🏖️ Beaches & Coastal Spots

(All within 10–25 min of town)

Fistral Beach (Newquay) – Cornwall’s surf capital; surf schools, cafés, and events.

Watergate Bay – 2 miles of sand and space for surf, kite-flying, or beach walks.

Crantock Beach (National Trust) – golden sands, estuary views, and a short walk over the Gannel River.

Holywell Bay – famous dunes and dramatic cliffs (seen in Poldark).

Mawgan Porth – quieter, family-friendly, and great for bodyboarding.

Porth Island Headland – coastal path walk with sea arches and wildflowers.

🦜 Wildlife & Family Attractions

Newquay Zoo – compact but excellent; focus on conservation and tropical habitats.

Blue Reef Aquarium (Newquay seafront) – walk-through tunnel and local marine species.

Lappa Valley – steam trains through woodlands, boating lake, and kids’ play areas (15 min).

DairyLand Farm Park – animals, tractor rides, and indoor play (10 min south of Newquay).

The Japanese Garden, St Mawgan – peaceful retreat with koi ponds and bonsai (15 min).

🏰 Heritage & Culture

Trerice (National Trust) – Elizabethan manor with gardens and café (10 min).

Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre (closed to the public but visible from road, near airport) – former RAF base with aircraft displays.

Cornwall Gold & Tolgus Mill – see historic mining machinery and try panning for “gold” (20 min, near Redruth).

🚶 Nature & Adventure

South West Coast Path – walk the stretch from Pentire Head to Crantock or Watergate for breathtaking clifftop views.

Gannel Estuary – tidal river walk, great for birdwatching and photography.

Coasteering, kayaking, and sea safaris – multiple operators in Newquay run 2–3 hr guided sessions.

Porth Reservoir Nature Reserve – peaceful inland lake for picnics and birdwatching (10 min).

☕ Lovely Local Villages to Visit

St Mawgan-in-Pydar – quaint village with a tea room, church, and Japanese Garden.

Padstow (30 min north) – harbour town known for Rick Stein’s seafood and ferry to Rock.

Perranporth (25 min south) – long sandy beach with beach bar and surfing.