Attractions and Places To See around St. Newlyn East - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around St. Newlyn East, a historic village in Cornwall, England, include ancient landmarks, natural wonders, and family-friendly activities. Situated about seven miles south of Newquay, the area offers a blend of historical depth and natural beauty. Visitors can explore coastal features, historical sites, and various recreational opportunities. The region provides a diverse landscape for outdoor activities and cultural discovery.
Best attractions and places to see around St. Newlyn East
- The most popular attraction is Bedruthan Steps Rock Formations, a viewpoint known for its iconic granite stacks scattered across the beach. These formations are accessible via a steep set of steps cut into the cliffs at low tide.
- Another must-see spot is Holywell Cave, a natural monument accessible from Holywell Bay at low tide. This cave features a colorful ceiling and limestone pools, with sturdy shoes and a torch recommended for exploration.
- Visitors also love Mawgan Porth Beach, a sandy beach with clifftops. It offers pubs, restaurants, and shops nearby, and lifeguards are present during the summer months.
- St. Newlyn East is known for its historical sites, natural features, and family-friendly activities. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient churches and Elizabethan manor houses to coastal cliffs and nature reserves.
- The attractions around St. Newlyn East are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 160 upvotes and over 110 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
Bedruthan Steps Rock Formations
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Mawgan Porth Beach
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There are pubs, restaurants, shops and cafes nearby and it is a Sunday Times award winning beach.
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Cligga Head Coastal Cliffs and Ruins
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Huer's Hut
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Named after the Huer, an important figure in the pilchard fishing industry that once thrived in Newquay. The Huer would watch out from his high vantage point for the shoals of fish to arrive in the bay and then call out to the town by shouting 'Heva, Heva'. The seine boats with their long nets would be launched at once but then had to rely upon the Huer for directions. Holding 'Furze bushes' in his hands the Huer would direct the boats so they could first locate and then surround the fish.
At first just an oval shape building, a forecourt with five foot walls was later added to its seaward side. The original door facing more towards the habour was blocked up and a new doorway made opening on to the forecourt.
Owned by the Lord of the Manor Col. Treffry it was leased to the Council in 1906 for 983 years at the cost of one shilling per year. When the Council took pocession they converted it into a public shelter by widening the doorway and considerabley reducing the height of the forecourt walls. Today the now Grade II listed building has iron gates locked across the doorway and can no longer be use for shelter
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Holywell Cave
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A beautiful section of the SWC Path between Perranporth and St. Agnes. The walk to St. Agnes is about 8km long, with no major climbs but fantastic views.
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Site of Alfred Nobel's Munitions Factory. Active during WWI & WWII, mostly filling grenades and other explosives. I would recommend looking up the talking history clip on BBC Sounds. Also the site of Tungsten mining during the same time.
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The steps have probably been closed for a while, as have all beach access at Porthcothan Beach. It's hard to tell from the highlights. The panorama is gigantic, but unfortunately there is no swimming break...
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Mawgan Porth is a much quieter alternative to the very busy Newquay. With gorgeous sand and stunning clifftops, its surprising that it doesn't get more crowded when it's only 4 miles from Newquay. Even at high tide there is a lot of sand and life guards are present during the summer (May till September). One for an evening run as the sunsets here are stunning. There are pubs, restaurants, shops and cafes nearby and it is a Sunday Times award winning beach.
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While running along along Cligga Head you will find some cracking coastal views, but also some interesting evidence of the mining history. You are running in the shoes of the miners who would take this path to work.
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While hiking along along Cligga Head you will find some cracking coastal views, but also some interesting evidence of the mining history. You are walking in the shoes of the miners who would walk along this path to work.
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Breathtakingly beautiful rocks of the Bedruthan Steps. Unfortunately, access to the NT car park has been closed for some time due to a rock slide. From the viewpoint and the surrounding cliffs you can still enjoy the view of the rocks and the beach.
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These rocks on the beach are a great spot. They invite you to marvel, climb and take photos. Unfortunately the access has been closed for a while due to a rock slide. The National Trust café upstairs has the best cream teas and a nice shop next door.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around St. Newlyn East?
