The 13+ Best Beaches in Newquay Cornwall For A Seaside Vacation

Fistral Beach

First on the list is my faveorite of Newquay Beaches; Fistral Beach. 

Fistral Beach, is located on the west coast of Newquay, and is one of the town’s most popular beaches. With golden sands that strech over half a mile, the beach offers a great place to go swimming and surfing. The beach itself has powerful waves, that attract both professional and amateur surfers throughout the year. 

If you’re beginner, there are severeal several surf schools offering lessons, equipment rental, and guidance for all skill levels. Some of the top surf schools in the area include Cornish Wave Surf & Adventure, Newquay Activity Centre, and Quiksilver Surf School. If you’d like to book lessons, I recommend booking them in advance; especially during the summer when they can sell out. Book a beginner lesson with the Cornish Wave Surf & Adventure here.

If you’re visiting in August, why not get tickets to the annual Boardmasters Festival? Every August, Fistral Beach comes alive with the sound of music and the excitement of professional surfing and skateboarding competitions during the annual Boardmasters Festival. This five-day event features world-class surfers competing in various categories, as well as live music performances from artists such as Florence and The Machine, and Lorde. The festival also offers a wide range of activities, workshops, and stalls, making it a must-visit event for anyone planning a summer trip to Newquay. Tickets for the festival do sell out pretty quickly so make sure to book early. Check this years availability online here.

The beach is easily accessible, with a large car park nearby, as well as a good range of shops, cafes, and restaurants all within walking distance. If you’d like to enjoy some of Newquay’s amazing seafood, I recommend heading to The Fish House Fistral which is right by the beach. This restaurant offers a great selection of seafood dishes that use locally sourced fish. 

If you’re looking for somewhere unique to stay near one of the beaches in Newquay you could choose to stay at The Headland Hotel and Spa. This 5-star hotel overlooks the beach and offers access to a great range of facilities including a golf course, surf school, 6 different indoor and outdoor swimming pools plus a spa. The spa includes access to a range of facilities such as a Cornish salt steam room, a Swedish sauna, and a hot tub, You’ll also get free WiFi during your stay. Plus you’ll be just a 10-minute walk from Newquay town center. Check availability here.

Little Fistral Beach

Nearby Fistral beach you’ll find a smaller beach called Little Fistral Beach. The beach is located near the Headland, and is only accessible at low tide. This is awesome in some ways as it does tend to mean there’s less visitors to the beach so you’ll find it much more peaceful and relaxing than Fistral Beach. But your day can be cut short when the tide comes in. So make sure to check the tide times before you visit, to ensure you can make the most out of the beach.

While visiting the beach I also recommend going for a walk to the Headland, where you’ll be able to enjoy views across the ocean and possibly spot some of the seabirds that live here. Just make sure to keep dogs on a lead, and keep kids away from the edges of the steep cliffs that surround the headland.

Little Fistral Beach is also a great place to take landscape photos. The beach is west facing so if you head here during sunset, you’ll have the chance of take photos of the rugged cliff edges and the beach cove. During sunset, it’s most likely that the beach will be cut off as it can only be explored at low tide. But if you remember a tripod, you can use a long exposure to capture the movement in the waves as they come back in. If you’re new to photography, check out my photo tips.

Parking for the beach is close by, at the Towan Headland Car Park. There is limited spaces so make sure to arrive early. If the car park is full, you could always park at the main Fistral Beach Car Park and enjoy a stroll across the South West Costal Path. This walk is about half a mile long (804 meters) and should take about 10 to 15 minutes.

Towan Beach

Towan Beach, nestled in the heart of Newquay, is a picturesque and easily accessible beach, perfect for families and visitors of all ages. This sheltered cove boasts soft, golden sand and smaller waves, making it an ideal spot for paddling, swimming, and building sandcastles. The beach is just a short walk from the town center, with plenty of nearby amenities, including shops, cafes, and public restrooms.

The beach is popular with families due to the smaller waves, making it a safer beach for kids to go swimming, The beach has a lifeguard patrol during the summer months and UK school holidays to help keep your kids safe. But you should still make sure to pay attention to warnings and check for a red flags before going swimming. 

If you want something to drink, you could head to The Coconut Chy which is located on the promenade next to the beach. The Coconut Chy serves Caribbean-style drinks, coffee, cakes and fresh coconut. 

