Newquay Beaches
Cornwall's Surfing Capital - Ten Named Beaches, One Resort
Newquay is Cornwall's best-known beach resort, and with good reason - few towns anywhere in the UK pack this many named, sandy beaches into such a short stretch of coastline. From the world-famous surf break at Fistral to the family-friendly sands of Towan and the sheltered cove at Porth Joke, Newquay's beaches cover every kind of coastal day out, from championship surfing to rockpooling with young children.
The town grew from a small fishing harbour into a resort during the Victorian era, and the arrival of the railway in the 1870s brought the first wave of holidaymakers to its beaches. Today Newquay Airport keeps that tradition going with direct flights from across the UK, making the town one of the most accessible bases on the Cornish coast for a short surfing break or a full family holiday.
Each beach below has its own dedicated page with a full visitor guide - parking, facilities, Blue Badge and disabled access information, a precise map, nearby things to do and places to stay - researched and kept up to date. Use the buttons above or the list below to jump to any beach.
At a Glance
- Newquay, Cornwall, north coast
- Served by Newquay Airport (NQY)
- 10 named beaches
- RNLI lifeguards, Easter-October (most beaches)
Symbols key
- Parking
- Toilets
- Refreshments
- Lifeguard in season
- Wheelchair accessible
- Dogs allowed
- Dogs restricted or not allowed
Newquay's Beaches
Fistral Beach
One of the UK's most famous surf breaks, backed by dunes and the Fistral Beach Complex.
- Car park
- Toilets
- Refreshments
- Lifeguard in season
- Dogs allowed
Watergate Bay
A two mile stretch of west-facing sand with Extreme Academy and Jamie Oliver's Fifteen Cornwall.
- Car park
- Toilets
- Refreshments
- Lifeguard in season
- Wheelchair accessible
- Dogs allowed
Porth
A sheltered, north west-facing family beach linked to Trevelgue Head by a footbridge.
- Car park
- Toilets
- Refreshments
- Lifeguard in season
- Wheelchair accessible
- Seasonal dog restriction
Lusty Glaze
A privately owned cove sheltered by dramatic cliffs, home to an adventure and events centre.
- Car park
- Refreshments
- Lifeguard in season
- Dogs allowed
Tolcarne
A crescent-shaped, west-facing bay popular with surfers and families, next to Lusty Glaze.
- Toilets
- Refreshments
- Lifeguard in season
- Seasonal dog restriction
Great Western
A sheltered, west-facing sandy beach below high cliffs, fully covered at high tide.
- Car park
- Toilets
- Refreshments
- Dogs allowed
Towan
Newquay's main town beach, overlooked by Towan Island and its famous suspension bridge.
- Car park
- Toilets
- Refreshments
- Lifeguard in season
- Dogs allowed
Harbour Beach
A small, sheltered stretch of sand right beside Newquay's working harbour.
- Car park
- Toilets
- Refreshments
- Dogs allowed
Crantock
A National Trust beach backed by high dunes, where the River Gannel meets the sea.
- Car park
- Toilets
- Refreshments
- Lifeguard in season
- Dogs allowed
Porth Joke
A small, unspoilt cove reached on foot from Crantock - quieter than its Newquay neighbours.
- Dogs allowed
Visitor Information
Parking
Every beach listed above has a nearby car park (National Trust, council or private) - see each beach's own page for exact locations and charges.
Facilities
Cafes, toilets and RNLI lifeguard cover (Easter to October) are available at most of Newquay's main beaches.
Disabled Access
Fistral and Watergate Bay offer beach wheelchairs; access difficulty varies elsewhere - full details on each beach page. Blue Badge parking provision varies by beach - check each beach's Visitor Information panel for details.
Places to Stay in Newquay
Page last updated: 8 September 2026