Towan Beach, and Lusty Glaze. Further down the Coast the lovely Holywell Bay and Crantock beaches.

The town centre has lots of character. Souvenier shops, restaurants, other places to eat. There is a wide choice of accommodation from hotels to homely bed and breakfast to camp sites. There are plenty of family attractions nearby, including a Zoo, the Red Reef Centre with its sea horses, and Dairyland all great for the kids.

Xmas and the New Year

Newquay at Xmas and the New Year The resort rivals St Ives and Looe as the place in Cornwall to spend Xmas and see in the New Year. Revelers in fancy dress from all over Britain, not only locals, pack the pubs, clubs, hotels and harbourside, determined to see out the Old Year in style . From men in dinner jackets, to women dressed as Cleopatra to children in Star Wars outfits. A most friendly, relaxed and carefree time is had by all.

Flights the resort has become popular for weekend breaks and shortbreaks in Cornwall. Thanks to Air Southwest flying to Gatwick, Bristol, Leeds and Dublin, and Ryanair flying in from London Stanstead.

Around and About Newquay

The River Gannel runs to the west, meeting the sea at Crantock, a particularly nice beach, backed by sand dunes. In Summer a foot ferry operates across the Gannel Estuary. Crantock village is unspoilt, with several thatched cottages arranged around a square, a church and the centuries old Old Albion Inn. Crantock Beach is off the beaten track- particularly popular with the locals. Beyond the Headland of West Pentire beyond Crantock are more lovely beaches. Quaintly named Porth Joke and Holywell Bay to name but two.

Great Coast Path Walks are to be had, both setting out from the resort or by travelling further afield. Such as Bedruthan Steps NT 5 miles west, great pinnacles of wave lashed rock, beneath massive cliffs framed by Park Head in the distance. To really appreciate their immensity take a brisk walk along the beach. Do not get cut off by the tide, and yes those steps are really steep and often slippery.

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