The Headland Hotel & Spa
Fistral Beach, Newquay · Hotel
View on Google MapsPhoto: The Headland
Grand Victorian hotel on the headland above Fistral Beach in Newquay, with an extensive spa, multiple pools and wide Atlantic views from most rooms.
What's nearby
- The Fish House Fistral 150m away
- Fistral Beach 200m away
- Fistral Boardmasters Beach Bar 200m away
- Fistral Beach Surf School 200m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet
- ✓Accessible seating
Payment
- ✓Credit cards
- ✓Debit cards
Details via Google — worth confirming with the hotel before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
About The Headland Hotel & Spa
The Headland occupies one of the most conspicuous positions in Cornwall, a red-brick Victorian pile standing alone on the promontory between Fistral Beach and Newquay harbour, surrounded on three sides by sea. Opened in 1900 and still family-run, the building is instantly recognisable — it stood in as the hotel in the 1990 film of Roald Dahl's The Witches — and the setting does most of the work, with Atlantic surf rolling into Fistral directly below the terrace.
Rooms range from comfortable classic doubles to large sea-view suites, and there is a separate collection of self-catering cottages in the grounds that suit families and longer stays. Interiors have been steadily modernised, keeping the high ceilings and generous proportions while dropping the fussier period detail. Ask specifically for a sea-facing room; the difference in outlook between those and the courtyard-side rooms is considerable.
Facilities are the other draw. The Aqua Club spa has a series of indoor and outdoor pools, hydrotherapy areas, saunas and treatment rooms, with several pools positioned to look straight out at the water. There are golf links immediately adjacent, tennis courts, extensive lawns and direct access down to Fistral for surfing. Dining runs from the formal Samphire restaurant through a more relaxed brasserie to a beach-facing terrace for lunch.
It suits couples wanting a spa weekend and families who want space and activity in equal measure, particularly out of high summer. Guests consistently rate the location and the facilities highly; value for money scores are more mixed, which is a fair reflection of peak-season pricing. Newquay town centre is a walkable distance for those who want restaurants and nightlife, and far enough away that the hotel itself stays quiet.
Reception hours
- Monday
- Open 24 hours
- Tuesday
- Open 24 hours
- Wednesday
- Open 24 hours
- Thursday
- Open 24 hours
- Friday
- Open 24 hours
- Saturday
- Open 24 hours
- Sunday
- Open 24 hours
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What guests say
Disappointing stay – vastly overpriced and terrible attention to detail. We booked The Headland expecting a luxury experience, but the reality fell incredibly short. First, the room itself was a massive disappointment. For the price being charged, we were given a tiny room that felt completely dated. The carpets and rugs looked old, and the furniture felt worn out rather than premium. To make matters worse, the cleanliness was not up to scratch, and it’s glaringly obvious that the hotel is currently short-staffed, which impacts the overall service. Breakfast was also far from ideal and did not live up to luxury hotel standards. The most upsetting part of our stay, however, was the complete lack of care regarding a special occasion. We had submitted a special request well in advance for our daughter’s 2nd anniversary/birthday. The manager explicitly confirmed to us that this would be taken care of, yet absolutely nothing was done. No acknowledgement, no gesture, completely forgotten. While management did acknowledge the room issue by offering a small gesture a bottle of wine ? after we complained, it doesn't come close to making up for the overall poor quality of the stay and the ruined surprise for our daughter. We expected far better service from a resort of this reputation. Will not be returning
a month ago · via Google
My second time visiting this hotel, it is a stunning experience. The staff are amazing, the facilities are wonderful and the bar / restaurant are lovely. We made full use of the spa on this visit, which was included with our stay. It really is a beautiful spa. The reception staff were so attentive, especially going through the links to The Witches film. The food in Ren Mor, breakfast and dinner was beautiful. I would have liked maybe one more food option as a vegetarian for dinner, but this really is no negative reflection on the hotel as what I did eat was lovely. I really cannot say enough kind words about this location, it is fabulous.
a month ago · via Google
Excellent service - staff very nice and helpful. Everyone was so attentive and friendly, made our stay feel well looked after. Excellent location - walking distance to Fistral beach and easily walkable into town for dinner/night out. Amazing views! Super dog friendly - my dog had the best time. Lots of treats and space to roam. 10/10 for dogs! Okay rooms - overall the room was nice and clean, bed was really comfy, but the room itself was so hot, with little to no ventilation. Had I known, I would’ve paid the additional cost to get a costal room to get the sea breeze as the one we were in had no real access for air flow (the cosy room is not worth the price, sorry to say). They provided us with some fans which helped, but not enough I’m afraid as we could still barely sleep. If you travel with a dog, I recommend bringing a cooling mat for them and maybe you too! I think if the room had an AC or better alternative for the rooms with no proper airflow, it would’ve been a near perfect stay!
2 months ago · via Google
The Headland Hotel & Spa stands proudly on the cliffs above Fistral Beach, offering some of the most spectacular coastal views in Cornwall. The grand red-brick Victorian building overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, where powerful waves crash against the rocks below and surfers ride the famous breakers of Fistral Beach. With its dramatic position and historic character, The Headland has become one of Newquay’s most recognisable landmarks. The atmosphere around the hotel feels both luxurious and deeply connected to the rugged Cornish coastline. Sea air sweeps across the cliff tops while coastal paths wind around the headland, revealing breathtaking views in every direction. Inside, the hotel combines traditional elegance with warmth and comfort, making it popular with couples, families, and visitors seeking a relaxing seaside escape. One of the most memorable experiences at The Headland is watching the sunset from the cliffs or outdoor terraces. As evening arrives, the sky turns shades of gold, orange, and crimson while the Atlantic glows beneath the fading light. During stormy weather, enormous waves crash dramatically against the coastline, creating an equally unforgettable atmosphere. The hotel is also famous for its spa, swimming pools, and fine dining, adding to its reputation as one of Cornwall’s premier coastal destinations. Whether visited for a short stay or simply admired from the beach below, The Headland perfectly captures the beauty and spirit of Newquay’s coastline.
2 months ago · via Google
Guests mention this hotel offers excellent spa and Aqua Club facilities, including indoor and outdoor pools, and delicious food, especially breakfast and afternoon tea. They also highlight the attentive and friendly staff, as well as the stunning coastal views.
Some reviews mention the service can be slow.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Fistral Beach, Headland Road, Newquay, TR7 1EW Get directions
- Property type
- Hotel
- Location
- Fistral Beach, Newquay
- Star rating
- 5 star
- Guest score
- 8.6 / 10 (1,400 reviews)
- Prices from
- £195 per night
- Good for children
- Yes
- Destination
- Cornwall