town (“parish”) on the Atlantic coast, Restormel borough, administrative and historic county of Cornwall, England. The town is almost entirely a modern seaside resort, having grown since the mid-19th century from a small fishing village. It stands on cliffs overlooking sandy beaches and is sheltered from the Atlantic by Towan Head. The climate is equable, and tropical plants grow in the Trenance (valley). The small harbour is now used only by local fishing and pleasure boats. Newquay has become one of the most crowded tourist resorts on the Cornish coast. Pop. (2001) 19,423.