The Beaches of Newquay

Fistral - Fistral Beach is probably the best surfing beach in Cornwall. It lies just in front of the Newquay Golf Club. Fistral faces Northwest and so is well placed to recieve the Atlantic swell. It is sheltered to some extent by the twin headlands of Pentire to the west and Towan Head to the east. On rare occasions and under the right conditions a monster wave is formed known as the Cribbar - Experts only please!
Fistral has made Newquay the surf capital of UK if not of Europe. If surfing's your thing, come and live the dream at Fistral.

Harbour - Harbour beach is small but sheltered and excellent for sunbathing. It disappears completely at high tide. The beach is very popular with families due to its safe sheltered bathing and easy access. There are all the usual facilities nearby.

Towan - Towan beach lies to the east of Harbour Beach and is extremely popular due to its proximity to Newquay town centre. Otherwise known as 'Town Beach', it is sheltered and has a large expanse of sand on which to relax. Surfing is restricted on Towan during the summer so this is probably the best beach to take your family. Towan Island is connected to the cliffs by the unusual suspension bridge.

Great Western Beach - Great Western Beach lies east of the Island between Towan and Tolcarne Beaches. It is popular as a family beach, made up of several west facing coves. The beach is sheltered as it is backed by high cliffs. The surf on GWB is a lot less demanding so this makes it a good place to learn to surf. At high tide the beach is all but covered so as usual please be aware of the tide times and do not take any risks.
All the usual facilities are here.

Tolcarne - Tolcarne Beach lies to the east of Great Western and once again is popular with surfers and families. All the expected facilities are here and its west aspect means that it is a fantastic place to watch a sunset. Nestling below the cliffs at Narrowcliff, the walk to the beach is more than made up for by the view. There are several excellent places to have a meal here too.

Lusty Glaze - Lusty Glaze Beach once again is backed by high cliffs to the east of central Newquay giving it some shelter. The beach is privately owned but is open free of charge to the public all year round. It is also the headquarters of the National Lifeguard and Rescue Training Centre.

Porth - Porth is the easternmost of Newquay's beaches. It lies in a reversed C-shaped cove and its sheltered nature once again makes it popular with families. To the east of the beach lies Trevelgue Head and the coves leading up to Watergate Bay.
All the usual facilities lie nearby.