With the great British summer in full swing, summer is a great time of year to visit the coastal paradise of Newquay. With schools breaking up and annual leave commencing, Cornish businesses are busting open their doors to welcome visitors from all over the country (and world!) to the many activities and events that are taking place this month. Here are some of the best things to do in Newquay this summer (2023!):
Attend Boardmasters Surf and Music Festival
The world-famous festival full of epic surf, a laid-back beachy atmosphere and fantastic acts will soon return to our clifftops. Boardmasters has a venue truly like no other, with breathtaking views over the Atlantic Ocean, festival goers can watch the sun set to the sound of their favourite acts.
There are also plenty of other activities to enjoy throughout the weekend including food stalls, beach parties, and live entertainment.
Explore the beaches:
We couldn’t write a blog about the best things to do in Newquay without mentioning the beautiful white sand beaches sprinkled along our coastline.
Whether you are into swimming, paddleboarding or coasteering, there is a beach to suit everyone.
Some of our favourites include: Fistral, Watergate Bay, and Towan Beach.
Go surfing
Newquay is a world-renowned surfing destination, and there are plenty of opportunities to learn to surf or improve your skills. There are also plenty of surf schools and rental shops in the town.
We recommend Fins Surf School, ideally located between two brilliant surfing beaches – Fistral and Towan. Fins also specialise in surfing, making them some of the best surf lessons available in Newquay!
Visit the Blue Reef Aquarium
This aquarium is home to over 40 different species of marine life, including sharks, rays, and tropical fish. There is also a touch tank where you can get up close to some of the animals.
Go coasteering
What better way to explore our beautiful coastline than by scrambling, jumping and swimming along it! Coasteering is a thrilling and adventurous activity that allows you to experience the coastline in a whole new way. It’s a great way to get your heart racing and to see some of the most beautiful parts of the coast that you might not otherwise be able to access.
Newquay is abundant with local businesses offering coasteering tours, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure!
Take a boat trip
There are several boat trips that depart from Newquay, which offer the chance to see dolphins, seals, and other marine life. These trips are a great way to get up close and personal with some of the most fascinating creatures that call the Cornish coast home. Or if you’re looking to visit somewhere with a Mediterranean feel, hopping on a boat to the Isles of Scilly will have you feeling like you’ve been dropped off in the South of France.
Visit the Eden Project
Just a short drive from Newquay, this award-winning garden is home to a variety of plants from around the world, including rainforests, Mediterranean gardens, and a tropical rainforest.
Alongside being a visual masterpiece of biodiversity and plant life, the Eden Project is also a highly educational experience about how the impact of fossil fuels on our plant life and how we can make changes towards a better future.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Newquay in August. With its beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, and vibrant nightlife, Newquay is the perfect place to spend a summer vacation.
Here are some additional tips for planning your trip to Newquay in August:
- Accommodation can get booked up very quickly for August, so it is better to book in advance. If you are looking for some last-minute accommodation, we do have some rooms available at The Atlantic Hotel. We are currently running an offer where you can grab 30% off all rooms during August and September. Availability is running out so book now to secure your stay – only redeemable by phone.
- Pack plenty of suncream. It may be overcast this week but Cornwall can get delightfully hot during the summer months.
- Be sure to bring a hat and sunglasses, as well.
- There are a number of festivals and events taking place in Newquay in August, so be sure to check before you travel for any events taking place plan ahead. You can find a full list of Newquay events on the VisitCornwall website.
I hope this blog post has inspired you to visit Newquay in August, we wish you a wonderful summer!