Discover Newquay with megabus

Surfers, party animals and sun-worshippers flock to Newquay for its legendary waves and relaxed beach vibe. Take a coach to this seaside hotspot and you’ll soon be won over by its Cornish charms. Learn to hang ten with the best of them at one of the many surf schools. Or, just relax and soak up the rays on one of the town’s 11 white-sand beaches. Plus, Newquay really comes alive after dark, with pubs, bars and clubs that could show Ibiza a thing or two about the art of partying.

Newquay: top 3 things to do

1. Learn to surf

As the surf centre of Europe, Newquay is the perfect place to master the craft. TUI Experiences offer a beginners surfing experience where you can enjoy a day catching the waves. You'll get your safety equipment as part of the package, so you’ll be all kitted out. If you're looking for even more adventure (thrill seekers alert), they even offer a coasteering package where you can challenge yourself to try daring deep water jumps and rock climbing.

2. Visit Newquay Zoo

From penguins and pandas, to big cats and zebras, Newquay Zoo is full of familiar faces. In fact, there are more than 130 species to spot. Set in Trenance Gardens, the zoo is also home to a Tropical House full of reptiles and snakes. And make sure you hit the Tarzan Trail, where monkeys and meerkats mingle.

3. Discover Blue Reef Aquarium

On Newquay’s main beachfront you’ll find Blue Reef Aquarium. It’s teeming with creatures like giant loggerhead turtles, reef sharks and jellyfish. Head through the underwater tunnel and you’ll be surrounded by some of the ocean’s most colourful characters. It’s open all year round.

Newquay: getting around

Getting to Newquay with megabus couldn’t be simpler. Book a coach to Cornwall and you can usually expect added extras like free WiFi* to keep you connected on your journey. There’s also a 20kg luggage allowance for all your essentials. To find out more, check out our on board facilities.

Newquay is an easy town to get to know. Since it’s pretty compact, you’ll be able to walk to all the main attractions, restaurants and shops. Or, if you prefer to take the bus, there are plenty of services around town, and further afield to places like Truro and Padstow.

The tropical biomes of the Eden Project in St Austell are definitely worth a visit while you’re in this part of the country. Take the train and you’ll be there in less than two hours.

Cornwall Airport Newquay is a 20-minute bus ride away from the town centre. From here, you can fly over to the Isles of Scilly, which has beaches that can rival any in the world.

Newquay: best for nightlife

Newquay is dubbed the ‘party capital of Cornwall’, so you can expect an epic night out. Start your evening in one of the coastal pubs that serve up real ale with a sea view. The Red Lion Inn overlooking the harbour fits the bill perfectly. If you’re looking for a more chilled-out evening, order some fresh seafood at one of Newquay’s many waterfront restaurants and watch the world drift by.

Newquay: best for shopping

As you’d expect from a tourist beach town, there’s a strong contingent of independent shops in Newquay where you can pick up knick-knacks and one-of-a-kind gifts. Manor Road – right by the bus station – is your best bet, along with the streets heading north towards The Crescent.

Bank Street is the place for household names like Boots and New Look. Meanwhile, Fore Street makes the most of its proximity to the beach. It offers up a slew of surfing gear shops where you can buy wetsuits and hoodies galore. There are plenty of stores that hire out surfboards, too, if you want to try before you buy.

Newquay for free: our top 3

1. Hit the beach

Newquay boasts 11 sandy beaches within easy reach of the town centre. Fistral Beach is the biggest and most well known – it’s also where the main surfing events take place. Towan Beach is closest to the town, while Tolcarne Beach is an Instagrammer’s dream, with its brightly coloured beach huts.

2. Explore Newquay Harbour

For a real taste of Cornish life – along with a pasty or two – make sure you head down to Newquay Harbour. This pretty pocket of the town has its own beach. Or, watch the local fishermen unload the catch of the day from one of the harbourside pubs. Visit in mid-September for the famous Newquay Fish Festival.

3. Walk the South West Coast Path

If you want to blow away the cobwebs, grab some walking shoes and hit the South West Coast Path. It runs all around Newquay, taking in the breathtaking views of the Cornish coast. Look closely and you might even spy dolphins, whales and basking sharks out in the ocean.

Our journeys to Newquay are paused at the moment, but keep checking back as they may get re-added soon.

*Subject to availability and connection