Newquay Summer Holiday Experience Checklist!
Experience Newquay, to the maximum whilst on holiday in Cornwall this summer!
Hendra Holiday Park is just a mile and a half away from Newquay, and its spectacular 7 golden sand beaches.
Newquay’s coastline offers jaw-dropping views, with something for everyone, no matter what their interests. From sea gazing, treasure hunting, fishing, wildlife spotting, coastal cafes and restaurants, surfing, body boarding and kayaking – Newquay’s got it all.
From Hendra Holiday Park this summer, you can visit Newquay via the free Newquay Land Train, which leaves the Park each day at 9.15am and returns to Hendra at 4.15pm, or you can catch the bus from the bus station or the bus opposite Hendra, the Park and Ride, which operates from the Saturday the 20th of July until September the 1st.
This list shows you some of the amazing places that you can visit while staying with us, all without spending much money. There’s so much to do right here in Newquay, with all of these beautiful spots packed into this seaside town.
Try Surfing in Newquay!
When in Newquay one must surf! Or at least give it a go! You can surf with SSS Surf school, based at Towan Beach, who offer fantastic lessons for beginners, kids and families.
Or hire a board and try for yourself, even if you don’t stand up, you will have a fantastic time trying to and will enjoy catching those waves!
Or try body boarding or belly boarding – we have our fantastic wooden Hendra Belly Boards, available for hire. This is a great way of being sustainable, and fun too. Many beaches, and Hendra, have freecycle points so you may also find a bodyboard in there!
Fistral is the most renowned beach in Newquay for surfing, but you can also try other beaches such as Towan, Great Western and Tolcarne (check if you can surf or body board prior to visiting via the RNLI website).
Go Rock pooling!
Newquay has some amazing rock pools to explore, and this is an awesome drizzly day activity. Tolcarne and Porth are the perfect beaches for rock pooling. Remember to check tide times, as rock pooling is enjoyed when the tides out.
To rock pool, use a beach bucket. Carefully dip your bucket into the pool and empty it into another bucket or plastic container – then check to see if you have any sea creatures but don’t keep too many at a time as this may be stressful for them. After studying the creatures put them back carefully.
Some of the larger rock pools are perfect for taking a dip in the cool, clear water, whatever the weather; there’s something rather magical about rock pools.
Go to Newquay Harbour and go crabbing!
Newquay’s Harbour is the jewel in Newquay’s crown, encapsulating Newquay and what it has to offer in a small place. This idyllic harbour is the hub of Newquay’s fishing industry. Here you can explore the oceans with boat tours daily and see if you can spot a seal.
The Harbour has many pop-up food stalls to grab a bite to eat while visiting. It is also a good spot for some crabbing.
All you need is some bacon, or fish cut offs, and a fishing line with a small net and a weight attached.
Drop your line in the water and wait for about five minutes. You should catch the most common crab, a Shore Crab. When you catch your crab, raise your line, it should feel heavier, and observe. There should be some crabs happily munching! Observe and then gently return the crabs to the water. Don’t put too many crabs in the bucket at the same time and make sure you don’t leave them in the sun for too long.
Laura Salter
Discover Newquay’s Past
Perched on the cliff, opposite the Harbour, this bright-white building is a Newquay Landmark and a relic of Newquay’s past. The Huer’s Hut is thought to date all the way back to the 14th Century, and is where the Huer would look out for pilchards and signal when they were approaching so the fishing boats could be directed towards them. Prior to this, it was used as a hermitage and lighthouse.
Take a look at this interesting building whilst walking from Towan to Fistral.
Be Entertained at the Killacourt
Overlooking Towan Beach, this grassy spot is a gathering place in the town centre. On Saturdays the Killacourt hosts a range of entertainment, with live music. This July and August on Saturdays the Killacourt plays host to Cornwall Pride, Schools out for Summer Disco, Newquay’s Farmer’s Market and a variety of music sessions.
There are a range of local shops to browse here too.
Wander through Trenance Gardens
Not far from Hendra is Trenance Gardens, a colourful array of flowers, shrubs, and lakes: the Gardens are ideal spot. Feed the ducks, with duck food available to purchase from the cafes. The cafes offer a tranquil lunch or light bite, and even dinner at some of the cafes.
Also, at Trenance there is a play park, miniature railway, tennis courts and Newquay Zoo, and further up a skate park.
Be blown away by the Barrowfields views and walk the coast path
The Barrowfields in Newquay was a prehistoric burial ground and you will see that this is a pretty good spot. There are far-stretching views from the Barrowfields of the big blue, look one way into Newquay and the other way towards Watergate. These views will make your heart soar!
Walk the coast path from here to Watergate Bay for more breathtaking coastal views!
Discover wildlife at The Gannel
The Gannel is a tidal river that goes out to Crantock beach. When the tide is low, there’s a huge sandy space to explore. Dog-friendly and lifeguard free all year round, the Gannel is a place for nature lovers. There are remnants of old boats, as well as wading birds and different fish which can be spotted here, such as flounder and school bass.
Here people enjoy horse back riding, at low tide and canoeing and kayaking at high tide.
So much to explore on your Newquay summer holiday!
With so much to do, all within minutes from Hendra, you won’t need to venture any further! Of course there is so much more to explore on the north coast and the south coast. Read our blogs for more inspiration.
Our holiday homes and camping and touring pitches are getting book out quickly. Check out our offers and book here!
