Visit the beach

Photo Credit: FTI-Cornwall

Newquay has no shortage of beaches, and they’re probably a large part of what attracted you here in the first place. But when you’ve done splashing about in the sea and sunbathing, why not enjoy the other free activities they have to offer?

Dotted around Newquay Bay are dozens of coves and tunnels ripe for exploration. The Holy Wells are undoubtedly the most famous features you’ll find inside; legend has it that many of the 200 hidden across the Cornish landscape possess special healing powers. At Holywell Bay, just outside Newquay, you will discover a cave with one such well. Made up of several basins naturally formed by the water, the well is beautifully covered with stalagmites and steps. Like many of the coasts caves it is inaccessible at high tide. Be sure to check tide times before you go exploring and keep an eye on your watch as the ocean regularly traps tourists who are not used to the seaside.

If you enjoy sea food then spend a relaxing afternoon gathering your own. The rocks around Newquay are covered in edible mussels which can be collected and cooked in the same way as those you would buy in the supermarket.

Trenance Gardens

These beautiful gardens nestle under a viaduct, surrounding a series of lakes and the historic Trenance Cottages.

Feed the ducks, admire the flowers or take a leisurely walk. Perfect if you need to slow down after a big surf session or night of partying.

Talking of walks, they don’t get much more stunning than the wild coastal scenery in and around Newquay. A visit to the Huer’s Hut close to Fistral is a must and is also ultra convenient if you want to stay within the town. Follow the path round and you’ll come to Newquay Harbour situated next to Towan Beach. It’s a working harbour so you’ll see fishermen coming in and out and unloading their catch. Cafes, restaurants and pubs are all around so you won’t be short of somewhere to visit when you’ve worked up an appetite.

If you’re willing to venture a little further afield then Crantock village and its church are highly recommended. A typically picturesque Cornish village with two great pubs, it can easily swallow a whole afternoon. The traditional church boasts beautiful stained glass windows and doesn’t charge visitors to enter.

Wooden Waves Skate Park

If you’re visiting Newquay, there’s a good chance you’re here for the laidback lifestyle synonymous with surf. But if there are no waves, what do you do? Hit the wooden ones of course.

Newquay's Skate Park, Wooden Waves, is the biggest outdoor skate park in Cornwall. Two minis hiped together, a big vert ramp and big funbox and a driveway with three banks make for an ideal afternoon’s skate.

The park is tucked away next to Newquay Zoo and Waterworld’s overflow car park. If you drive then you’ll have to pay to park, but use of Wooden Waves is free.

Wooden Waves is open every day from 9am to dusk but is closed when went. You can find out more at www.skatenewquay.co.uk.

If you would like one of Newquay's quieter beaches away from the crowds even at high season Whipsiderry Beach is a beautiful stretch of golden sands and rugged cliffs located on the North coast of Cornwall. It is hidden away down 136 steps in the cliff or at low tide accessible from Porth beach or Watergate Bay. This can make for a very romantic walk starting at either Porth or Watergate Bay and strolling the length of the 3 stunning beaches.

Going to the beach with all your family can make for a fun day out but not cost the earth like some attractions when there are alot of you. All you need is a beach ball, swimming costume and some pre-packed lunch for a cosy family picnic and games on the beach! You need to be aware that there is no lifeguard service on Whipsiderry and unless it is low tide the only way out is up the 136 steps so you may want to pack light!

To get to Whipsiderry Beach you want to go to the outskirts of Newquay past Porth beach. Once your on the Watergate Road (B3276) that takes you from Newquay to Padstow you will find the beach on the left just after Porth and at the top of the hill. Unfortunately Whipsiderry doesn't have a car park but spaces along the main road can be used.

Close by and under 2 miles from the centre of Newquay Whipsiderry Hotel can offer peaceful accommodation where you will be surrounded by rolling cliffs, blue seas and enjoy breathtaking views of some of the most spectacular scenery Cornwall has to offer. The hotel has been run by the same family for 37 years so you can expect a very warm welcome and comfortable stay here.

With two guest lounges, a patio, swimming pool, american pool room and plenty more you wont want for anything! For tariff information and bookings go to http://www.whipsiderry.co.uk/

Visited Whipsiderry Beach before? What did you think?! Add your comments below.

How Do I Get There?
Having signages and reliable directions, you can reach Fistral. It is said to be easily located by entering Newquay in the west. If you are going to South Fistral, you can follow the signs going to Pentire.

How is The Place?
Aside from sun- bathing and swimming, you can surf here in Fistral for the waves are ideal for surfing. But if you want just to relax, you can just simply park your car on the bed of golden sand and savour the beautiful view in front of you.
The northern end of Fistral has facilities including Surf Centre, toilets, cafes, surfboard and wetsuit rentals and a nearby golf course.

