Essential Hotels > England > Cornwall > Newquay

Newquay is one of Cornwall’s most famous destinations as a seaside resort and haven for surfers. Located half-way along Cornwall's north coast, Newquay's picturesque scenery and sandy beaches have made it a popular spot for tourists for over a century. Despite its laidback attitude and summery atmosphere, Newquay has a long history based around its waterside position. The earliest evidence of inhabitation in this area is of a late Iron Age manufacturing and a hill fort, attracted by the nearby deposits of iron and other natural resources. Archaeological findings indicate that the site was continuously inhabited from as early as the 3rd century BC until as late as the 6th century AD.

The natural protection afforded by the coastline near what is today Newquay Harbour made an ideal place to moor boats. As a result, a small fishing village named Towan Blystra was settled in the area. However the port position was vulnerable to the weather, so in 1400s the local landowners appealed to the Bishop of Exeter for funding of a “new quay”, a name that stuck. The arrival of rail in the late 1800s brought an influx of visitors seeking to enjoy the beautiful Cornish scenery. The end of the 19th century saw the first major hotel construction in the area, and Newquay began its transformation from small fishing village to a significant tourist destination.

Nowadays it is estimated that summer can see the population of Newquay rise by over 80,000 people. Newquay has taken full advantage of its beaches to promote itself as a surfing location. Newquay and the surrounding area boast some of the best surfing beaches in Cornwall. Fistral Beach in particular has played host to international surfing competitions for over 20 years. Newquay also serves as a good base for exploring the area. The pretty harbour town of Padstow lies further north up the coast, while St Austell, one of the most prominent towns in the county and nearest settlement to the famous Eden Project, is just a thirty minute drive away.