The 7 Best Hotels in Newquay, Cornwall

This traditional seaside holiday hotel overlooks Fistral Bay, which, being one of the top surfing spots in the world, is a huge draw for watersports junkies. This is right on the Atlantic, so it enjoys the rough break of the ocean and the colossal waves that this brings. Revel in the spectacular sea views from your bed, bath or the hotel restaurant, all of which feature gloriously large windows. Exclusively for adults, you can enjoy all the perks of being child-free – whether that’s a cocktail on the terrace or a peaceful soak in the low-lit spa pool.

Jutting out on a clifftop over Fistral Beach, the imposing Headland Hotel looks like something out of a Jane Austen novel. Though once used as the location for Roald Dahl’s The Witches film, this dog-friendly Victorian house is anything but old-fashioned inside. Each of the 95 rooms and 39 self-catering cottages boasts bespoke furniture, a Nespresso machine and Elemis products and oozes a kind of Old-English charm – there’s definitely a nod to the hotel’s grand beginnings, but with enough modern comforts to ensure you have a relaxing stay. Whether you come to make the most of the surf or to simply enjoy the spa or golf course, there’s plenty on offer at the Headland.

If a restorative rest is what you need, look no further than the Watergate Bay Hotel. Each room is artfully designed to feel like a serene, luxury haven with muted colours, in-room roll-top baths and carefully selected book collections. The real star of the show here is the view – which is magnificently exhibited through the large windows. Run by the same family for generations, it’s not just a bolthole for couples – there’s an Extreme Academy for water sports that will help you make the most of the Bay’s excellent surf and a glorious indoor, infinity-style pool for those more inclined to stay inside.

As a restaurant with rooms, the Lewinnick Lodge draws in a foodie crowd thanks to its brasserie-style, salt-of-the-earth dishes. Whether enjoying a fireside pint in the dog-friendly bar or dining on the catch of the day whilst watching a far-off storm roll over the Atlantic, this is a spot that displays the best that Cornwall has to offer. Rooms feel especially spacious thanks to the double-height windows and open-plan bathrooms, and design touches such as the scrubbed wooden trunks and cosy tartan armchairs make you feel right at home.

Presiding over the Newquay Bay coastline, this country pile hotel oozes traditional glamour. The sense of grandeur starts in the black-and-white tiled lobby and continues through the gallery-style dining room and up to the smartly dressed bedrooms, where roll-top baths and private balconies add to the feeling of luxury. Thanks to the hotel’s positioning, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted sea views from almost every room and, aside from the occasional squalling seagull, a quiet and peaceful stay. Head down to the Champagne bar for a sparkling aperitif before settling in at the bistro, where Sunday roasts and moules marinière feature on the menu.

With its surf school, activities club and large indoor pool, this yacht club-style hotel is a great option for people with little ones in tow as much as it is for adults alone. Right on the Pentire Peninsula, it presides over Fistral Beach, making it an excellent spot for sailors, kite-surfers and mountaineers alike. Rooms are simple but stylish, and the large family-style restaurant offers a fantastic view over the Atlantic. Just a five-minute stroll from Newquay town, it’s perfectly positioned to explore all that the location has to offer.

For adults only, this eco-friendly retreat is exactly the kind of tranquil haven you need to de-stress, unwind and escape city life. Whether it’s the clifftop hot tub, Ayurvedic spa or rugged coastal walks that float your boat, you’ll be treated like family by the attentive staff and leave feeling like you’ve reconnected with nature. Whether you opt for the Just Right room or Unique split-level suite, you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views.