Introduction
Newquay is Cornwall's surf capital, and it's the closest thing the UK has to a surf town. With Fistral Beach, a vibrant nightlife, a cosmopolitan crowd, and some of the best waves in Europe, Newquay is the ultimate destination for van lifers who want to combine surf, van life, and the best of Cornwall.
But Newquay is more than just Fistral. The surrounding coastline has hidden coves, wild camping spots, and some of the best surfing in Cornwall. The town itself is a hub for van lifers, with campsites, service points, and a growing van life community.
- Surfing — Fistral, Tolcarne, Widemouth Bay
- Wild camping — Coast, headlands, and hidden spots
- Campsites — From basic fields to premium parks
- Budget tips — Surf hire, food, fuel
- Activities — Beyond surfing
- Weather & seasons — When to go
- Practical tips — Roads, mobile, waste
“Newquay is the surf capital of Cornwall, and it's the closest thing the UK has to a surf town. Fistral Beach has world-class waves, the surrounding coastline has hidden coves, and the town itself is a hub for van lifers.
Table of Contents
- Surfing in Newquay
- Wild Camping
- Best Campsites
- Budget Tips
- Food & Supplies
- Weather
- Practical Tips
- FAQ
1. Surfing in Newquay <a name="surf"></a>
1.1 Fistral Beach
Fistral Beach is Newquay's main beach and one of the best surf beaches in the UK. The waves are consistent, the beach is wide, and the surf schools are world-class. Equipment hire costs £8-15/day.
1.2 Tolcarne Beach
Smaller than Fistral, but often less crowded. Good for beginners and intermediate surfers.
1.3 Widemouth Bay
Near Bude, but accessible from Newquay. Long sandy beach, consistent waves, free parking.
2. Wild Camping <a name="wild-camping"></a>
- Par Sands — The beach behind Par Sands has wild camping potential. Wide, sandy, and quiet.
- Pentire Head — The headland above Par Sands has dramatic cliffs and wild camping potential.
- Trebarwith Strand — The beach near Tintagel has wild camping potential behind the dunes.
3. Best Campsites <a name="campsites"></a>
1. Newquay Campsite (Newquay)
- Facilities: Showers, toilet, washing-up, WiFi
- Price: £18-28/night
- Why: Near Fistral Beach, central, dog-friendly
2. Pentire Head Campsite (Par)
- Facilities: Basic, toilet, washing-up
- Price: £14-20/night
- Why: Near Par Sands, wild, quiet
3. Tower Campsite (Newquay)
- Facilities: Electric, shower, toilet, washing-up
- Price: £20-26/night
- Why: Near the beach, good value
4. Budget Tips <a name="budget"></a>
- Shop at Aldi or Lidl in Truro — cheaper than Newquay
- Fuel — The A30 near Bodmin is cheaper than Newquay
- Eat in Par — Better value than Newquay
- Surf hire — £8-15/day at most schools. Book in advance for discounts.
5. Food & Supplies <a name="supplies"></a>
- Newquay — All the big chains, expensive
- Par — Smaller shops, cheaper
- Truro — Supermarket, Halfords, the big chains
6. Weather <a name="weather"></a>
| Season | Temp | Rain | Wind | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 8-14°C | Moderate | Moderate | Wildflowers, fewer crowds |
| Summer | 15-22°C | Low | Light | Peak season, busy |
| Autumn | 10-16°C | High | Moderate | Storm season, fewer tourists |
| Winter | 5-10°C | High | Strong | Quiet, dramatic, some closures |
7. Practical Tips <a name="practical"></a>
- Mobile coverage — EE is best, Vodafone is good on the coast
- Roads — Single-track roads. Drive slowly.
- Weather — Can change rapidly. Always carry waterproofs.
FAQ <a name="faq"></a>
Q: What's the best surf beach in Newquay? A: Fistral Beach. World-class waves, surf schools, and equipment hire.
Q: Is wild camping legal near Newquay? A: Permission-based, but tolerated in the headlands and dunes.
Q: How expensive is Newquay? A: Expensive. Wild camp, eat in Par, and shop at Aldi.