In addition to its beautiful beach, this area of Newquay has plenty of attractions. Such as Towan Island with it’s unique suspension bridge and The Newquay Blue Reef Aquarium. The aquarium is located just a stone’s throw away from the beach and is home to a diverse range of sea life, including turtles, and tropical fish. This aquarium has interactive exhibits, feeding displays, and expert talks, providing an educational and engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

Looking for somewhere to stay? You could consider staying at the Lazy Waves Boutique Bed & Breakfast which is less than a 5-minute walk away from Towan Beach. Here you’ll get to enjoy a cornish breakfast every morning and have the choice of booking a room with a sea view. Check room availability here.

Crantock Beach

Crantock Beach is located just outside of Newquay on the south side of the River Gannel. The beach is a vast expanse of fine, golden sand that stretches over a mile along the Cornish coast. This stunning beach is lined by sand dunes, helping create a sense of seclusion and natural beauty that is hard to find elsewhere. 

One of Crantock Beach’s most alluring features is its pristine natural beauty. The unspoiled sand dunes, teeming with local flora and fauna, create a serene atmosphere that beckons visitors to explore and unwind. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts will particularly appreciate the opportunity to spot various bird species such as curlews and other wildlife that call the area home. The beach is also part of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which encompasses some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the region. If you enjoy walking, why not take a walk along the southwest coastal path where you can enjoy views over the beach and the River Gannel? 

For those looking to immerse themselves in the local history and culture, a visit to the nearby Gannel Estuary and Crantock Village is a must. The Gannel Estuary, a tidal river that separates Crantock Beach from Newquay, offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the area by kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or on foot during low tide. The estuary is home to a variety of marine and birdlife, making it an ideal spot for wildlife watching and photography.

The beach is owned and maintained by The National Trust, and has no entry fee but if you’re driving and want to park by the beach you’ll need to pay. Parking is free if you have a blue badge or National Trust membership. Alternatively, you could choose to stay in Crannock Village, which is about half a mile (800 meters) from the beach. 

Crantock Village is a quaint and charming village that gives you a delightful glimpse into Cornwall’s past. The village is home to a historic church, traditional thatched cottages, and cozy pubs, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.

If you’re interested in staying near Crantock, you could consider staying in a Camping Pod at Trevella Holiday Park, where you’ll get to experience a rustic style of camping in your own private space. Trevella Holiday Park also has a range of caravans for let, which have more space and can sleep in larger groups than the pods. Check out their caravan holiday lets here.

Holiday parks offer an affordable way to go on vacation in the UK. Whether you’re a familiar or a solo traveler like myself, the holiday parks offer affordable accommodation with access to a range of facilities. If you’re still unsure, read some of the reasons to choose a caravan holiday park.

Alternatively, you could book a stay at this secluded holiday home that’s located on National Trust land and only accessible via a private road. You’ll be able to enjoy a private, relaxing holiday away from the busy Newquay town center. The holiday home offers amazing sea views, and you’ll be right next to Crantock Beach. Check availability here.

Watergate Bay Beach

Watergate Bay, situated just a few miles north of Newquay, has miles of golden sand offering plenty of space for visitors to relax, play, swim and enjoy various water sports. Plus the beach is dog friendly so make sure to bring along your furry friends! 

Whilst at Watergate Bay, you could go for a walkout to Zacry’s islands. These islands are only accessible by the low tide so make sure to check the tidal times to avoid being stuck out on the islands. Alternatively you could enjoy a walk along the South West Coastal Path and enjoy views across the bay. You could also explore one of the beach caves, which can be found in its high cliffs. 

The beach is also a great place to go for a swim, and the water quality here was rated as one of the best in the UK. So if you enjoy swimming, make sure to remember your swimming costume and reef-friendly water-resistant sunscreen.

For adventure seekers and water sports enthusiasts, Watergate Bay is home to the Extreme Academy. They offer a wide range of activities, including surfing, kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and even beach volleyball. With expert instructors and high-quality equipment available for rent, the Extreme Academy caters to visitors of all skill levels. 

If you’re hungry, there are a few beachside cafes and restaurants nearby such as The Watergate Bay Hotel. Perched atop the cliffs with stunning views of the bay, the hotel has two restaurants – Zacry’s and The Living Space. Zacry’s offers a refined dining experience with a focus on locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients, while The Living Space provides a more laid-back atmosphere, serving an array of delicious dishes and cocktails. For a quick bite or a refreshing drink, The Beach Hut is a casual eatery located right on the beach, offering stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere.

