Where to Stay in Newquay: Best Areas & Hotels

Choosing where to stay in Newquay can really shape your trip. Some areas are perfect if you want to be right by the beach, others are better for families, and some are ideal if you’re looking for somewhere a bit quieter.

I grew up in Newquay, so this guide is based on my local knowledge and personal recommendations. As someone who knows the town well, I definitely have my favourite areas and know exactly which locations are perfect for each kind of visitor. 

If you’re planning a wider trip around the county, you might also find my Cornwall travel guide helpful.

In this guide, I’ve broken Newquay down by area and travel style, with hotel and accommodation suggestions to help you decide what’s best for you.

In This Where to Stay in Newquay Guide:

• Best areas to stay in Newquay
• Newquay town centre
• Fistral Beach
• Porth & Mawgan Porth
• Watergate Bay
• Crantock
• Choosing where to stay tips

Best Areas to Stay in Newquay

Newquay has a few distinct areas to stay in, and each one suits a different type of trip. I’ll share some of my top Newquay hotel recommendations located within town, as well as accommodation options on the outskirts.

If you’re still deciding where to stay in the region, read my guide on the best places to stay in Cornwall.

Best areas to stay in Newquay:

• Newquay Town Centre – solo travellers, families, first-time visitors
• Fistral Beach – surfers, families, couples, sea views
• Porth & Mawgan Porth – families, beach stays
• Watergate Bay – luxury stays, couples, surfers
• Crantock – families, campers, coastal walks

Newquay Town Centre

Best for: first-time visitors, cafés, short stays, no car

Staying in Newquay town centre is ideal if it’s your first visit or you only have a few days. You’ll be within walking distance of Towan Beach, the harbour, cafés, shops, and public transport, which makes getting around really easy.

If you’d like some café and good coffee recommendations, you should read my guide to the best cafes in Newquay.

This area has the widest choice of accommodation, from small guesthouses to well-known hotels. It’s also a great base if you want to explore Newquay without relying too much on a car.

That said, it can feel busier here in peak summer, especially in the evenings, so it’s best suited to travellers who don’t mind a lively atmosphere. Solo travellers or young visitors wanting access to Newquay’s nightlife would also suit being situated in the town centre.

Newquay accommodation options:

• Griffin Inn – great location, budget-friendly
• Alderberry Lodge – B&B style, quiet location
• Hendra Holiday Park – family-friendly, campers (slightly out of town)
• Tolcarne Beach Hotel – boasts ocean views & on-site restaurant

→ View all Newquay accommodation here

Fistral Beach

Best for: beach lovers, families, surfers

One of the most iconic beaches in the U.K, Fistral Beach is a must-visit in Newquay. With its lifeguard patrolled beach and fairly constant surf, it’s popular with both locals and tourists alike.

The dining options at the beach are a bonus too, you can literally spend all day AND evening there, I certainly have! Plus, it’s arguably the best spot in Newquay to see a beautiful sunset.

In terms of accommodation, there are quite a few options close to the beach. From high-end luxury stays to surf boutiques. It’s a great spot for families who want to spend their days at the beach or couples looking for a coastal break.

If you’re visiting Cornwall for the beaches, don’t miss our guide on the best beaches in Cornwall.

Fistral Beach Hotels:

• Esplanade Hotel – family friendly, sea views
• Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa – couples, adults-only
• Headland Hotel & Spa – luxury stay, spa access

→ View all Fistral Beach accommodation here

Porth & Mawgan Porth

Best for: families, scenic walks, quieter stays

Just a short drive out of Newquay town centre you’ll find Porth and slightly further, Mawgan Porth. Both are within walking distance to Newquay along the coastal path and make a nice choice for those looking to stay away from the hustle-and-bustle of town centre.

Beaches, cafés and accommodation are all on offer so you don’t need to feel like you’re missing out. If you visit in summer, it will still be busy. However, the crowds will be couples and families, rather than the ‘louder’ crowds that can be found in Newquay during summer.

P.S this area has become popular with celebs seeking a coastal getaway, it’s not uncommon to see some famous faces checking in at the boutique hotels!

Porth & Mawgan Porth Hotels:

• SeaSpace – aparthotel, families, couples
• Bedruthan Hotel & Spa – couples, spa stays
• Porth Beach Hotel – great location

→ View all Porth & Mawgan Porth accommodation here

Watergate Bay

Best for: couples, families, luxury coastal stays

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay near Newquay with direct access to the beach but away from the town itself, Watergate Bay is your option. It’s a great place to stay if you want a beach-focused trip, whether that’s long walks along the coast, surfing, or just relaxing by the sea. There’s also a popular surf school here, which makes it a great option for beginners or families wanting to try surfing.

Personally, I think this area is especially great for couples looking for a slightly more luxury stay, but it also works really well for families thanks to the beach, open space, and family-friendly hotels and apartments.

Even though it feels a bit more tucked away, Watergate Bay is still very close to Newquay. You can drive into town in around 10 minutes, catch the local bus, or even walk along the coastal path if you enjoy a good coastal walk!

If you’re planning to hire a car for your trip, you can compare car hire prices here.

Best Watergate Bay Hotels:

• Beachcombers Apartments – families, self-catering
• Watergate Bay Hotel – couples, luxury stays, families

→ View all Watergate Bay accommodation here

Crantock

If you’re looking for somewhere quieter to stay near Newquay, Crantock is a great option. Located just across the river from Newquay, Crantock feels more like a small village than a busy seaside town, which makes it perfect if you want a more relaxed trip.

Even though Crantock feels peaceful and tucked away, you’re still very close to Newquay. You can drive into Newquay in around 10 minutes or even ride a small passenger boat across the river when the tide is right!

I think Crantock is especially great for families looking for a beachside holiday away from the hustle of Newquay town. Plus, if you enjoy coastal walks, there’s plenty of beautiful walks near Crantock. If you visit during the month of June, don’t miss out on seeing the nearby poppy fields in bloom – they are gorgeous!

Crantock accommodation

• Cornish Crantock Holidays – budget friendly, families
• 43 Annexe – couples, self-catering, apartment
• Parkdean Resorts – camping, self-catering, families

→ View all Crantock accommodation here

Tips for Choosing Where to Stay in Newquay

• If it’s your first time visiting, stay near Towan Beach or the town centre so you can walk everywhere.
• If you want to surf, stay near Fistral Beach or Watergate Bay.
• If you’re visiting in summer, book accommodation in advance.
• If you’re wanting a quieter stay, Crantock or Porth of great options.
• If you want to explore more of Cornwall, it’s worth hiring a car as it makes getting around much easier.

Where to Stay in Newquay – Final Thoughts

Newquay is a relatively small town, so you can’t go too wrong with where you stay, but choosing the right area can really make a difference to your trip.

If you want to be close to restaurants and shops, the town centre and Towan Beach are great options. If you’re visiting for surfing, Fistral is the best place to stay. For families, Porth and Lusty Glaze are great choices, and if you’re looking for something a bit quieter, Watergate Bay or Crantock are perfect.

Hopefully this guide has helped you decide where to stay in Newquay and given you a better idea of which area is right for your trip.

Thank you!

Hi adventurers, thanks for reading this Newquay accommodation guide!

Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of our links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you and it helps us keep this site running. Thank you for your support ♥️