Beaches in 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.