How To Spend A Weekend in Newquay
A weekend is a wonderful way to experience one of the UK’s favourite seaside towns. If you’re visiting for the weekend, we’ve created the following itinerary of where to eat, drink and places you simply cannot miss. From wide open sandy beaches flanked by dramatic cliffs to riding the waves at Fistral Beach. Newquay is fast becoming the go to destination on Cornwall’s north coast.
Whether you’re visiting for the surf, the wellness scene, the incredible restaurants or for some much needed R&R, this is how to pack lots into a 48 hours stay.
Friday Afternoon: Arrival
Check In & Chill Out
Arrive mid-afternoon and settle into your home for the weekend. Whether it’s an AirBnB, an indulgent hotel stay, a camping weekend or you’re checking into a sea view guesthouse, let the good times roll.
Late Afternoon: Coastal Walk
After travelling, it’s time to stretch your legs with a gentle walk along the coast path. Head towards any beach to pick up the path and stop to take in the sea incredible views. Welcome to paradise…
Don’t miss:
> Towan Island and its fairy-tale house
> The view across to Pentire Headland
> Surfers catching the last sets of the day
Dinner: Lewinnick Lodge
Clifftop dining doesn’t get much better. Overlooking Pentire Headland, Lewinnick Lodge is ideal for your first evening. Think seasonal Cornish produce, a cosy atmopshere and a view that feels cinematic at sunset.
Order fresh fish, something chilled and ease into weekend mode.
After Dinner: Harbour Drinks
If you fancy one last stop before bed, wander into town for a drink at The Boathouse on Newquay Harbour or a relaxed cocktail at Tom Thumb (small, atmospheric and excellent for nightcaps).
Then back to your room. Windows cracked open. Waves in the distance.
Saturday Morning: Sea & Coffee
Early Swim or Surf at Fistral Beach
Start the day the Newquay way.
> Book a surf lesson with Fistral Beach Surf School
> Or take a bracing sea swim (wetsuit recommended outside summer)
> Prefer slow mornings? Walk the shoreline with coffee in hand
Breakfast: Blend
Blend is a real local’s favourite. It’s healthy, stacked and delicious making it a great choice to start your day. Smoothie bowls, fresh fruit and strong coffees to go.
Order: smoothie bowls or something wholesome post-surf.
Saturday Midday: Explore & Discover
Option 1: Newquay Harbour & Sea Safari
Head to the harbour and book a Sea Safari. You might spot seals, dolphins and seabirds along the rugged coastline. Seeing Newquay from the water gives you a completely different perspective.
Option 2: Headland Walk to Pentire
Walk out towards Pentire Headland for sweeping views back across Fistral. In spring and summer the clifftops are scattered with wildflowers; in winter it’s dramatic and windswept. Click here for more walking inspiration in Newquay.
Option 3: Blue Reef Aquarium
Perfect if you’re visiting with family – discover local marine life and underwater tunnels at the local marine conservation attraction just above Towan Beach.
Lunch: The Boathouse, Newquay Harbour
The Boathouse brings together a collection of street-food style kitchens overlooking the sea at Newquay Harbour. Grab lobster, tacos, wood-fired pizza or seafood and eat at long wooden tables facing the boats.
Saturday Afternoon: Relaxed Indulgence
Spa or Beach Time
> Book a treatment at The Headland Hotel Spa for full relaxation mode
> Or claim a spot on Tolcarne Beach, one of Newquay’s prettiest, more sheltered coves
Alternatively, browse independent shops along Fore Street for Cornish homeware, art and gifts.
Saturday Evening: A Memorable Dinner
Dinner: Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling
If you’re planning ahead, book a table at Ugly Butterfly in the Headland Hotel. Michelin-starred and overlooking the Atlantic, it’s an immersive, ingredient-led experience celebrating Cornish produce.
Prefer something more relaxed?
> Rosa’s for vibrant Italian
> The Fish House on Fistral for ultra-fresh seafood
> The Clover Club small tapas style plates that are full of flavour
> Ginger and Joe contemporary cuisine with some of the best cocktails in town
> Graze Tapas a taste of Spain on the Cornish coast
Sunset Spot
End the evening watching the sun dip into the Atlantic at Boardmaster’s Beach Bar at Fistral. On clear evenings, the sky turns sherbet pink and molten gold – it’s quite the sight that you won’t want to miss.
Sunday Morning: Slow & Scenic
Breakfast
Box & Barber: The place to go for a delicious breakfast wrap, loaded pancakes and excellent coffee.
Or opt for Fore Street Café for a slower sit-down brunch.
Late Morning
Trenance Gardens & Boating Lake: A peaceful pocket away from the surf scene. Wander through Trenance Gardens, hire a rowing boat or simply stroll beside the lake.
Nearby, you’ll find:
> Newquay Zoo (great for families)
> Open green spaces for relaxed wandering
Before You Leave – One Last Beach Stop
Head to Crantock Beach or Great Western for a final breath of sea air. Shoes off, toes in the sand, even in winter.
Or if you’re feeling up to it, book a surf lesson and learn to ride the waves.
Fistral Beach Surf School
📍 Fistral Beach, Headland Road
🌐 https://fistralbeachsurfschool.co.uk
One of the most established schools in the UK, located right on Fistral Beach. Offers beginner lessons, improver coaching, kids’ clubs and private tuition. Excellent facilities and highly experienced instructors.
Best for: First-timers, families, structured coaching programmes.
Quiksilver Surf School Newquay
📍 Fistral Beach
🌐 https://quiksilversurfschoolnewquay.com
Operates directly from Fistral with ISA-qualified instructors. Lessons for all abilities, plus equipment hire and multi-day courses.
Best for: All levels, holiday makers wanting a trusted, well-known brand.
Escape Surf School
📍 Fistral Beach
🌐 https://www.escapesurfschool.co.uk
A long-running independent school offering beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons. Also runs women-only sessions and surf fitness coaching.
Best for: Personalised tuition and improvers.
Newquay Activity Centre
📍 Fore Street / Towan Beach
🌐 https://newquayactivitycentre.co.uk
Offers surf lessons on Towan Beach as well as coasteering, paddleboarding and bodyboarding. Great if you want to mix surfing with other coastal adventures.
Best for: Groups, families and multi-activity days.
Don’t forget to pick up Cornish treats from town (fudge, sea salt, artisan coffee) and promise yourself you’ll be back.
A SHORT BREAK IN NEWQUAY
A weekend in Newquay isn’t just about beaches – it’s about that shift in pace. Mornings shaped by the tide. Evenings shaped by the horizon. And two days that feel far longer than they should.
Browse accommodation, places to eat and things to do.
