Best Places to Stay in Newquay, Cornwall: My Top Picks
There are so many places to stay in Newquay in Cornwall! My family are from the region, and I often stay in Newquay when I’m visiting them. So here’s my breakdown of the best areas!
Newquay is to Cornwall what Los Angeles is to California. Popular, busy, iconic – and both have excellent surf!
Many tourists visit Cornwall and just head to Newquay, and while I’ve spent my whole life travelling to different places in the Duchy, I can see the draw.
Newquay has the beaches, attractions for all ages and the nightlife. The town centre’s a little run down in parts, but the surroundings are incredible.
When I was a child, my family loved Newquay for holiday attractions, like Newquay Zoo and Lappa Valley. I also went to Newquay on my first trip away from my parents, aged 17 (and definitely didn’t attempt to check out the bar scene…).
In recent years, my partner and I have enjoyed visiting Newquay for hiking, beachgoing, dining and spa-ing. There really is something for everyone here!
The town is right in the middle of Cornwall’s northern coastline, so it’s ideal for day trips as well. And luckily, there are tonnes of excellent places to stay in Newquay, from apartments to guesthouses to fancy hotels.
I’ve stayed in a few on my trips to the town; so let’s get into them!
Best Places to Stay in Newquay
Although Newquay isn’t a huge town, there are a few distinct areas to stay at here. My top choice would probably be Fistral Beach, one of Cornwall’s most iconic surfing beaches. It’s around a 20 minute walk to town, but I quite like having that distance.
I also love Watergate Bay, which is the other side of Newquay centre. It’s a bit more chill than Newquay itself (outside of Boardmasters weekend!), and has plenty of accommodation options.
But of course, Central Newquay has its draws – it’s close to restaurants and nightlife, you have an array of beaches at your fingertips and the train station is walking distance.
Fistral Beach
If you want to surf, Fistral Beach is the place to be.
It’s a sweeping beach to the west of the town, and is potentially the epicentre of surfing in the UK!
I stayed here a couple of years ago when my partner and I spent a couple of days in Newquay. We loved getting up early, grabbing a coffee from X and walking along the sands. We aren’t surfers, but enjoyed watching them!
There are a few hostels and guesthouses around Fistral Beach, as well as quite a few luxury hotels; it’s definitely one of the best places to stay in Newquay whatever your tastes.
Where to stay at Fistral Beach
Want to take to the waves of Fistral? Smarties Surf Lodge is a chilled-out hostel, perfect for backpackers in Newquay!
Choose from a double room, a triple room or a dorm if you’re on more of a budget.
There’s a communal area and a cooked breakfast is on offer each morning.
Click here for more information.
Oceanside Lifestyle Hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the beach. We stayed here a couple of years ago and LOVED the views of the crashing waves! R
ooms were comfortable and well-furnished, and there’s an excellent restaurant with a delicious breakfast downstairs.
Click here to read more about Oceanside.
The Atlantic Hotel Newquay is a four-star property with roomy, luxurious rooms, some with sea views, and deluxe bathrooms – a few with roll-top baths!
As well as its beachfront location, there are two swimming pools in the grounds, as well as a bar.
Click here for more information.
The Headland Hotel and Spa is one of the most luxurious places to stay in Newquay.
Choose from eight different types of rooms, some with stunning coastal views. All rooms have incredibly comfortable beds and are spacious and modern.
There are a whopping seven swimming pools on site, as well as a spa, which I think would be perfect for a winter trip! They also offer storm watching packages in the cooler months, which is high on my Cornwall bucket list!
The hotel has an AA rosette due to the three restaurants on site, serving delicious local cuisine. It’s a great spot for a Cornish cream tea!
Click here to read more about the Headland Hotel and Spa.
Pentire Headland
As you walk or drive away from Newquay town centre, the buildings will gradually thin out, making way for the epic Pentire Headland. This splits Fistral Beach and the Gannel Estuary.
This peninsula is located on the South West Coast Path. I love the hiking around this area – and it is also one of the best places to stay in Newquay if you’d like somewhere a little quieter and with easy access to this part of the coastline!
Where to stay on the Pentire Hedland
The Pentire Hotel is a three-star property close to the headland. Rooms are basic but efficient, with good heating and amenities. There is a bistro, as well as a gym and indoor pool, on site. Click here to read more about it.
The Lewinnwick Lodge is a four-star property very close to the headland.
Rooms are spacious and bright, with super-comfy beds and luxury en-suites – some with roll-top baths! You can also select to have a sea view upon booking.
There is a restaurant and bar on site.
Click here to read more about the Lewinnwick Lodge.
Saltwater is set in a modern building close to the headland.
The apartment is clean, modern and well-furnished, with a white and blue nautical atmosphere running throughout.
You’ll have a full kitchen, as well as a living space and a luxury bathroom. The apartment sleeps two people, so it’s ideal for a romantic getaway to Newquay!
