The Best Places to Stay in Newquay, Cornwall
Beautiful beaches, spectacular surfing, and a quirky local culture make Newquay one of the best places to visit in Cornwall. Whether you’re spending a weekend away, staying in Newquay for a summer holiday or are on a road trip around Cornwall, this list of the best places to stay in Newquay will be a useful tool when planning!
Newquay is a popular option for backpackers and younger travellers, but there are plenty of things to do in Newquay for families and couples as well. This post will detail you the best ares and hotels in the town!
Best Places to Stay in Newquay
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. It’s a popular spot in the summer – it’s not the best place to stay in Newquay if you want some quiet time! However, it’s definitely one of the best places to enjoy a Cornwall staycation. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around Fistral Beach, as well as quite a few luxury hotels.
Where to stay at Fistral Beach
Smarties Surf Lodge is a chilled out hostel, perfect for backpackers in Newquay who want to take to the waves. Choose from a double room, a triple room, or a dorm. There’s a communal area and a cooked breakfast is on offer each morning. Click here for more information.
Breakers is a three star property with large rooms offering lots of natural light. There is also a small bar on site, and a delicious breakfast is served every day. It’s great value for the area, especially around Fistral Beach. Click here to read more about Breakers.
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 it’s 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 room, 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 the pampering spa. 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 peninsula, located on the South West Coast Path, is a fantastic place for hiking – and it is also one of the best places to stay in Newquay if you would like to be somewhere a little quieter, very close to epic coastal vistas!
The Pentire Headland is mainly home to luxury hotels and apartments.
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.
The Lewinnwick Lodge is a four-star property very close to the headland; therefore enjoying the best of the area’s blissful solitude. 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, so you won’t need to worry about going to the town every evening.
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 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! If you stay in Central Newquay, you’ll be walking distance to the shops, bars, restaurants, clubs, and the harbour, as well as most of the beaches (some will require a bit of a trek!). 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’s something for everybody. 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.
Lazy Waves Boutique B&B overlooks Towan Beach, a popular place to stay in Newquay. is a proper ‘home away from home’, with thoughtful decor in every room. All rooms are en-suite, and some have epic sea views. Each room has thick duvets and comfortable bedding, as well as a TV and radio. Breakfast is served for all guests every morning. Click here for rates and to reserve your spot.
Cliff House gazes out onto Newquay’s historic harbour. This guest house is very much ‘luxury meets homely’, with state of the art decor in all rooms, while still maintaining a rustic feel. All rooms have en-suites with showers, and the king suites have baths. There is a bar on site, and a full Cornish or Continental breakfast is served daily. 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 immensely popular with families, due to the space available, the safer swimming, and its 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.
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 decorated well. It is right by Porth Beach, so it’s great 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 much quieter version of the beaches by Newquay itself. It’s 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.
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.
Watersend House is a five bedroom holiday house that can sleep up to 12 people. Each room has cosy yet homely decor. And, if you’re looking for places to stay in Newquay with a hot tub, there’s one here – as well as a sun terrace! It’s ideal for bigger groups who want to be close to the beach! 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! Click here to book your stay.
HORIZON Newquay Holiday Park is located slightly further inland, and has fully furnished self-catering mobile homes – although there is also a restaurant on site. At HORIZON, there is a children’s club and plenty of entertainment facilities. Click here to book your stay.
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.
Hopefully this guide has proved useful to you! 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, St Ives and Bodmin.
And, of course, here are all my Cornwall posts for more trip planning!
