Top Days Out Around Newquay: Your August & September 2025 Guide

Coming to stay with us this summer? Newquay is the perfect base for exploring the stunning North Coast, and with so many incredible days out right on its doorstep, you’ll be spoiled for choice. From golden sandy beaches to family-friendly attractions and unmissable events, here’s our guide to the best days out within a 10-mile radius of Newquay for August and September 2025.

For the Beach Lovers and Water Babies

Newquay is famous for its beaches, and for good reason!

• Fistral Beach & Watergate Bay: Known as the surfing capital of the UK, Fistral is a must-visit. You can take a surfing lesson, watch the pros, or simply relax on the sand. Just a short drive or coastal walk away, Watergate Bay offers another two miles of golden sand, with plenty of water sports and restaurants. Both are dog-friendly year-round.

• Holywell Bay: With its iconic twin rock stacks and sweeping dunes, Holywell Bay is a stunning and slightly quieter alternative, perfect for a day of relaxing and exploring.

• The South West Coast Path: Pull on your walking boots and enjoy a spectacular clifftop hike. The section from Newquay to Watergate Bay is a favourite, offering breath taking views of the coastline.

Family Adventures & Rainy-Day Fun

Sometimes the Cornish weather calls for an indoor plan.

• Newquay Zoo: Located in the beautiful Trenance Gardens, this zoo is a great day out for all ages. It’s a registered charity and home to over 100 species, from meerkats to penguins.

• Lappa Valley Steam Railway: A unique day out just outside of Newquay, Lappa Valley is a hidden gem. Ride a nostalgic steam train into a secret world of fun with miniature railways, play areas, and woodland walks.

• Blue Reef Aquarium: Right on Towan Beach, this aquarium allows you to get up close with marine life from local waters and tropical seas, including a walk-through tunnel with sharks and stingrays.

Can't-Miss Events in August 2025

Get a taste of local life with these one-off summer highlights.

• Boardmasters Festival (August 6-10): The biggest event on Newquay’s calendar. This five-day festival combines world-class surfing competitions at Fistral Beach with live music at Watergate Bay, featuring a fantastic lineup of acts.

• Newquay Lifeboat Day (August 2): Head to Newquay Harbour for a day of thrilling lifeboat and rescue demonstrations, live music, and family fun, all in aid of the RNLI.

• Eats & Beats Festival (August 22-25): Newquay's new food and music festival takes over the Barrowfields for a Bank Holiday weekend of global street food, live music, and good vibes.

Can't-Miss Events in September 2025

Experience the best of Newquay as the summer crowds start to thin.

• Crantock Bale Push (September 12): This quirky, community-focused event sees teams of four push a straw bale through the streets of Crantock. It’s a hilarious spectacle and a great way to support local charities.

• UK Surf & Skate Expo (September 12-14): A three-day event for surf and skate lovers with professional demos, workshops, and panels at Concrete Waves skate park and the beach.

• Newquay Fish Festival (September): Celebrating Newquay’s proud fishing heritage at the harbour. Enjoy fresh seafood, chef demonstrations, and live music.

Whether you're looking for thrills, relaxation, or local culture, there’s a day out for everyone in and around Newquay this August and September.