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The Headland — © The Headland Hotel and Spa

The Headland

Cornwall, The UK

The Headland

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With a history dating to 1898, and a clifftop setting that’s nothing short of spectacular, it’s easy to see why this charming seaside retreat is a draw. From royalty (King Charles III stayed here) to movie set crews — the 1990 adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Witches was filmed here — the hotel has long attracted attention.

Set on wind-worn cliffs directly overlooking the pounding surf of Newquay’s Fistral Beach, The Headland has a resort feel, with extensive grounds that connect to a village of individually styled guest cottages. Just minutes to the beach and town, this sprawling estate is not only a great family-friendly base to explore Cornwall’s north coast, but also a draw for those seeking a restorative wellness retreat thanks to its extensive spa, six pools, and ocean views to get lost in.

Though history can still be felt in the decor — think chandeliers and heavy curtains — many rooms have been revamped to offer fresh and contemporary coastal styling.

A champion of Cornish produce, the hotel strives to use ingredients that come fresh from the region’s farms, fields, and quaysides. Service is personal, but unobtrusive, and there’s an extensive menu of thoughtful offerings with a coastal twist, from the spa’s Cornish salt steam room to a fresh lobster meal-kit delivery service for cottage guests.

OUR OPINION:

We love this quintessentially British seaside resort for its ocean views (arguably the best in Cornwall), as well as the imposing cliffside location, sprawl of self-catering cottages, and proper Cornish dining. Service is top notch and the spa offerings are outstanding.

OUR RATING: First Class

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Photos of The Headland

  • Outdoor Spa, The Headland (credit: The Headland Hotel and Spa)
    Outdoor Spa, The Headland (credit: The Headland Hotel and Spa)
  • Grounds view room, The Headland (credit: The Headland Hotel and Spa)
    Grounds view room, The Headland (credit: The Headland Hotel and Spa)
  • Coastal suite, The Headland (credit: The Headland Hotel and Spa)
    Coastal suite, The Headland (credit: The Headland Hotel and Spa)
  • Restaurant, The Headland (credit: The Headland Hotel and Spa)
    Restaurant, The Headland (credit: The Headland Hotel and Spa)
  • Outdoor Spa, The Headland (credit: The Headland Hotel and Spa)
    Outdoor Spa, The Headland (credit: The Headland Hotel and Spa)
  • The Deck Bar, The Headland (credit: The Headland Hotel and Spa)
    The Deck Bar, The Headland (credit: The Headland Hotel and Spa)
  • Cosy room, The Headland (credit: The Headland Hotel and Spa)
    Cosy room, The Headland (credit: The Headland Hotel and Spa)
  • Exterior, The Headland (credit: The Headland Hotel and Spa)
    Exterior, The Headland (credit: The Headland Hotel and Spa)
  • The Terrace, The Headland (credit: The Headland Hotel and Spa)
    The Terrace, The Headland (credit: The Headland Hotel and Spa)
  • Exterior, The Headland (credit: The Headland Hotel and Spa)
    Exterior, The Headland (credit: The Headland Hotel and Spa)
  • Ocean suite, The Headland (credit: The Headland Hotel and Spa)
    Ocean suite, The Headland (credit: The Headland Hotel and Spa)

Rooms

There are several room types in the main hotel, each with a different character, size, and design thanks to the building’s Victorian architecture. Some are traditionally styled with four-poster beds, while others have been given an elegant coastal refresh — think natural materials, pebbled lampshades, and a bold-hued palette. Many offer ocean views and some come with balconies.

More spacious and private, a generous clutch of two- and three-bedroom cottages offers families and groups a comfortable experience with coastal style and luxury touches. All are light-filled, some have hot tubs, and many feature grand views of the beach.

Location

Set in an imposing location on the cliffs overlooking Fistral Beach, close to Newquay town, it’s just a short stroll to this popular surfing spot lined with cafés, bars, and small coves. From the resort, there are paths to wander the headland and an abundance of beaches, and it’s just a 40-minute drive to the Eden Project, Cornwall’s eco gardens.

Food and drink

  • Serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner, RenMor is a light, modern space with an open kitchen, panoramic sea views, and seasonal dishes brimming with fresh local produce.
  • The Terrace, an outdoor casual dining venue, is the place for post-beach pastries, light bites, and sundowner cocktails.
  • The Deck, an outdoor terrace at the Aqua Club, offers poolside dining with ocean views and healthy dishes.

Families

  • Variety of different room configurations for families, including two- and three-bedroom cottages.
  • Children’s pool.
  • Water sports facility.
  • Children’s menus available.
  • Playground and lots of green space to run around in.

Facilities and activities

  • Award-winning spa with six treatment rooms, a Cornish salt steam room, aromatherapy showers, Swedish sauna, and menu of holistic treatments.
  • The AquaClub, a modern luxury pool and wellbeing complex, boasts six pools including lap, hydrotherapy, infinity, and splash pools, alongside a sun terrace and restaurant with poolside dining.
  • State-of-the-art gym with yoga sessions.
  • Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

  • Step-free access to the hotel.
  • Some rooms are spacious to cater to wheelchairs.
  • The Aqua Club comes equipped with pool lifts.

Tour ideas in Cornwall

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at The Headland as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.

    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area's inhabitants.

    • Coastal wildlife safari cruise
      Newquay, Cornwall

      Coastal wildlife safari cruise

      Coastal wildlife safari cruise

      Board a catamaran to explore the abundant and diverse oceanic wildlife of the Cornish coastline. With Captain Keith and his team of marine biologists, you’ll look for bottlenose dolphins, basking sharks, grey seals, and puffins.

      View details
    • Cornish pasty-making workshop
      Cornish Pasty

      Cornish pasty-making workshop

      Cornish pasty-making workshop

      After watching a chef prepare an authentic Cornish pasty to his family’s traditional recipe, it’s your turn to try creating one of your own. While it cooks, you’ll share a classic cream tea, freshly prepared by chef Rupert.

      View details

    Cornwall and nearby places