May Half Term in Newquay: The Ultimate Family Guide

Discover why Newquay is Cornwall's premier destination for an unforgettable May Half Term family holiday

As the days grow longer and Cornwall's coastline begins to sparkle under the spring sunshine, May Half Term presents the perfect opportunity for families to experience Newquay at its finest. With milder temperatures, fewer crowds than summer, and an abundance of attractions ready to welcome visitors, this charming coastal town offers everything you need for a memorable family getaway.

Top Family Attractions in Newquay

Lappa Valley

Set in the picturesque countryside just outside Newquay, Lappa Valley offers a unique adventure for families with young children. This enchanting attraction features miniature railways that wind through beautiful woodland settings, providing a nostalgic journey for all ages. Children will delight in riding the three miniature steam and diesel engines, while additional attractions include crazy golf, a canoe lake, and play areas designed for various age groups. May's comfortable temperatures make it ideal for exploring the full range of outdoor activities without the summer crowds.

Camel Creek Adventure Park

Just a short drive from Newquay, Camel Creek Adventure Park delivers thrills and excitement for the whole family. This all-weather attraction boasts over 40 rides, including roller coasters, water rides, and indoor play areas perfect for unpredictable May weather. The park's animal kingdom offers opportunities to meet meerkats, ponies, and reptiles, making it an educational experience as well as an entertaining one. During May Half Term, Camel Creek typically runs special themed events and activities, providing even more value for visitors.

Screech Owl Sanctuary

For an unforgettable wildlife encounter, Screech Owl Sanctuary provides a fascinating day out. Home to over 40 species of owls from around the world, this award-winning conservation center offers daily flying displays and educational talks. Beyond owls, children can also enjoy meeting the resident emus, alpacas, and meerkats.

Newquay Zoo

Located in the heart of town, Newquay Zoo offers a global wildlife journey without venturing far from your holiday base. Home to over 130 species, including penguins, and rare red pandas, the zoo provides both entertainment and education. The zoo's spacious layout includes landscaped gardens and picnic areas, making it easy to spend a full day exploring at your own pace while enjoying the pleasant spring weather.

Family-Friendly Beaches to Visit

Fistral Beach

Fistral Beach stands as Newquay's most famous stretch of sand, renowned for its world-class surfing conditions. However, it's not just for surf enthusiasts—this expansive beach offers ample space for families to spread out and enjoy classic seaside activities. During May Half Term, the beach offers lifeguard coverage for safe swimming. The shallow areas at low tide create perfect paddling pools for little ones, while older children can try surfing lessons with one of the many reputable schools based at the beach.

Towan Beach

For families seeking convenience and accessibility, Towan Beach is ideally situated in the centre of Newquay. The iconic suspension bridge to Towan Island provides a picturesque backdrop for family photos, while nearby amenities include toilets, shops, and cafés. During May Half Term, the beach strikes the perfect balance between liveliness and space to play, with the famous Blue Reef Aquarium just steps away for when little legs need a break from sandcastle building.

Holywell Bay

For a truly breathtaking beach experience, Holywell Bay offers a spectacular natural playground approximately 15 minutes from Newquay. Featured in the hit TV series Poldark, this National Trust beach boasts towering sand dunes that children love to climb and slide down. The expansive beach reveals fascinating rock pools and caves at low tide, perfect for budding marine biologists to explore. May's moderate temperatures make dune climbing and exploration comfortable activities, while the beach's natural beauty provides a striking contrast to the more developed beaches in Newquay itself.

Camping in May: The Perfect Time

May Half Term offers ideal camping conditions in Cornwall—mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and longer daylight hours without the summer crowds. The ground is typically drier than spring while evening temperatures remain comfortable for campfires and stargazing. Here are three outstanding options for your Newquay camping adventure:

Trevornick Holiday Park

Trevornick Holiday Park offers a premium camping experience near the stunning Holywell Bay. This five-star site features immaculately maintained pitches with optional electric hookups, modern shower blocks, and excellent facilities including heated pools, a golf course, and multiple dining options. During May Half Term, the park runs family-friendly entertainment programs without the peak-season prices. The direct access to Holywell Bay beach makes this an unbeatable location for families seeking a coastal camping experience with all amenities on hand.

Hendra Holiday Park

Award-winning Hendra Holiday Park provides an exceptional family camping experience just minutes from Newquay's town centre and beaches. The park's spacious pitches accommodate tents, caravans, and motorhomes, while facilities include the Oasis Fun Pool with slides and splash zones—perfect for cooler May days. The on-site restaurants, shop, and entertainment complex ensure everything you need is available without leaving the park. May visitors benefit from special Half Term activity programs while enjoying the park's beautiful landscaped grounds before the summer rush.

