Seek New Horizons with a Car-Free Escape

Visiting Newquay in the winter months is a chance to experience the coast from a fresh perspective, so why not try leaving the car at home?  

Newquay is connected by a branch line to the mainline train into Cornwall (Paddington to Penzance). To reach Newquay, you’ll need to change at Par.

Once you’re here, there’s plenty to do right on your doorstep. You could wander along the coast path and tick off each of Newquay’s beaches, hire an e-bike and visit Newquay’s very own community orchard, or even hop on a bus to Padstow.

In this itinerary, you’ll discover places you can reach on foot and by public transport. You’ll also find out about Beryl, the pay-as-you-ride green e-bikes you’ll find in bays dotted around town. We hope it inspires you to see the coast with a renewed sense of adventure.

You can mix and match from the suggested activities below to create a great day out during your stay. Please note: You will need to contact the venue or experience provider directly to book.

Explore Newquay’s Beaches

Beryl e-bikes

Breathe in the fresh sea air and explore Newquay’s world-famous beaches on an emission-free e-bike. Beryl bikes are electric pay-as-you-ride bicycles you can unlock via an app throughout Newquay town centre. Simply download the Beryl app to get started. With Beryl bays at Porth Beach, Lusty Glaze, Fistral Beach and more, simply follow the coast and beach hop your way to an adventure.

Visit Newquay Orchard

Continue on your Beryl bike adventure and cycle to Newquay Orchard (there’s a bike bay just outside), a 7-acre urban greenspace. In addition to the orchards, forest garden and café, you’ll find a monthly market, an artist-in-residence, mindfulness courses, a singing community, performances, yoga and more. See what’s on during your stay via their website.

Explore the Coast - Watergate Bay

Experience the dramatic coast of North Cornwall with a walk that includes Watergate Bay, Porth Beach and Lusty Glaze. This 4-mile walk from iWalk Cornwall is described as easy to moderate and starts with taking the bus to Watergate Bay before walking back towards Newquay along the coast path. At Watergate Bay, you’ll find an enormous surfing beach and a choice of restaurants, including The Beach Hut and Wax.

Please note: In the winter months, take extra care when walking along the coast path and pay attention to weather warnings.

Discover ‘Old Newquay’ - Trenance Cottages and Museum

See how our Cornish ancestors lived with a visit to Trenance Cottages. This trio of Grade II listed cottages have been renovated into a museum, function room and gift shop. Learn about the history of these charming buildings and pause at The Garden Cafe for a proper Cornish cream tea. Top tip: Check their Facebook page for updates about live music events, heritage days and yoga.

Padstow by Bus - Transport for Cornwall

The quieter months are the perfect opportunity to explore popular Padstow by bus. This harbour town is known for its many fantastic eateries, but there are other adventures to be had here too. You could cycle the Camel Trail, visit the National Lobster Hatchery, or even take a course at Rick Stein’s Cookery School. Top tip: Check out the ‘Tap and Cap’ offer from Transport for Cornwall to see how you can enjoy great savings on bus fares.

Beach Bar & Grill - The Colonial

Enjoy lazy lunches and sunset suppers at The Colonial, the restaurant belonging to Tolcarne Beach Village. Book your table for an enticing menu of fantastic cocktails, Caribbean-inspired feasts and fresh seafood, alongside one of the best sea views in Newquay. 

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.