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Fistral Beach In Newquay – A Complete Guide

Fistral Beach in Newquay is the UK’s most popular surfing destination! So with people flocking from all over the world to see it, here’s all the info.

How To Get To Fistral Beach

Fistral Beach is located just West of Newquay Town in Cornwall.

It’s roughly a 10 minute drive from the town centre, or a 30 minute walk, through the golf course or around the cliffs.

Newquay town itself is easily walkable. However, we recommend renting a car for your entire Newquay trip. That way you can explore the whole region at ease.

There’s a large pay & display carpark located on Fistral Beach. Charges apply from 8am-6.30pm starting at £1.80 per hour.

Fistral Beach Entrance Fee

It’s free to visit Fistral Beach.

Fistral Beach Opening Times

Fistral Beach is open all day, every day.

Best Time To Visit Fistral Beach

As with any beach if wanting to enjoy the normal beach activities then the warmer summer months are the best time to visit.

However, this beach does get very busy during peak season so, if you want to avoid the crowds, you need to be there well before 10am or later in the day before sunset.

Please be aware though that the lifeguard cover on Fistral Beach runs 7 days a week from 10am – 6pm from 1st April to 29th October each year.

Therefore, if you would like this service available when you visit the beach make sure you go between these times.

The views are stunning, especially at sunset so don’t forget your camera.

Dogs are allowed all year round.

What To Pack

Photography Camera

Tripod

Day Bag

Power Bank

Reusable Water Bottle

Sunscreen

Lightweight Rain Jacket

Quick Dry Towel

GoPro

Lifeproof Phone Case

Dry Bag

What To Expect At Fistral Beach In Newquat

One of the most popular surf spots in the world!

Fistral Beach Newquay is on iconic spot in the UK and one of Cornwall’s pride and joys.

It’s known as one of the most consistent and best surfing beaches in the UK and Europe.

Therefore all of the big UK surf competitions take place at Fistral Beach including the Famous Night Surf, Boardmasters Surf Championships, National Surf Championships and many more.

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 bay sits perfectly between Towan Head and Pentire Pointhollow, meaning waves rolling in from the Atlantic regularly reach heights of 6-8 feet.

Open all year round, you will always be sure to find both surfers and spectators bustling around this beach.

The Headland Hotel Fistral Beach Newquay
The famous Headland Hotel overlooking Fistral Beach
Fistral Beach Newquay Surfing
A mid June look at Fistral Beach Newquay
Fistral Beach Newquay Surfing
Surfing is the main reason people Fistral Beach

The Beach Itself

Down to the beach and the long stretch of sand has the perfect family vibe.

It’s arguably the most famous beach in the UK and definitely the best beach in Newquay for surfers.

With facilities down at Fistral Beach including surf equipment hire, lessons, showers, toilets, restaurants and cafes, you can easily spend a day or two kicking back. Especially in the summer months!

In the distance to the North you’ll see the The Headland Hotel and Spa, where the famous Roald Dahl’s novel ‘The Witches’ was filmed.

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. Making it one of the busiest beaches in the country!

Prices for surf lessons start at £35 for 2 hours at the Fistral Beach Surf School.

To stop for a while, have a coffee and marvel at the surfers in the waters of Fistral Beach is something everyone should do at least once whilst looking for things to do in Newquay.

Havaiana Flip Flop Fistral Beach Newquay
You can’t miss the giant Havaiana shower at the entrance
Fistral Beach Newquay Surfing
A great view from the cafes at Fistral Beach

Where To Stay In Newquay

Luxury

The Headland Hotel and Spa

Overlooking Fistral Beach, this stylish Victorian hotel features a spa, 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 leisure facilities 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 sea views overlooking Fistral Beach.

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 location on the cliffs of Newquay looking out over the bay, this hotel has both English and Mexican restaurants and an indoor pool with sea views

The shops 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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Fistral Beach In Newquay Guide