A weekend in Newquay

Cornwall's surf capital, with long golden beaches

Independent UK guide
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Updated October 2026

Newquay is Cornwall's best-known surf town, with a string of golden beaches, clifftop walks and a lively nightlife. Fistral Beach is famous for its waves, while Watergate Bay and Porth are good for families.

It suits active weekends, groups of friends and families who want beaches on the doorstep.

Best forBeach days, Families, Nights out, Walkers

Best time to goMay to September for beach days and surf. Autumn can still be warm, with big waves.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£420–£730, excluding travel

Getting thereExeter: About 2 hours by car.

Check prices for a weekend in Newquay

Plan your weekend in Newquay

Top attractions in Newquay

Fistral Beach

The home of British surfing, with big waves and good facilities.

Watergate Bay

A huge sandy beach with surf and a fine beachfront cafe scene.

Towan Beach and Great Western Beach

Town beaches with rock pools and cafes.

Newquay Zoo

A family zoo in subtropical gardens.

The coast path

Clifftop walks in both directions from town.

Best things to do in Newquay

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

Surf lesson at Newquay

Newquay is the best-known surfing town in England, and Fistral Beach hosts big surf events. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.

Tintagel Castle visit

Tintagel Castle is a ruined fortress on a dramatic Cornish headland, linked by legend with King Arthur. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.

Camel Trail cycling

The Camel Trail is a flat, traffic-free path along a former railway line beside the Camel Estuary, running from Padstow to Wadebridge and on towards Bodmin. Allow 2 to 4 hours.

Best areas to stay in Newquay

Fistral

Surf culture and the Headland views.

Town centre

Close to nightlife and restaurants.

Watergate Bay

A beautiful, quieter beach base with hotels.

Best hotels in Newquay

These are well-established hotels often recommended for the area, listed in no particular order. They are not paid placements. Check current ratings, prices and availability before you book.

The Headland Hotel

Watergate Bay Hotel

Compare places to stay in Newquay

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. For dog-friendly or quiet stays, use the pet and review filters. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit Newquay

May to September for beach days and surf. Autumn can still be warm, with big waves.

Seasons that suit Newquay well: summer, spring, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in Newquay

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£130–£220
Food and drink, per day for two	£65–£100
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£420–£730

Higher-priced destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to Newquay

From Exeter: About 2 hours by car.
From Bristol: About 3 hours by car.
From London: About 5 hours by train to Par, then the branch line to Newquay.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in Newquay

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in Fistral.
Saturday: Start with Fistral Beach, then Watergate Bay. In the afternoon, head to Towan Beach and Great Western Beach.
Sunday: Visit Newquay Zoo or The coast path, then head home.

Packing list for Newquay

Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.

More kit guides: Beach and coast gear Wild swimming gear Walking gear

Good to know

Town can be loud at weekends in summer.
Always swim and surf between the lifeguard flags.

Newquay weekend FAQs

Is Newquay good for families?

Yes, especially at beaches such as Porth and Watergate Bay, but it also has a busy nightlife in the town centre.

Can I learn to surf in Newquay?

Yes. Surf schools offer lessons for beginners, with equipment included.

More weekend ideas

PadstowCornwall

A Cornish fishing harbour famous for seafood and the Camel Trail

St IvesCornwall

Golden beaches, art galleries and a pretty Cornish harbour

DartmoorDevon

Granite tors, wild ponies and ancient woodland

Explore more: Best weekend breaks from Birmingham and the Midlands · Best coastal weekend breaks in the UK · Best dog-friendly weekend breaks in the UK · Best family weekend breaks in the UK

Browse popular weekend activities or use the BritBreaks finder to match a weekend to your budget and travel time.

Last reviewed October 2026. Please check opening times and prices with each attraction before you go.