The Esplanade Hotel Blog

If your family is all about the sun and sea, we’ve got some pretty the cool things that you can do in Newquay.

Fistral Beach

Our fabulous Esplanade Hotel is situated overlooking the world famous Fistral Beach. With its sandy beaches, plentiful rockpools and awesome waves. Fistral Beach is truly a playground for all. If your little ones are eager to have a go, Quiksilver Surf School offer the perfect way for the younger ones in your family to catch some waves in a fun, safe and supportive environment. Lessons are run by qualified, DBS checked instructors with years of experience working with youth clubs and school groups, with specifically designed surfboards and wetsuits suitable for the 7-14 year olds. You can also hire wetsuits, surf boards, boogie boards and stand up paddle boards if that’s more your jive. P.s. don't forget to ask about discount for hotel guests!

Newquay Zoo

Let the kids run wild at Newquay Zoo! Newquay Zoo is just a short stroll from the town centre and encompassed by 13 acres of beautiful tropical gardens to lose yourself in. Get up close and personal with 1000 of the world’s rarest and endangered animals and learn all about their stories. From lions (the only lions in Cornwall!) to lizards and parrots to penguins– the zoo is a home for many. There are also activity trails, a café, face painting and a lots of interactive educational displays about conservation– Newquay zoo truly has it all.

Blue Reef Aquarium

If you’re up for an underwater adventure without getting your hair wet, Blue Reef Aquarium is the perfect spot. The aquarium is home to 40 naturally-themed habitats where you can journey through the familiar Cornish coasts to an exotic ocean sea tunnel, filled with tropical sharks, fish and so much more. Make new discoveries and be struck by the beauty of marine life. Blue Reef Aquarium doesn’t just offer captivating views, it also offers interactive educational experiences too. From learning about the creatures that inhabit Fistral’s Beach’s rockpools, to learning all about the lives of huge sharks that prowl the seas, and how we can protect them from overfishing.

Healy's Farm

If you are looking for a day out with the kids that involves a lazy afternoon tea complete with furry friends to fuss over, Healy’s Farm is the place for you. Meet Shires, Shetlands, chickens, rabbits, pygmy goats, Cornish Black pigs and many more. Healy’s friendly animals are part of the family, and are brought down to the farm most days to meet and greet the most excitable guests. So sit back and relax, with tea (or pint of cider!) in hand, and enjoy the Healy’s farm experience.

Eden Project

The Eden Project is made up of five biomes nestled under five giant bubbles and makes for one of Britain's most memorable eco-attractions. These huge greenhouses contain thousands of the world's plant species, with each dome adopting a different tropical setting so these plants can thrive. There’s always a new discovery to be made at the Eden Project, making it the perfect place for an educational day out with the kids to somewhere they’ll never forget. There are various play areas around the site including mazes, large instruments to play, a wooden ship to climb, a sand pit and more. You can walk down the winding paths or ride on the land train tractor– it’s up to you! An educational and exciting day out, The Eden Project is an attack to the senses in the most delightful way.

Lappa Valley

Nestled amongst the rolling hills of beautiful Cornish countryside and woodland is Lappa Valley. It’s a place that quite literally transports you on a nostalgic, fun-filled journey brimming with play and family activities. If the kids love a good train ride, you’ll all be delighted with Lappa Valley’s trains and boat rides where the kids get to explore the nature around them, while you get to relax and refuel in the café nearby. This wonderful attraction is set amongst 35 acres of wild Cornish countryside, boasting a boating lake with canoes and pedal boats, a brick path maze, several children's play areas, crazy golf and many woodland walks. So if you want to get on the right track this summer, take the next stop at Lappa Valley!

N.B Though all attractions are open for visitors, please consult each attractions website for their most up to date Covid-19 social distancing regulations.