Newquay Beaches > Atlantic Coast > Beach > Family > Waves
Newquay is renowned for having the finest beaches in Britain. Explore our guide and find out about our many beautiful and varied beaches within a small radius right here in Newquay.
Click on the link for the beach you want to know more about!
Fistral Beach
Fistral can be divided into 3 areas: main Fistral, south Fistral and little Fistral. Main Fistral and south Fistral are joined together and are aesthetically similar having a wide stretch of golden sand. Like all of Newquay's beaches the tide goes out a long way creating plenty of space for various games and activities for the whole family to enjoy. At each end of these beaches there are rocky aspects producing many fascinating rock pools at low tide.
At the back of Fistral is the foot path linking the 2 ends of the beach which runs between Newquay golf course and the sand dunes. The dunes are a protected area having fences to protect the delicate wild life that the grasses support. During the peak season there is a surf village in the main Fistral car park to promote the major surf competitions creating a lively atmosphere; the Radio 1 Road Show is held here in August and at certain times there are live bands playing in this area.
Amenities: Shop, Cafe & Takeaway, Surf hire, Surf school, British Surfing Association unit, Lifeguard unit. Top
Little Fistral Little Fistral is a small cove and has a completely different feel, it is very rocky and the sand is coarse under foot. Rocks jutting out into the sea separate this beach from the main beach, and at its headland (Towan headland) is the famous "Cribba", Britain's largest rideable wave which has only been ridden by a few surfers. Overlooking Little Fistral is the Old Lifeboat House, which is now an art gallery. Top
The Harbour
As the name suggests, this beach is located in the Harbour. It is a small sandy beach being a great suntrap due to its sheltered position, and perhaps a little quieter that its immediate neighbours. It is a working Harbour with fishing boats arriving with their catch, usually closely followed by our resident seals in search of a handout. Also when the tide is high, you may see local children jumping off the Harbour wall - not for the faint hearted.
Amenities: Beach Shop, RNLI Headquarters & Museum with Boat display, Fishing trips, small playground. Top
Towan Beach
Towan beach is next to the Harbour, being a very popular sandy beach complete with a sea water pool. It is the most sheltered beach and has restrictions on surfing in the summer due to its popularity, the sea is calmer here, more suitable for bathers. On the promenade you will find the "Sea Life Centre", and connected by suspension bridge is the "Island" where you will find tea rooms.
Amenities: Sea Life Centre, Shop, Surf & Deck chair hire, Lifeguard unit. Top
Great Western Beach
Another popular town beach, this is an excellent beach to learn to surf with a good surf school based here. High cliffs can block out late afternoon sun, and high tides cover most of the sand.
Amenities: Surf hire, Lifeguard unit, Shop. Top
Tolcarne Beach
This beach is very popular with boogie boarders, especially at high tide where the waves break close to the shoreline. It is a large sandy beach which enjoys the sun all day and is sheltered so popular with sunbathers. The beach has a distinctive appearance due to its array of different coloured beach huts available for hire; there is also a roadside promenade which overlooks the beach and has spectacular views of the coast.
Amenities: Pitch & putt, Cafe & Shop, Surf school & hire, Cabins, Lifeguard unit. Top
Lusty Glaze Beach
This is very much an activity beach, with its own outdoor training facility and it is the home of the National Lifeguard training centre. There are large cliffs surrounding this beach and access is via steep steps.
Amenities: Surf hire, Shop. Top
Porth Beach
This is a large beautiful beach with a river flowing through it. It is ideal for families with young children due to its shallow sloping nature , and at high tide the sea remains shallow for a good distance making it ideal for swimming. There is a gully that connects Porth to Whipsiderry beach which is accessible at low tide. At high tide when the waves are big, the gully acts like a geezer funneling water upwards which can be quite spectacular.
Amenities: Shops, Cafe & Takeaway, Pub, Lifeguard unit. Top
Whipsiderry Beach
Access to this beach is via very steep steps but it can be worth the effort. This is a quiet beach and does not have a lifeguard in attendance, therefore care needs to be taken to observe the local warning signs regarding times of tide changes. There are wonderful views of Newquay bay from this beach.
No amenities. No lifeguard. Not recommended for children. Top
Watergate Bay
Great sandy beach which stretches for miles at low tide, a superb beach for activities and sunbathing due to its broad expanse. It has good shops and a restaurant on the beach front - nice for watching the sunset whilst sampling nachos and a pina colada! Although there are 2 large car parks they can become full at the height of the season.
Amenities: Lifeguard, Restaurant, Surf School & Hire, toilets, car park etc. Top
When using the beaches please do take care, especially when you have children with you. Most amenities are seasonal so always check what services are available and obey the signs and Lifeguards instructions, stay safe and have fun!
