Things to Do in Newquay: Surfing, Saunas, Tattoos, Food and Live Music
Planning a holiday in Newquay? There’s much more to Cornwall’s surf capital than beaches alone.
You can surf at Fistral, explore the Cornish coastline, recover in a Nordic sauna, book a tattoo, get a fresh trim, shop for protective motorcycle clothing and finish the day with street food, cold drinks and live music.
At the heart of it all is Project Eighty Three, an award-winning independent bar, café, live music venue and social space in Wesley Yard, Newquay.
Whether you’re searching for breakfast in Newquay, somewhere for a coffee, independent shops, street food, live music or a relaxed bar after the beach, make Project Eighty Three your base for exploring the town.
Start Your Day With Breakfast in Newquay
Before heading to the beach, start your day with a proper breakfast and freshly made coffee at Project Eighty Three.
Located in the heart of Newquay, we serve breakfast from 8am Tuesday to Sunday, with fresh pastries, locally sourced ingredients and vegan options available. You don’t need to book, just walk in, grab a table and fuel up for the day ahead.
Whether you’re heading out for a surf, exploring the coast or recovering from the night before, Project Eighty Three is an easygoing alternative to the usual hotel breakfast.
Surf Newquay’s Famous Atlantic Waves
Newquay is known as the surf capital of England, with a coastline that attracts complete beginners, experienced surfers and some of the world’s best competitors.
Fistral Beach is Newquay’s most famous surfing beach. Its consistent Atlantic swell, surf schools and equipment-hire facilities make it a great place to get into the water, even if you’ve never stood on a surfboard before.
Other beaches worth exploring include:
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Towan Beach – a central and family-friendly beach close to Newquay Harbour
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Great Western Beach – a popular beach backed by dramatic cliffs
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Tolcarne Beach – a sheltered bay close to the town centre
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Lusty Glaze Beach – a privately owned cove with a more secluded atmosphere
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Watergate Bay – two miles of open sand a few miles outside Newquay
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Crantock Beach – a beautiful beach at the mouth of the River Gannel
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Porth Beach – a wide, shallow beach popular with families
You’ll find surf lessons and equipment hire across Newquay, along with opportunities for paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkelling, coasteering and sea swimming.
Always check the tide, weather conditions and lifeguard information before entering the water.
Explore Newquay Beyond the Beach
If surfing isn’t your thing, there are still plenty of outdoor activities and alternative things to do in Newquay.
Try:
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Paddleboarding or kayaking
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Coasteering along the Cornish coastline
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Snorkelling and sea swimming
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Boat trips from Newquay Harbour
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Sea fishing and wildlife excursions
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Walking the South West Coast Path
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Exploring the Gannel Estuary
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Watching the sunset from Fistral or Towan Headland
Newquay works just as well for an adrenaline-filled weekend as it does for a slower seaside escape.
Relax and Recover at Saunassa Nordic Spa
After surfing, swimming or walking the coast, head to Saunassa Nordic Spa for a proper reset.
Located in the heart of Newquay, Saunassa offers traditional and infrared saunas, wood-fired hot tubs, cold baths and ice plunges. Its contrast-therapy sessions are a brilliant way to warm up and unwind after spending time in the Atlantic.
Choose from sauna and ice sessions, longer Nordic spa experiences or guided classes. Sessions can fill quickly during busy periods, so booking online before your visit is recommended.
It’s also a great wet-weather activity if the Cornish summer isn’t behaving itself.
Get Tattooed in Newquay
If you want to take home something more permanent than a souvenir, Newquay is home to some incredibly talented tattoo artists.
Captain Matt Tattoos
Check out Captain Matt Tattoos if getting tattooed is part of your Newquay plans. Browse Matt’s portfolio, find a style that suits your idea and get in touch directly to discuss appointments and availability. Matt offers walk-ins.
Ross Frater Tattoos
Ross Frater Tattoos is another Newquay artist to have on your radar. Ross works from Steve’s Tattooing in Newquay and creates distinctive custom pieces across a range of styles, a go-to if you are after a realism piece.
