Newquay and Holywell

The first signs of settlement in Newquay consist of a late Iron Age hill fort/industrial centre which exploited the nearby abundant resources (including deposits of iron) and the superior natural defences provided by Trevelgue Head. It is claimed that occupation of the site was continuous from the 3rd century BC to the 5th or 6th century AD, although a Dark Ages house was later built on the head.

Now known as a major holiday town, attracting visitors from all over the world, for most of Newquay’s early life it was as a fishing village that the town owed its prosperity and the pilchard catches were the mainstay of that industry. As Cornwall became more industrialised the port and harbour were enlarged for importing and exporting goods and in 1838 a Fowey merchant developed the port for the export of China Clay from the St. Austell area. Because of its sheltered situation and miles of superb sandy beaches, Newquay became very popular with visitors and is now a premier family holiday resort. Its beaches, from the Towan beach, to the magnificent Fistral beach, all offer sand, swimming and, hopefully, sun.

Multi-award winning Newquay Zoo is a registered charity and at the forefront of wildlife conservation, supporting a number of breeding programmes for endangered species across the world. Set in sub-tropical lakeside gardens Newquay Zoo has much to offer from, the greatest of beasts such as African Lions to the tiny Pygmy Marmoset. View African species from the viewing platform of the African Savanna or step into the jungle depths of the Tropical House. New for 2010 is the Madagascan Walkthrough exhibit featuring, Crowned Lemurs, Vasa Parrots, Striped Mongoose and more!

Enjoy fascinating daily feeding time talks and the animal encounters with some of the keepers or take a break in Café Lemur for home made meals and treats.
There is fun for all age groups with plenty of delights for children including the Tarzan trail, a children’s play area and the dragon maze. Events are run throughout the year. The zoo is also part of the Green Tourism Business Scheme.

Please visit www.newquayzoo.org.uk for more information.

Trerice is a hidden gem, a beautiful Elizabethan manor house tucked away from the world within a web of narrow lanes, deep in remote countryside yet only 3 miles south-east of Newquay. The house was built by Sir John Arundell in 1572 and, having undergone no major changes since then, it is still somehow caught in the spirit of its age. The Dutch-styled gabled façade, which gives a peculiarly elegant and foreign air to the place, is possibly the earliest in the country. The Hall and Great Chamber have elaborate plaster ceilings and fireplaces; the Hall, in addition, has a magnificent window made up of 576 panes, much of it the original 16th-century glass.

Trerice

Trerice is also known for its fine oak and walnut furniture as well as collections of clocks and drinking glasses. The attractive garden has some unusual plants and an orchard with old varieties of fruit trees, and in the barn there is a museum of old lawn mowers. There is a shop, plant sales and tea-room. The tea room occupies another part of the great barn behind the house and specialises in home cooked fare made from fresh ingredients, with a selection of soups, flans, salads, puddings and cakes appearing regularly on the menu.

Families are especially welcome at Trerice. There are many family activities including special Tudor costumed events and workshops, quizzes, brass-rubbing and ‘kayling’ (ancient Cornish skittles). Trerice is open 9th March – 2nd November daily except Saturdays 11am - 5pm (garden and tea room open at 10.30; last serving in tea room is 4.30).

Only a few miles south-west of Newquay is the stunning beach of Holywell Bay, protected by the National Trust it is perfect for all the family. The beach is nearly 1 mile long, has towering sand dunes and as well as being fabulous for surfing, it is a clean and safe swimming beach. Dolphins are often sighted around Gull Rocks, the two rocks which protrude out of the bay making Holywell Bay so distinctive.