Newquay
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Positives
- Concentrated variety of beach aspects
- Summer and winter breaks
- Big wave options
- Surf shop and party central
Negatives
- Most competitive line-ups in Cornwall
- Year-round crowds
- Summer parking hassles
- Cold, rainy & windy
Newquay surf travel guide
Newquay is the centre of the UK's surf scene, with every type of surf-related facility one could wish for. Based around the ultra-reliable waves of Fistral, which has hosted World Tour surf comps, Newquay also offers the protection of the town beaches leading into the wide-open, straight strands of Watergate Bay. Just dont expect to surf this stretch on your own and beware the spring/summer nightlife which attracts thirsty teens from all over the country.
Surf spots in Newquay
Research the 10 surf breaks in Newquay and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 10 breaks in Newquay.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Newquay
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Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Newquay.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 35,548,200
- Population
- 55,980,000
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- GBP
- Exchange rate
- $1 = £0.7 GBP
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +44
- Dialing out
- 00
- Emergencies
- 112
- Language
- English
Electricity
- Plug Type
- g
Visas
Since Brexit, unrestricted travel between the UK and the EU is over. The current system allows for visa free travel for up to 90/180 days a year. Beyond 90 days things get very complicated so check online for the details. US, Canada, OZ, NZ and some others follow the same 90-180 day rules. Most other countries need a visa before arrival. more info here
Getting There
Newquay Airport is 20mins from town by bus (Line 56) or a 10 minute drive/taxi ride.
The train station is right in the middle of town and a couple of minutes walk from the town beaches and multiple accommodation options.
Traffic coming into town from the north or south can get bad during the school holidays and the summer season.
Getting Around
Parking will be the main factor when trying to surf in Newquay. At any time of year, the car parks are often full and there is a lack of un-permitted on-street parking. Those arriving by public transport can walk between all the spots in town.
Accommodation
The whole town is geared towards tourists and so B&B’s and hostels are everywhere. Try and pick one with its own car parking area as parking is nearly impossible.
Activities
Newquay is a party town and the streets get full of "Merry" people all year long. Pub crawls and nightclubs are standard fare. Golf overlooking Fistral beach or a Sea Safari boat can be fun flat day entertainment.
Hazards & hassles
Cold water, strong riptides, sewage and crowds in the water and on land all year long. Drunken partygoers can occasionally get aggressive.
Handy Hints
Newquay did at one stage did house more surf shops in a small area than just about anywhere in the world. Shop numbers have dropped but it is still super well stocked with quality gear as well as cheap touristy junk. As a traveller from inland UK it's hard to recommend surfing here most of the time but it can be worth a visit to check out the town and party vibe and Fistral beach on its day is one of the UK's best beach breaks so is well worth a surf check.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.