Free activities in Newquay
Enjoy an off-season break without breaking the bank
It’s been said many times that the best things in life are free, and Newquay is a wonderful place to put that theory to the test.
Whether you want to try a family walk or an audio tour, or you’d simply like to spend more time in nature, we’ve collated a selection of the free activities you can take part in this autumn and winter.
All these activities can be accessed free of charge, although you may wish to pause for a warm drink at one of Newquay’s lovely cafés along the way.
A view from the top
The South West Coast Path is an incredible hiking route that winds around the entire coast of Cornwall and beyond. In Newquay, it weaves around the headland and bays, with spectacular clifftop views of the coast and town. It’s a great way to get your bearings and explore the many beaches dotted along the coast. Whether you want to get to know Newquay better or take on the more challenging walk from Mawgan Porth, find a route that suits you on the SWCP website.
Discover Newquay audio trail
Unlock Newquay’s secrets with a guided audio tour that includes stories from local people, information about wildlife and interesting facts about the town. As you walk around Newquay, you will discover slate circles with numbers that correspond with the audio tour – it’s like having your own personal tour guide. The audio tour is available through the Geotourist app.
A clean break
Add a dose of positive energy to your break in Newquay with an eco-friendly beach clean. Join Land and Sea Cornwall for one of their litter picks and help to keep Newquay beautiful for people and wildlife. Check out Land and Sea’s Instagram page to find out more about upcoming events – and help the places you love stay lovely this winter.
Lakeside strolls
The perfect free activity for families with pushchairs. Trenance Boating Lake is a tranquil and calm space in which to enjoy nature, especially in the quieter months. In addition to the flat and level walk around the lake, there are lots of little bridges and garden areas to explore. You could pause at Trenance Lakeside Café or The Garden Cafe for a coffee, or walk around to Trenance Park, where there is a lovely children’s play area.
More than books
There’s nothing like relaxing with a great read, but Newquay Library offers so much more than books. There are a variety of groups and events, including knitting and crafting, genealogy for beginners and storytime sessions for under-5s. Find out more information by following the link below or visit the library’s Facebook page to see the latest updates and events.
Storm watching
Hear the roar of nature this winter. One of the most exhilarating things about an off-season escape in Newquay is getting to see the enormous waves that the winter storms whip up. If you are visiting during wild weather, it’s important to keep a safe distance from the cliffs and sea. Why not head to a hotel, café or pub and enjoy watching the waves from a cosy lookout point.
Tell us about your autumn and winter discoveries! Whether you’ve just come back from an amazing autumn or winter break, or you’re an experience provider and would like to be featured in a future itinerary, please share your discoveries with us on social media using #NewSeasonNewquay.
The information on this page was correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. You will need to contact the venue or provider directly to confirm any seasonal opening details and to book the experiences mentioned.
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