Cornwall Bed & Breakfast Guide

Best Bed and Breakfasts in Newquay Cornwall

Stunning beach and surf scene in Newquay Cornwall
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In This Guide

Why Choose a Bed and Breakfast in Newquay

Newquay is Cornwall’s undisputed surf capital, a vibrant coastal town where Atlantic waves meet golden sand across seven spectacular beaches. Staying in a B&B in Newquay Cornwall gives you the best of both worlds: the energy and excitement of one of Britain’s most popular beach resorts, combined with the personal touch and local insight that only a family-run guest house can provide.

Newquay has evolved far beyond its reputation as simply a party town. While the nightlife remains lively, the town now offers world-class surfing, stunning coastal walks, excellent family attractions like Newquay Zoo and the Blue Reef Aquarium, and a growing food scene that celebrates Cornwall’s incredible seafood and local produce. A B&B in Newquay Cornwall offers an affordable gateway to all of this, with breakfast included and hosts who can steer you towards the best surf breaks, quietest beaches, and hidden local gems.

The town’s B&Bs range from traditional Victorian guest houses with sea views to modern, surf-themed properties steps from the sand. Many are run by surfers and outdoor enthusiasts who have fallen in love with the Newquay lifestyle and are eager to share their passion with guests. Their recommendations on tide times, surf conditions, and the best fish and chip shops are worth their weight in gold.

Best Areas to Stay in Newquay

Fistral Beach Area

Surfers riding waves at Fistral Beach Newquay
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Fistral Beach is Newquay’s most iconic stretch of sand, world-famous for its consistent Atlantic swells and home to the annual Boardmasters surf and music festival. B&Bs near Fistral put you within walking distance of the best surfing in Cornwall, with surf hire shops and schools right on the beach. The area has a laid-back, outdoorsy vibe and excellent beach cafés. Properties here tend to attract surfers, couples, and active travellers.

Town Centre and Harbour

The town centre clusters around the harbour and Towan Beach, with shops, cafés, restaurants, and pubs within easy reach. B&Bs here offer the most convenient base, with the train station and bus connections nearby. Towan Beach and Great Western Beach are sheltered and family-friendly, perfect for paddling and rock pooling. The nightlife is concentrated in this area, so light sleepers may prefer a quieter location.

Porth and Surrounding Areas

Porth Beach lies just north of Newquay town centre and offers a more relaxed, family-oriented atmosphere. B&Bs in this area are slightly removed from the bustle, with easier parking and a quieter setting. The beach is excellent for families, with a tidal island that can be explored at low tide. Further afield, properties near Crantock and Holywell Bay offer a more rural Cornish experience while remaining within a short drive of Newquay’s facilities.

Top-Rated Bed and Breakfasts in Newquay

Bright and welcoming B&B room in Cornwall
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Newquay offers B&Bs across every budget range. Here are some of the names that consistently earn excellent reviews from visitors.

Chynoweth Lodge is a Visit Britain Four Star, Silver Award, family-run luxury guest house with spacious rooms and a reputation for outstanding breakfasts. Its elevated position provides lovely views and a peaceful atmosphere.

Penwyth House is a beautifully restored 19th-century guesthouse located just over two kilometres from Porth Beach. It features a peaceful garden and picnic area, and consistently earns top ratings for cleanliness and hospitality.

Jasmine House is a dog-friendly guesthouse in central Newquay, just a short walk from the beach and train station. It offers excellent value with clean, comfortable rooms and helpful hosts who know Newquay inside and out.

Skyline Guest House is a large detached property decorated to a very high standard, offering excellent quality accommodation at reasonable prices. Its slightly elevated position provides good views across the town towards the coast.

Bee and Bee is a family-run B&B in the heart of Newquay, with prices from around £70 to £100 per room with breakfast included, making it one of the best value options in the town centre.

Holywell Bay B&B sits a five-minute walk from Holywell Cave and beach, offering a quieter alternative to central Newquay with on-site golf, hiking, and lawn tennis. Its 9.0 rating on booking sites reflects the quality of the experience.

Newquay’s Surf Scene

Surfing is woven into the fabric of Newquay life. Fistral Beach is the spiritual home of British surfing, hosting national and international competitions including the famous Boardmasters festival each August. The beach offers consistent waves suitable for all abilities, with numerous surf schools offering lessons for complete beginners through to advanced coaching.

Beyond Fistral, Towan Beach and Great Western Beach offer more sheltered waves that are ideal for beginners. Crantock Beach, just south of Newquay, provides a less crowded alternative with excellent surf when conditions are right. The Cornwall surfing guide on our site covers the full range of surf spots in the area.

Many Newquay B&B hosts are surfers themselves and can provide invaluable advice on which beach to head to based on the day’s swell, wind, and tide conditions. Some B&Bs offer secure board storage and outdoor showers for rinsing off after a session, which are genuine luxuries that hotels rarely provide.

