The Beaches in and around Newquay
The beaches around Newquay and the Atlantic Coast of Cornwall are simply among the finest in western Europe and, some would argue, the world. That special combination of crystal clear Gulf Stream waters and pale sand gives our local beaches a ‘tropical’ quality – usually only glimpsed within the pages of exotic travel brochures. Standing on the cliffs overlooking any one of the many beaches within this region is to experience the very essence of Cornwall. There are wide open beaches and sand dunes where the distance stays out of reach; intimate secluded beaches known only to a few locals; sparkling rock pools – the stuff of childhood memories; beaches where wet-suited surfers gather like seals above the breakers; shimmering sun-bleached beaches; accessible family beaches with ice cream and sandcastles; secret beaches approachable only by sea; and wind swept winter beaches guaranteed to clear away any cobwebs.
Newquay’s excellent beaches have played a major role in establishing the town as Cornwall’s largest holiday resort. The quality of the surfing due to the westerly aspect of Fistral beach has ensured that Newquay has become the home of the UK’s surfing scene. All of Newquay’s beaches (Lusty Glaze, Tolcarne, Great Western, Towan, Harbour and Fistral) are within easy access of the town’s central car parks, and we strongly recommend their use during the summer season when Newquay becomes congested with thousands of holiday makers. It is hoped that the guide will help you fine the right beach for your holiday, whether it is a secluded cove to relax in, a safe family beach or just the surf that you are looking for.
Crantock Beach west of Newquay |
Crantock is a popular north west facing beach with a large expanse of golden sands. The main stretch of the beach is over a mile long and is backed by a mass of dunes.. The beach is named after the nearby village of Crantock – 2 miles walk along the coastal path from Newquay’s town centre. At the north end of the beach, is the River Gannel estuary which separates it the beach from Pentire Headland. Crantock beach is a very popular destination for the locals, due to its remoteness and relative calm during the peak holiday season. Crantock Beach has a car park and tioilet facilities, run by the National Trust. A small beach shop/cafe serves refreshments during the peak season. Level access to the beach.Lifeguard during the summer months.
Directions: From the Perranporth to Newquay Road (A3075) turn south towards Newquay – signposted Crantock. In the village, turn right at the signpost for Crantock Beach.
Fistral Beach Newquay |
Fistral is Newquays most popular beach. Located to the west of Towans Head; Fistral is Newquays largest beach noted for its fine golden sands and surfing. The west facing beach is almost a mile long – backed by steep sand dunes which provide a degree of shelter. The westerly aspect of Fistral beach creates some of the best surfing conditions in Europe. Fistral has made Newquay famous as a surfing centre and many national and international competitions are held here each year. Lifeguard during the summer months.
Directions: There is a small car park adjacent to Fistral beach – follow the signs from the town centre to Fistral beach and The Headland- but this is usually full during the season. It is generally advisable to park in Newquays long stay car parks and walking to the beach.
Great Western Newquay |
Newquay’s Great Western beach is a popular family beach, comprising of several west facing sandy coves, backed by towering cliffs, sheltering it from the elements. Great Western has a wide range of facilities, including surf and deck chair hire, refreshments, shop, toilets and showers. The beach has a private lift which descends through the cliffs from the Great Western Hotel.
Directions: Access to Great Western beach is via a steep winding path between the Blue Lagoon Leisure Centre and the Great Western Hotel.
Harbour Newquay |
Harbour beach is Newquay’s smallest beach. It is a small area of sand, covered at high tide. The beach is very popular with families due to its safe sheltered bathing and easy access. The beach has a beach shop, cafe and toilet facilities. Boat trips depart from the beach during the main holiday season.
Directions: Park in the town centre and walk to the beach at the western end of the town centre.
Holywell Bay North of Perranporth |
Hidden amongst the dunes by Holywell village, this large sandy beach is ideal for families. This west facing beach has a large area of golden sands , which make it very popular with both locals and holiday makers. The beach is surrounded by a sand dune system, which makes access for wheel chairs and push chairs difficult. A shallow river crosses the beach at its southern end. Holywell Bay has a beach shop, toilet facilities and St. Pirans Inn (Freehouse).
Directions: From the Perranporth to Newquay Road (A3075) turn off towards Cubert. Follow the road through the village to Holywell.
