When do students usually come to Newquay?

Most come in the summer months, when the town is at its liveliest, but some adults choose spring or autumn for a quieter stay.

Is there a charge for listing my home in Newquay?

No. HostFamily.uk is free for host families, with no subscription or placement fees.

How do students get around Newquay?

The town is compact and walkable, with local buses to nearby villages and a branch railway line to Par connecting with mainline services.

What do students enjoy most about Newquay?

Surfing at Fistral, the many beaches, clifftop walks along the coast path and trips to other Cornish towns such as Truro and St Ives.

Become a Host Family in Newquay

Why Newquay needs host families

Fistral Beach has made Newquay famous among surfers, but the town has much more: a string of sandy bays, a small harbour, clifftop walks and a relaxed, outdoor way of life. For many students, it is the Cornwall they have seen in pictures.

Summer is when Newquay is busiest, and students who come here often want to combine learning with time on the beach or in the water. A family homestay gives them a safe, friendly base and daily conversation in English.

Hosting can work well around a seasonal lifestyle. You decide exactly when your room is available and which students you are comfortable with, and schools get in touch with you directly when they need somewhere for a student to stay.

Host family sharing a meal with an international student in Newquay

Who you could host in Newquay

You choose the ages, lengths of stay and dates that suit your household.

Surf and study holidays

Students who want to combine English with surfing or other outdoor activities often visit in summer for a week or a few weeks.

Young learners in the holidays

Junior groups sometimes come to Cornwall in the school holidays, staying with families and enjoying the coast between lessons.

Out-of-season adults

Some adult learners prefer the calmer months, when the beaches are quieter and there is more time to talk with their hosts.

Where you could host

Schools look for homes within easy reach of their classes. These are some of the areas in and around Newquay.

Newquay town centre

Pentire

Porth

Trenance

Tretherras

St Columb Minor

Quintrell Downs

Crantock

St Columb Major

Mawgan Porth

How it works

1. Register for free

Create your host profile in a few minutes. There are no fees or subscriptions.

2. Get found by schools

Language schools that place students in and around Newquay search for hosts by location, rooms and availability.

3. Welcome your student

A school contacts you directly to arrange a placement. You decide which students you accept.

Earn up to £7,500 a year tax-free

Under the government's Rent a Room scheme, income from hosting students in your Newquay home is tax-free up to £7,500 a year.

Applies whether you own or rent (with your landlord's permission)
Claim it with a single tick box on your tax return

General guidance only. Read more on GOV.UK

Hosting in Newquay: common questions

Ready to host in Newquay?

Registration is free and takes just a few minutes. Language schools can find you as soon as your profile is live.

Host families are also needed near Newquay