Campervan owners’ guide to Newquay

Newquay in Cornwall is only a relatively small seaside town with a population of just shy of 22,000 people – but an influx of tourists throughout the year can see residents outnumbered by three to one!

Once again, Newquay proved to be one of the UK’s most popular staycation destinations in 2021 – so much so that Cornwall had to ask people to stay away for fears of a surge in Covid-19 cases linked to crowded beaches.

Summing up the appeal of the seaside town, Cornwall Live says Newquay “has long been a firm favourite with holidaymakers thanks to its beaches, from the breath-taking sandy shores of Lusty Glaze to the surfer's paradise Fistral Beach”.

The town itself, meanwhile, has an array of brilliant restaurants and bars, not to mention the picturesque harbour, which acts as the perfect backdrop for a good time.

Those old enough to remember what Newquay was like 10 years ago will know the seaside town has suffered for being an appealing place to holiday. The BBC describes how in 2009 its “image was in tatters” due to its “hardcore party resort” reputation – that’s very much a thing of the past thankfully.

While plenty of people still come to Newquay to let their hair down, it’s not the “Wild West Town” it once was. It’s now much more welcoming to groups like campervanners – you can visit without the worry of having to dodge the drunk and disorderly! Just make sure you’ve renewed your campervan insurance, just in case…

In this campervanners’ guide to Newquay, we’ll give you a rundown of everything from the best sites to park up to the top tourist attractions in the area.

Did you know…?

But let’s start with some fascinating facts about Newquay. Why? Well, when you feel like you know a town a little better, it can improve your experience of it. So, to maximise your time in Newquay, arm yourself with these facts:

• Newquay has its own airport

Cornwall Airport Newquay has direct flights to many UK destinations including Birmingham, London, Belfast and Inverness. So, if you wanted to head up to Scotland, but didn’t fancy the drive in the campervan, you could simply book a flight!

• Newquay has a moderate maritime climate

If you’re planning an autumn or winter trip in the campervan, but you’re being put off by the UK weather, Newquay could well be the answer to staying warm. Its location on the eastern edge of the Gulf Stream means it enjoys a mild maritime climate, bringing milder temperatures and more hours of sunshine than the rest of Britain.

• Newquay offers some of the best surf in the UK

Surfers flock to Newquay for good reason – Fistral Beach has some of the finest breaks in the country. So, whether you’re a pro or novice surfer (or you just prefer watching others attempt to stay upright on their board) you’re in for a treat in Newquay. Remember to protect any surfing gear with your campervan insurance.

• Newquay boasts an array of beaches

Being on the coast, you’d expect Newquay to have its fair share of beaches. But, even for a seaside town, it has lots of choice – there are around 11 beaches within easy reach of Newquay including the popular Bedruthan Steps Beach, Crantock Beach, Towan Beach, Great Western and Tolcarne. So, if you love nothing more than feeling the sand between your toes, you’re in for a treat!

• Newquay used to be called Towan Blystra

Prior to the 15^th Century, Newquay was known as Towan Blystra. The name change came about when the Bishop of Exeter gave permission for the building of a stone quay in the manor of Towan Blystra. Erected where the harbour now stands, it was given the name ‘new quay’.

• Newquay Association Football Club is known as “The Peppermints”

Newquay AFC play in the South West Peninsula League Premier Division West and play their games at the Mount Wise Stadium. The club got its nickname due to the red and white shirts worn by the players – a boiled peppermint sweet used to have the same colourings! If you’re a football fan, why not go and check out The Peppermints in action during your stay?

Top attractions in Newquay

It’s impossible to be bored in Newquay. If you aren’t spending all day at one of its many beaches, there’s an array of fantastic attractions to check out. Let’s look at the pick of them:

• Lappa Valley Steam Railway

Situated in the countryside just outside of town, Lappa Valley is the perfect place to take the kids. More than just a steam railway, you’ll be transported into “a secret world of traditional fun and family adventures”.

From outdoor adventures to indoor play, you well and truly get your money’s worth at this 35-acre site. In addition to a wonderful fleet of steam engines, there’s a giant sandpit, a boating lake (with pedalo swans, no less), crazy golf, and more!

Of course, there’s the obligatory café when it's time to refuel – you might need to visit a couple of times over the course of the day to keep those energy levels topped up.

• Newquay Land Train

Not all the attractions are train-based, we assure you. But there’s no better way to get around Newquay than on the famous Road Train, which takes you all around the seaside town. You can hop-on, hop-off, or choose to stay for the duration of the conductor’s well-informed commentary.

The route will take you past the wonderful Trenance Gardens and Boating Lake, through the centre of town and back past Newquay’s spectacular beaches.

• Trenance Gardens

The picturesque Trenance Gardens is the perfect place to go when the sun is shining. Beautiful rose bushes and colourful flowers create a magnificent setting for a picnic or a spot of sunbathing (we are ever the optimists). If you are green fingered, you can pop into the VisitNewquay Tourist Information Centre for a free booklet about the different trees and flowers within the gardens.

