Beaches

From Discover Newquay

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Newquay's beaches are among the finest in Europe. Ken Langmaid, a Newquay-born resident once wrote;

"I can think of no place that has such a variety of beaches as Newquay or where so many advantages are to be found together. I am thinking of Newquay's 600 acres of sands at low tide, of the imposing cliff scenery, of the easy access to the beaches, of the sandhills and slopes of dry sand, of the dozens of little coves, the magnificent caves, the rocks and islets, the warm sandy pools, the mysterious rock pools swarming with strange marine life, and above all the sea itself - clean, refreshing and colourful as a peacock."

Almost all of Newquay's beaches are within walking distance of the town centre and have, or are are close to superb facilities. There are beaches to suit all tastes, from surfing havens to quiet coves and with Newquay's beaches facing almost every point of the compass it is almost always possible to find one that provides what you are looking for.

• Fistral

Fistral Beach is the UK's most famous surfing location, a popular west facing, dune backed stretch of golden sand.

• The Harbour Beach

The Harbour has a small sheltered beach which is perfect for families.

• Tolcarne

Tolcarne, with its brightly painted beach huts and golden sands has lots of facilities - surf hire, surf lessons, cafe and toilets. Dogs banned Easter Day to October 1.

• Towan

Closest to the town centre, you can access this beach from the Killacourt or at the end of Beach road. When the tide goes out there are a myriad of rock pools for children to explore. The famous Island with its private residence perched on top is to be found here.

• Great Western

At low tide you can reach this beach from Towan or take the Cliff Road down at high tide.

• Lusty Glaze

Lusty Glaze has a beachside complex offering an amazing array of water, cliff and land based activities. Dogs banned 8am to 7pm Whitsun to 1st September.

• Porth

Easy access with some parking on the beach available makes this an ideal beach for those with walking difficulties. Also offers safe bathing and a sheltered location.

• Whipsiderry

If you are looking for peace and quiet without the usual beach facilities this is the ideal spot. High cliffs provide perfect shelter from southerly breezes.

• Watergate Bay

A short distance from Newquay reachable by the coastal footpath or bus, this is a glorious stretch of golden sand. Big rolling waves make this ideal for surfing. Home to the Extreme Academy with lots of activities available.

• Little Fistral

On the headland side of Fistral this beach with its rock pools and caves makes a lovely place for swimming, ideal for families. Toilets above the beach and access to all the facilities of Fistral within a short walking distance.

• Crantock

Reachable by ferry from Fernpit Cafe, or by bus this large beach backed by sand dunes is a wonderful spot for a picnic,swim or surf.

• West Pentire

At the far end of Crantock Beach you reach West Pentire - the rocky pools and wave cut platform offer an ideal spot for diving and snorkelling.

• Holywell

A huge sandy beach with extensive sand dunes, popular with families and surfers. Facilities are nearby and there is level access to the beach

• Mawgan Porth

Mawgan Porth is a long, flat sandy beach that is exposed to Atlantic swells. The beach is surrounded on both sides by cliffs and rocks. During low tide there are a number of caves and rock outcrops that are accessible. On the south side of the beach there is a river that flows out to the sea. Mawgan Porth is a popular beach with families and surfers.

• Polly Joke

A pretty beach off the beaten track; take the coastal footpath from West Pentire. No facilities so go well prepared!

• Beacon cove

Perhaps the climax of the coast between Newquay and Trevose rather than the more famous Bedruthan Steps. Beacon Cove has several things to commend it to the lover of wild scenery, not least being the virtue of loneliness. The sea at this point has carved out a semi-circular cove with high sheer cliffs except at one place where a steep slope affords a foothold for the agile explorer.

• Spy cove

On the eastern side of Towan Head - a little sheltered cove which unfortunately no longer exists. Older residents who remember this little cove might like to reminisce by reading on.

• Nun cove

Really a continuation of Little Fistral, Nun Cove is so named due to the presence of little cowrie shells called nuns that can be found here.

Whichever beach you choose to visit, it is important to be safe. Take a look at our Beach Safety page with lots of useful advice provided by the RNLI.

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