Newquay’s history has been brought to life thanks to a new walking audio experience.  

The Newquay Discovery Trail takes users on a tour of the town to unlock its secrets via a free to access audio tour that is hosted on the Geotourist website and app.   

The tour, which visits various areas including the harbour, Boating Lake, The Gannel, Huer’s Hut and the Barrowfields, can be listened to from the comfort of your own home, or whilst out walking around the town.  

People can search online for the Newquay Discovery Trail on the Geotourist website or app, and enjoy a free day out.

The audio tour has been delivered in partnership between Blystra Arts, Geotourist, Falmouth University, and the team at Visit Newquay, to support and promote the existing town trail.  

The original map form of the trail is still available to purchase from Visit Newquay on Marcus Hill, but now residents can discover the world around them, by engaging with the audio content.   

The stories of Newquay’s past have been narrated by local actors and curated by the Newquay-based arts organisation, Blystra Arts who seek to promote Newquay, its communities and its heritage.  

Blystra Arts have been pivotal in breathing new life into the trail, as they firmly believe that when people are engaged with places and their heritage, the foundations of the towns in which we live are firmed up and primed for success. 

The project was funded by Falmouth University, as a part of a digital storytelling project led by Dr Natalie Semley, who is exploring the role and value of storytelling to the town.   

Her aim is to re-connect people with the town via the arts, culture, and heritage of place.   

Natalie said: “The trail is anticipated to grow in significance over the next few years, as the town expands, and individuals within, and new to the community search for a connection to the town and its past.  

“The audio tour is therefore designed to support the original map, the granite disc slates, and the interpretation panels that has been established in and around the town for over 20 years”.  

Long-term, there is also the desire for new stories to be shared and recorded about Newquay, the people who live here, and the realities of everyday life in the present day.  

If any residents would like to help shape these future project, they are encouraged to complete the feedback form after engaging with the audio content, which is available by scanning the QR code or visiting the online feedback form.