If you’re wondering about the best things to do after dinner in Newquay, you might be surprised to hear that it’s not all about busy nightclubs and rowdy bar crawls. Newquay may have a bit of a reputation as being a haven for stag and hen dos, but there’s far more to the UK’s premier surf spot than just boozy nights down Berties.

Whether you’re travelling with the family or your other half, we’ve got some great suggestions for post-dinner activities, sure to end your day in the right way. From ghastly ghost walks and adrenaline-fuelled adventures to sophisticated speakeasies and evening entertainment, check out our list of the best things to do after dinner in Newquay.

  • 1

    Porth Island

    Soak up the last rays of the day from this ancient headland

    Porth Island
    • Budget
    • Couples
    • History
    • Nightlife
    • Photo

    Watching the sunset from Porth Island is an idyllic way to end the day after exploring the many sights of Newquay. Otherwise known as Trevelgue Head, the picturesque headland is around a 30-minute walk east along the coast from Newquay, overlooking the beautiful Porth Beach.

    Follow the footpath along the clifftop and cross the small footbridge that connects a gap in the headland, then pick the best spot to watch the sun disappear below the horizon. Surrounded by Bronze Age barrows and ancient ramparts, you’ll be rewarded with exceptional views along Newquay’s coastline and beyond. Look closely and you’ll spot the Headland Hotel across the bay, made famous in the 1990 film, The Witches.

    Location: Newquay TR7 3NA, UK

    Map
  • 2

    Newquay Adventure Centre

    Get your adrenaline pumping on an epic evening adventure

    Newquay Adventure Centre
    • Adventure
    • Nightlife
    • Unusual

    Night coasteering with Newquay Adventure Centre is an unforgettable, action-packed experience for those who like to live life quite literally on the edge. Imagine taking on one of the UK’s most adrenaline-fuelled coasteering routes, but all in darkness.

    Armed with all the kit that you need, as well as torches and even glow sticks, you’ll embark on an epic journey along Newquay’s rugged coastline. Discover hidden caves, swim through natural rapids, scale rocky ledges and take leaps of faith into dark plunge pools – all under the watchful eye of the UK’s leading coasteering instructors. 

    Location: Unit 1 Towan Blystra Rd, Promenade, Newquay TR7 1DU, UK

    Open: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)1637 877722

    Map
  • 3

    Newquay Drive-In at Dairyland Farm Park

    Watch a film on the big screen from the comfort of your car

    Newquay Drive-In at Dairyland Farm Park
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Nightlife

    Newquay Drive-In is located at Dairyland Farm Park and gives you a vintage movie experience that the whole family will love. Showing a mix of Hollywood favourites, kids’ classics and some of the latest box office releases, this fantastic outdoor cinema is a great way to spend an evening, whatever the weather.

    Tickets are sold per vehicle, and each bay provides 2 deckchairs if you don’t want to stay in your car. The film soundtrack can be played through your car stereo. You can order food and drink online from the onsite diner and have it delivered straight to your car.

    Location: Tresillian, Barton, Summercourt, Newquay TR8 5AA, UK

    Open: Thursday–Sunday at 5.30 pm and 9 pm (closed from Mondays to Wednesdays)

    Phone: +44 (0)1872 510246

    Map
  • 4

    Newquay Smugglers Ghost Walk

    Dare to discover the town’s spooky past

    Newquay Smugglers Ghost Walk
    • History
    • Nightlife

    The Newquay Smugglers Ghost Walk takes daring individuals on a lamplit tour of the town’s spookiest haunts. Led by a real-life smuggler pirate, you’ll listen out for ghostly whispers in smugglers caverns, watch for poltergeists in the smuggler’s cottage, and discover the mysterious and historical side of the coastal town, starting from its harbour.

    Despite the ghosts and ghoulies, you’ll be in for a frightfully enjoyable night, listening to stories, legends, myths and folklore relating to Newquay’s maritime history. The evening tour runs daily from April until September. It's for ages 13+ but mainly aimed at adults.

    Location: Smugglers Boat Trip, S Quay Hill, Newquay TR7 1HR, UK

    Open: April–September: daily at low tide (call for bookings)

    Phone: +44 (0)7525 639943

    Map
  • 5

    Lane Theatre

    Enjoy an evening of entertainment at Newquay’s only theatre

    Lane Theatre
    • Nightlife

    Lane Theatre, Newquay’s only theatre, has been putting on show-stopping performances for awe-inspired audiences since 1931. Just a short, 5-minute drive from the centre of town, the 138-seater venue was founded by the Newquay Amateur Dramatic Society and provides a packed calendar of events throughout the year.  

    It’s not just the am-dram group that performs here, either. If you check what’s on, you’ll find musicians, comedians, tribute acts and other entertainers putting on intimate shows in this classic theatre setting. And did we mention that Phillip Schofield is one of the honorary patrons?

