6 Best Beaches in Newquay

Known as the best beach in England for surfing, Fistral Beach feels secluded and peaceful, yet it's only a few miles from popular seaside town, Newquay. This beach is blessed with soft sand and rugged hills. The swells are surprisingly strong at times, which attracts plenty of weekend surfers, but there’s a lifeguard tower for peace of mind.

A collection of restaurants and bars at the far end of Fistral Beach makes for a fun place for a meal and a few beers. The Headland Hotel and Spa has an especially good view, looking down on the beach.

Tolcarne Beach is hugged by towering limestone cliffs on all sides, making it an incredibly striking seafront. It’s an all-rounder beach, whether you’re after surfing or swimming on a sun-soaked day. An onsite beach shop rents out all the gear you'll need, including bodyboards, surfboards, and spades for kids to build a sandcastle.

Tolcarne Beach also has its own surf school for pro riders and surfing newbies. Located within walking distance of Newquay’s centre, this scenic waterfront is a good option for a relaxing stroll or nap on a warm summer day.

Watergate Bay Beach is a wide and long strip of sand just 3.5 miles north of Newquay. While it's favourite among surfers and kitesurfers, many families seek out this 3-mile-long beach for its secluded location and safe swimming.

A neighbouring hotel rents out beach chairs if you want to relax. Kids can play in rock pools that appear at low tide. Watergate Bay Beach is very family-friendly – dogs are welcome to join in on the fun, too. If you've worked up an appetite, head over to the beach pavilion or one of the cafés overlooking this fantastic shoreline.

Crantock Beach is quite unique for its shape and location, as a part of the coastline here melts together with the River Gannel. This impressive part of Cornwall’s coastline received the title of ‘Best British Beach’ from the BBC in 2013.

Crantock Beach is tucked away behind the sand dunes in south Newquay. Sitting down on the ocean-facing side of the beach gives you lovely views of rock formations, while the riverside section looks out over the charming houses of Newquay. You can even explore the surrounding waters on a snorkelling adventure.

Whipsiderry Beach is a dramatic landscape of rugged cliffs and rock formations rising from the bottom of the sea. Located just north of Newquay, the beach pleases adventurous travellers with caves and tunnels below the massive rock pillars.

Whipsiderry Beach is not all about scrambling the boulders, though. A subtle strip of golden sand is available if you’re down for sunbathing or reading a book with a view. You can reach the beach by bus, car, or the South West Coast Path from Newquay.

Great Western Beach is fit for a quick visit from downtown Newquay. It’s often praised for its amenities, such as excellent restaurants as well as surfboard and kayak rentals. Lifeguards keep an eye out during the summer months.

Due to its angle, which picks up quite a swell, the beach is very popular among surfers – you’ll find many surf schools lining the beachfront. During low tide, it’s possible to walk to nearby beaches such as Towan Beach and Tolcarne Beach. It’s also a great time to discover caves hiding in the colossal cliffs encircling the beach.