Lusty Glaze Beach Newquay |
The name Lusty Glaze is derived from the Cornish for ‘A place to view blue boats’. This beautiful cove is naturally sheltered by high cliffs and provides a safe environment for all the family to enjoy all year around. Lusty Glaze is a privately owned cove and is open free of charge, all year to the public and is now the headquarters of the National Lifeguard and Rescue Training Centre, a training school with an international reputation for its involvement the training of Emergency Service and Rescue Personnel.
This sheltered cove is home to one of Newquay’s finest tourist beaches with superb beach facilities for the visitor. Purchased in 1999 by Jeremy and Tracey Griffiths, the beach and its facilities has undergone a total refurbishment and now offers the visitor modern comforts such as:
Children’s Crèche. Open Daily from 11 am – 4pm. An opportunity for Mums and Dads to enjoy a snooze on the beach, a beer in the bar, or a swim in the surf, while your child is entertained and cared for on the beach by our team.
Beach Bar and Restaurant. Licensed and Open all year. All dishes are homemade and freshly prepared on the premises, The normal menu ranges from fresh local fish, meat and vegetarian dishes. During the summer months we hold weekly themed evenings such as Caribbean nights, Thai night and Beach BBQ.
Beach Shop. Lusty Glaze Beach Shop stocks a wide variety of beach goods ranging from wetsuits and clothing, beach chairs and tents, through to buckets, spades and children’s games.
Cafe and Takeaway. A traditional beach cafe with a full menu ranging from chips to fish and chips, fresh sandwiches and baguettes etc. to takeaway.
Daily Beach BBQ. A range of hot dogs, bacon burgers and kebabs cooked El fresco!
Hire Shop. A range of wetsuits, body boards, surfboards, deck chairs and sun beds for hire. Beach huts also available for daily, weekly or seasonal hire.
Toilets. Spotlessly clean, attended male and female toilets with baby changing facilities.
Directions: During the peak season the best access is from Newquays town car parks. There is a small car park which over looks the beach, but this is generally full during the summer months. The beach is signposted from the Narrowcliff/Henver Road (A3058).
Porth Joke ( Polly Joke) West of Newquay |
Porth Joke is an attractive north west facing cove with good quality sands. This attractive little bay, known locally as Polly Joke, is generally less busy than the neighbouring beaches in part due to the 10 minute walk from the West Pentire car park. The path to the beach is unmade, but fairly accessible for pushchairs.
Directions: From the Perranporth to Newquay Road (A3075) turn south towards Crantock. Follow the road to the end of the village, signposted West Pentire/Porth Joke.
Porth North of Newquay |
Porth is a large expanse of golden sand, very popular with families due to the safe bathing in the area. A spectacular feature of the beach is the blow hole at the end of the island which can be seen at mid tide – especially on windy days.
The area around the beach is well developed with all amenities – beach shops, mini market, toilets, and cafes. There is parking close to the beach.
Directions: Porth is on the Padstow to Newquay Road (B3276) just north of Newquay.
Tolcarne Beach Newquay |
Tolcarne beach, is a west facing beach with a large area of sand backed by 150 foot cliffs. The beach is one the most popular family beaches in Newquay. The westerly aspect makes Tolcarne a good surfing beach. The beach is a short walk from the town, with a long descent- over 200 steps- down the cliff. The area is well worth a visit if only for the stunningly beautiful views of the Headland and Harbour.
The beach has a shop, surfing school and shop, toilets, crazy golf and cafe. Lifeguard during the summer months.
Directions: Park in the main town car parks and walk to the beach.
Towan Beach – “Town Beach” Newquay |
Towan has a good sized expanse of sand and rocks. The beach is the closest to the town centre and is often referred to as “Town Beach”. The proximity to the town and the level access, makes it very busy during the summer. The beach has a small, sea filled swimming pool for families to use in the summer season.
The beach is overlooked by the The Newquay Sealife Centre, situated on the promenade and Towan Island connected to the cliffs by Newquays famous suspension bridge, depicted in many picture postcards. Towan beach is next to the harbour entrance, which means that it is very sheltered.
The beach has all facilities close by . Lifeguard during the summer months.
Directions: Park in the main town car parks and walk to the beach.
Watergate Bay North of Newquay |
Watergate is a large, open bay west facing bay with a two mile long stretch of golden sands. The beach is located at the foot of some very steep cliffs, though there are several paths down to the beach. the easiest access is in front of the hotels in the valley.
The beach has toilets and refreshments available, with a Lifeguard during the summer months.
Directions: Watergate is on the Padstow to Newquay Road (B3276) just north of Newquay. Car parking available by the hotels in the valley.
