When it comes to beaches, Newquay has been blessed. There are no less than seven within easy reach, offering everything from rugged surf soaked Fistral to sheltered family friendly Towan, with plenty of little secret escapes as well as top class beach cafés and extreme fun. Here is our guide to the best beaches in Europe!
Fistral
Britain’s most famous surf beach stretches from South Fistral, wit h Bodhi’s café snuggled under the cliffs, to North Fistral with the RNLI base and Fistral Beach retail area with the Beach Bar, Rick Stein’s café, The Stable, Fatface, Animal and Anns Cottage surf shop. You can hire surfboards, take surf lessons or simply enjoy the view at the Beach Bar. Just to the north on low tide, Little Fistral is the locals’ escape. Large tides and strong swells can make this beach dangerous so please take notice of the RNLI lifeguards at all times and there’s no lifeguard at Little Fistral so be extra vigilant.
Towan
Is located next to Newquay Harbour and is the most sheltered beach in town. It has good rock pooling near the harbour, and is a great family haven on all but the highest of tides. Surfing is banned from the beach in the summer months which is great for bodyboarders when there’s swell. Plus there’s a great natural sea pool for the kids here and The Blue Reef Aquarium is right next to the beach.
Tolcarne
Tolcarne is the beach you can see as you drive into town from the north. A fantastic family option, the beach hosts a surf school, chalets, a restaurant and beach café. It has a great stretch of sand and loads of room for the kids to run about. Watch out for the aerial acrobatics of the bodyboarders in the evening when The Wedge works at high tide!
Great Western
To the north of Towan and accessible by a walkway between the Great Western Hotel and Koncept Gym, Great Western provides a nice tucked away option that never gets too busy. Sheltered and safe, the gently shelving beach is perfect for swimming and great for families. Why not stop in at Steam Bar on the way back up for a sunset beer and some food?
Lusty Glaze
On the northern end of Newquay Bay, Lusty Glaze is the perfect Cornish cove and a real sun trap in the evenings. You can hang out and relax or take advantage of its surf lessons, zip wiring, or coasteering and kids’ activities – there’s lots to do at Lusty. There are even Waverunner Jet Ski adventures, a great bar and restaurant, and a snack shack. Beach chalets and apartments are also available to hire.
Crantock
Walk down the steps at the Fernpit Café in Pentire and cross the Gannel by the river ferry to the north side of Crantock for a fun day out. The river is great for crabbing by the bridge at low tide.
Porth
Porth is a classic family beach at the edge of Newquay. Surfing isn’t allowed at the beach during the summer and, with its gently sloping beach, it’s great fun for young children with dinghies and lilos. Plus you can park right on the beach, so there’s no faffing about with lugging the beach gear for miles.
