Newquay
OS Grid ref:- SW815615
The premier resort and surfing capital of Cornwall, Newquay boasts 7 miles of golden sands and is surrounded by 11 superb beaches. The town rises from its picturesque old harbour to the dramatic cliff tops above.
Left- Tolcarne Beach and Right the Island on Towan Beach
Newquay was originally known as Towan Blystra, a small pilchard fishing village. Newquay has existed as a town since the fifteenth century, when the stone quay was built from which it derives its present name. The export of pilchards to the Mediterranean was extremely profitable in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. In 1838 Joseph Treffry of Fowey decided to use the sheltered harbour at Newquay for his china clay exports and built a new quay.
Left- Towan Beach and Right- waiting for the Catch of the Day, above Newquay Harbour
Newquay offers an excellent range of sporting and recreational facilities. Its beaches are amongst the cleanest in western Europe. The quality of surfing has made Newquay the major centre for surfing in the UK, with waves that attract professionals from all over the world. As well as the international competitions held here, there are an abundance of schools for beginners.
Left- The Newquay Coast Right- Towan Beach
The award winning Newquay Animal World is the only zoo in Cornwall and is set in 10 acres of landscaped tropical gardens, with over 300 animals. Opened in 1969 the zoo has become one of the leading wildlife parks in the country and breeds the world's most endangered species. The Cornish Bird of Prey Centre at Winnard's Perch is well worth a visit. The centre is home to over 50 birds of prey including falcons, owls, buzzards and vultures.
Trenance Gardens offer the visitor a display of subtropical plants and quaint rustic bridges over streams. The gardens were opened in 1906 and extended in 1936. Across the viaduct is the Leisure Park which contains a 25m pool at Waterworld which has a 60m flume and slides. There is also a boating lake, a miniature railway and facilities for tennis and crazy golf.
There are plenty of things to do for families in Newquay, so it's an ideal holiday location. The coastal town offers several timeshares for resale and rent, so you have the opportunity to own vacation property in Cornwall for an affordable price and can look forward to many future holidays on the beautiful Atlantic coast!
The Blue Reef Aquarium
The ultimate undersea safari. Situated near Newquay Harbour, the Blue Reef Aquarium contains a variety of marine life, including giant spider crabs, sharks, seahorses and angel fish. Visitors walk through an underwater tunnel to view the exciting display of marine life.
More on the Blue Reef Aquarium
A walk from Newquay to Crantock
Distance 4 miles
Duration around 2 hours
*Leave Newquay along Crantock Street, cross Tower Road, continue along Atlantic Road and descend Trethellan Hill signposted to the Gannel.
*Cross the plank bridge and at the field by Penpol Creek follow the path left to a gate into a wood. Continue to a further gate into a sloping field and proceed to gate on the left of Penpol House which leads to the lane to Crantock.
*Leave Crantock village via Beach Road, take the path indicated on the right through a gate and follow it through bushes and fields to the steps down to the pedestrian bridge back to Newquay.