FISTRAL
Magnificent FISTRAL, facing west on the other side of the Pentire Headland from Crantock, is one of Newquay's biggest beaches. It’s world famous for the many national and international surfing championships it hosts, so if the surf is up, locals and holidaymakers alike can be found here all year round. New beach facilities include showers, lifeguard centre and first aid facilities

(north side only)

GREAT WESTERN, reached by a steep slope leading off Cliff Road beside the Great Western Hotel, or at low tide from the right of the Island, this beach is sheltered by high cliffs, which also shade the beach in late afternoon

THE HARBOUR’s a busy, friendly little beach much favoured by locals. Listen to the fishermen tell their tales, watch the boats bring home their catch at high tide – usually accompanied by one or two seals, now regular visitors who hope for a piece of the action when the catch is unloaded! There’s not much space at high tide, but as there are no breakers inside the harbour wall, it’s popular with small children.

HOLYWELL BAY – there is plenty of space on this beach, even at high tide, while at low tide the cave on the north side, where the natural rock formation has created several basins, is accessible. The stream which meanders through the dunes to the shore provides a natural paddling area for children. This beach became known as Holywell Bay because pilgrims believed this cave contained a source of water with healing properties. Take a torch if you plan to visit the cave and be careful as the rocks can be slippery. Check the times of high water – don’t risk being cut off by the tide

WHIPSIDERRY gets its unusual name from old mining terms Whips and Derrick for, as with most of Cornwall, this area was involved in mining many years ago. This quiet, sandy beach is reached by walking round Porth Island at low tide or taking the steps from the clifftop.

CRANTOCK’s wide stretch of golden sand is backed by tufted dunes, offering perfect picnic hollows at high tide or on a breezy day. To the right the beach meets the river Gannel estuary, so to avoid the resulting currents it is advisable to bathe towards the west side of this lovely bay.

WATERGATE BAY, Newquay's biggest and most spectacular of beaches, is 3 miles out of town on the coast road towards Padstow. The first glimpse of the bay as you come over the top of the hill is one of the most memorable views in Cornwall. There is plenty of parking, very easy access down onto the beach (suitable for the disabled). Equipment and deckchairs are for hire on this beach.

THE GANNEL’s firm expanse of sandy river bed, exposed at low tide, is good for beach games and picnics, especially on the Crantock side, but it is not ideal for swimming because of the river currents. Please note lifeguard warnings.
The Newquay bank can be reached at low tide by a wooden footbridge leading to the Trenance Boating Lake end of Gannel Road, but at high tide in summer a passenger ferry will take you across to the Fern Pit Cafe on Riverside Crescent.
Rich in rare species of plants and birds, the area around the Gannel is popular with naturalist

LUSTY GLAZE, a beautiful, privately owned cove, just on the outskirts of the town centre, has diversified to cater for visitors throughout the year, whatever the weather. Providing first class wet and dry day facilities, this sheltered beach offers outdoor pursuits for all ages and abilities including children's activity sessions.It offers spotlessly clean sand, deep rock pools, excellent water quality and was the 2004 winner of Best British Beach Loo!

PORTH is level with the road and has a car park on the beach, making this small, sandy cove a favourite for those with walking difficulties or families with pushchairs. Because of this it may be crowded in high season, so get there early!
Porth Island, on the eastern side of the beach, is the site of an Iron Age settlement and is linked to the mainland by a footbridge. Beneath it are caves which can be explored at low tide and which, it’s said, were used by smugglers. On Trevelgue Head a pitch and putt course and a small crazy golf can offer a pleasant alternative to sun bathing. When the sea is rough the sight of spray shooting high into the air from the blow hole is spectacular

TOLCARNE, a privately owned sandy beach, is popular for its rows of beach huts which are available for hire. Reached by a flight of steps down the cliff face from Narrowcliff, or via a winding slope at the eastern end of the beach, it is favoured by families and surfers alike.