Trenance Holiday Park

Ideally located in the heart of Newquay, Trenance Holiday Park offers the perfect balance between countryside tranquility and urban convenience. Set within the picturesque Trenance Valley and adjacent to the stunning Trenance Gardens, this well-maintained park provides excellent facilities for campers seeking a central base for their Newquay adventures. The spacious pitches accommodate tents, caravans, and motorhomes. What makes Trenance particularly special during May Half Term is its proximity to multiple attractions—Newquay Zoo, Newquay Leisure World, and the charming Trenance Gardens with its boating lake are all within walking distance. After a day of exploration, families can enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the valley location while still being just a 10-minute stroll from Newquay's town center and beaches.

Family-Friendly Places to Eat

Smugglers Den Inn

For a truly authentic Cornish dining experience, Smugglers Den Inn combines historical charm with family-friendly service. This 16th-century thatched inn near Newquay features a spacious beer garden where children can play while adults enjoy local ales and ciders. The menu showcases Cornish produce, with options ranging from hearty pub classics to fresh seafood caught locally. During May Half Term, the inn's cosy interior with original beams and fireplaces provides a welcome retreat if the weather turns cool, while the garden offers a beautiful setting for outdoor dining on sunny days.

The Stable Fistral

Overlooking Newquay's iconic Fistral Beach, The Stable offers panoramic ocean views alongside a menu focused on artisan pizzas and craft ciders. The restaurant's relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for families, with a dedicated children's menu featuring smaller versions of their popular pizzas. The spacious interior includes communal tables ideal for larger family groups, while floor-to-ceiling windows ensure you don't miss the stunning coastal scenery. May visitors can often secure window seats without lengthy summer waiting times, making it ideal for a post-beach meal watching surfers ride the waves.

The Boathouse at the Harbour

Located in the heart of Newquay's working harbour, The Boathouse offers a street food dining experience in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. The restaurant's terrace provides uninterrupted views of fishing boats coming and going, adding entertainment value for young diners. The menu features freshly caught seafood alongside crowd-pleasing options for less adventurous eaters. Children particularly enjoy watching the harbour activity while parents appreciate the quality of locally sourced ingredients. May's typically calmer seas make dining by the water especially pleasant, with the chance to spot seals playing in the harbour between courses.

Activities to Enjoy

Bridge Bike Hire

Exploring Newquay's stunning coastline and countryside by bicycle creates unforgettable family memories, and Bridge Bike Hire makes this accessible for all ages and abilities. Located near the famous Camel Trail, this well-established business offers a comprehensive range of bicycles, including child seats, tagalongs, and trailers for younger children. May's comfortable temperatures and lower visitor numbers make cycling particularly enjoyable, with quiet trails and abundant spring wildflowers adding to the experience. The flat, traffic-free Camel Trail provides safe cycling for families, with numerous picnic spots and wildlife viewing opportunities along the route.

Newquay Sea Safaris

For an exhilarating marine adventure, Newquay Sea Safaris offers expert-guided boat trips exploring Cornwall's spectacular coastline. These tours provide opportunities to spot dolphins, seals, and seabirds in their natural habitat while learning about local maritime history and conservation. May's clearer waters often provide excellent visibility for marine life spotting, while the boats are less crowded than during peak summer months. Various trip options cater to different ages and interests, from gentler coastal cruises suitable for younger children to more adventurous wildlife expeditions for families with older kids.

Holywell Bay Golf

For families seeking a fun competitive activity, Holywell Bay Golf offers two distinctive courses suitable for all ages and skill levels. The 18-hole pitch and putt course provides a perfect introduction to golf in a scenic coastal setting, while the challenging 18-hole adventure golf course features creative obstacles and themed elements that delight younger players. May's mild weather creates ideal golfing conditions, with comfortable temperatures and typically less wind than coastal courses experience in winter months. The relaxed atmosphere welcomes complete beginners, with equipment rental available and no dress code requirements, making it an accessible activity for the whole family.

Planning Your May Half Term in Newquay

When planning your May Half Term adventure in Newquay, consider booking accommodation and popular attractions in advance.

Whether you're building sandcastles on Fistral Beach, meeting owls at the Screech Owl Sanctuary, or enjoying local cuisine at The Smugglers Den Inn, a May Half Term in Newquay offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, family entertainment, and Cornish charm—all without the summer crowds and prices.

Start planning your unforgettable May Half Term Newquay adventure today!