Best beaches
- Fistral
- Towan
- Great Western
- Tolcarne
- Lusty Glaze
- Porth
- Crantock (across the Gannel)

North Cornwall
Newquay is Cornwall's surf capital — a cheerful, energetic town wrapped around nine beaches, with a working harbour, clifftop hotels and a food scene that has grown up enormously in recent years.
Why we love it
Newquay is Cornwall's surf capital — a cheerful, energetic town wrapped around nine beaches, with a working harbour, clifftop hotels and a food scene that has grown up enormously in recent years.
Expect lively surf towns, wide sandy bays that are perfect for families, and a coastline that rewards early-morning walkers with seals, choughs and empty beaches.
Fistral is one of Britain's most consistent surf breaks, with plenty of schools for beginners and powerful waves for experienced surfers.
Gently shelving Towan and Tolcarne beaches, rock pools at Porth, the zoo, crazy golf and boat trips keep all ages busy.
Fresh catch on the harbour, relaxed beach cafés along Fistral and Watergate, and a growing number of independent restaurants and craft-beer bars in the town centre.
Follow the coast path from Fistral around Towan Head to the harbour, or cross the Gannel at low tide for the quieter dunes of Crantock.
Year-round dog-friendly beaches include Crantock and parts of Porth and Lusty Glaze outside summer restrictions; many pubs welcome dogs.
June and September give warm seas and fewer crowds; winter brings big swells, empty beaches and cosy evenings.
Featured properties
Homes in and around Newquay, hand-picked by our team.
Good to know
Cornwall Holiday Lettings has hand-picked self-catering holiday homes in and around Newquay, North Cornwall. Search by dates, guests and dogs, or call our Newquay team on 01637 853 963 for personal recommendations.
Favourites include Fistral, Towan, Great Western, Tolcarne, Lusty Glaze, Porth, Crantock (across the Gannel).
Learn to surf at Fistral. Newquay Zoo and Trenance Gardens. Harbour boat trips to spot seals. Blue Reef Aquarium on Towan beach. Clifftop walk to the Huer's Hut.
Year-round dog-friendly beaches include Crantock and parts of Porth and Lusty Glaze outside summer restrictions; many pubs welcome dogs.
June and September give warm seas and fewer crowds; winter brings big swells, empty beaches and cosy evenings.
Nearby towns and villages worth exploring include Porth, Watergate Bay, Crantock.

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