5 Day Trips From Newquay You Can't Miss
Cornwall is a place that rewards slow travel, but if you’re based in one spot and fancy mixing things up, these five day trips from Newquay offer something a little different, rugged coastal walks, iconic drives, peaceful beaches, and quaint little fishing villages.
1. Perranporth: A Surfer’s Dream with Aussie Energy
Just 15 minutes drive from Newquay, Perranporth feels like it’s been plucked straight from the coast of Queensland. The beach is vast and golden, with rolling waves that attract surfers and sea swimmers.
Don’t miss the iconic Chapel Rock pool, wild and splashy at high tide, calm and sheltered when the sea pulls back. There’s a lively pub right on the sand if you fancy sunset drinks after a swim.
Start your day in Perranporth with a stroll along its three-mile stretch of golden sand, one of the most spacious and beautiful beaches in Cornwall.
At low tide, you can walk all the way to Ligger Point, passing rock pools, breathtaking cliffs, and even a natural sea pool carved into the rocks.
If the tide is in, grab a coffee and breakfast at The Watering Hole, the UK’s only bar actually on the beach, and watch the early surfers take to the waves.
By late morning, walk up the South West Coast Path, this section of the trail is particularly beautiful in summer when the wildflowers are out.
For lunch, head back into the village for fish and chips from the dolphin Cafe , and in the afternoon, explore the village’s independent shops. Alternatively, rent a board and hit the surf (there are several rental spots along the front). As golden hour approaches, grab a drink at Alcatraz, a beachside cocktail bar with sweeping sunset views of the sea.
2. Port Isaac: The Postcard-Perfect Fishing Village
About 45 minutes’ drive north from Newquay, Port Isaac is the kind of village that makes you want to move to Cornwall.
Famous as the filming location for Doc Martin, it’s as quaint as they come, with pretty cottages, cobbled lanes, and boats bobbing in the harbour.
Enjoy fresh seafood, browse local galleries, or simply sit on a bench and watch the tide roll in.
Winding lanes, whitewashed cottages, and sweeping sea views, Port Isaac is the Cornish fishing village you’ve been dreaming of.
Start your day early and give yourself time to explore the maze of narrow streets, each one seemingly more charming than the last. You’ll recognise the harbour instantly if you're a fan of Doc Martin, but TV fame aside, this village is packed with character.
Stop for coffee at Chapel Café, tucked inside a converted 19th-century Methodist chapel, then wander down to the slipway to watch the fishing boats in the bay.
For lunch, book ahead at the Michelin-starred Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen, where the seafood is freshly caught and the views are just as delicious as the menu.
In the afternoon, stretch your legs on the coastal path towards Port Gaverne, or if you’d rather stay in the village, browse the little galleries and independent shops and with a cream tea at the cosy The Cornish Cove.
3. The Coastal Route north of Newquay
This drive is pure Cornish magic. Start from Newquay and hug the coast, making time to stop at the windswept coves and bays along the way. The coastline stretches all the way to Padstow, a beautiful fishing village, perfect for an ice cream.
Just north of Newquay and the perfect place to start, Bedruthan Steps is a dramatic series of jagged sea stacks scattered along a wild stretch of sand. Even from the clifftop viewpoint, the view is breathtaking, especially in the soft morning or evening light. The beach itself is only accessible at low tide (check timings beforehand), but even if you stay above, the views and walking trails across the headland are well worth the stop.
From here, take the B3276 coastal road and stop next at Porthcothan Bay, a peaceful, sheltered cove popular with locals. If the tide’s out, wander across the sand and explore the caves carved into the cliffs.
Then it’s on to Treyarnon Bay, where you’ll find natural rock pools and a brilliant coastal walk that loops around to Constantine Bay, a long, open beach loved by surfers.
End your day in Padstow, a town that somehow balances bucket-and-spade charm with a serious food scene. Grab fish and chips on the harbour wall or treat yourself to a sit-down dinner, Prawn on the Lawn is a tiny, unpretentious seafood bar where the catch is as fresh as the plating is playful.
4. Padstow: A Harbour Town and Seafood Heaven
Padstow is a real crowd-pleaser and one of the most popular places to visit in Cornwall. Imagine artisan ice cream, boat rides, and some of the best fish and chips in the country.
