Beaches in Newquay

When staying at a holiday cottage in Newquay, you won’t be short of aquatic adventures, with lots of sandy beaches on your doorstep. All of Newquay’s beaches are lifeguarded in the summer, providing a safe place to spend the day soaking up the sun. 

Fistral beach – What do you call the best beach for surfing in the UK? Fistral! With the most consistent surfing in the country and great swathes of golden sand, there’s little doubt as to why surfers flock here from all over the place. You’ll find a surf school and wetsuit hire for those wanting to travel light and it’s dog friendly all year round for those travelling with furry companions.

Watergate Bay – Second on Newquay’s surfing scoreboard, Watergate Bay offers a seriously spacious alternative to Fistral whether you fancy a surf, a stroll or a hot chocolate in the beachside café.

Crantock beach – If you prefer a quieter beach backed by sand dunes then Crantock beach won’t disappoint. Dog-friendly and perfectly sheltered on the southern end, this sandy haven is popular with families and anyone looking for a place to doze in the sand.

Newquay Towan – Right in the centre of the town, Newquay Towan is great for quick dips and sandy escapes while you explore the surrounding shops, attractions, and perhaps even a bar or two!

Great Western, Porth, Whipsiderry, Tolcarne, Lusty Glaze, and Mawgan Porth are also fantastic beaches in Newquay. Read all about them in our extended guide and discover your favourite!

Things to do in Newquay

With quick access to the rugged north Cornish coast and some fun-fuelled attractions and activities, there are lots of great things to do in Newquay.

Surfing & Watersports

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, the beaches of Newquay offer something for every ability, weather forecast, and tide. And it’s not just surfing on offer either. Bring your own seafaring devices or hire kayaks and paddleboards from one of the many rental shops around.

Attractions

With such an abundance of attractions in and around Newquay, it’s the perfect place for a family holiday at any time of year. Newquay Zoo offers a great day out, as do the nearby Screech Owl Sanctuary and the Blue Reef Aquarium. For those who love to explore the heritage of a town, Trerice Manor House offers a beautiful walk through history.

If you fancy something a bit different, fishing trips and sea safaris are available, from which you can take in the scenery from a different angle. You may even be lucky enough to catch a sight of seals and dolphins!

Newquay Golf Club overlooks Fistral beach and is regarded as one of the best golf courses in the county, providing a different challenge every day depending on the weather, all with incredible sea views.

Shopping

From beach supplies to holiday mementoes, Newquay’s streets are lined with lots of interesting shops from big names to independent favourites. Unsurprisingly, there are plenty of surf shops where you can fill up your beachy wardrobe including Married to the Sea, Boardwalk Surf Shop, Watershed, and Ann’s Cottage – some even have surfboards too so you can really kit yourself out. Razzmatazz is an eclectic mix of fun, holiday take-homes and Lucky Go Happy provides a lovely selection of ethical bits and bobs for the whole family.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, a trip to Roly’s Fudge Pantry or Cornish Cream will see it satisfied as you’ll find a fantastic array of Cornish chocolates, fudge, and even Cornish cream tea hampers (which make for the ultimate beachside picnic).

Walks

With the north Cornish coast right on your doorstep, it will come as little surprise that Newquay is jam-packed with incredible walks. Walk around Park Head (which you might recognise from Poldark) and Pentire Steps for some stunning coastal views or trudge along to Lappa Valley where you can swap the rippling blue of the sea for the dappled shade of the woods. You’ll also find a lovely area around the Porth Reservoir and surrounding wildlife reserve, giving wildlife watchers plenty of opportunities to whip the binoculars out.

Dining out

Newquay's vibrant foodie scene has grown and grown over the years, with the town now offering something for every taste and occasion. If you want to eat out, you’ll find a huge selection of eateries, including many beach cafés and restaurants serving up locally caught seafood with incredible sea views. Or, if you fancy something special after a day surfing the waves, check out the many fantastic fine dining options or cocktail bars for a relaxing drink.

If you want to stay in and make the most of your lovely home from home, there are some excellent farmshops and delis in the area, including the welcoming Trevilley Farm for all your locally-produced needs or Malcolm Barnecutt Bakery for some seriously moreish fresh bakes.

Dog-friendly Newquay

If you want to bring your four-legged friend with you on your Cornish holiday, you couldn’t pick a better spot than Newquay where you’ll find plenty of great dog walks.

Dog-friendly beaches

Fistral beach – Surf, sea, and sandy paws, it’s all waiting for you at Fistral beach 365 days a year.

Watergate Bay – With miles of sand and lots of rockpools and caves to sniff out at low tide, this dog-friendly beach is a favourite with dogs and humans alike.

Whipsiderry beach – Considered a hidden gem by many, dogs are welcome throughout the year on Whipsiderry so why not take a dog-nap in the sand before checking out those rock formations!

Mawgan Porth beach – with Bedruthan Steps a short walk away and lots of sand for zoomies, the beach at Mawgan Porth is great for tuckering out the pooch (and the kids).

You can also see these beaches from the water, as many of the boat trips in the area welcome seadogs aboard!

Dog-friendly pubs and restaurants

When it comes to dinner time, there are plenty of dog-friendly pubs, restaurants and cafés where the whole pack can shake the day off and refuel.

Lewinnick Lodge – Perfectly placed up on the cliffs on the Pentire Headland, Lewinnick Lodge offers sea views with your meal, whether it’s breakfast, lunch or evening drinks with the pooch by your side.

Lakeside Café – Another dreamy spot for a bite to eat, Lakeside Café not only provides delicious treats for its human guests but for its doggie guests too – homemade dog ice cream should get those tails wagging!

The Old Albion Inn – 400 years old with no signs of slowing down, The Old Albion has truly perfected its welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy the thatched roof as you enter and the fully-stocked bar when you’re inside.

What's on in Newquay

Whether you love music and surfing, beer or food, there’s a festival in Newquay for you…

Cornwall Street Food Festival

Hitting the cliffs in June, Cornwall’s inaugural Street Food Festival brings cuisines from all over the world together as people celebrate great food and great views.

Boardmasters

This surf and music festival seems to get bigger every year as thousands descend on Newquay's Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay to watch surf competitions and live music while sampling all that Newquay has to offer.

Newquay Beer Festival

Sample over 50 ales and enjoy live music as you make the most of Newquay’s one and only beer festival, which takes over Hendra Holiday Park every September.

Getting around

While lots of Newquay’s beaches, shops and eateries are within walking distance, there are also lots of buses as well as a train station so you can leave the car behind when exploring all North Cornwall has to offer. There are also plenty of car parks in and around the town, so whichever mode of transport you choose, life’s a Cornish breeze.