Newquay and Area
Fistral Retreats on the peninsular between Fistral and Crantock and the River Gannel is perfect for gentle walks on the Pentire Headland and the South West Coast Path. It is also only a few minutes to the famous Fistral Surfing Beach (one of Trip Advisor’s top 10). Ideal for easy access to Newquay town centre, the old harbour and colourful fishing boats.
Two great beach bar/restaurants are within an easy walk as is the beautiful River Gannel and quaint village and beach of Crantock* across a footbridge/ferry. (*voted by BBC2 coast one of Britains top beaches). You can also use the facilities at adjacent hotels. A vast choice of activities and amenities are close by offering the local taste of Cornwall and around the world to suit all. An ideal spot for a holiday, visiting tourist attractions, having fun, relaxing and enjoying the beauty and amazing scenery of Cornwall.
Newquay has something for everyone. Situated on the beautiful north coast of Cornwall, it has some nine plus beautiful natural beaches, crystal clear alluring water and miles of golden sands (ideal for sand castle lovers); 250 miles of coast path; a vibrant town and working harbour.
A great favourite with surfers and water lovers, waves to play and romp in, ideal for families and children with calm coves and rock pools. Fistral Retreats, a short walk from Fistral Beach, the famous international surfing beach, is only a few steps from the South West Coast Path and the natural beauty of the Pentire Headland.
There are more than a 101 Things to Do in Cornwall to entertain you and the younger ones.
Local to Newquay there is: the award winning Newquay Zoo where you could be a Zoo Keeper for the day; Blue Reef Aquarium; Waterworld with its swimming pool and tropical fun pools; Tunnels Through Time museum with dungeons; Skate Park, 4 Screen Digital Lighthouse Cinema; Lane Theatre; Lappa Valley Steam Railway; Crealy’s Adventure Park; Hollywell Bay Fun Park; Penhale Adventure Centre, Newquay Sports Centre; Heron Tennis Centre; Segway; horseriding on the beach; the charming River Gannel to explore; pitch and putt or bowls (tenpin and crown green); golf on the lush 18 hole golf links by Fistral Beach; take a spa/swim at a neighbouring hotel pool. Try the lakes at Stithians and Sibblyback for coarse fishing or a fishing trip from Newquay Harbour or go diving. Throughout the year there are plenty of activities and events around Newquay.
Fistral Beach, the world’s surfers paradise, is renown for its hollow waves and all year round surfing. Surf schools, activity centres abound in Newquay offering assault courses, coasteering, kayaking, canoeing, wake boarding, scuba diving, etc. The international surfing centre at the North End of Fistral Beach is Cornwall’s mecca for surfing competitions – Stand-Up Paddle, Relentless Boardmasters, Zapcat. It has first class facilities, viewing balcony, cafes, bar, eateries including Rick Steins new walk in fish & chips restaurant (from 3/4/15), boutiques, surf board hire, changing rooms, showers, toilets. Learn to surf, body board or go coasteering with the Newquay Activity Centre.
Fistral Beach complies with European Water Quality Standards and has RNLI lifeguard from Easter to Autumn.
Explore the cliff tops north and south, enjoy the most fantastic views and little hidden gems such as “Polly Joke” – a pretty natural sandy bay on the coast path surrounded by beautiful unspoilt National Trust land and wildlife.
5 to 10 minutes on foot South of Fistral Retreats takes you onto the Pentire Headland. Enjoy the splendid views of the rolling Atlantic Ocean, Fistral Beach, the River Gannel, Crantock Beach and dunes and West Pentire. Enjoy a meal at Lewinnick Lodge (open all day) or Sea Spray Beach Cafe-Bistro nestled in the cliffs at the South End. Have a freshly caught Cornish crab sandwich at Fern Pit Cafe whilst savouring the views of the Gannel and Crantock Beach. Take the ferry from Fern Pit or cross the footbridge to explore the quaint village of Crantock. Walk on to Hollywell Beach, dunes and Perranporth. Don’t forget to look out for the ponies, seals and dolphins.
