Beaches

A Surfer's Paradise... 

Jutting out into the North Atlantic, Newquay’s top coastal location offers couples, groups and families an enticing array of breathtaking beaches.

The town’s tally of beaches run from the harbour across miles of golden sands and include Towan, Great Western, Tolcarne and Porth, which all run parallel to the centre and provide various facilities and lifeguard cover.

Holywell Bay lies at the western edge of Newquay, offering a large expanse of dog-friendly and seasonally lifeguard-covered sands.

Another surf beach, but also ideal for families (and dogs), is Crantock Beach. A sheltered seaside idyll flanked by sand dunes, it provides a simply stunning environment for a relaxed day out at the beach.

Meanwhile, Lusty Glaze is home to an activity and climbing centre offering everything from surfing lessons and jet ski adventures to cliff activities such as zip wiring, abseiling and tight-rope walking. In addition, there’s beach rugby and dodgeball, along with a specially designed and tailored programme of kids activities.

Watergate Bay’s Extreme Academy lives up to its name in signature style. Specialising in beach and watersports means that their fully qualified and experienced instructors offer quality and safe sessions for unforgettable fun.Their extensive list features surfing, stand up paddleboarding (SUP), kitesurfing, waveskiing, hand planning and traction kiting.

And for those requiring some more off-the-beaten-track beach time, there’s plenty of stirring sights to be found on the wilder and less crowded likes of Whipsiderry, Polly Joke and Bedruthan Steps. Please see below more specific information about the beaches of Fistral, Towan, Great Western, Tolcarne, Lusty Glaze and Porth:

Fistral Beach

Fistral is synonymous with surf, providing consistent swells throughout the year. Its extended lifeguard service ensures that appointed stretches of water for just bathers are continually monitored, while a series of shops and cafés provide ample respite and refreshment.  A huge sandy beach which is one of the best surfing beaches in the UK.

Parking:  1 small car park close to the beach. There are also a number of car parks within walking distance of the beach and there is on road parking to the south of the beach.

Toilets:  By the beach.

Facilities:  Shops and cafés by the beach.

Safety:  Lifeguard service from May to end of September.

Dogs:  Dogs allowed all year although we would advise checking this beforehand. Information on bringing your dog on holiday.

Towan, Great Western, Tolcarne and Lusty Glaze

Newquay has a world wide reputation as a surfer's haven, and comprises four main beaches - Towan Beach, Great Western Beach, Tolcarne Beach and Lusty Glaze. Together they form a huge expanse of sand at low tide. The beaches are ideal for sun worshippers, families and surfers. There are excellent facilities, though Newquay does get very busy. There are roads down to Towan, Great Western & Tolcarne, but steep steps down to Lusty Glaze.

Parking:  Yes.

Facilities:  Toilets, shops, cafes, restaurants, hotels, amusement arcades, aquarium, surf school, activity centre.

Dogs:  Dogs allowed all year on the harbour, Towan, Lusty Glaze and Great Western beaches. Dogs banned throughout July and August between the hours of 10am-6pm at Tolcarne. Information on bringing your dog on holiday.

Porth

A large sandy beach on the outskirts of Newquay with all the expected facilities. There is still plenty of sand at high tide.

Parking:  1 car park on the beach, 1 car park on the road.

Toilets:  Yes.

Facilities:  Shop, café and pub.

Safety:  Lifequards operate during the summer, although we would advise checking this beforehand.

Dogs:  Dogs are banned on the beach throughout July and August between the hours of 10am-6pm - although we would advise checking this beforehand to ensure it hasn't changed. Information on bringing your dog on holiday.