rovostays·

Cultural & heritage · Newquay

Top 6 cultural & heritage things to do in Newquay

Heritage walks, museum days, temple complexes, and the kind of guides who explain why a place matters rather than reciting dates. The cultural side of Newquay, paced for actual seeing.

  1. The Padstow History Walk - Tales, Tales and Traditions, Newquay1

    1. The Padstow History Walk - Tales, Tales and Traditions

    5.0· 33 reviews· 1.5 hours

    Join local guide John for a fascinating 1.5-hour history walk through the charming Cornish town of Padstow. Discover the stories hidden within its narrow streets, historic harbour, and centuries-old buildings as you explore how this picturesque fishing port has evolved over time. As you stroll along the waterfront and through the town’s winding lanes, John will bring Padstow’s past to life — from its maritime heritage and tales of seafaring adventure to the traditions, trades, and people that shaped the town’s unique character. Highlights include: • The historic harbour, once bustling with fishermen and traders. • Insights into Padstow’s shipbuilding and fishing industries. • Stories of local legends, smugglers, and sailors. This relaxed and informative walk offers a perfect way to experience Padstow’s rich heritage, blending storytelling with beautiful scenery. Suitable for all ages, the walk covers a gentle route lasting around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

  2. Newquay Coasteering x Cornish Wave | Original Since 2012, Newquay2

    2. Newquay Coasteering x Cornish Wave | Original Since 2012

    5.0· 346 reviews· 2 hours

    Experience the Newquay coastline like never before as you negotiate sluices, whirlpools, deep water rock jumps, and more. You will need to swim multiple sections of 25 metres as you discover smugglers caves, find out about the areas local history and wild swim your way along our magical coastline, all guided and supported by our experienced and qualified Coasteering guides. Coasteering in Newquay is a fantastic adventure activity that is accessible to all walks of life. You don"t have to do anything you don't want to do!

  3. Half-Day Coasteering in Newquay Cornwall, Newquay3

    3. Half-Day Coasteering in Newquay Cornwall

    5.0· 250 reviews· 3 hours

    There is nothing as exhilarating as Coasteering on the rugged Cornish Coast. Jumping, Climbing and wild swimming along this beautiful coastline, is a memory that will live with you for the rest of your life. With our expert Guides with you every step of the way to ensure you are kept safe, you will feel the freedom of exploring our stunning coastal routes as well as learning some of the background to this historic area. Please be aware you need to be able to swim to participate in this activity.

  1. Paddleboarding Around Newquay's Coastline, Newquay4

    4. Paddleboarding Around Newquay's Coastline

    5.0· 119 reviews· 2 hours

    Have you seen those idyllic images of paddle boarders in picturesque places? A shadowed silhouette of paddle and person against a tinged sunset skyline? Well now is the perfect time to come and try the world’s fastest growing water sport for yourself! The goals come quickly with stand up paddle boarding, and we guarantee to have you cruising the coast in your first session. Our SUP Lesson & Tour has been designed to teach you many core skills including how to: launch and land, stand up and balance, hold your paddle, perform basic strokes and how to make directional changes. Alongside these new technical skills, we also want to give you the tools to carry on this sport as an exciting new pastime. This means being able to judge the best weather, wind and wave conditions; a skill that our instructors will make sure you’re confident with. Our experienced instructors will also engage you with tales of the area’s history and information about the wildlife that calls it home.

  2. Sea Kayak Lesson & Tour in Newquay, Newquay5

    5. Sea Kayak Lesson & Tour in Newquay

    5.0· 193 reviews· 2 hours

    EPIC KAYAKING ADVENTURES As the number one provider of outdoor water sport activities in Newquay, our expert staff know the nooks and crannies of this coastline like the back of their hands. Your instructors will use their extensive experience to navigate this area and lead you on the most rewarding kayak adventure in Newquay! WHAT WILL YOU LEARN? You’ll first be taught the safety and fundamentals of kayaking at our activity centre near Towan beach. We are situated only a 5-minute walk from Towan headland. Kayaking offers a different perspective from which to experience this epic stretch of coastline. You’ll paddle along the coast exploring secret bays which are tucked away from the paths above! WILL WE SEE ANY WILDLIFE? The Gazzle’s deep caves were once used by pirates and smugglers which means they are now steeped in a rich history, as well as playing host to native wildlife of all shapes and sizes. Inquisitive seals may even pop their heads up to say hello as you paddle past!

  3. The Ghost Walk Padstow - Tour of Cornwall’s Myths and Legends, Newquay6

    6. The Ghost Walk Padstow - Tour of Cornwall’s Myths and Legends

    4.8· 84 reviews· 1.5 hours

    Step into the shadows of old Padstow with a costumed guide—real ghost stories, hidden alleys, and dramatic tales await. Led by early 19th-century merchant Thomas Rawlings, this walking tour reveals the secrets behind Padstow’s historic landmarks. Expect vivid storytelling, strange true tales, and spooky goings-on—not just from the past, but from locals still spooked today. From old houses to a 16th century coaching inn, the medieval St Petroc’s Church and more, you’ll experience Padstow’s ghostly side like never before, with new sightings added often. Perfect for curious travellers who love hidden gems and a few shivers with their stories. Well behaved dogs welcome. Parental guidance is advised for children under 10 due to references to historical punishments and local legends involving death. There is an uphill section after the church for a walk of about 100m. A powered wheelchair would cope, but pushing a manual chair difficult. 1hr 20 min

Top places to visit in Newquay

See all 1

More in Newquay

Other things to do

Cultural & heritage in other destinations

Top cultural & heritage elsewhere

Same category, different cities — hand-picked cultural & heritage experiences across England.

Stay elsewhere

Places to stay in other destinations

Hand-picked, verified serviced apartments across our network.

See more

Places to see in other destinations

Hand-picked sights, neighbourhoods and landmarks across our destination network.

Visiting Newquay?

Stay with Rovostays

Hand-picked, verified serviced apartments — concierge always included.