Everybody visiting Newquay is on the hunt for those sandy beaches. So we toured the South to find the best Newquay beaches and here they are.
1. Fistral Beach
Fistral Beach is the UK’s #1 surfing destination!
Arguably the best, but most definitely the busiest, of the Newquay beaches, Fistral Beach is one of Cornwall’s pride and joys.
It is known as one of the most consistent and best surfing spots in the UK and Europe.
With great swell coming in from both the ends of the beach, whether it’s someone’s first surf, or a tour win, Fistral Beach is actively involved in supporting surfing all the way from its grass roots to the elite level.
If you are a complete beginner and want to give surfing a go, Newquay: Introduction to Surfing Lesson is a great place to start.
The beach itself has such a chilled vibe around it. Perfect for families, dogs and picnic lovers, as a place to watch the surfers do their thing or get involved yourself!
2. Towan Beach
Towan Beach is one of the town’s cutest spots.
It’s also one of the most central of the Newquay beaches, lying directly below Killacourt.
Walking distance from the main town, Towan Beach is most recognisable for ‘The Island’. A home on a lonely rock, joined to the cliff by a 90ft suspension bridge.
It was formerly the residence of the famous scientist Sir Oliver Lodge. Although nowadays it is available to hire as a holiday home. And surrounded by water when the tide is in, it’s one of the most impressive beach houses we’ve ever seen!
Down at the beach there are caves to explore, and rock pools for those that don’t fancy getting too wet!
Plus, if you visit at low tide you’ll be able to visit the neighbouring beaches of Great Western and Tolcarne, as it becomes one huge sandy strip.
3. Watergate Bay Beach
Watergate Bay is one of the largest Newquay beaches.
Located around 3 miles North of Newquay Town, the drive down to Watergate Bay gives amazing views of the coastline, and the short stroll down to the beach is extremely easy. Plus Watergate Bay always has space for everyone.
There’s the popular Watergate Bay Hotel which is the hub and car parking is available outside.
The beach itself is two miles of golden sand, making for a great spot for surfers and dogs of all ages and abilities.
4. Lusty Glaze Beach
Although privately owned, Lusty Glaze Beach is fully open to the public at no cost.
Our personal favourite of the Newquay beaches, this cosy spot is secluded between cliffs and a little hideaway from the wind in the evenings!
From overnight self-catering chalets, to daily rentable beach huts, and even an adventure centre.
Lusty Glaze Beach offers activities such as climbing and abseiling, bungee jumping, surfing and even jet ski’s to Padstowe. A great spot for water sports!
For the really adventurous Newquay: Coasteering Adventure will definitely get the adrenaline pumping.
The beach was even crowned ‘Beach of the Year 2017’ by the The Times and The Sunday Times, making it the ideal bay for a wedding venue, or a cosy evening by the ocean.
5. Perranporth Beach
Perranporth Beach is a pretty fun little spot among the Newquay beaches.
One of its huge selling points, is that it’s home to the UK’s only ‘bar on the beach’ – The Watering Hole.
With The Watering Hole branding itself as ‘a beach bar/restaurant with a simple menu of burgers, snacks and pies’, it stands proudly at the entrance to Perranporth Beach.
Down to the beach, and it backs right onto the village, making it pretty convenient for families with children. As they can literally step out of the car, and straight onto the sand.
There’s also Chapel Rock is fifty foot high, and boasts it’s own small tidal bathing pool, whilst proudly waving Saint Piran’s Flag (the flag of Cornwall) for all the beach to see.
6. Great Western Beach
Great Western is a popular family beach lying just North of Towan Beach.
Located next to a travel lodge, many young people use it as a base for hopping the Newquay beaches.
An ideal beach for novice surfers, belly boarders, or people looking to get away from the crowds, Great Western is one of the lesser populated beaches in Newquay.
If you are a complete beginner and want to give surfing a go, Newquay: Introduction to Surfing Lesson is a great place to start.
With access via a steep winding path next to the Great Western Hotel, there are caves in the surrounding cliffs and rock pools to explore at low tide.
Side note: great burgers and hot chocolate can be found at ‘The Slope’ at Great Western Beach.
7. Porth Beach
One of the best Newquay beaches for a BBQ!
Another picturesque beach located inside a cove, Porth Beach is stunning and one of the cleanest we came across on our visit.
With The Mermaid pub grabbing most of the visitors attention, just a stones throw from the beach and the car park is the ideal place to enjoy lunch.
The beach itself is full of beautifully soft sand and with dogs not allowed on the beach until 7pm, Porth Beach makes for a great place to let the kids roam free.
The river running through the middle is great for the kids. And gentle waves make for great canoeing.
8. Tolcarne Beach
In most peoples opinion one of the best Newquay beaches. Just be prepared for the 137 steps you need to go down and up on each visit.
There is a road at one side suitable for cars, wheelchairs, buggies etc although it’s pretty steep on the way back up.
Based around Tolcarne Beach Village, it’s possible to stay directly on the sand. However for visitors of Tolcarne Beach, it’s only walking distance from town.
Tolcarne is an ideal beach if you are looking for organised activities and beach hire with plenty of amenities.
It’s a beautiful cove, and a great place for families to get away from the hustle and bustle of the other Newquay beaches.
The option is also there to walk around to Towan Beach at low tide. Plus there’s a beach cafe and sun loungers/deck chair hire once you get down.
9. Holywell Bay Beach
Holywell Bay Beach is owned and looked after by the National Trust.
Surrounded by huge sand dunes, you can go body boarding in the summer, or storm watch in winter. Plus the dunes make for a great spot to watch sunset!
There’s a little cafe on the beach, as well as a surf school and surf hire. It’s also another of the Newquay beaches that’s good for little ones, as it has a safe little river to play in.
And if all else fails, there’s an awesome little pub in the carpark that serves up delicious meals!
Where To Stay In Newquay
Luxury – The Headland Hotel and Spa
Overlooking Fistral Beach, this stylish Victorian hotel features a , surf school, golf course and a sea-view terrace.
The spacious 4-star bedrooms have free Wi-Fi and satellite TV. All rooms feature a cosy seating area, work desk and a modern bathroom.
The include indoor and outdoor swimming pools. While the spa includes a steam room, sauna, and hot tub.
Guests can also work out in the fully equipped gym. There are two restaurants on site, where guests can choose between a candlelit restaurant or a beach view terrace.
Afternoon teas are available, and the hotel is a 10-minute walk from Newquay centre.
Mid-Budget – Carnmarth Hotel
The Carnmarth Hotel boasts .
The hotel is within a 10-minute walk from Newquay town centre.
Some bedrooms offer views of the sea, and each room has an en-suite shower and a flat-screen TV.
The C-view bar and terrace serves coffees and cocktails, where guests are able to watch sunset over the Atlantic sea.
Newquay coach station is just 0.6 miles from Carnmarth Hotel, while Newquay railway station is 1 miles away.
Budget – Legacy Hotel Victoria
Boasting a majestic on the cliffs of Newquay looking out over the , this hotel has both English and and an with .
The of Newquay’s centre are less than 5 minutes’ walk from the hotel.
All rooms feature satellite TV, and guests can enjoy free tea and coffee in the room. There’s a private bathroom, and many rooms boast lovely sea views.
There’s a sauna, heated pool and a spa bath for guests to relax in. Guests can also exercise in the small gym.
For more place to stay in Newquay, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
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