Common questions, straight answers
Bins, the booked-only tip, the MIU's Wednesday closure, NHS dentists, dog rules, Boardmasters and where to get help — with dates.
Straight answers to the questions that actually come up in Newquay — sourced from the council, the NHS and local organisations, with dates where the rules have them.
When do my bins get collected?
Cornwall collects food waste every week, and rubbish and recycling on alternating weeks. The day depends on your address, not a town-wide zone, so check yours once on the Cornwall Council website (search "Cornwall Council find my collection day") and note it — there's no public zone map we could honestly turn into a calendar.
Can I just turn up at the tip?
No — Newquay's Household Waste and Recycling Centre (off Trevenson Road, past Newquay Tretherras school) is appointment-only. Book a free 30-minute slot online via Cornwall Council or on 0300 1234 141; you can book same-day if there's space, or up to a week ahead. It's open daily except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. No trade waste.
Where can I get seen for a minor injury?
The Minor Injury Unit at Newquay Hospital is walk-in, no appointment — but since 19 February 2026 it is closed on Wednesdays. Otherwise it's open 8am–8pm, Thursday through Tuesday, with X-ray available Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays 9am–5pm. On a Wednesday, or out of hours, call NHS 111 first; for emergencies it's 999 or Treliske (Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro).
How do I find an NHS dentist?
Honestly: with difficulty. Cornwall has a county-wide shortage of NHS dental capacity and practices' books open and close faster than any list we publish could track. Use the NHS "Find a dentist" site and call practices directly about NHS waiting lists, and for urgent dental pain call NHS 111 — they can book urgent slots that aren't offered any other way.
Which beaches can I take the dog to?
Most of them, most of the year. The only council restriction in Newquay is at Porth: no dogs 1 July–31 August between 10am and 6pm (£100 fixed penalty). Tolcarne (no dogs 1 April–31 October) and Lusty Glaze (daytime restriction in high summer) are privately run and set their own rules. Fistral, Towan, Great Western, Watergate Bay and Crantock welcome dogs year-round. Full details are in our Beaches tool.
What's the deal with Boardmasters this year?
Boardmasters runs 5–9 August 2026, with the main arena and camping at Watergate Bay. Expect heavy traffic on the roads north of town around the start and end of the festival. The town centre itself stays open as normal — traders' complaint last year was that it was actually too quiet during festival week, so there are extra events planned in town around Killacourt.
I'm struggling to afford food. Where do I go?
Newquay Foodbank runs three weekly sessions: Tuesday 10am–12pm at St Columba Church (St Columb Minor), Friday 12–2pm at St Michael's Church in Newquay, and Saturday 10am–12pm at the Oasis Centre (St Columb Major). The usual route is a voucher from Citizens Advice, your GP surgery, a health visitor or social care — but if you're not in touch with any agency and need food now, call 07810 271202: they can give one box on self-referral. No one checks up on you.
Is Whipsiderry beach open?
The access steps have been closed since cliff falls in November 2023, and they hadn't reopened when we last checked (June 2026). The only way onto the sand is round from Porth at low tide, and the incoming tide cuts that off completely — don't risk it without checking tide times, and stay away from the cliff base.
Can I walk to Crantock across the Gannel?
Only around low tide. The Gannel footbridge crossings flood as the tide comes in, and people get caught out every year. Check tide times before you set out, and remember the walk back needs the tide too. If in doubt, drive round — it's about 15 minutes.
Who do I complain to about parking, planning or bins?
Almost all of it is Cornwall Council (0300 1234 100) — they run bins, planning, roads and most enforcement. Newquay Town Council (01637 878388, Municipal Offices on Marcus Hill) runs some car parks, allotments and town events, and is the right place to raise town-level concerns. If you're not sure, start with the town council — they'll point you right.