Standing beautifully atop rugged cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, The Headland stands as a timeless beacon of luxury and charm. In 2025, we mark our 125th anniversary, a milestone that celebrates not only our long and storied past but also our vibrant present and exciting future.

Since welcoming our first guests in 1900, we have attracted visitors from all corners of the world, offering its signature combination of tradition, sophistication, and relaxed luxury.

The Headland’s origins date back to 1897 when it was first envisioned as the finest hotel in the south west, a retreat for the affluent Victorians who flocked to Cornwall for its fresh air and stunning vistas.

The hotel was the brainchild of Silvanus Trevail, a renowned Cornish architect whose vision for The Headland was nothing short of magnificent. However, his grand plans very nearly remained just that, as local fishermen and farmers violently resisted the project.

Heated disputes escalated into violent acts, with an angry mob trashing the site and threatening workers. Even after Silvanus brought in 200 unemployed Cornish miners to complete construction, the unrest continued with arson, arrests, and the use of armed steam hoses against the mobs who believed the privately owned land was actually common lands.

Despite its troubled beginnings, Silvanus’s architectural masterpiece, mixing Victorian grandeur and luxurious facilities, continues to endure through the ages.

Over the decades, The Headland has hosted royalty and celebrities, families, couples and lone travellers, all drawn to our unrivalled location and impeccable service.

In that time, we have become more than just a hotel; the building is a cultural landmark, steeped in history and brimming with stories. From our early days of opulent Victorian elegance to our role in the 1990 film The Witches, the hotel has always been at the heart of Cornish life.  The recognisable roof line and iconic building being one of the most recognised in Cornwall along with The Eden Project and St Michael’s Mount.

The Headland is lovingly maintained by the Armstrong family, who have owned and operated it since 1979, preserving its heritage while continually enhancing its luxurious offerings.

Over 45 years later more than £30 million of improvements and repairs have turned The Headland in to a multi-award-winning destination hotel, complete with 86 five-star bedrooms, 39 coastal cottages, , a five-bubble-rated spa and gym, an award-winning six-pool Aqua Club, and three restaurants. One thing that hasn’t changed however is the the hotel’s glorious sea views, the best in Cornwall.

To mark this milestone, The Headland is planning a series of exclusive events and offers, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the hotel’s rich heritage and fascinating history in 2025.

In February,  guests can step back in time with a thrilling Murder Mystery Weekend, themed around the hotel’s colourful history. Set against the backdrop of the hotel’s grand Victorian architecture, this immersive event promises suspense, drama, and the chance to solve a mystery rooted in the hotel’s past.

March will see an Afternoon Tea with  the Armstrong Family, a nod to the family’s dedication to preserving The Headland’s heritage. This magnificent tea experience will feature classic Cornish delicacies from The Headland archives, from delicate finger sandwiches to freshly baked scones of course with Rodda’s Cornish clotted cream.

For those with a passion for history, a Concierge Tour offers a rare opportunity to explore The Headland’s most hidden corners. Guided by the hotel’s Concierge and enriched with archive items from The Headland’s history , this tour will delve into the fascinating stories and secrets that have shaped The Headland’s legacy.

Throughout the year, The Headland’s acclaimed restaurants will feature special menus and cocktails inspired by the hotel’s 125-year history.  

Expect dishes that pay homage to classic British cuisine, reimagined with a modern flair, and cocktails that capture the essence of The Headland’s elegant past. From a ‘Victorian Punch’ to a ‘Newquay 125’, each drink is crafted to celebrate the hotel’s journey through the ages.

As The Headland celebrates its 125th anniversary, there has never been a better time to experience this iconic Cornish retreat.

Whether you’re indulging in a themed afternoon tea, solving a mystery, or simply sipping on a heritage-inspired cocktail while watching the sun set over the Atlantic, The Headland promises a celebration of luxury, history, and unforgettable moments.