    Location: Lane, Newquay TR8 4PX, UK

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 11.30 pm (showtimes vary)

    Phone: +44 (0)1637 876945

    Map
  • 6

    Tom Thumb Speakeasy

    Sip on a cocktail at this high-end speakeasy

    Tom Thumb Speakeasy
    • Luxury
    • Nightlife

    Tom Thumb is a fabulously sophisticated cocktail bar, providing historical speakeasy surroundings while serving classic and modern cocktails. In a town that’s often known for its raucous hen and stag dos, this trendy, independent and award-winning bar prides itself on its high-end service and quality drinks and expects its clientele to be a reflection of that.

    Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or you just know that you like ‘something fruity’, the expert bartenders will shake up the tastiest treat for you to sip on. So, if you’re looking for somewhere to relax and unwind after dinner, Tom Thumb is the place to go for a special nightcap in Newquay.

    Location: 27A East St, Newquay TR7 1DN, UK

    Phone: +44 (0)1637 498180

    Map
  • 7

    The Red Lion

    Admire the harbour view from the comfort of a classic pub

    The Red Lion
    • Food
    • Nightlife
    • Unusual

    The Red Lion is one of Newquay’s hidden treasures, boasting a traditional pub atmosphere, excellent food and drinks, as well as superb views across Newquay Harbour. It’s in the ideal location, being in easy walking distance from the hustle and bustle of the busy town centre, but far enough away to really make the most of its tranquil harbour vantage point.

    There’s never a bad word to say about the food and service here, there’s always a great selection of beers on tap and there’s regular live music to enjoy at the weekends, too. Try and bag yourself a window seat, if you can, to admire the twinkling lights along the coast against the backdrop of the night sky.

    Location: N Quay Hill, Newquay TR7 1HE, UK

    Phone: +44 (0)1637 872195

    Map

    photo by Ian S (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 8

    Lusty Glaze Sundowner Sessions

    One of Newquay's most picturesque live music venues

    Lusty Glaze Sundowner Sessions
    • Couples
    • Nightlife
    • Photo

    Each summer, the stunningly beautiful Lusty Glaze hosts its famous Sundowner Sessions, bringing beach and music lovers together in one super-chilled location. The privately-owned secluded beach lies just east along the coast from Newquay’s town centre. It's renowned offering breathtaking sunsets and laidback vibes, which earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the UK's most picturesque live music venues.

    As well as Ibiza Club Classics sessions, several big-name acts to have graced the stage in the past, include Ben Howard, Morcheeba, The Kooks, Razorlight and Feeder. Tickets for the events sell out fast, so be sure to plan your trip well in advance.

    Location: Lusty Glaze Rd, Newquay TR7 3AE, UK

    Phone: +44 (0)1637 872444

    Map
  • 9

    Newquay Sea Safaris and Fishing

    Make a catch on a night-time adventure at sea

    Newquay Sea Safaris and Fishing
    • Adventure
    • Nightlife

    The award-winning Newquay Sea Safaris and Fishing will give you the ultimate Cornish experience on an unforgettable Evening Conger Fishing boat trip. Climb aboard from Newquay Harbour and set sail on a quest to bag yourself the best catch of the night, be it a conger eel, some cod or even a catshark.

    The friendly and knowledgeable skippers have been sailing these seas for years, finding the best spots to cast your hook and making the whole adventure both educational and fun. The evening fishing trips run in July and August, from 6 pm to 9 pm, and you can either take your catch home with you or release it back to the sea.

    Location: Shark's Head Kiosk Hill, 1 S Quay Hill, Newquay TR7 1HT, UK

    Open: Daily from 7 am to 9 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)1637 877613

    Map
  • 10

    Whiskers

    Let your hair down at the best live entertainment venue in town

    Whiskers
    • Nightlife

    Whiskers Newquay is a buzzing live music venue that serves delicious cocktails and craft beers, making it a must-visit hotspot on any post-dinner jaunt. Located right in the centre of town, the bar hosts various themed nights that take place throughout the week. From live bands and DJ parties to the ever-popular open mic nights, there’s bound to be something to strike your fancy.

    Having won awards for both its bar and its service, you know you’ll be in for a great experience here. There are 4 different rooms to choose from, ranging from the lively dancefloor to the cosy nook and, if the name hasn’t given it away already, expect to find some quirky cat décor throughout.

    Location: 5-7 Gover Ln, Newquay TR7 1ER, UK

    Open: Monday and Wednesday–Saturday from 5 pm to 1 am (closed Tuesdays and Sundays)

    Phone: +44 (0)1637 498100

    Map
Sadie Geoghegan-Dann | Contributing Writer