Explore | Parks & Gardens | The Barrowfields
Sitting on high bordering the outskirts of Newquay town, this verdant patch of green leisure space flaunts more than just panoramic sea vistas across Newquay Bay: this spot also packs a pretty big historical punch.
Regularly used for a wide variety of reasons like most parks and gardens, the Barrowfields is a hive of activity bustling with joggers, dog-walkers, wildlife-spotters, families, cyclists, commuters, and gentle stroll-goers simply admiring the view. One perimeter of this attractive parcel of land follows the edge of the cliff face bordering the ocean with a handful of sheltered seating areas and benches, while the other fringes along the main road town-bound sporting a flat pedestrian and cycle track for ease of access.
🅿️ Parking (limited)
♿️ Accessible
🐾 Dog friendly (year-round)
🍴 Food & drink (seasonal)
The Barrowfields is largely discernible not just because of the far-reaching Atlantic seascape that dominates the horizon, but also due to the three raised mounds that protrude from the softly rolling terrain here. These somewhat inconspicuous looking grass-covered hills are in fact the remains of prehistoric burial mounds (barrows), dating back an estimated 3,500 years.
In total, fifteen areas across the Barrowfields have been successfully identified as ancient burial sites, however sadly few barrows remain intact today. Following careful excavation, items including a pottery urn containing the remains of an Early Bronze Age Chieftain were discovered. Arrow heads, ancient cists, internally built stone structures and various other intriguing items have also been identified from the Barrowfields. These compelling finds hold a number of fascinating clues to what life might have been like here, including chronologies and timelines, territorial significance, social structures, rituals and practices. The three barrows that remain to this day are the last surviving monuments of what would have been a large, extensive and important group of ancient humans situated in Newquay, and along this stretch of coast.
Throughout the year and particularly during the peak summer season, a variety of events take place on the Barrowfields including large, inflatable obstacle courses, trampolining and bouncy castles for all ages to enjoy.
Activities in Newquay