Newquay has a diverse history that spans 1600 years.
Its location, climate, and rich history make Newquay a wonderful place to visit and explore.
1600 Years Ago Once, all that existed in the modern town limits was a small settlement on Porth Island.
Here, Iron Age man smelted ore to make hunting weapons.
You can visit a wonderful recreation of the settlement and exhibit that explains the ancient lifestyle at the "Tunnel Through Time" exhibit in St.
Michael's road.
New Quay In 1439, Bishop Lacey of Exeter allowed the burghers of Towan Bistra to build a new quay, which became the beginnings of the town you can visit today.
Hunting and iron mining were replaced with fishing, and a new identity was made.
The fishing port created the great pilchard shoals of the 1700's.
Today, the Huer's Hut is still standing above the harbour.
Industrial Revolution The pilchards left just as the Industrial Revolution began, changing Newquay from a fishing port to a commodity port dealing in tin, lead, and china clay.
The tradition of racing the famous six-oared gigs you can watch on the harbour today take root in this time.
These gigs used to take pilots back to their vessels.
Low wages from fishing and agriculture in the area lead to an increase in smuggling and "wreckings".
The Bedruthan Steps was a famous rock formation in the area that would entice villages from the area to come and wait when they got word a ship was in trouble.
Language Cornwall has a 2000-year old tradition of its own language that is closely tied to Welsh and Breton.
The language survived well into the 18th century, when peasants resentful of English ways refused to speak English.
Today, the language is normally only heard in verse or plays at "Plen an Gwary" or open-air theatres.
Today Today, touring Newquay means learning of the local lore and legend as much as enjoying the weather and beaches.
Using Newquay has a hub you can discover Tintagel where Merlin wove his magic spells and King Arthur held his court.
Or, visit Roche Rock, the spiritual home of the Cornish Gorsedd and the beautiful wild moorland of Bodmin.
In town, you will find lovely accommodations and restaurants serving fresh seafood and traditional local fare.
Enjoy leisurely strolls, plays, and tales told at local pubs.