CLARISSA’S CORNER • FILM LOCATION MOOCH
The Newquay Hotel Where The Witches Was Filmed
Perched above Fistral Beach, The Headland is a real Newquay hotel with a rather brilliant second identity: Hotel Excelsior from the 1990 film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Witches.
If the red-brick hotel looks familiar, there is a reason. The Headland confirms that a good deal of the 1990 film was shot here, with the hotel renamed Hotel Excelsior for the screen. The production, directed by Nicolas Roeg and starring Anjelica Huston and Rowan Atkinson, used the hotel while cast and crew stayed on site.
READ THE HEADLAND’S THE WITCHES HISTORY →
The Witches and Hotel Excelsior
The hotel is more than a quick exterior cameo. The Headland’s own history of the production describes the hotel being taken over during filming, which makes this one of those film locations where you can visit the real place rather than hunt for a barely recognisable street corner.
No film stills are used here: the location itself is the story, and any future imagery for this feature should come from The Headland’s approved media library, Clarissa’s own photography, or another properly licensed source.
A little Headland history
The Headland is a historic luxury hotel on the headland above Fistral Beach. Its distinctive architecture and exposed coastal setting are a huge part of why it works so well as a film location — and why it is easy to combine with a Fistral day even if you are not staying overnight.
Can you actually stay there?
Yes. The Headland operates as a five-star hotel with rooms, suites and cottages, including family and dog-friendly options. This is an editorial feature, not a personal hotel recommendation: Clarissa’s Corner has not stayed at The Headland and has no current press or commercial relationship with the hotel.
Spa & AquaClub
The Headland has both a spa and AquaClub. The AquaClub includes indoor and outdoor water facilities; current hotel information also lists disabled changing facilities and pool-hoist access to the lap pool and internal vitality pool. The spa and AquaClub are separate facilities, so check what is included with the stay or treatment you are considering.
CHECK AQUACLUB & SPA DETAILS →
Fistral Beach on the doorstep
The other reason this location works for a Newquay day is Fistral itself. The hotel sits immediately above the famous surfing beach, so you can pair the film-location curiosity with beach time, surf watching and food rather than making a special trip for one photograph.
🪿 Have a Mooch around Fistral
Keep it easy: start around The Headland and take in the exterior from public areas, then head down towards Fistral Beach for the sea views and a beach stop. Add food or a drink around Fistral, and only continue towards central Newquay if time, weather and mobility make it sensible.
Accessibility note: coastal gradients and beach access are not equally easy for everyone. Fistral has beach-wheelchair provision subject to availability, but do not assume every coast-path or cliff route is step-free. Check your exact route before setting off.
Getting there without a car
Newquay railway station and bus station are both in town, and local taxis are the simplest onward option if you have luggage or limited mobility. If you fly into Cornwall Airport Newquay, route 56 runs between the airport and Newquay via Watergate Bay; connect in town or use a taxi for the final leg to Fistral. CHECK ROUTE 56 →
Accessibility & good to know
The Headland publishes current accessibility information across its facilities, and AquaClub specifically lists disabled changing facilities and pool-hoist access to two pools. Historic buildings and the surrounding coastal landscape can still create practical limitations, so contact the hotel about the exact room, route or facility you need rather than assuming every area works the same way.
Planning a Newquay break?
Build the rest of the trip with our Newquay Holiday Park & Area Guide, covering beaches, family attractions, rainy-day ideas, accommodation and getting around without a car.