Take a look through Ross’s portfolio and contact the studio directly if you would like to discuss an idea or join the cancellation list.
Plan Your Tattoo for the End of Your Holiday
Fresh tattoos shouldn’t be exposed to sea water, swimming pools, sauna heat or prolonged sunlight.
If your Newquay plans include surfing, swimming, sunbathing or a session at Saunassa, arrange your tattoo towards the end of your holiday and always follow the aftercare guidance given by your artist.
Get a Fresh Trim at Knuckleheads Barbershop
If days of salt water and Atlantic wind have left you looking a little too windswept, call into Knuckleheads Barbershop in Wesley Yard.
Knuckleheads offers quality cuts, skin fades, beard trims, hot-towel shaves and its full barbershop treatment.
You might secure a walk-in appointment if you’re lucky, but Newquay gets extremely busy during the summer, so booking ahead is strongly recommended.
Get tidied up, then head across the yard to Project Eighty Three for food, drinks and live music.
Shop Protective Motorcycle Clothing at Ride & Defy
If motorcycles are more your scene, visit Ride & Defy in Wesley Yard.
Ride & Defy specialises in protective motorcycle clothing for women and men, bringing together high-quality riding gear, independent brands and products that offer protection without sacrificing personal style.
You’ll find motorcycle jackets, protective jeans, riding shirts, boots, gloves, T-shirts, hoodies and accessories selected for riders who want something different from traditional motorcycle clothing.
Whether you’re touring Cornwall by motorcycle, looking to upgrade your riding gear or simply appreciate motorcycle culture, Ride & Defy is well worth visiting.
Browse the store and then head into Project Eighty Three for a coffee, breakfast or cold beer.
Visit Newquay’s Family Attractions
Newquay also has plenty to offer families and visitors looking for things to do away from the beach.
Popular attractions include:
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Newquay Zoo – home to hundreds of animals in 13 acres of gardens
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Blue Reef Aquarium – marine displays and an underwater tunnel overlooking Towan Beach
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Lappa Valley – steam railway rides and family activities
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Trenance Gardens – landscaped gardens close to Newquay Zoo
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Newquay Harbour – a picturesque working harbour with boat trips and a small beach
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Concrete Waves – Newquay’s purpose-built skatepark
These are particularly useful options for mixed-weather days or when you want a break from the beach.
Experience Boardmasters and Newquay’s Summer Events
One of Newquay’s biggest annual events is Boardmasters, a five-day celebration of live music, surfing, skateboarding, art and wellbeing.
The main music festival takes place at Watergate Bay, while the surf competition and other activities take place at Fistral Beach. The event brings an incredible atmosphere to Newquay and attracts visitors from across the UK and beyond.
Throughout the rest of the summer, Newquay hosts surfing competitions, markets, motorcycle gatherings, live music and community events.
If you’re visiting during Boardmasters or another major event, book accommodation, activities, tattoo appointments and sauna sessions as early as possible.
Why Visit Project Eighty Three?
After the beach, sauna, barbershop, tattoo studio or coastal walk, you’ll need somewhere to eat, drink and unwind.
That’s where Project Eighty Three comes in.
Based in a converted former garage in Wesley Yard, Project Eighty Three is part café, part bar, part street-food destination and part live music venue.
We’ve kept the building’s original industrial character and created a relaxed meeting place for Newquay’s motorcycle, music, surf, food and creative communities.
You don’t need to arrive on a motorbike, know the band or be a local. Everyone is welcome.
Breakfast and Locally Roasted Coffee
Start your morning with an epic breakfast, locally roasted coffee and a relaxed atmosphere.
Breakfast is served from 8am Tuesday to Sunday, making Project Eighty Three a great place to eat before visiting Fistral Beach, Newquay Zoo, the aquarium or Saunassa.
Street Food in Newquay
Project Eighty Three hosts independent street-food traders serving big flavours in our sun-trap courtyard.
