Rockpools

Just 500m away, Watergate Bay is one of the largest beaches in and around Newquay, and undeniably one of Cornwall’s most famous. But it’s not just a surfer’s paradise, it happens to be one of the few year-round dog-friendly beaches with 2 miles of sandy beaches available at low tide. There are plenty of rock pools to explore, golden sand to wander on and water to paddle in. It’s also perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing, or try your hand at kayaking, coasteering, surf rafting and plenty of other adrenaline sports.

The next closest beach is Porth Beach. Boasting a wonderful expanse of golden sand, this narrow beach is a popular choice for families with the headlands on each side keeping Porth Beach sheltered from the wind. The Porth Stream or Whipsiderry Stream crosses this beach, trickling down from the sea to the start of the beach – a lovely place for kids to splash around. There’s also plenty of rock pools to discover on either side of the beach. A point of interest here is Trevalgue Head, also known as Porth Island, is a stunning headland which can be accessed from the beach via a narrow footbridge.

But you certainly won’t be short of beaches to explore on this stretch of the coast. Dog-friendly Mawgan Porth is just over two miles north from Watergate Bay, a beautiful beach with golden sands where you are sheltered by high cliffs and even at the busiest times, the beach is big enough at low tide to cater for everyone.

Newquay’s beaches are amazingly clean, and generally dotted with surfers (it is a surfing mecca). The key beaches, Towan, Lusty Glaze, Tolcarne and Great Western, are all pretty sheltered and safe for swimming, too. The surfing is unmatched – Fistral Beach offers a world-class surfing experience. A trip to Pollyjoke Beach is well worth a visit, off the beaten track, it is a beautiful little cove set away from the main activity of Newquay, around seven mils from Watergate Bay. In spring, the beach is overlooked by dramatic huge fields of red poppies.

If you like eating out, you’ve come to the right place. We particularly love Zacry’s, perfect for a special night out with a bistro style menu.

For breakfast why not head to The Beach Hut for a scrumptious breakfast? Using local ingredients with international cuisine, diners will enjoy the large windows open onto the deck overlooking Watergate Bay. Or a great spot for lunch is Wax Watergate Bay. A cool surfers’ hangout, with hand-rolled sourdough pizzas, tasty small plates and hearty burgers, plus plenty of beer to wash it down with.

This stretch of coast is a beautiful area of countryside with plenty of walks. Along with the South West Coast Path, if you want some peaceful beauty then why not opt to visit the bonsai, pagodas and ponds of The Japanese Garden? Trenance Gardens form another fine option for a day away from the beach.

An attraction for families is Newquay Zoo, set in over ten acres of sub-tropical lakeside gardens and home to many endangered species. The Blue Reef Aquarium with its shark tunnel is also a fab outing for a rainy day. Or you may fancy a special spa day, we recommend heading to Fistral Spa and Headland Spa.