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Britain > Cornwall > Newquay

A busy town on the northern coast and a youthful, energetic place where boredom is practically illegal

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Highlights

Beaches & Surfing
Endless List of Activities
Newquay Zoo
Nightlife
At times, the county of Cornwall has a reputation for being a quiet, restful place, with nothing much really going on. Newquay, however is a busy town on the northern coast and is the direct opposite of that stereotype. It's a youthful, energetic place where boredom is practically illegal.
The entire town is clustered around its beaches, which are undoubtedly the star attraction. In particular, Newquay is known for its surfing, and is sometimes referred to as the "surfing capital of Britain". Whether that's true or not, it's certainly one of the country's best places to find good waves.
If you're one of the many visitors who have brought a board along, then your first destination should be Fistral Beach, which is one of the main areas on the Newquay shore. This is where all the pros come - and where they hold international surf competitions, and other events, throughout the year.

Surfing at Fistral Beach
Photo tompagenet
As well as this, there are many other beaches, spreading out in both directions along the coastline. Places like Harbour and Crantock beaches are known for their quieter, calmer atmospheres, making them perfect for families. On the other hand, areas like the interestingly-named Lusty Glaze Beach provide opportunities for rock climbing, abseiling, and other adventurous activities.

Swimming at Crantock Beach
Photo a.froese
All in all, throughout Newquay there's very little you can't do. In the water, you can take part in everything from popular activities like diving and fishing, to lesser-known pursuits such as waveskiing and power-kiting. On dry land, the town has facilities for sports like golf and tennis, as well as a wide array of other attractions like museums, and a zoo. Additionally, by heading just a short distance outside of Newquay, you get access to a multitude of other activities, like horse riding and cycling, which allow you to take in the Cornish scenery.

Newquay Harbour
Photo Pengannel
So it's unlikely you'll ever run out of things to do. This is one of the best examples of a traditional seaside resort, with all the shops, ice cream stands, and video game arcades that you might expect. Most of these are clustered right next to the beach, so during the day, you can spend your money on all sorts of things, from surfboards to sunglasses. At night though, when the sun finally sets, and the beaches empty the town itself really comes to life.
Newquay is just as popular in the evenings as it is during the days, with an endless array of bars, restaurants and other drinking establishments. Customers after a more relaxing atmosphere should head for one of the chilled beachside bars, or one of the traditional pubs, which often serve local ales. On the other hand, people who want to dance can choose from a multitude of huge nightclubs, which often host big-name DJs from abroad, or from national radio. There are also several bars and cafes on the cliff tops, offering the best views in the whole town.

Enjoying a night out in Newquay
Photo tac1980
It will come as no surprise to learn that Newquay is one of the most popular destinations in any part of Britain. You could try something completely different every day, and it would be a long time before you ever ran out.
Visitor Information
Newquay Tourist Information Centre, Municipal Offices, Marcus Hill, Newquay. TR7 1BD. Tel: 01637 854 020

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