The fun doesn’t stop when you leave the beach behind. From ace aquariums to water parks, farm parks and a state-of-the-art cinema, there’s lots to do indoors in Newquay.
Indoor activities in Newquay
Blue Reef Aquarium
Oasis Fun Pools
Lighthouse Cinema
If wind and rain are gusting in over the Atlantic, Newquay can be a pretty cold and wet place, especially with so much emphasis on the outdoors – not that surfers will stop for a bit of rain. For the rest of us, there are several indoor water activities in town that are perfect for a cold and wet day.
Start at the Blue Reef Aquarium at the top of Newquay Beach in the centre of town. It is home to over 40 different watery habitats, including a tropical reef and mangrove lagoon. During your trip, you’ll be able to see lobsters, seahorses, a giant Pacific octopus, blue spotted rays and puffer fish, with the underwater tunnel providing amazing access. Make sure you book online in advance if you want to take advantage of discounted ticket rates.
If you’d prefer to actually be in the water, then there are several options. Waterworld is a compact but fun water park designed for children and families. With several flumes, inflatables and water fountains, kids will love it, while adults can stretch their arms and legs in the nearby full-length pool. There are family changing rooms and lifeguards at all time, with entry costing just a few pounds.
Oasis Fun Pools at the Hendra Holiday Park is a similar concept, with several high-speed flumes, a river rapid ride, waterfalls and fountains, as well as an outdoor pool for when the sun is shining. You can also feel like James Bond by hiring one of their sea scooters for 30 minutes and zip around their underwater race track. Located just out of town, it’s a five-minute drive from our Newquay (Quintrell Downs) hotel.
Another family-friendly outing is Dairyland Farm World; a farm-themed adventure playground open all year round. When the weather is fine, take advantage of the nature trails, maize maze, pony rides and cow milking, but there’s plenty to do indoors too, including a giant soft play arena, trampolines, animal ark and their café and gift shop. Plus, it’s less than a 10-minute drive from our Newquay (A30/Fraddon) hotel.
Rounding off our selection is the Lighthouse Cinema, a state-of-the-art four-screen complex in the heart of town. Showing all the latest blockbusters, they also live-screen opera, ballet and theatre events from London performances.