Newquay’s seven white sandy beaches, regularly rushed by sweeping Atlantic waves, have made this waterfront town more than just a seaside resort, it’s become Cornwall’s most popular surfing destination. But Newquay's popularity goes back to the 1850s when it became a family seaside holiday destination. A number of grand hotels went up during the latter years of the 19th century, convenient for both the ocean and the station, but today accommodation is more varied, and the best places to stay in Newquay include B&Bs and guesthouses, family-style hotels, hotels with spas, converted mansions and restaurants with rooms.

Newquay is still popular with families. One reason is its fabulous beaches — between Newquay Harbour, Towan, Tolcane, Porth, Great Western, and Fistral, there’s around 12 miles worth of sand to find space on. Newquay also has Cornwall’s largest zoo, as well as its largest aquarium – which is centrally positioned on Towan Beach, opposite Towan Island. Trenance Gardens boating lake, miniature railway, playground and mini golf course, are another easy attraction for families. Newquay also has some fantastic rockpooling sites, an owl sanctuary, a farm, and the Crealy Adventure Park theme park. Local to Newquay there are a number of National Trust properties, and some excellent walks too.

If you’re here to surf, the best places to stay in Newquay will be close to Fistral Beach. It’s got the reputation for being one of the UK’s best beach breaks, and has all the surf shop and surf school infrastructure as well. The town also has a number of fantastic restaurants, with the bars to match.

The Best Places to Stay in Newquay

For the Views

• Lewinnick Lodge is a stylish restaurant-with-rooms in a wonderful clifftop spot which means that most of the rooms have incredible sea views that stretch for miles. The ten rooms are simply, and stylishly, decorated, using a nautical palette. The Cornish fare in the restaurant is fantastic and the hotel will provide you with ample recommendations about what you might like to enjoy between meals. Children are welcome too, as are dogs.

For Romantics

• The Scarlet is a chic eco-hotel, and a wonderful place to relax, overlooking Mawgan Porth beach. The 37 rooms and suites are decorated with contemporary style and local art – but nothing that detracts from the incredible views guests enjoy from each of the vast windows. The cocktail lounge spills out onto a terrace with more views, as does the hotel restaurant. Don't miss the natural pool with a view and the stunning clifftop cedarwood hot tub. Adults only.
• The Fistral Beach Hotel is an adult’s only hotel, with 71 minimalist rooms and suites; a great restaurant, specialising in Cornish cuisine produced locally; an impressive spa and indoor pool, and a small but very complete gym. Great value, even if you want to treat yourselves to a private suite with a hot tub and water views.

For Families

• The Bedruthan Steps Hotel is a fantastic value, and very family-friendly hotel right on the Atlantic Ocean, with incredible views. It's perfect for families because it’s big and friendly, with a good range of room options and configurations. There are three pools, and a spa, and two restaurants. There’s also a games room, and direct access to the beach.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Newquay?

• Newquay has its own airport: Cornwall Airport Newquay, which is about ten minutes outside town by car or taxi, or about 20 minutes by bus. Exeter Airport is on the opposite coastline, but is still second closest, about an hour and a half away by road, or two and a half hours by bus. If you’re travelling via London the trains leave from Paddington, and take about five and a quarter hours direct.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Newquay is busiest in the summer, when it’s an obvious choice for anyone looking for some sun and seaside fun in the UK. The atmosphere is lively, the air scented with pasties and sunscreen, there are lots of surfers to watch, and a good chance of seeing a dolphin or a seal. But there are plenty of reasons to visit Newquay outside of summer too: in autumn the water is still warm, but the families have all had to go back to school, so it’s quieter, and much better than summer for clifftop walks and exploring the woods. Winter is the quietest time of year, and ideal for holing up with loved ones, or enjoying some peace and quiet while the weather may rage outside. Spring is colourful with flowers, and noisy with birdsong, and everything starts to re-open at an excited, but relaxed pace. Outside of the school holidays you can get much more affordable hotel rates, but if you do visit out of season make sure you check to see what is and isn’t open. And whenever you visit it’s a good idea to pack your wet weather gear.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Cornwall
• Expand your search to include some of Newquay’s neighbours, like the best places to stay in Padstow, Rock, Port Isaac or St Austell, which is on the opposite coastline
• Refine your search by the type of accommodation you’re looking for and consider the best hotels in Cornwall for families, Cornwall’s best pubs-with-rooms, the most romantic hotels in Cornwall or Cornwall’s best sea view hotels
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Newquay