With eleven beaches to choose from, Newquay boasts over seven miles of golden sand. The beaches here are among some of the best in the whole country! The amazing variety together with accessible surf conditions mean that Newquay is the quintessential UK beach holiday destination. Allow us to introduce you to the 11 beautiful beaches of Newquay.
4 beautiful beaches in Newquay town
1. Tolcarne Beach
Tolcarne beach is popular with families due to its large size and safe surf. The west facing shoreline enjoys gorgeous views of Newquay harbour and of the headland. There is a lifeguard stationed on Tolcarne during the the summer season, and facilities including a shop, surf school, toilets and a cafe. Before planning your visit, please be mindful that this beach requires a walk down (and therefore back up!) over 200 steps. A great location to tire out the kids!
Lifeguards: Seasonal
Dog Friendly: No
2. Towan Beach
Towan is the closest beach to the town centre of Newquay. It boasts a lovely view of Towan Island, which is connected to the cliffside by Newquay’s famous suspension bridge. This beach is next to the harbour entrance and is an extremely popular choice, particularly during the summer months. It does boast a decent-sized expanse of sand and rocks to absorb the crowds. There is also sea-filled pool for families to use during the summer season. The fact that Towan is probably the most sheltered beach in Newquay means that it a perfect location to try surfing! Check out Escape Surf School, located just above Towan, for a speicalist surf lesson with ex-professionals.
Lifeguards: Seasonal
Dog Friendly: Year Round
3. Great Western
Great Western is another beach that is popular with families, as it lies just minutes from Newquay town centre. With numerous west-facing coves backed by impressive cliffs, the beach is not only sheltered but also has access to lots of facilities. Great Western is reached by a steep, winding pathway although you may spot some getting there via the private lift of the Great Western Hotel. Great Western is a good pick if your kids are the explorer type, with many caves and rockpools to discover at low tide.
Lifeguards: Seasonal
Dog Friendly: Year Round
4. The Harbour
The harbour beach is the smallest in Newquay, becoming completely covered by the sea at high tide. Harbour Beach is easy to access and offers safe and sheltered swimming conditions. Boat trips leave from here in the summer, making this a great place to kick off your day trip! A walk around the harbour with all its beautiful boats is also an amazing place to take some fantastic holiday snaps!
Lifeguards: No
Dog Friendly: Year Round
7 beautiful beaches within walking distance
5. Fistral Beach
Fistral is Newquay’s largest and most famous beach! At 750 meters long, Fistral offers a long expanse of soft, golden sand for the whole family to relax on. Known for having the best (and biggest) waves in the country, Fistral is home to the annual Boardmasters surf competition and festival and sees some of the biggest names in professional surfing. It is also home to the Cribbar wave, a legendary big wave that reaches well over 20ft high!
Fistral was made famous in the 1960’s, when Australian and South African lifeguards arrived in Newquay to partol the beaches. Of course, they had to bring their surfboards with them, and in doing so started Fistral’s repuation for having the best surf swells in the UK.
Lifeguards: Seasonal
Dog Friendly: Year Round
6. Lusty Glaze
Unbeknownst to most, the stunning Lusty Glaze is actually a privately-owned beach that was purchased back in 1999. The couple who own it open it to the public free of charge 365 days a year. Lusty Glaze enjoys natural shelter from the high cliffs, a daily BBQ and also a creche, making it the perfect place for families. You will also find a leisure centre with various activities to choose from including kiteboarding to high ropes. Lusty Glaze is also home to the headquarters of the National Lifeguard and Rescue Training Centre, which has an international reputation for training in surf lifesaving. Why not enroll your kids in the ‘Junior Baywatch’ course at the National Lifeguard and Rescue Training Centre? It runs on Lusty Glaze beach during the summer months and its open for children aged aged 8-14.
Lifeguards: Seasonal
Dog Friendly: Year Round
7. Watergate Bay
Watergate Bay offers 2 miles of sparkling shoreline and 365 days of powerful waves. Just North of the town centre, this large open beach is just a fifteen minute drive (or 45 minute ramble) from Newquay town centre, Watergate Bay lies at the base of steep cliffs. The beach regularly picks up swell from the Atlantic, so is popular among surfers and kitsurfers alike. Watergate Bay offers toilet facilities and refreshments on the beach itself, convenient for an afternoon in the sun.
Lifeguards: Seasonal
Dog Friendly: Year Round
8. Whipsiderry
A real hidden gem of Newquay! Whipsiderry beach has a wilder vibe compared to many of the others, offering no facilities on the beach itself. It is however, stunningly sheltered by the surrounding cliffside. Plan your visit for low tide, when the sands stretch around half a mile to Watergate Bay! Enjoy a sunbathe on the dry sand, or spend the afternoon exploring the numerous rock pools and caves! Be careful when visiting this Newquay secret though, the beach all but disappears at high tide, so make sure you plan your day accordingly.
Lifeguards: No
Dog Friendly: Year Round
9. Crantock
Just West of Newquay you can find the village of Crantock, and the beautiful big beach that goes with it! Crantock is popular among the locals here on the North Cornish Coast as it tends to be a bit less crowded during the peak summer season. Backed by sandy dunes, this north-west facing beach offers a gentler swell and is the perfect place for a long walk with the dog. You could even carry on to the beautiful Holywell Bay if you fancy a long ramble! At the north end of the beahc, the River Gannel Estuary cuts it off from Pentire, where you will have to catch the foot ferry to get across at high tide. There is a National Trust maintained carpark on Crantock Beach for your convenience.
Lifeguards: Seasonal
Dog Friendly: Year Round
10. Porth Beach
Porth beach lies to the East side of Newquay and offers a wonderfully peaceful setting. It has a long stretch of sandy shore and is perfect for a gentle walk at low tide. It is also one of the only beaches in Newquay to offer level access, making it popular with families. Lifeguards patrol Porth Beach between the 15th May and the 26th September. Please not that dogs are not allowed on the beach between 15th May – 30th September.
Lifeguards: Seasonal
Dog Friendly: Year Round
11. Polly Joke
Located in a deep cove between Crantock beach and Hollywell Bay to the south, Porth Joke Beach is known locally as Polly Joke. This almost untouched sandy beach offers respite from the crowds throughout the year and lies about 5 miles from Newquay. The beach is narrow, but there is still enough sand here at low tide on busier days. There is also ample opportunity to explore rock pools and caves. If you don’t mind braving the fairly long walk, you can find a more tranquil experience at Polly Joke, but good luck finding this hidden gem.
Lifeguards: No
Dog Friendly: Year Round
Haven’t booked your accommodation yet? Head to our Beach Holidays page to book your next stay!