Whether you’re hungry after surfing, need food before an evening out or simply want something more interesting than the usual pub menu, check our current food schedule to see what’s being served during your visit.
Cold Beer and Drinks
Cool down with a cold beer, hard liquor or take things steadily with coffee and soft drinks.
Project Eighty Three works just as well for a quick afternoon drink as it does for an entire evening with food and music.
Free Live Music in Newquay
Looking for live music in Newquay? Project Eighty Three hosts regular performances from local and visiting musicians, including live music every Friday and Saturday.
Our events bring together blues, rock, indie, acoustic music and more, with street food and drinks available alongside the performances.
Check our latest listings before visiting to see who’s playing.
Bike Night and Motorcycle Culture
Project Eighty Three hosts Bike Night every Thursday, rain or shine. A relaxed meeting place for riders, custom-bike enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates motorcycle culture.
Combine your visit with a stop at Ride & Defy and make an afternoon or evening of it in Wesley Yard.
A Relaxed Independent Venue
Project Eighty Three isn’t a polished chain bar, and that’s exactly the point.
It’s a character-filled independent venue where you can arrive in sandy shorts, motorcycle gear or dressed for a night out. Come alone, bring your friends, meet other people or settle into the courtyard with food and a drink.
An Alternative Day Out in Newquay
Want to experience a different side of Newquay? Try this itinerary:
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Start with breakfast and coffee at Project Eighty Three
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Browse protective motorcycle clothing at Ride & Defy
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Head to Fistral Beach for a surf, swim or coastal walk
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Recover with a sauna and cold-water session at Saunassa
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Book a fresh trim at Knuckleheads Barbershop
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Explore Newquay’s independent shops and creative businesses
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Arrange a tattoo with Captain Matt Tattoos or Ross Frater Tattoos
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Return to Project Eighty Three for street food, drinks and live music
If you plan to get tattooed, book it for the end of your trip—after you’ve finished swimming, surfing and using the sauna.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Newquay
Where can I get breakfast in Newquay?
Project Eighty Three serves breakfast from 8am till 3pm Tuesday to Sunday, with fresh coffee, local ingredients and vegan options available. You don’t need to book.
Where can I find street food in Newquay?
Project Eighty Three hosts independent street-food traders in its Wesley Yard courtyard. Check the current online schedule or social pages to see which traders are serving during your visit.
Where can I watch live music in Newquay?
Project Eighty Three hosts regular events and live music every Friday and Saturday.
What can adults do in Newquay besides surfing?
Try a Nordic spa session at Saunassa, book a tattoo with Captain Matt Tattoos or Ross Frater Tattoos, get a trim at Knuckleheads, browse protective motorcycle clothing at Ride & Defy or enjoy street food, drinks and live music at Project Eighty Three.
What can I do in Newquay when it rains?
Rainy-day options include Saunassa Nordic Spa, Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay Zoo, independent shopping at Ride & Defy, getting a haircut or beard trim at Knuckleheads and settling in for food and drinks at Project Eighty Three.
Where can motorcyclists visit in Newquay?
Ride & Defy specialises in protective motorcycle clothing for women and men, while Project Eighty Three offers a motorcycle-friendly atmosphere, dedicated motorbike parking, regular Bike Nights, food, coffee, drinks and live music.
Do I need to book Project Eighty Three?
You don’t need to book for breakfast, coffee or drinks; just walk in. For special events, check the event listing in case tickets or advance booking are required.
Discover the Independent Side of Newquay
Newquay’s beaches may bring people to the town, but its independent businesses give it character.
Surf the Atlantic, walk the coastline, reset at Saunassa, get a fresh trim at Knuckleheads, support local tattoo artists, shop at Ride & Defy and finish your day with street food, cold drinks and live music at Project Eighty Three.
Whether you’re in Newquay for a weekend, a family holiday, Boardmasters or a motorcycle tour of Cornwall, come and find us in Wesley Yard.
Make Project Eighty Three your base for food, drinks and a different side of Newquay. We’ll see you soon.
