Need to Know the Top 10 Things to Do in Newquay?
Book One of Daish’s Holidays’ Coach Trips to Newquay
Found along Cornwall’s Atlantic Coast is the laid-back town of Newquay. Known for its sandy beaches and surfing, Newquay also boasts many historic sites, museums, and other family-friendly attractions. Daish’s Holidays wants to help you plan your next holiday by presenting the top things to do in Newquay for couples, families, and groups. Those seeking the best hotels in Newquay will not be disappointed with a stay at Daish’s Barrowfield Hotel. Located minutes from Tolcarne Beach and the Newquay town centre, this state-of-the-art hotel has its own heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, snooker room, and live entertainment in the spacious lounges. Reach out to our team today for booking information!
1. Lappa Valley Steam Railway
All aboard for a relaxing train ride at the Lappa Valley Steam Railway, one of Cornwall’s most nostalgic family-friendly attractions. Located in the picturesque countryside near Newquay, Lappa Valley offers three miniature railways, a leisure park, crazy golf, woodland walks, and adventure play areas. Enjoy a scenic swan boat ride on the lake or grab a bite to eat in the Whistle Stop Café. Our café offers homemade comfort foods, such as soups, sandwiches, sausage rolls, pasties, ice cream, and cakes.
2. Newquay Zoo
Let your little ones run wild at one of Cornwall’s most exciting attractions, the Newquay Zoo. Located near the Newquay town centre, this zoo is home to over 130 exotic animal species, including red pandas, black wildebeest, lemurs, penguins, meerkats, lions, lynx, and marmosets. Learn more about the zoo’s conservation efforts for endangered species with informative keeper talks and animal feeds scheduled throughout the day. Don’t forget to explore the Oriental Garden and the Village Farm.
3. Tolcarne Beach
Newquay is home to several of Cornwall’s best beaches, including Tolcarne Beach. One of four Newquay town beaches, Tolcarne Beach is a local favourite for its unique crescent-shaped bay set against the cliffs. Activities abound at this family-friendly beach, including swimming, surfing, rock pooling, and boogie boarding. Learn how to surf at the beach’s surf school, which features BSA instructors, suits, and equipment. Group and private surf lessons for beginner to intermediate surfers are available.
4. Watergate Bay Beach
The Watergate Bay beach is another local favourite located about three miles from Newquay. Famous for its golden sands and ideal surfing conditions, Watergate Bay offers relaxing waves year-round. You might recognize Watergate Bay, as it’s been used as a filming location in several productions, including Echo Beach, Plunge, and The Magical Legend of the Leprechauns. Adjacent to Newquay Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Watergate Bay is the perfect destination for kitesurfing, paddleboarding, and more.
5. Trerice Manor House
Step back to Elizabethan England with a visit to Trerice Manor House. Little has changed over the centuries at this tranquil Tudor manor steeped in history. Tour room by room to see its impressive collection of 17th-19th century furniture, paintings, embroidered pictures, wood skittles, and clocks, including a 300-year-old longcase clock. View colourful flowers and traditional varieties of Cornish apples in Trerice’s knot garden and orchard. Stop by the onsite café, shop, and second-hand bookshop.
6. The Japanese Garden
Garner an appreciation for Asian horticulture with a visit to the Zen-like Japanese Garden. Although it only occupies an acre, this lovely garden space features water gardens with Koi carp, a Zen viewing house, and gorgeous Japanese maples, bamboo groves, ornamental grasses, azaleas, rhododendrons, and more. Meditate and relax during a peaceful stroll among the brilliant blooms. Visitors can also walk away with a starter kit to create their own Japanese garden at home.
7. Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre
Discover Britain’s rich aviation heritage at the Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre. Aircraft exhibits come alive through the knowledgeable staff and volunteers, many of which have flown in or worked on them. Guided tours are available to help you imagine what it must have been like to have been in the pilot’s seat. Chock-full of history and interesting exhibits indoors and outdoors, the Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre is ideal for visitors both young and young-at-heart.
8. Blue Reef Aquarium
The Newquay Blue Reef Aquarium is a feast for the senses with 40+ innovative displays bringing visitors the sights, sounds, and smells of the sea. Enjoy up-close encounters with seahorses, piranha, sea turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, octopuses, and more. Learn more about aquatic life through talks and feeding displays scheduled throughout the day. Blue Reef is proud to be among the UK’s leading aquariums, with diverse creatures and immersive exhibits to inspire a deeper appreciation for the exotic life found in the world’s seas and oceans.
9. Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm
No visit to Cornwall is complete without stopping by its first and largest cyder-maker, Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm. Sample their award-winning cyders, juices, jams, and spirits while on a guided walking tour. Embark on a flavourful adventure by learning more about the farm, orchards, cyder vats, and the art of blending botanicals to make gin. Farm animals, vintage car displays, and a tea room make this family-run farm suitable for the entire family.
10. Pirate’s Quest Adventure Golf
Ahoy, landlubbers! Pirate’s Quest Adventure Golf is an immersive walk-through experience with realistic renditions of 1700s pirate life. Explore mystical caves and murky streets while winding through the indoor golf course. Braver souls looking for a unique challenge should ask about including Davy Jones’ Locker in their game, which takes golfers through a creepy graveyard of lost ships and souls while playing with a glow-in-the-dark golf ball. Buccaneers of all ages will enjoy this swashbucklin’ attraction!
Book Your Next Newquay Holiday With Us in Confidence Today
Family-operated since 1979, Daish’s Holidays is the winner of several Travellers’ Choice Awards from TripAdvisor. Learn more about our all-inclusive coach trips to Newquay and other UK destinations when you contact us and request a travel brochure. All hotels and coaches are owned and operated by us to ensure your satisfaction, so book your next holiday with us in confidence today!