In summer, the village hums with life, and there’s plenty to do whether you want to hop on a speedboat tour or simply mooch around the shops.
I recommend to start the day with a wander along the harbour. If you’re after breakfast, Cherry Trees Coffee House is a solid shout, their pastries are dangerously good.
Once you’re fuelled up, have a little wander through the town. The shops are full of lovely bits, everything from local art to coastal homeware.
If you have the energy, hire a bike and cycle a stretch of the Camel Trail. It’s flat, super scenic, and perfect if you fancy a bit of a leg stretch.
Come lunchtime, book ahead for Prawn on the Lawn, it’s teeny tiny but one of the best seafood restaurants in Cornwall. They do sharing plates and the menu changes all the time depending on what’s fresh.
I highly recommend heading out on the water. There are a few options, but a RIB ride or sea safari is such a fun way to explore the coastline
Finish the day back in town with a glass of wine from BinTwo (they’ve got loads of interesting bottles) or grab a table at The Basement for dinner, delicious and dog friendly.
5. Crantock to Holywell Bay Coastal Walk
The trail from Crantock Beach to Holywell Bay is part of the South West Coast Path and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours one way, depending on your pace and how often you stop to gawp at the views (which will be often).
It’s about 4.5 miles and gently undulating, so while there are a few steeper parts, it’s totally doable if you’re moderately fit, just wear comfy shoes and bring water and avoid doing it on an ultra hot day.
The path itself is stunning. You’ll pass through Pentire Head, where in early summer you’ll get a sweep of the vibrant Pentire poppies in bloom, it feels like a secret corner of Provence on the Cornish coast.
Just past that, make sure to stop at Polly Joke Beach (aka Porth Joke), it’s quiet, sheltered, and has the kind of turquoise water that makes you do a double take. It’s one of my favourite hidden beaches in Cornwall.
Eventually, you’ll arrive at Holywell Bay, and it’s well worth the trek. The beach is wide and wild, it was even used in Poldark.
It’s ideal for a swim, and the dunes here are brilliant for a bit of exploring or a sandy picnic. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the cave at low tide that hides a natural spring (locals say it’s how the beach got its name).
There’s not much in the way of shops or cafes at Holywell itself, but the Treguth Inn is a short walk inland and serves a solid pub lunch and cold pint.
To get back, you can either walk the same route in reverse or hop on the bus. The bus takes around 35-40 minutes to get back to Newquay. There aren't many buses that run each day so make sure you check the timetables before you embark on the walk so you know you have transport at the end of it.
FAQs: 5 Day Trips from Newquay
1. Can you get to these places without a car?
Yes, but it depends on the destination. Padstow and Perranporth are both accessible by public transport from Newquay, though services can be limited. The coastal walk to Holywell Bay is on foot and there’s a bus back, but Port Isaac and Bedruthan Steps are easiest to reach by car.
2. How long is the walk from Crantock Beach to Holywell Bay?
The walk is 4.5 miles one way and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on pace. It’s part of the South West Coast Path and includes a few hills, but is suitable for most fitness levels.
3. Where can I eat during these day trips?
There are great food options in every location. Try The Watering Hole in Perranporth, Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen in Port Isaac, Prawn on the Lawn in Padstow, and The Treguth Inn near Holywell Bay. For a scenic pub lunch on the road, stop by The Merrymoor Inn near Mawgan Porth.
4. Is Bedruthan Steps open and accessible?
As of June 2025, the beach access is closed due to a cliff fall, but the viewpoint remains open. Always check the National Trust website for the latest safety updates before visiting. You can still visit and enjoy clifftop walks which is the best way to admire the rock formations.
5. What should I pack for these Cornwall day trips?
Comfortable shoes (especially for coastal walks), layers (Cornish weather can change quickly), sunscreen, water, and your camera! If you're walking or bussing back from Holywell Bay, plan ahead as facilities are limited. Always take water, the weather can change fast.
What a fantastic roundup of day trips! Cornwall really shines with its mix of stunning beaches, charming villages, and scenic coastal walks. I especially love the tips on Perranporth and the hidden gem Polly Joke Beach, definitely adding these to my travel list!