The area boasts several stunning natural features. You can visit Bedruthan Steps Rock Formations, known for its iconic granite stacks, or explore Holywell Cave with its colorful ceiling and limestone pools, accessible at low tide. Other notable spots include Mawgan Porth Beach, Cligga Head Coastal Cliffs, the Penhale Dunes, and the Lappa Valley Woods.
Are there historical sites or cultural landmarks to visit in St. Newlyn East?
Yes, St. Newlyn East is rich in history. You can explore the ancient St. Newlina Church, with Norman origins, or visit Trerice, an Elizabethan manor house cared for by the National Trust. The Newlyn Preaching Pit, a historic site for the Methodist movement, and the East Wheal Rose Mine Site, with its preserved engine house, also offer glimpses into the past. Don't miss the 15th-century Cargoll Farm Barn or Huer's Hut, perched high above the sea.
What family-friendly attractions are available near St. Newlyn East?
Families will find plenty to do. The Lappa Valley Steam Railway offers train rides, playgrounds, and soft play areas. Dairyland Farm Park provides a hands-on farm experience, and Camel Creek Family Adventure Park, about 10 miles away, features indoor and outdoor attractions for all ages. Additionally, Mawgan Porth Beach is family-friendly with lifeguards during summer.
What kind of outdoor activities and routes can I find around St. Newlyn East?
The area is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous hidden gems and scenic walks, including routes that explore the Lappa Valley and coastal paths. For easy hikes, consider routes like the Piran Meadows loop or the Holywell Beach Car Park loop. More options for hiking are available in the Hiking around St. Newlyn East guide. Cyclists can explore gravel biking routes such as the Newham Trail or sections of The Camel Trail, detailed in the Gravel biking around St. Newlyn East guide.
Are there any easy walking trails suitable for all abilities?
Yes, there are several easy walking trails. You can enjoy the Piran Meadows loop from White Cross, or the Rope Swing Over Stream loop from St. Newlyn East. These routes offer gentle terrain and scenic views, perfect for a relaxed stroll. More easy options are listed in the Easy hikes around St. Newlyn East guide.
Where can I find beautiful beaches for swimming or surfing near St. Newlyn East?
St. Newlyn East is a short drive from Newquay, which is famous for its surfing beaches like Fistral. Other beautiful sandy beaches perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or surfing include Crantock, Holywell, and Polly Joke. Mawgan Porth Beach is also a great option, offering gorgeous sand and stunning clifftops, with lifeguards present during the summer months.
What are some hidden gems or lesser-known spots in the area?
Beyond the main attractions, consider exploring the Lappa Valley Woods, where riverbeds are still stained red from mining history. The Newlyn Preaching Pit, a disused quarry transformed into a historic site, is also a unique spot. For coastal views with a touch of history, the paths along Cligga Head Coastal Cliffs, once used by miners, offer a different perspective.
Can I find opportunities for wildlife spotting or nature reserves nearby?
Absolutely. The Penhale Dunes are designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), offering a unique habitat. Additionally, several Cornwall Wildlife Trust Reserves are within reach, including Carn Moor, Chyverton, Ventongimps Moor, and Tregonetha Downs, providing opportunities to experience diverse heathland and encounter local wildlife.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around St. Newlyn East?
Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking coastal views, especially at Bedruthan Steps Rock Formations, and the unique geological formations inside Holywell Cave. The tranquility and beauty of Mawgan Porth Beach are also highly appreciated, particularly its stunning sunsets. Many also enjoy the blend of natural beauty with the rich mining history evident along the coastal paths.
Are there any golf courses in the vicinity?
Yes, Holywell Bay Golf Club welcomes visitors for a round of golf, offering a chance to enjoy the sport amidst the scenic Cornish landscape.
Where can I learn more about the history of St. Newlyn East?
For more in-depth information on the history of St. Newlyn East, you can visit resources such as Cornwall Heritage or Wikipedia, which provide details on the village's ancient origins and notable landmarks.
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Most popular attractions around St. Newlyn East
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