Newquay has blossomed in recent years. The Cornwall resort town has spruced itself up with a number of new restaurants and hotels, which have caught the eye of those looking for a coastal break. Thankfully one thing that has remained unchanged is the natural beauty of the beaches. Whether you want to sunbathe, surf or dance on the sand, Newquay has just the right beach for you.
The best places to relax
For a spot of serenity, pack your towel and go to Porth Beach. This deep, flat sweep of sand benefits from the shelter of headland, which protects sunbathers from the breeze. It also has a surfing ban, so you can cool off in the ocean without having to keep one eye on the wave masters practicing their tricks.
Lusty Glaze Beach, winner of the Sunday Times’ Best Beach 2017, is a picture-perfect cove known for its sensational views and sunsets. This is also home to the Lusty Glaze Restaurant, the ultimate venue for a relaxed, waterfront dinner.
Further south, Crantock Beach is another winner, rated the best in the country by the BBC’s Coast programme. The dunes, rocks and cliffs provide a backdrop of natural beauty, and the water is usually pleasant for swimmers. If you’ve got a pooch with you, this dog-friendly beach allows them to join in the fun too.
Music on the beach
Once you’ve had your fill of sun-kissed relaxation, head to one of Newquay’s popular beach music events. You could stay put at Lusty Glaze and have a boogie at its popular Sundowner Sessions. This free music event welcomes local musicians to the stage as the sun goes down.
Fistral Beach is perhaps the most famous in all of Newquay – maybe even Cornwall. It’s home to the annual Boardmasters Festival, which draws in the crowds for five days every August. This beach-bum event combines fun for all the family with world-class surfing events and a star-studded musical line-up which, in recent years, has included The Chemical Brothers, Lily Allen and Rag ‘n’ Bone Man.
Newquay’s top surfing spots
Known as the surf capital of England, it will come as no surprise that surfers and water sports enthusiasts flock to Newquay. The various beaches offer conditions for all levels of skill, from family-friendly activities to hard-core challenges. The famous Fistral Beach is loved by surfers of all levels, with the north and south areas offering different experiences, and a surf school for novices.
Watergate Beach is another popular spot with surfers and kite surfers, due to its consistent conditions that turn up great waves during both high and low tide. Take your seat on the sand during the English National Surfing Championships, held in the bay every year, to watch the pros showcase their best moves – before getting out on the water and trying them yourself.
Family-friendly beaches
If you’d like to cool off, make your way to Towan Beach where the gentle waters are protected by Towan Head. Look up to see the dramatic footbridge overhead, stretching between the two cliffs. Tolcarne Beach is another spot which is popular with swimmers and families, with arching cliffs creating a sheltered place to paddle and swim.
Newquay is perfectly placed to explore many other famous beaches in the area, including Falmouth, Penzance and Salcombe – all of which are less than a two-hour drive away.
Arrange car hire in Newquay and go on a coastal adventure, which showcases the unique charm of the British seaside.