Short answer: Fistral is the famous one, for surfing. For families, Towan (right below the town, shallow and sheltered) and Great Western are the easiest. Lusty Glaze and Tolcarne are the prettiest coves. Crantock and Holywell, just outside town, have the dunes and the space.
Few Cornish towns have as many good beaches within walking distance of the centre as Newquay, and they're all different: a world-famous surf beach, small coves below the cliffs, and huge dune beaches a few minutes' drive away. Here's how to pick.
A hidden cove only accessible at low tide, with caves, rock pools and far fewer people than Fistral proper — check tide times before setting off.
Good for: dogs, couples. 1.3 miles from the centre.
A golden cove below 122 steps (there's a slope too), with a Caribbean-style beach bar and the chance to walk between five beaches at low tide.
Good for: families, dogs, couples. 0.7 miles from the centre.
A relaxed, dog-friendly beach right below the town with rock pools and cafés close by — good shallow water for a dip.
Good for: families, dogs, couples. 0.1 miles from the centre.
A clean, well-maintained town beach with soft sand and good surf — a favourite for an easy, central beach day.
Good for: families, dogs, couples. 0.3 miles from the centre.
The UK's best-known surf beach — big, open, dog-friendly and lined with surf shops, bars and lessons for every level.
Good for: families, dogs, couples. 0.4 miles from the centre.
A sheltered private cove reached by steps down the cliff, with a dog bar, rock pools and its own beach restaurant.
Good for: families, dogs, couples. 0.75 miles from the centre.
A National Trust beach where the river meets the sea — huge dunes, calm paddling water and free parking for NT members.
Good for: families, dogs, couples. 1 mile from the centre.
A mile-long sandy beach roughly six miles from Newquay, famous for its huge dunes, sea caves at low tide and year-round dog access.
Good for: families, dogs, couples. 6.0 miles from the centre.
The town-centre beaches are a walk from the Council car parks. Most Cornwall Council car parks are now cashless (since 1 August 2026), so have a card or the app ready.
The details: Newquay beach parking and Holywell and Crantock parking.
See also: dog-friendly beaches near Newquay · flat-access beaches in Newquay · the full Newquay guide, filtered by who's with you.
Beach notes are based on visitor reviews and our own visits; lifeguard cover, dog rules and car park charges change with the season, so check the signs on the day.
On 31 October: Earthwave, the world record surf attempt at Great Western.
See the full Newquay guide, filtered by who's with you.
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