Parking for the beach is available, at the nearby Watergate Bay car park. During the summer, it can get super busy so you may want to arrive early to guarantee a spot.

If you’d like to stay near the beach you could book a room at The Watergate Bay Hotel, or if you’d prefer to have your own private accommodation why not book this beachside apartment that’s set in a stunning location just minutes from the beach? The apartment has two bedrooms; one double, and one twin plus a sofa bed in the living room. Check availability here.

Mawgan Porth Beach

Mawgan Porth Beach, nestled between Newquay and Padstow, is a secluded, dog-friendly beach that offers a serene and picturesque setting for visitors to enjoy. This wide, sandy beach is backed by a lush valley, creating a sense of tranquility and seclusion that is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.

Mawgan Port is a dog-friendly beach so you can bring your furry friends along for a day of fun by the sea. The beach’s secluded location ensures plenty of space for dogs to roam and play, while the gentle waves and shallow waters make it a safe and enjoyable spot for pets and their owners to splash and swim together.

Mawgan Porth Beach offers excellent conditions for surfing and other water sports, making it a popular destination for adventure-seekers. The beach’s consistent swells and uncrowded waves attract surfers of all skill levels, while the nearby King Surf School provides lessons and equipment rental for those looking to learn or improve their technique. Other water sports, such as paddleboarding and kayaking, can also be enjoyed at Mawgan Porth, ensuring a fun and active day out for visitors.

For those looking to explore the surrounding area, the South West Coast Path offers a scenic route along the coastline, passing through Mawgan Porth and connecting to other stunning beaches and attractions in Cornwall.

Although the beach is secluded, Mawgan Porth Beach has plenty of facilities available right by the main car park. If you’re hungry, you could head to the Catch Seafood, Bar & Grill to enjoy some amazing local seafood or get fish & chips from Blue Fish Bar. There’s also a surf shop (Betty’s Surf Shop), and public restrooms. You can also enjoy crazy golf at Pitch and putt, crazy golf which is also near the car park.

If you’d like to stay near one of Cornwall’s beaches, Mawgan Port offers a great selection of accommodation. Here are some ideas of where you could stay:

• White Lodge Apartments – Just 200 yards (182 meters) away from the beach, offering 1 and 2-bedroom apartments. With well-equipped kitchens, a patio, free WiFi, and free parking. Check availability here.
• Mawgan Porth Apartments – Located on the cliffs above the village, giving you views across Mawgan Port. Offers 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments that have a fully equipped kitchen, free WiFi, and parking. Check availability here.
• White Ocean – Pets are welcome at this 2-bedroom ground-floor apartment. Only 350 yards (320 meters) from the beach with views of the sea. You’ll have access to a fully equipped kitchen, free WiFi, and parking. Check availability here.

Great Western Beach

Great Western Beach is a sheltered cove located in the heart of Newquay, is a popular choice for both families and surfers. For families, the beach offers the chance to enjoy swimming in the water, exploring rock pools at low tide, and the caves located in the cliffs that line the beach.

For those interested in surfing, you can enjoy some of the best waves in the UK at Great Western Beach. If you’d like surfing lessons, I recommend checking out the taster surf lesson from the Newquay Surf School. Check the availability here.

There’s a selection of beachside cafes and kiosks near the beach, offering refreshments, snacks, and ice cream. Such as the Great Western Surf Café (Opens from April) which is right on the beach or for a drink and bite to eat, you could head to Secret Garden which is a bar & restaurant that offers sea views.

The beach is accessible via a steep road that leads down past the Great Western Hotel. You cannot park on this road, and the nearest car park is at the railway station (there’s a charge for parking here). If you’re traveling to Newquay by train, this beach is quite near to the town’s train station.

Tolcarne Beach

Tolcarne Beach is a picturesque crescent-shaped bay nestled between high cliffs on the northern edge of Newquay, Cornwall. This beautiful sandy beach, with its clear turquoise waters and striking rock formations, offers a tranquil and serene atmosphere that is perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.

The beach is quite close to the Newquay town center via a short walk but there is a set of about 200 steps leading down to the beach so it is a bit of a trek. There’s also a car park right next to the beach but this is only for customers, so don’t park here unless you’re staying at the Tolcarne Beach Colonial Restaurant and Rooms.

