The town should not be confused with New Quay in Wales.
Newquay (Cornish: Tewynn Pleustri) is a town and civil parish on the north Atlantic coast of Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. It is bounded to the west by the Gannel River and its associated salt marsh, and in the east by the Porth valley. The town has been expanding inland (south) since it was founded. According to the 2001 census it had a population of 19,423.
TourismNewquay is now a major tourist destination, principally on account of the 10 long and accessible sandy beaches. The town has a resident population of around 22,000 but this can increase to 100,000 or more in the summer because Newquay has a large stock of holiday accommodation.
The resort styles itself 'The Surfing Capital of Britain' with many surf shops, board manufacturers and hire shops in the town. Fistral Beach hosts major international competitions, and Towan, Great Western and Tolcarne Beaches nearer the town and nearby Crantock Bay and Watergate Bay also provide high quality breaks. Towan Beach is also the location for the proposed Newquay Surfing Reef, a somewhat controversial project that has polarised local opinion.
Newquay is also known for the 'Run to the Sun' event, which always takes place during the public holiday on the last weekend in May at Trevelgue Holiday Park. Multitudes of people descend on the town in Volkswagen Camper vans, Beetles and other custom cars.
The 630 mile-long South West Coast Path runs through the town.
Obviously the massive influx of people coming to Newquay in the summer does have negative effects on the town - drink and drug related problems are increasingly making the front page of local newspapers. Although Britain’s binge drinking culture affects most of the UK, tourist destinations and seaside resorts are most heavily affected, and Newquay is no exception.
Night LifeNewquay is well known for its lively nightlife. Nightclubs such as Berties, Tall Trees and Sailors attract well known DJs such as Trevor Nelson, Dave Pearce, Judge Jules and Pete Tong. The influx of summer party-goers has regularly caused controversy in recent years.
TransportNewquay railway station is the terminus of the Atlantic Coast Line that runs from Par and is situated close to the beaches on the east side of the town centre. The passenger service dates from 20 June 1874, but a goods line known as the Newquay Railway was opened in 1846 from nearby mines to the harbour. It was worked by horses and linked various mines with the harbour.
Newquay Airport provides links to other parts of the British Isles.
National Express run coaches from various points of Great Britain to Newquay.
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