Overview
Newquay is a town on the north coast of Cornwall, in southwest England. It’s known for sandy Fistral and Watergate Bay beaches, where waves from the Atlantic Ocean create strong surf. On the seafront, the Blue Reef Aquarium features an underwater.
Description
It’s known for sandy Fistral and Watergate Bay beaches, where waves from the Atlantic Ocean create strong surf. On the seafront, the Blue Reef Aquarium features an underwater tunnel going through a coral-reef tank with pufferfish, sharks, and rays. Further inland, surrounded by tropical gardens, Newquay Zoo is home to lions, wildebeest, and sloths.
Newquay was originally the fishing port of Towan Blister before the new quay was built in the fifteenth century. Among other things, the quay was used for the import of coal and the export of mined ore during the heyday of the tin and copper mining industries. For many years, the main industry was pilchard fishing and salting. Even before this, it was the site of an Iron Age fort. Although the pilchards disappeared long ago, there are still a few boats fishing from Newquay and there is plenty of pleasure craft here as well. Another interesting throwback to the days when pilchard fishing was the lifeblood of the town is the Huer's Hut located high above the harbor. It's a peculiar little round white hut with steps leading up to the roof where the huer would stand and cry, 'Hevva, Hevva!', when pilchards were sighted.
These days Newquay is the resort with all the nightlife (but not so much of the culture!). However, there is the Lane Theatre, the only theatre in Newquay, which has recently been expanded and refurbished with funding from the National Lottery through the Arts Council. It seats 138, has a licensed bar, facilities for the disabled, and a free car park. Comedy plays are presented throughout the summer season.