With eleven beaches to choose from, Newquay boasts over seven miles of golden sand. The beaches here are among some of the best in the whole country and many of them are within walking distance from The Headland! The amazing variety together with accessible surf conditions mean that Newquay is the quintessential UK beach holiday destination.
Fistral Beach
Right on our doorstep, you really can’t miss it, is Newquay’s, and possibly Cornwall’s, most iconic beach - Fistral. It is quite simply one of the most consistent and best surfing beaches in the UK and Europe. With jewel-blue sea and a sweeping stretch of golden sand, Fistral is stunning and exciting, challenging for surfers, but also the perfect family beach, offering the classic seaside pleasures of sand and surf and ice creams in the sun.
Fistral Beach boasts a state-of-the-art RNLI Lifeguard station for the lifeguards who work from May to September and for voluntary lifeguard cover during busy weekends through the winter. The brand-new facilities include a dedicated first aid room, storage, changing facilities, and a large observational area from which the lifeguards watch one of the busiest beaches in the country.
In all of Cornwall, Fistral has to rank as one of the very best spots for truly magical sunsets. Spectacular changes in colour, clear views of the sun sinking on the horizon, silhouette cliffs and pounding seaspray all make for a memorable experience. Spread a blanket on the beach or take a spot on The Headland’s Terrace veranda, (we’ll serve you a drink to match the occasion). Share with us your favourite Fistral sunset images…
Beautiful beaches in walking distance
Explore more of Newquay's beaches, all a short stroll from the hotel, with most lifeguarded throughout the summer. Choose from Little Fistral, Newquay Harbour at low tide, Towan, Great Western, Tolcarne, or Lusty Glaze.
Venture a little further afield
The Headland sits proudly above world-famous surf spot Fistral Beach, but if you fancy going a little further afield in search of more golden sand, why not try another nearby beauty? Situated between West and East Pentire headlands, Crantock Beach is a wonderful place for families, with the River Gannel and a host of safe shallow pools in which to play. There is also a food truck on the beach. Arrive early to ensure a car parking space, this is a National Trust car park so a fee will be payable.
Within half an hour's drive from The Headland with parking nearby, explore Porth, Whipsiderry, Watergate Bay, Mawgan Porth, Porth Joke, Holywell Bay, or Perranporth.
Boardmasters & other surfing festivals
Every year, Fistral Beach hosts Boardmasters Europe’s largest surf and skate festival in August. Tens of thousands flock to see the competitions and huge headliner bookings in the music lineup have made it one of the UK’s top cultural festivals in recent years. ZapCat championships run in April and August, along with the English National Surfing Championship, night surfing, and the King of the Groms Junior Surf Festival.
