Our Guide to Self Catering Newquay Holidays

There’s something about holidays in Newquay that have us feeling all relaxed before we’ve even unpacked our cases. That first time you catch sight of the waves in the distance and slip into your flip flops you can feel your shoulders drop as your body gets into what we call ‘Newquay’ mode. Life in the infamous north Cornwall resort is all about long days on sandy beaches, days out at the many family attractions in the region, and just having a great time.

When did you last finish your day by tucking into the fresh catch of the day in a beachside restaurant as the sun set? Or start your day sipping on something warm while the sun came up behind the sea? In Newquay, you’re free to take time out doing what you love – and we defy you not to leave feeling completely reenergised.

Newquay attractions

With so many outstanding sandy beaches to choose from you’d be forgiven from wanting to stick to those bucket and spade days during your Newquay holiday, but then you’d miss out on the family attractions that make a holiday even more special. Let’s start with Newquay Zoo, home to more than a thousand of the world’s rarest and most endangered animals, the zoo centres around 13 acres of beautiful tropical gardens, and it’s a great day out for all ages.

And then there’s Pirate Quest…this swashbuckling indoor adventure is one of our favourite Newquay attractions for those rare wet days, and it takes visitors to Newquay on a journey back to the days when pirates and smugglers ruled the Cornish coastline. Expect to find yourself face to face with real live pirates as you make your way around, as well as the odd mermaid along the way too.

Things to do in Newquay

When it comes to things to do in Newquay there’s only one activity to start with, and that’s surfing. Don’t be put off having a go if you’ve never surfed before or you don’t think you’re quite up to the standard of the pros you’ll see riding the waves while you’re there, the surf schools welcome novices of all shapes and sizes and they promise to have most of us standing on the board after two hours of tuition. They’ll be on hand the whole time you’re in the water too so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Located on Fistral Beach, the ESF Surf School is run by some of the best surfers on the scene, and they offer taster surfer lessons for those of you who want to give a try. The cost of the lesson includes the hire of all the equipment you’ll need, and you’ll have a great time while learning a new skill to impress those back home (just imagine their faces when they see the pictures. ).

You can arrange surfing lessons and Newquay activities through the Blue Chip Experience service before you arrive at your property, just ask our Bookings team for more information.

Newquay events

With all that gorgeous coastline (not to mention those impressive waves), Newquay’s the perfect setting for many an event, and there are some regular happenings that draw visitors in their droves to watch the action and join the fun. Events like Polo on the Beach that takes place every year on Watergate Bay. Some of the finest water polo players in the world battle it out in the shore while the crowds sit back and watch, and it’s a spectacular sight as the horses thunder their way along one of the UK’s most beautiful beaches. This is something of a sophisticated event, and there’s always the chance to enjoy a barbeque and a glass of something bubbly too…sounds perfect.

Every April sees Legends of the Bay take place at Watergate Bay, and this event combines SUP paddle surfing and kitesurfing, so it’s another one that’s thrilling to sit back and watch for a few hours while the experts show off their skills out at sea. It’s probably no surprise that Newquay hosts the English National Surfing Championships each year, and this event sees the best surfers on the planet take on the newest pros on the scene to battle it out for the title.

Places to eat in Newquay

We think that most meals in Newquay should be as relaxed as the rest of the holiday, and luckily there are plenty of yummy beach bars that serve up the freshest flavours of the region (not to mention the catch of the day more often than not) with views you won’t want to take your eyes from.

Fifteen Cornwall is Jamie Oliver’s famous charity venture, and it gives second chances to disadvantaged youths from the area AND serves up some of the finest food in the area – no small feat. Tuck into one of the menu’s dramatic Italian dishes while you take in the panoramic views over Watergate Bay, and this one’s perfect for those romantic meals for two during a holiday in Newquay.

Little Kahuna’s another firm favourite with Newquay holidaymakers, and it serves up fine food from around the globe. This is one to bear in mind if you fancy something a little bit different, and the reviews speak for themselves.

Newquay beaches

Now for the beaches…and you can pretty much take your pick from some of the best beaches in the whole of the UK. There’s Fistral Beach, a favourite with surfers from the whole world over and a great place to walk the dog (dogs are welcome all year round). Then there’s the golden sands of Watergate Bay that stretch on for so long you can only see beach for as far as the eye can see…and for the families there’s Porth Beach, a sheltered choice that’s perfect for those with young children. For those of you who like to escape the crowds and enjoy true time out during a day on the sand, there's Lusty Glaze. This sandy cove has amenities to keep everyone happy, yet feels a world away from the crowds of the town.