Newquay’s Best Beaches

Newquay’s seven main beaches each have their own personality. Fistral Beach is the surfer’s paradise with big Atlantic waves. Towan Beach is the most central, directly below the town with easy access to shops and cafés. Great Western Beach is sheltered and ideal for rock pooling at low tide. Tolcarne Beach has a fantastic beach bar and good swimming. Lusty Glaze is a small, privately managed beach in a dramatic cove offering adventure activities and outdoor events. Porth Beach is the family favourite with a tidal island to explore. Harbour Beach is the most sheltered option, perfect for young children.

For those willing to venture slightly further, Crantock Beach and Holywell Bay offer wider expanses of sand with fewer crowds, and our Cornwall beaches guide covers the full range of options along this stunning coastline.

Family-Friendly Newquay

Family enjoying a beach holiday in Cornwall
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Newquay is one of the best family holiday destinations in Cornwall. Beyond the beaches, the town offers a wealth of attractions that keep children entertained in any weather. Newquay Zoo is home to over 130 species of animals set in beautiful lakeside gardens. The Blue Reef Aquarium on Towan Beach features an underwater tunnel, tropical reef displays, and regular feeding demonstrations.

For rainy days, Waterworld Newquay offers indoor swimming with flumes and slides, while the Newquay Orchard community project runs seasonal activities for families. The Killacourt area near the harbour hosts pop-up events and has wooden cabins where local artisans sell handmade goods.

Many Newquay B&Bs are family-friendly, offering family rooms, travel cots, and high chairs. Some provide buckets and spades, bodyboards, and wetsuits for guest use, saving you the expense of hiring equipment. Ask about family-specific amenities when booking.

Things to Do During Your Stay

Newquay harbour and town centre Cornwall
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Beyond surfing and beaches, Newquay offers coasteering adventures along the dramatic cliffsides, sea kayaking trips into sea caves, and stand-up paddleboarding in sheltered bays. The South West Coast Path provides spectacular walking, with the section from Newquay to Padstow being particularly rewarding. Golf enthusiasts will find several courses in the area, and the local fishing scene offers both sea angling trips and shore fishing from the rocks.

For evening entertainment, Newquay has a lively mix of restaurants, pubs, and bars. The seafood is outstanding, with harbourside restaurants serving the day’s catch alongside stunning views. The town also has a growing craft beer scene, with several independent breweries and taprooms. For quieter evenings, clifftop walks at sunset followed by a meal at one of the beach cafés create unforgettable memories.

Getting to Newquay

Newquay has the advantage of its own airport, Cornwall Airport Newquay, which offers flights from London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and other UK cities. The airport is about five miles from the town centre, with taxi and bus connections available.

The town also has its own railway station on the Atlantic Coast Line from Par, connecting with the main London Paddington to Penzance line. The train journey along the branch line is scenic and relaxing, crossing the viaduct at Trenance with views over the valley.

By car, Newquay is reached via the A392 from the A30 trunk road. Parking in the town centre can be challenging in summer, with several pay-and-display car parks available. Most B&Bs offer parking advice, and some provide free on-site spaces.

Budget Tips and Booking Advice

Expect to pay: Newquay B&Bs offer some of the best value in Cornwall. Budget options start from around £55 to £80 per night, mid-range properties cost £80 to £130, and premium B&Bs with sea views run £130 to £200 per night. Breakfast is typically included.

Avoid Boardmasters week: The Boardmasters surf festival in August sends accommodation prices soaring and availability plummets. If you are not attending the festival, avoid this week for better value. Conversely, if Boardmasters is your goal, book months in advance.

Shoulder season surfing: September and October often bring the best surf conditions with fewer crowds. B&B rates drop significantly after the school holidays end, and the water temperature is actually at its warmest in September.

Fly in: Budget airlines serve Cornwall Airport Newquay, and flying can be cheaper and faster than driving, particularly from northern England and Scotland. Without a car, you can explore Newquay easily on foot and use buses for day trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Newquay just a party town?

Not at all. While Newquay has a lively nightlife scene, particularly in summer, it has evolved into a well-rounded destination with world-class surfing, beautiful beaches, excellent family attractions, and a growing food scene. Families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts are all well catered for. If you prefer a quieter experience, choose a B&B away from the town centre, near Porth or Fistral.

Do I need surfing experience to enjoy Newquay?

Absolutely not. While surfing is a major draw, Newquay’s beaches are equally perfect for swimming, sunbathing, rock pooling, and coastal walking. If you want to try surfing, the numerous surf schools offer beginner lessons that will have you standing on a board within a couple of hours.

Are Newquay B&Bs suitable for families?

Many Newquay B&Bs welcome families with children. Family rooms, travel cots, and high chairs are commonly available. The town’s beaches, zoo, and aquarium provide plenty of entertainment for children of all ages. Choose a B&B near Porth or Tolcarne Beach for the most family-friendly experience.