Take the scenic route into Newquay and Harbour. 10 to 15 minutes on foot north along Fistral Beach or by the sand dunes and Golf Course. Add a slight detour around the Headland and 19th century Huer’s Hut* on Towan Head (*dates back to 14th century). Alternatively, jump on the local bus from outside Fistral Retreats. Newquay harbour and its brightly coloured fishing boats remain an important fishing port landing crab and lobster. It also offers short cruises and fishing, diving, sea safari and more. The Newquay Rowing Club gig crew, based at the Harbour, practise every Friday night in the summer for the Ladies and Gents Gig Finals in September. The popular Fish Festival celebrates the Town’s fishing heritage in September.
Further North is Porth Beach and Island home to some of Cornwall’s finest “blow holes”. Porth Reservoir, a mature fishering and bird sancturary, is great for course fishing for families and anglers. The next bay is Watergate Bay with the Extreme Academy. Then Mawgan Porth, Bedruthan Steps Beach with the majestic “steps” and Port Isaac (Port Wenn where Doc Martin is filmed). Delight in the many beautiful scenes around Newquay and Cornwall.
Newquay’s 18 hole golf course, one of Cornwall’s finest, has excellent draining qualities and offers stunning sea views. Open all year and to non-members, 10 minutes from Fistral Retreats.
Newquay, on the National Cycle Route 32, is a great place to cycle . Many trails are within the Cornish Way, easily accessible from Newquay and allow you to enjoy the Cornish beauty off road on tracks such as the Camel Trail and The Mineral Tramways. Hire a bike at Padstow and cycle to Bodmin Jail or stop off at the Camel Vinery and finish the day off with Rick Stein’s fish and chips.
Discover the many Gardens of Cornwall and the National Trust Elizabethan house and gardens at Trerice and Lost Gardens of Heligan. Visit Charlestown, the 18th century port where the recent Poldark TV series was filmed.
Still have energy, or looking for more walks, then visit I Walk Cornwall
Let the train take the strain. Delight in the fantastic scenery of the Atlantic Coast Line to Par then the Cornish Main Line to St. Ives or Plymouth. Experience a Magical Mystery tour on an exact replica coach as used by The Beatles.
The vibrant town of Newquay offers plenty to suit everyone, with small independent shops, supermarkets, eateries, clubs, bars, pubs, cafes, takeaways; indulge in the local produce, tastes and delights of Cornwall. Visit or treat yourself to a delivery to Fistral Retreats of Cornwall’s finest foods from the local Trevilley Farm Shop. For the “dancers” experience ballroom/sequence dancing in the “grand” ballroom at a local hotel.
Fistral Retreats is a fantastic base. Major attractions less than an hour’s drive away:
- The Eden Project (23m)
- National Maritime Museum (27m)
- The many gardens including The Lost Gardens of Heligan (21m)
- St Ives & The Tate Gallery (32m)
- Saint Michaels Mount
- The world famous Minack Open Air Theatre
- Porthcurrno (42m)
- Cornwall’s Catherdral City of Truro (15m)
- Isles of Scilly (daily flights from Newquay Airport)
Information on Newquay and Cornwall are available in the apartment and from The Newquay Tourist Information Centre or visit wiki.newquaymaps.co.uk. The Newquay Loyalty Card is issued by the Tourist Centre. Ordnance Survey maps are available in the apartment but please return for others.
Fistral Retreats, Fistral Beach, Newquay Cornwall is a natural choice for couples, families and children, friends, romantic breaks and honeymooners.
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Experience the ultimate coastal getaway at our luxurious self-catering apartment. Nestled on the serene Pentire Headland, Fistral Retreats offers breathtaking views of Fistral Beach and the perfect blend of comfort and style. Book now or contact us for more details!