Things to see and do Newquay

The beaches surround Newquay. To the south, Fistral Beach, considered the main beach, is worth bathing, but especially for surfing. In the summer there are numerous competitions. In the north, Great Western Beach is popular with surfers, Tolcarne Beach and Lusty Glaze Beach attract more bathers. A little further, in Watergate Bay, there is again a question of testing the wave. Each beach has cafés, toilets and rescue swimmers. Beware, however, at high tide, beaches are almost entirely covered and tourists are often surprised!

The north coast of Cornwall is splendid, and home to some of England's finest coastal scenery. From west to east, you can admire the beauty of this coastline by walking along the sea from the road. If the beaches here are divine and pearly white, it's largely because they're often completely covered at high tide. The vistas change with the day, and you're just as likely to contemplate stretches of fine sand arched by cliffs, as granite rocks dropping sheer into the capricious Atlantic.

Gwithian Towans Beach: an immense white-sand beach fringed by dunes, a place full of charm and grandeur, popular with surfers.

Godrevy Point: its pretty cliffs provide unobstructed views of the surrounding area, and the attraction of this point also lies in the small island opposite it, with its lighthouse: Godrevy Lighthouse.

Portreath: a tiny, recessed village, typical of Cornwall, with a pretty beach at the foot of the green cliffs.

Hell's Mouth: between Gwithian and Portreath, this spot is easy to access from the road, with parking available at the Hells Mouth Kitchen and Bar. The photogenic cliffs are high above the water, and the area is of great beauty.

St Agnes and Wheal Coates: the cliffs south of St Agnes are among the most impressive in the region. Very high and covered with heather, you can admire the picturesque remains of old small stone mines on the Wheal Coates side. The superb beaches of Chapel Porth and Porthowan Beach, popular with surfers, stretch as far as the eye can see below. A short walk from the Porthowan parking lot to Trevaunance Cove is the perfect way to enjoy a Cornish postcard. If you simply wish to take a look at the ruins of Wheal Coates, a National Trust parking lot on Beacon Drive makes the site easily accessible on foot. For a bit of height, Beacon Hill is nearby.

The coastline between St Agnes and Perranporth is one of the steepest in the area and makes for a superb walk between the two towns. The view of the beach from the heights around YHA Perranporth is breathtaking.

Bedruthan Steps: the Bedruthan Steps could be straight out of an Australian or New Zealand postcard. At low tide, when they're no longer being rocked by the waves, these breathtaking masses of rock sit enthroned on a pristine beach, at the foot of the cliffs and facing the open sea. It's one of the most dazzling sights you'll ever see!

The villages of Mawgan Porth, Porthcothan, Harlyn, Trevone and New Polzeath are all very characteristic of the region.

Trevrose Head: visible from Newquay, this majestic headland juts out into the Atlantic and offers some stunning scenery, with its lighthouse and towering cliffs.

Stepper Point and Pentire Point: facing each other on either side of the mouth of the River Camel, these two charming, easy-to-reach points offer sweeping panoramas.

Port Quinn and Port Isaac: these adjoining Cornish villages are well worth a photo stop.

Between Boscastle and Bude: the cliffs in the area of Crackington Haven and Millook Haven are absolutely breathtaking, displaying an original and more complex geology than in the rest of the county.

This amusement park in Lappa Valley takes you aboard a dozen small steam trains. There's also mini-golf, canoeing, forest walks, a children's trampoline and a challenging maze. The site is set in an area of unspoilt nature, with interesting flora and fauna. Above all, it's an excursion for families with young children. Parking, toilets and café on site.

It's a welcome change from the pleasures of sea, beach and hiking. Spread over 5 hectares on the edge of Newquay, you can come here to meet species from all over the world, such as lions, toucans, meerkats, snakes, penguins and many others. You can even watch the animals feeding. Reduced rates are available for online bookings, and attractive prices are available for families. It's an enjoyable family outing that's a welcome change from cultural visits.

The aquarium faces the sea, and is a great place to see sharks, as well as all sorts of colorful fish, octopuses, rays and a host of molluscs. It's not necessarily the most typical activity in the area, but it can be a great activity for the whole family. Don't forget to book your tickets in advance, as you'll benefit from discounts and avoid the wait. You can also join a guided group tour. The aquarium is very spacious, so you'll have no trouble spending the whole day there. Ideal when it's raining.

On foot from Newquay town center, follow the coast along the natural byways of the South West Coast Path. You'll pass The Huer's Hut, a ^14th-century white stone hut where a "crier" used to sound the alarm about approaching shoals of sardines. The view over Newquay's beaches is magnificent. Continue on to Headland and its belvedere. The scent of the plants and the fresh air along the walk are a real change of scenery. Come at the end of the day to enjoy an incredible sunset.

One of Newquay's largest fishing boats will take you out to meet the marine wildlife. Experience an unforgettable sea safari and hope to spot many dolphins, birds and even the occasional shark! Depending on your chosen experience, you can try your hand at fishing, with all equipment provided by the captain, and snorkeling. And for the brave, the most sensational experience is cage diving among blue sharks!

Discover the Newquay coast in a different way! Newquay Riding Stables offers treks and horseback rides to enjoy Cornish nature. Rides are suitable for all levels, lasting from one to two hours. You'll follow bridle paths and country lanes, cross rivers and gallop along Newquay's sublime beaches. An unforgettable experience, accompanied by an expert guide for your safety. For the little ones, pony rides and lessons are available.