Click here to read more about Saltwater and to book your stay.
Central Newquay
Wondering where to stay in Newquay to be in the centre of all the action? Smack bang in the centre, of course!
While it’s not my favourite place to stay (I dont really want to be in all the action), there are plenty of fun things to do in the area. I love The Boathouse, a street food market on the beach, and recently went to Saunassa which is a fab sauna and hot tub complex!
If you stay in Central Newquay, you’ll be in walking distance to the shops, bars, restaurants, clubs and the harbour, as well as most of the beaches (not all, although it’s always a nice walk on the South West Coast Path!).
It’s also a great place to stay if you are taking the train to Newquay, as anywhere is walkable from the station.
Where to stay in Newquay central
If you’re after a luxury hotel, Central Newquay probably isn’t your place; there are more spa hotels toward Fistral Beach and the Pentire Headland.
However, Central Newquay is an excellent spot for more budget-friendly accommodation, as well as boutique guesthouses!
St Christopher’s Inn is one of the best hostels in Newquay.
Choose from a private room, or a 4, 6 or 10 bed dorm.
There is a bar and restaurant on site (with discounts for hostel guests), as well as other communal areas.
Most windows have epic sea views of Newquay’s world-class coastline, and there is a terrace looking straight out over the bay!
Click here for rates and to reserve.
Geckos Rest is a well-furnished B&B set inside a terraced house.
All of the rooms are practical yet comfortable, with brilliant white linen, tea and coffee making facilities, and a flat screen TV.
A delicious breakfast is included in your room rate. Click here to book your stay.
Seashells gazes out onto Newquay’s historic harbour and is two minutes from Towan Beach.
With friendly hosts and comfortable rooms, here luxury meets homeliness!
Click here to read more and book your stay.
Porth
If you are wondering where to stay in Newquay with kids, Porth may be your best option. To the east of Newquay, Porth has a huge beach that is very popular with families: its spacious, it has safer swimming, and boasts numerous rockpools.
The entire area is a little quieter than central Newquay, but you’ll still be close to lots of bars and restaurants, including The Mermaid which is right on the beach.
I’ve only passed through this area on hikes, but there are a few hotels that I’ve always liked the look of!
Where to stay in Porth
Porth Beach Hotel is a guesthouse that has been furnished to exceptional standards and has a wonderful terrace with epic views; on a sunny day, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’re in the med!
Rooms are modern and well decorated. It is right by Porth Beach, so it’s fantastic for beach days, and there is also a restaurant and bar on site.
Click here for more information.
For families or groups, The Beach House & Porth Sands Apartments is a great option.
Choose from apartments for four or six people, all of which are furnished well and are spacious and clean.
You’ll have your own kitchen here, which is great for families who don’t want to eat out for every meal.
Click here to read more and book your stay.
Watergate Bay
Watergate Bay is located three miles from Newquay town (you can drive there or hike on the South West Coast Path), and is a quieter version of Newquay itself – although it can still be busy in the summer months!
That said, Watergate Bay is a fantastic accommodation option if you want to be out of the hustle and bustle of Newquay but would like to be close enough to be able to visit the town for dinner.
Watergate Bay also has the advantage of being close to the northern side of the South West Coast Path. I once did a fantastic hike from here to Bedruthan Steps, which is one of my favourite places in Cornwall! (see below).
Places to stay in Watergate Bay
Waves Apartments has one bedroom apartments, some which are suitable for dogs.
Each can sleep up to four people, so they are great for families and groups as well as couples.
All apartments have fully equipped kitchens, a lounge area, and a balcony, some with awesome sea views.
Click here to reserve your stay.
Places to stay near Newquay: Best Holiday Parks
If you are visiting Newquay for a longer stay – perhaps for your summer holiday – holiday parks are often a great solution, especially if you are visiting with children. While none of these are right in the city centre (you will need a car), they are some of the best places to stay near Newquay.
You can rent out a fully furnished mobile home, with a kitchen, lounge area, and at least one bedroom (some have two and three). Holiday parks normally have pools, restaurants, bars, and other amenities.
Newquay Bay Resort is walking distance to Porth Beach.
Within the resort is a bar and restaurant with a sun terrace, as well as a minimarket.
There is also an outdoor pool and children’s entertainment facilities. Mobile homes sleep 4-8 people, so it’s great for groups!
Where will you stay in Newquay?
These are just some of the best places to stay in Newquay!
As you can see, Newquay is a popular Cornwall tourist spot with tonnes of accommodation options – but it is always advisable to book in advance, as Cornwall gets busy during the summer months.
When I visited Newquay in September, it was the perfect mix of not being too busy but still a good atmosphere. It helped that the weather was gorgeous too!
If you aren’t sure if you want to stay in Newquay, see my places to stay in Cornwall guide for some other options, or read about accommodation in Port Isaac, Truro, Bude and St Ives.
And, of course, here are all my Cornwall posts for more trip planning!