Tolcarne Beach is an ideal destination for adults and families, providing a safe and clean environment for children to play and explore. The beach’s sheltered location and gently sloping sands create calm and shallow waters that are perfect for swimming and paddling. During the summer, the beach is patrolled by lifeguards.

While the beach is more sheltered than some of the nearby beaches, it still offers some suitable conditions for surfing, particularly for beginners and intermediate surfers. The best time surf here is about 1 to 2 hours after high tide. Before then, there’s less consistency to the waves which can cause it to be harder to stand up. This is known as the “Tolcarne Wedge”. Other water sports, such as stand-up paddleboarding and bodyboarding, can also be enjoyed here, providing a range of exciting activities for you to pick from.

At low tide, the beach reveals some nearby rock pools, offering an opportunity for you to explore some of the marine life found in Cornwall. 

If you’d like to eat nearby, you could enjoy a meal at Tolcarne Beach Colonial Restaurant and Rooms, which offers great sea views so you could consider dining here whilst watching the sunset. There are also plenty of other nearby restaurants such as The Maharajah which serves classic Indian food dishes, and Butchers Bistro which serves a range of seafood dishes. 

If you’d like to stay near this beach you could consider staying at Tolcarne Beach Colonial Restaurant and Rooms. This is the nearest hotel to the beach, and your room will include an a la carte breakfast. You’ll also have free WiFi, and parking and some rooms offer a terrace with sea views.

Alternatively, there’s also the Best Western Hotel Bristol which is near the beach and offers a range of double, twin, and family-size rooms (some with a sea view). There are also 2 guest lounges, table tennis, Free WiFi, and parking. 

Holywell Bay

Holywell Bay is a dog-friendly beach, located about six miles southwest of Newquay. The beach is stunning and is surrounded by picturesque sand dunes and grasslands.  With it’s crescent-shape, the bay offers golden sands and a backdrop of dramatic cliffs, creating a captivating landscape that visitors won’t soon forget.

Holywell Bay is also home to a range of wildlife and is one of the best beaches in Cornwall for spotting seals. Seals can be spotted in Cornwall all year round so make sure to keep an eye out for the seals when visiting the beach.

Holywell Bay has a rich history as a filming location for various films and television series, most notably the popular British drama, Poldark. The beach’s striking natural beauty and rugged cliffs have made it a favorite among filmmakers, providing a perfect setting for unforgettable on-screen moments. Visitors to Holywell Bay can explore the beach and its surrounding areas, following in the footsteps of their favorite characters and immersing themselves in the magic of these iconic locations.

Holywell Bay is easily accessible by car, with a nearby car park that offers a short walk to the beach. The bay is owned by The National Trust which maintains the car park and toilet facilities. If you’re not a National Trust member you will need to pay for the car park.

Porth Beach

Porth Beach, located on the outskirts of Newquay, about 1 mile from Newquay town center. The beach is a wide, sandy beach that offers a tranquil and relaxed atmosphere. This sheltered cove is popular and provides a peaceful escape from the bustling crowds of some of Newquay’s more central beaches. Porth Beach can be reached by car or by taking a leisurely walk along the South West Coast Path.

One of Porth Beach’s most appealing features is its shallow waters, which make it ideal for swimming and paddling. If you are travelling with young children or you’re a less confident swimmer you’ll find this beach is much better for swimming than ones like Fistral Beach. If you’re visiting the beach during low tide, you’ll find loads of rock pools to explore and hopefully, you’ll see some of the little crabs and other marine life that calls this area of Cornwall home. If you enjoy photography, you could capture some photos of the rock pools.

If you’d like to stretch your legs and take in some stunning coastal views, the nearby Porth Island offers a fantastic viewpoint across the beach and also north towards Zacry’s islands. The island is to the mainland by a narrow footbridge and is about half a mile walk from the car park. The path is uneven and can be quite rocky, so make sure you’re wearing some good walking boots and not flip-flops. 

For photographers, Porth Island is a must-visit, especially during sunset. The island gives you the opportunity to take some amazing landscape photos of Porth Beach and the southwest coastline. 

The island is also home to two Bronze Age round barrows and there’s evidence of that an Iron Age settlement was once, adding a touch of historical intrigue to the area. The South West Coast Path, which passes through Porth Beach, offers a scenic route for walkers and hikers looking to explore more of Cornwall’s stunning coastline.

