Newquay’s Renaissance: Cornwall’s Coastal Town Evolves into Year-Round Tourism Hub

A Town in Transformation

Newquay is undergoing a significant transformation with the Experience Newquay initiative, which aims to create a more resilient year-round visitor economy. Currently, the period between April and September accounts for 67% of visitors, putting pressure on infrastructure and resident wellbeing.

A major development is the unveiling of next-generation security at Cornwall Airport Newquay, featuring new CT X-ray screening technology starting July 2025. This enhancement is not just benefiting travelers but also boosting the Cornish economy by facilitating better connections to UK and Continental markets.

Cultural and Economic Initiatives

The town is actively encouraging visitors to experience its distinct character, culture, and unique food scene beyond the summer months. This extension of the tourism season aims to enable businesses to operate year-round, creating more permanent employment opportunities. The initiative includes support for local creative, leisure, and heritage sectors through business training programmes.

New events are being introduced, including the Newquay Food Festival in July 2025. The town’s vibrancy is maintained through monthly Farmers’ Markets featuring local produce, while summer months see the Newquay BIG Markets transform the town centre with street food vendors and live entertainment.

Tourism and Infrastructure Development

Newquay’s reputation continues to grow, having been voted “one of the nation’s favourite seaside towns” in the Which Holiday Survey and “Best Family Holiday Destination” by COAST magazine readers. The town has also won Gold for “Best Seaside Towns for Families” by Days Out with the Kids.

The MUQY Street Art Trail has become a particular highlight of the town’s development, with the Experience Newquay project driving investment in phase one. The collection of artworks is set to expand further in 2025, leaving a lasting impact on the town.

Looking to the Future

According to local authorities, these developments represent strategic investment through the Good Growth Programme, breathing new life into the town. The initiatives are successfully extending activity beyond the summer peak, helping the town centre attract year-round footfall.

Newquay remains accessible year-round via rail, road, or air, offering top-quality attractions, classic events, and exhilarating activities both in and out of the water, alongside some of Cornwall’s best beaches.