Newquay Area Guide

With a population of about 24,000, Newquay is one of the larger towns in Cornwall. It is probably the largest resort in Cornwall, benefiting from a number of large beaches, and is a popular surfing centre (particularly Fistral Beach) due to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean. For centuries it was a small fishing settlement, and development of the harbour (new quay) initially began in a small way in the early 17th century.

Fishing was the mainstay of Newquay for many tears and in particular pilchard fishing. This was directed from the land by a huer. He was located at the Huer's Hut and would signal the location of shoals to the men in the boats by appropriate waving of hand-held bushes. Pilchards were consumed locally but also packed into barrels for export.

The railway arrived in the late 19th century and this catalysed a tourism industry which has grown ever since. Large hotels were built and wealthy visitors bought holiday homes. As the town grew churches, schools, and some light industry (particularly knitting) were established.

A World War II airfield near the town has developed into an international airport and is the location of a new Aerohub Business Park. It is also a base for the helicopter search and rescue service. In addition it has a licence to operate as a spaceport.

The villages of Crantock and Holywell lie a few miles west of Newquay. Each has a very large beach and good pubs. Between these two beaches, with a promontory on each side, is the intriguingly named Porth Joke. It is only accessible on foot, including via the South West Coast Path as it wends its way around Cornwall.

Newquay serves quite a large coast and hinterland in terms of the services it provides, including a hospital and Lifeboat Station. It has a campus of the Combined Universities in Cornwall, plus primary and two secondary schools.

North of Newquay are a number of large beaches including Watergate Bay and Constantine Bay. Between the two is the holiday village of Mawgan Porth, inland of which is the attractive rural village of St Mawgan.