Perranporth Beach

Perranporth Beach, located approximately 8 miles south of Newquay, is a stunning and expansive stretch of golden sand that extends for over two miles along Cornwall’s picturesque North Coast. This popular beach, backed by sand dunes and dramatic cliffs, offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, family-friendly amenities, and a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Perranporth Beach can be easily accessed by car, with a few car parks nearby such as this car park on the promenade, or Droskyn Car Park.

Perranporth Beach is a fantastic destination for families, with lifeguard patrols on the beach during the school holidays (May until September). The surrounding rock pools provide endless opportunities for discovery and adventure and you can also enjoy exploring the rock formations on the beach. These also make a great photography opportunity and add interest to landscape photos. You could also go horse riding on the beach. The nearby Reen Manor Riding Stables offers 2-hour beach rides, for £75 per person for April to September and £70 for October to March.

Perranporth Beach is well-known for its excellent surfing conditions, attracting surfers of all skill levels to its consistent waves and uncrowded swells. Local surf schools offer lessons and equipment rental for those looking to learn or hone their skills. Other water sports, such as kite-surfing, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding, can also be enjoyed at Perranporth Beach.

If you’d like something to eat/drink whilst, at the beach, you could head to The Watering Hole beach bar. They offer a range of drinks, burgers, pies, and snacks.

Perranporth is an accessible beach, with beach wheelchairs available. To hire one, you’ll need to contact Perranporth Gardens, and you can find contact information on their website here. The wheelchairs are free to hire but there’s a £30 deposit and a suggested donation of £5.

Perranporth Beach is also dog-friendly, although during the summer dogs need to be kept on a lead. There are some areas such as the sand dunes where dogs can roam off-leash, ensuring that every member of the family can enjoy a fun day by the sea.

Besides the beach, there’s also a golf club in Perranporth that allows visitors to play a round of golf. 9 holes start at £35 for an adult, and 18 holes is £65 for the 2023 season.

If you’d like to stay near Perranporth you could consider The Residence at Bolenna bed & breakfast. This B&B offers a range of double rooms, twin rooms, and an apartment with a double bed plus sofa bed. The B&B has a garden, terrace, and bar for you to enjoy plus free WiFi.

Whipsiderry Beach

Whipsiderry Beach, located on the northwestern edge of Newquay, is a hidden gem that offers a serene and intimate beach experience. This small, secluded beach is nestled between dramatic cliffs, with access provided via a steep set of steps carved into the rock face. Whipsiderry Beach is the perfect spot for visitors seeking a peaceful escape from the more crowded beaches in the area.

One of the main attractions of Whipsiderry Beach is its abundance of rock pools and caves, which are revealed at low tide. These natural formations provide a fascinating playground for visitors to explore, with a diverse range of marine life to discover. The caves, in particular, offer a sense of adventure and mystery, enticing explorers to venture inside and uncover their hidden secrets.

The unspoiled nature of Whipsiderry Beach makes it an ideal location for wildlife watching, with various bird species and marine creatures frequently spotted in the area. The beach’s quiet atmosphere and stunning surroundings also provide the perfect setting for leisurely coastal walks, with the South West Coast Path running close by which you can follow the path along the clifftops, enjoying breathtaking views and the refreshing sea breeze.

Zacry’s islands

Zacry’s Islands are a group of small rocky islets located just off the coast of Newquay, Cornwall, near Watergate Bay. These picturesque islands, with their rugged rock formations and abundant marine life, offer a unique destination for visitors looking to explore the diverse natural beauty of Cornwall’s coastline. Access to the islands is limited due to their remote location, but they can be viewed from the mainland and admired from the nearby coastal paths.

The Zacry’s Islands provide a rich habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including seabirds and marine creatures. The islands serve as nesting grounds for seabirds such as cormorants, guillemots, and razorbills, making them a popular destination for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. Additionally, the surrounding waters are home to seals, dolphins, and a diverse range of fish species, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural environment.

For those looking to experience the beauty of Zacry’s Islands from the mainland, the South West Coast Path offers a variety of scenic walks and viewpoints from which to admire these rocky islets. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the clifftops, enjoying the breathtaking views and fresh sea air. The nearby beach at Watergate Bay also provides a fantastic vantage point for observing the islands, with their dramatic rock formations and abundant birdlife providing a captivating backdrop for a day by the sea.

