Living in Newquay

Community spirit is strong in Newquay, supported by an active network of organisations, local events, and clubs. Residents participate in neighbourhood activities like beach clean-ups, farmers markets, and the annual Newquay Fish Festival, which celebrates Cornish produce and heritage. The local community centre and numerous sports clubs (from surfing to rugby and football) encourage newcomers and lifelong residents to get involved.

Outdoor life is a key part of daily living. The South West Coast Path offers miles of scenic walks, while local parks, golf courses, and cycling routes make it easy to stay active. Beautiful green spaces such as Trenance Gardens and Boating Lake are popular meeting spots for families and friends, reflecting a relaxed yet interactive way of life year-round.

Newquay typically experiences lower crime rates than urban centres, especially compared to larger Cornish towns. The area benefits from increased policing during the busy tourist season, when anti-social behaviour can rise in the summer months. Permanent residents generally consider the town to be safe, with local police stations and active neighbourhood watch schemes providing reassurance.

Recent years have seen focused efforts to reduce issues associated with nightlife and tourism, such as public intoxication, resulting in positive trends for community safety. Family-oriented areas and suburbs tend to report fewer incidents, while regeneration projects in the centre have improved the perception of safety overall.

Parking in Newquay can be competitive, especially in peak tourist months. The town centre features several large pay-and-display car parks, including Manor Road, Tower Road, and Mount Wise, but on-street parking is limited and often quickly occupied near the beaches and harbour. Many residential streets require permits, especially in newer developments.

Road access to Newquay is via the A392 or A3075, linking directly with the A30, Cornwall’s principal arterial route. Traffic congestion is common during school holidays, but less of an issue in quieter months. For drivers, accessing nearby towns is straightforward, and the bypass to the east of the town centre facilitates movement around the area.

Times to nearby towns and cities:

• Truro – approx. 25 minutes via A3075 (12 miles)
• St Austell – approx. 35 minutes via A3058 (14 miles)
• Padstow – approx. 30 minutes via A3059/A389 (16 miles)
• Exeter – approx. 2 hours via A30 (88 miles)

Newquay boasts a vibrant food and drink scene, with options for all tastes and budgets. Local seafood is a highlight, with harbourside restaurants such as The Fish House and Lewinnick Lodge offering ocean views and fresh daily catches. The town is home to numerous independent cafés, bakeries, and takeaways, catering for everyone from early morning surfers to families and late-night revellers.

Classic Cornish pubs, such as the Red Lion and The Central Inn, serve real ales and hearty fare, while cocktail bars and beachside venues like Fistral Beach Bar provide a lively social scene. Nightlife ranges from relaxed pubs to a handful of nightclubs, including Bertie's, which attract younger crowds, especially in the summer. Occasional live music and seasonal events contribute to a sociable yet welcoming evening atmosphere.

School quality
Newquay is well-regarded for its selection of primary and secondary schools with good Ofsted ratings, making it a solid choice for families seeking quality education.

Parks and green space
The area is rich in green spaces, from Trenance Gardens to the expansive beaches, offering plenty of outdoor play and adventure for children.

Childcare
Numerous nurseries, pre-schools, and afterschool clubs are available, supporting working parents and young families.

Safety
Most parts of Newquay are considered safe, with active policing and community initiatives fostering a family-friendly environment, even during busier tourist periods.

Family activities
Newquay offers a huge range of family activities, including the Blue Reef Aquarium, surf schools, adventure playgrounds, and regular festivals, ensuring children and adults have plenty to do all year round.

Pet-friendly living is a major draw in Newquay, with many local beaches, including Fistral and Great Western, allowing dogs year-round or during the off-season. The nearby countryside, parks, and coastal trails provide ample walking and exercise opportunities for dogs and their owners.

There are several reputable vets, including Newquay Vets and Animal Vets, plus independent pet shops and a range of dog-welcoming cafes and pubs. The rental housing market is becoming increasingly open to pets, reflecting the area's inclusive attitude towards animals. Community events like dog-walk meetups further cement Newquay’s status as a welcoming place for pet owners.

Transport in Newquay offers several convenient options for local and national travel. The town’s railway station is centrally located, with regular connections to Par and onward direct services to Plymouth, Exeter, and London Paddington. During peak summer months, extra direct trains are introduced, supporting the tourism economy and easing long-distance commutes.

Newquay is well-served by First Kernow bus routes, with frequent services to Truro, Padstow, St Austell, and other Cornish destinations. Newquay Cornwall Airport is situated approximately 5 miles north of the town centre, offering domestic flights to key UK cities and limited international routes, providing quick access to London (about a 1-hour flight).

Typical commute times from Newquay:

• Truro – approx. 25 minutes by car or 45 minutes by train
• Plymouth – approx. 1 hour 30 minutes by train
• Exeter – approx. 2 hours 15 minutes by train
• London Paddington – direct summer trains, approx. 5 hours

Primary Schools

There are several highly-regarded primary schools in Newquay. Newquay Junior Academy, part of the Cornwall Education Learning Trust, is a large primary that caters to children aged 7–11, achieving ‘Good’ in its 2023 Ofsted inspection. Trenance Learning Academy (last Ofsted: Good, 2021) is favoured for its nurturing ethos, while St Columb Minor Academy is another popular option, recognised for its community involvement and inclusivity.

Secondary Schools

For secondary education, Newquay Tretherras is the main comprehensive school serving students aged 11–18. Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted in 2019, it is known for its successful academic results and a strong range of extracurricular activities. Treviglas Academy is also present (Ofsted Good, 2022), offering a broad curriculum and sixth form provision.

Colleges & Sixth Forms

Newquay Tretherras and Treviglas Academy both feature sixth forms, preparing students for higher education and employment. Cornwall College Newquay is particularly notable for its specialist courses in marine science, ecology, and animal care, drawing students interested in environmental fields.

Universities

The University Centre Cornwall College Newquay Campus is the town’s main higher education institution, offering degrees in applied marine zoology, conservation, and animal behaviour, and attracting students from across the UK. The broader Penryn Campus (Falmouth University/University of Exeter) can be reached in under an hour, widening access to a full university experience.