The gardens are also home to Trenance Cottages, a delightful little team room. The Grade II listed building harbours all kinds of little historical gems – but more importantly, you’ll be able to taste one of the most delicious Cornish cream teas around.

• Newquay Leisure World

Located close to Trenance Gardens is Newquay Leisure World, formerly known as Waterworld and Newquay Trampoline & Play Park. It’s very much the go-to place for family fun in the area – the highlight being the large, tropical-themed leisure pool complete with flumes, slides and a giant floating snake!

If the kids still have some energy left to burn after swimming, you can really wear them out with some trampolining or soft play. After all that, they’ll be sleeping soundly in the campervan, that’s for sure!

• Newquay Zoo

You don’t have to have kids to enjoy a day out at Newquay Zoo. If you’re an animal lover, you’ll find everything from the African lion to the Asian short-clawed otter here. You can even adopt an animal while you’re visiting, if you like.

It’s not all about the animals at Newquay Zoo. There’s also an outdoor play area and the ‘Tarzan Trail’ if you do have little ones. Make sure you also take a stroll through the Secret Garden and The Oriental Garden to surround yourself with all kinds of wonderful plants and wildlife.

Other exhibitions include The Tropical House (where you’ll find some of the world’s creepiest crawlies) and Gems of the Jungle (where beautiful songbirds fly around you).

• St Eval Kart Circuit

If the safe and sedate driving of a campervan sometimes drives you a bit crazy, let your inner racer out at St Eval Kart Circuit.

Located just outside of Newquay, this circuit has karts and tracks to suit all ages and abilities. The main track is a whopping 1km long – there’s even a little 50m track for toddlers!

The track record for the main track is just under 53 seconds. Think you can beat it? Let’s see what you’ve got. Book a session and indulge your inner Lewis Hamilton.

• Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay

Blue Reef Newquay gives you the chance to explore sea life habitats from both the Cornish coast and exotic reefs. Check out the freshwater turtles, caiman and many more.

At the heart of the aquarium lies the underwater tunnel, offering visitors captivating views of the reef and all the sea life that calls it home, including loggerhead sea turtles, giant Pacific octopuses and blacktip reef sharks. Experience them swimming above your head as you see what it’s like to live life under the waves.

What else is there to see?

We’ve decided not to list all the beautiful beaches here, simply because you can’t fail to find them! However, other attractions include Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre, Dairyland Farm Park and Holywell Bay Golf Club.

You might also want to take a wander around Trerice House, a Grade I listed building now owned by the National Trust, or head up to Huer's Hut which, in the 16th Century, was used as a lookout point for the seasonal arrival of pilchards in the bay.

Where should you park up?

As you might expect, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to campsites in and around Newquay. If you go in the quieter months, you’ll probably have your pick of all of them!

Here are five of the best places to base yourself during your stay in Newquay:

• Trevella Park – This scenic and award-winning site has some of the best camping facilities around including a heated pool, crazy golf, playground and a games room. It also has two lakes for coarse fishing, if that’s your thing.
• Gwinear Camping and Fishing – One of the top-rated campsites in Newquay, Gwinear is another base popular with fisherfolk, with a pair of fishing lakes as well as sea fishing trips nearby. Even if you’re not much of an angler, you’ll be well set at this campsite which is renowned for its spotless modern washrooms including roomy and hot showers.
• Monkey Tree Holiday Park – If the weather is hot, it can feel like you’re abroad staying at this award-winning, family-friendly park. That’s mostly because of the amazing outdoor heated pool complex, complete with pool-side bar. For the price of a pitch, you’ll also have access to a packed entertainment schedule, run by a talented in-house entertainment team.
• Carvynick Holiday Park – If you’re after a more pared-back park, then Carvynick could well fit the bill. Set in Cornish countryside among spectacular scenery, this is a great park if you’re planning on having days out.
• Atlantic Reach Resort – If you’re a family that needs its space, Atlantic Reach Resort could be the one for you. Depending on when you’re travelling, you’ll also be able to use the on-site swimming pool, pub, café, entertainment, playground and gym.

Before you arrive, just be aware that overnight sleeping is banned in all Council car parks. For more on where to park and what to pay, check out the guidance on the Newquay Council website.

Campervan insurance to protect you along the way

If you’ve been suitably convinced to make Newquay your next trip away in your campervan, make sure you’re protecting your vehicle with campervan insurance.

Campervan insurance cover from Lancaster Insurance can be tailored to your individual needs. So, if you're a new or frequent campervan driver, you might want to consider getting cover that comes with all the optional extras.

We have ample experience in arranging campervan cover and will take care of your classic campervan as you enjoy travelling and living inside it.

Here are some of the benefits we offer:

• Up to 365 days EU cover available
• Gas bottle and awning cover
• Windscreen cover

Get your campervan insurance quote from Lancaster Insurance today.