Polly Joke Beach

Polly Joke Beach, also known as Porth Joke Beach, is a small, secluded cove located just west of Newquay, between Holywell Bay and Crantock Beach. This picturesque north-west facing the beach, surrounded by grassy dunes and rugged cliffs, offers a sense of tranquility and seclusion that is difficult to find elsewhere. Polly Joke Beach can be reached by foot via a scenic coastal walk from either Crantock or Holywell Bay. There’s also a car park about 10 minutes walk away, in West Pentire called Polly Joke Car park.

One of Polly Joke Beach’s most appealing features is its unspoiled and secluded nature. With no beachside facilities or direct road access, the beach remains relatively quiet and untouched, providing a peaceful haven for those seeking a more natural beach experience. Visitors are advised to bring their own supplies and leave no trace, ensuring that Polly Joke Beach retains its pristine beauty for future generations to enjoy.

Polly Joke Beach is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a fantastic destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The beach’s surrounding dunes and cliffs provide a habitat for various bird species, while the rock pools and shallow waters teem with marine life. During the spring and summer months, the nearby clifftops and meadows burst into color, with wildflowers such as thrift, sea campion, and kidney vetch creating a vibrant display that is not to be missed.

Lusty Glaze Beach

Lusty Glaze Beach is a hidden gem located on the outskirts of Newquay, Cornwall, offering a secluded and picturesque cove that is perfect for a tranquil day by the sea. This privately-owned beach is easily one of the best beaches in Newquay. Known for its golden sand, dramatic cliffs, and clear blue waters, providing a serene and idyllic setting for visitors to relax and unwind. Although privately owned, the beach is free to access. There is a car park nearby but if you choose to park here you’ll need to pay up to £12 for all-day parking (this price may change).

Lusty Glaze Beach can be accessed via a steep staircase from the car park so it isn’t really suited for those with limited mobility.

The beach is great for swimming, and surfing. You can also enjoy going rock-pooling or exploring some of the caves. So this is a great place for children to explore and discover the diverse marine life that inhabits the area. Its private nature ensures a quieter and more peaceful atmosphere, perfect for families looking for a more relaxed beach experience. 

Right by the beach you’ll find Cornwall Waverunner Safaris which provides a range of water activities such as, surfing lessons, stand-up paddle boarding, jet skiing, boat trips and more.

The beach also hosts a range of events throughout the year, such as live music performances, beach yoga sessions, and even beach weddings. 

If you’d like to stay in Newquay, near this beach then I recommend considering the Aquarius B&B which is only 450 yards (411 meters) away from the beach. This B&B offers double, triple, and quad rooms which have free WiFi. There’s also free parking, and you can enjoy the use of a sun lounge in the warmer months. Check availability here. 

Tips for visiting Newquay beaches

• Check the tide times: The beach landscape can change significantly depending on the tide. Make sure to check the tide times before you go, so you can plan your day accordingly and avoid being caught off guard by a rising tide. Newquay tide times can be viewed on Tideschart.com.
• Remember to pack reef-friendly sunscreen and take water with you to stay hydrated.
• Book kayaking lessons, a paddleboarding tour, or surfing lessons online in advance especially during the summer as they can sell out quickly.
• Visiting from abroad? Make sure to pick up a UK sim card as many of the car parks require you to pay for your parking via a phone app. Check my guide for buying a UK sim card here.
• Wear appropriate footwear: Some Newquay beaches have rocky areas or hidden rocks in the sand. Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes or water shoes for exploring the rock pools and navigating the cliffs.
• If you want to walk along the southwest coastal path, I recommend bringing bug spray and walking boots.
• Download Alltrails to access free walking routes.
• Keep an eye on your belongings: Be cautious with your belongings while on the beach. Don’t leave valuables unattended and consider using a waterproof pouch or dry bag for items like your phone and wallet.
• Respect the environment: Help preserve the natural beauty of Newquay beaches by picking up your trash and disposing of it properly. Avoid disturbing wildlife and avoid removing shells, rocks, or plants from the beach
• Bring a windbreak or beach tent: Newquay beaches can be windy, so consider bringing a windbreak or beach tent for added comfort and protection against the wind and sand.
• Be mindful of rip currents: Some Newquay beaches have strong rip currents. Read the RNLI website to learn how to spot and avoid them.