When guests stay at our child-friendly cottages, Cornwall is their oyster. Newquay, the popular seaside town on the north coast, is less than an hours’ drive from our 5-star cottages and well worth visiting on a day out. Behind every destination, there is a captivating history, and Newquay is no different. Before you make your way to discover the delights of Newquay for yourself, why not read up on some fascinating facts about the Cornish town?
Location
Located on the north coast of Cornwall, Newquay is just 12 miles from Truro. The easy access to the town means it is a lovely place to visit on a day out, and with its upbeat vibe, Newquay is fantastic for young people and families.
Population
In 1801, over 200 years ago, the town just had 1,300 inhabitants, now Newquay has a population of over 20,000. During the summer months, the numbers swell to around 100,000, as holidaymakers descend upon the popular seaside town to soak up the sun and surf the waves.
Weather
Newquay has a moderate maritime climate, meaning mild winters and cool summers. This makes it is great to visit all year round, not just during the summer months and the town is perfect for several physical activities like water sports. However, sunbathing on the beach in winter might not be the best!
Surfing
The hub of Newquay’s surfing culture is Fistral Beach, which has a reputation for having the finest breaks in the United Kingdom. For pros, the waves are awesome, and for beginners, there are instructors to help you out. Don’t want to get your feet wet? There is a cafe conveniently located to watch all the action from!
Beaches
There are around 11 beaches within easy reach of Newquay, great for either walking on, surfing or making sandcastles. Some of the most popular ones are Bedruthan Steps Beach, Crantock Beach, Towan Beach, Great Western and Tolcarne. With so many beaches, you are sure to find a perfect spot, even during the busier summer months.
History
Newquay had its first settlers in the Iron Age, and signs of them are there in the form of a hill fort and industrial centre which exploited the abundance of resources and iron deposits. It is claimed the area was occupied from the 3rd century BC to the 5th or 6th century AD. There are also prehistoric burial mounds located in an area known as The Barrowfields.
Harbour
The curve of the headland at Newquay provided natural protection for ships, and it helped form what is now the harbour. The harbour is how Newquay got its name. In the 15th century, the locals had a new ‘quay’ built which is how the town got its current name, as it was formerly called Towan Blystra.
Attractions
Newquay, being a popular seaside town, has many attractions to entertain the kids with, such as the Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay Zoo, town trail and Trenance Boating Lake. The town is also a great walking destination, as there is the South West Coast Path and routes in and around Newquay which suit all ages and abilities.
Events
Being a popular tourist destination for families and young people, it is no surprise that Newquay has a fantastic calendar of events all year round. Highlights include the Electric Beach Festival, the Smugglers’ Den Inn Pie & Ale Festival, and Boardmasters.
Image Credit: Thomas Tolkien