Location

It will only take a 15 minute drive from the Newquay Town Centre. If you are going to walk, it may take you a good 45 minutes. But it will be good exercise nonetheless. Here is a map to help you get around.

Accomodations

There are two forms of accommodations available: the hotel and the coach house. The hotel may be complete with class and the soothing colors will always suit anyone’s eyes. But it can be a bit expensive so some folks may opt for the coach house instead. But the coach house is also not that bad being adjacent to the Hotel and Extreme Academy which is known for teaching various types of extreme sports. It is also complete bathrooms, satellite television, tea or coffee facilities and a telephone.

Food and Drink

The Watergate Bay has lots of bars and restaurants like the Fifteen Cornwall It also has hotels all around which includes the infamous Watergate Bay Hotel.

2. Waves
If you are a natural surfer, then this may come as second nature to you. But you must know the different kind of waves and how you can tackle each. Always remember that safety comes first. Do not be overambitious and embark on the waves which is not even fit for your surfing level.

3. Accomodations
Of course, if you are going to go surfing, you will need a place to stay and Newquay has lots of them. So long as you find the beaches, accommodations are just around waiting for you. But it will help if you know the pros and cons of each and their rates.

4. Weather
Also, you must consider the weather in Newquay at different times of the year. You cannot ride the waves if you do not have this skill. Be sure to look up on the latest news on the current weather before you start surfing.

5. Tides
You must also consider the rise and lowering of tides. You do not want to go into an area that has such a low tide for your expectations. Check the updates and see when the tides will rise and fall.

6. Events
Of course, surfing will not be complete if there are no events. You can avail these events to meet fellow surfers or just flaunt your surfing skills. This is also a great opportunity to see your rivals.

7. Gear
As with any sport, it will not be complete without the right apparel. Surfing boards must be chosen with care and knowledge if you want your surfing experience to be a nice one.

8. Surfing Gear Shops
Since Newquay is popular for surfing, it is somehow inevitable for it to host surfing gear shops. You may look around the area and try to see if there are equipments which can aid you in your sport.

9. Surfing Schools
If you are new to surfing, do not despair. There are surfing schools that are ready to help you. Start your surfing career in Newquay where all of the beaches reside. You will never be disappointed.

10. Fellow Surfers
Of course, the last thing you need to know about is your fellow surfers. It will always not hurt to have friends. Establish lasting comrades by frequenting the beaches of Newquay.

Surfing is a popular sport in Newquay and Fistral Beach is just as popular as the sport. True enough the beach is even used to host various surfing competitions making it a key surfing area in Newquay. It is subdivided into different sections namely north fistral, south fistral and little fistral. Each area has different facilities and different kinds of waves for the surfing lovers.

South Fistral

The South Fistral has huge waves with some rocks at the right. This is not a recommended area for beginners. Once you are tired, you can always refresh yourself as the little houses around the area usually serve some drinks. Expect this place to be especially busy around the summer.

North Fistral

This area has a little more facility than the Southern area. More than the bathrooms provided in South Fistral, North Fistral even have areas for changing and showering. Although the place may provide a convenient place to hang out, the waves are not as exciting. It is, however, recommended for beginners to stick to this spot.

Little Fistral

This area only shows at low tide. This makes it a highly dangerous place as compared to the other areas. The place is extra rocky in contrast with the Southern and Northern part. So be sure to take extra care if you opt to surf here.

If you really want to pursue surfing as a sport, then you will never be complete if you have never rode the waves of Fistral Beach, the leading surfing area in Newquay.

Fistral Beach is probably the best known beach in Newquay. It is always busy when its sunny and a favorite with the local surfers and beach goers alike. Fistral beach is where most of the national and international surf contests are held and if you are lucky enough to be there at the right time of year you can take stock of all the festivities including live music and the surf village. Basically, it's one big party and everyone who can, goes.

Fistral is good for surfing and lazing in the sun and has plenty of amenities, including parking, toilets and places to shop and get food.

Fistral Blu, the big development on the beach offers amazingly yummy cuisine in a swanky beach atmosphere, be sure to go there for a meal while you are in Newquay.

Fistral beach is easy to get to and you can walk there or drive, there are rock pools and loads of space for the kids and places to rent surfboards, wetsuits and beach goodies. Enjoy Fistral Beach.

Let us know what you think of Fistral Beach in the comments below.

The Blue Reef Aquarium is down on the bach edge and is a great day out for everyone. They have loads of cool aquarium exhibits and a large tank with a walk through tunnel, so you can look up and see all the interesting fish.

Have you been to Towan Beach? Tell us what you think in the comments section below