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NQY HARBOUR
On the
Quay
Newquay’s historic harbour is where Newquay got its
name – formerly known as Towan Blystra – the town got
a new harbour, or ‘quay’ and the name came with it!
Newquay harbour has a long history; from
supporting the Cornish tin mining industry to
the heyday of the commercial pilchard fishing
era. Today only a handful of commerial boats
survive providing the freshest fish and shell fish
to the local restaurants and hotels. You don’t
have to leave it to the professional though, land
your own supper by booking yourself on a day
or evening fishing trip.
Maybe you just want to enjoy a trip out to sea
or encounter the ocean wildlife? Pleasure trips
run regularly from the harbour, including sea
‘safari’s’ - they seek out dolphins, seals and
other marine wildlife - if you’re lucky you may
encounter a vast basking shark or the rare
sunfish. The harbour has a couple of regular
wildlife visitors as well, two resident seals
follow the fishing boats in at the end of the day
and are rewarded with an easy meal as they
expectantly pop their heads above the water.
There are also some truly spectacular events
hosted at the Harbour. One of which is the
Newquay Lifeboat Day; with real training
exercises as the lifeboats are put through their
paces - which usually includes a visit by the air
sea rescue helicopter. Harbour sports day is a
show-piece of just how fun activities can be on
the water - from superfast speedboats to jet
ski’s and water skiing demonstrations. There’s
one sport though that has a very long history
at the harbour and there’s not a motor or an
engine to be seen, and that’s the gig racing.
These 6-oared, 10 metre long boats were
originally used to ferry pilots to waiting ships –
competing boats got the contract if they could
be first with their pilot. No pilots now, but still
they race, as both men and women gig teams
compete for victory in an iconic Cornish water
sport.
The harbour is also great for all types of
events. The famous Newquay Fish Festival is a
foodies dream. Running over a long weekend in
mid-September it includes live cookery tuition,
special culinary guests and a multitude of fish
themed stalls. It’s the food that’s the focus as
local restaurants, chefs and suppliers set up
their dazzling array of food stalls with huge
pans of Paella to giant Jambalaya’s or a delicious
selection of shellfish dishes.
The harbour is one of Newquay’s most
picturesque locations and even has its own
small beach to relax on. With a restaurant by
the beach, and several other restaurants and
pubs overlooking it, you can enjoy a drink or
meal whilst taking in those views. Nothing feels
quite so traditionally Cornish and relaxing as
watching the fishing boats coming home with
those spectacular sea and beach views in the
background.
CALL 01637 854020
VISITNEWQUAY.ORG