Fistral Beach

Fistral Beach is a stunning coastal beach in Newquay, Cornwall, one of the world's best-surfing destinations and home to an array of fun activities to do and festivals to experience.
With the surfing school at Newquay right on the beachfront, beginners and experts alike will have a blast developing their surf-skills on the beaches, all with a great view.
What makes this beach even more fantastic is that it's dog friendly - all year round! So bring your pup, meet some other pups and have a great time by the sea.

As a major surfing destination, boasting sand dunes and high cliffs, Fistral Beach is a haven for experienced and beginner surfers alike, all of whom flock to the seashore to get a fix of the buzzing, big waves. Fistral Beach complex is a vibrant hub of surfing, food and shopping all year round, with some stunning scenery, making it a fantastic place to visit.

If you're a surfer fanatic, don't miss out on all the big UK surf competitions that take place every year including the Famous Night Surf, Boardmasters Surf Championships, National Surf Championships, the Groms and loads more. Plus, with Newquay surf school a stone's throw away, you can learn all there is to know, this is the ideal place for you to show off, take a dip in the ocean and explore this skill.

Despite the waves reaching 6 and 8 feet, Fistral Beach is also a great place to relax, where you can lie on the beach and watch the action from a distance. There are plenty of hotels on Fistral Beach, and places to stay in Newquay to make this a wonderful holiday destination. This Cornwall beach is overlooked by the elite, grand, Headland Hotel, and Fistral Beach Hotel, both fantastic options if you're looking for somewhere to stay. Conveniently located, you are right on the shore, with plenty of chances to book for surf lessons and right by a complex of cafes, takeaways and shops situated on the beach.

With lifeguard cover on Fistral Beach from the 30th March - 28th October and lifeguard cover on South Fistral Beach from the 7th of July until the 30th of September, you'll be as safe as ever, letting you relax. This is part of the reason Fistral Beach Newquay has become cemented as the home of British surfing, but there is still much to do if you aren't surfing.

When you're feeling peckish, enjoy world-class food from the Fish House, just a stone's throw away from Fistral Beach, offering the best of seafood that Cornwall has to offer, plus a great view, of course.

There are plenty of beaches near Newquay to try out, from Great Western Beach, and Porth Beach and Bowow Beach dogs. With so much on offer, you'll be wanting to come back again, and with so many Fistral Beach hotels, like Fistral Beach hotel, you'll be sure to have a wonderful stay. As a west-facing beach, Fistral boasts consistent surf time and some glorious uninterrupted sunsets!

Don't miss out on Newquay Golf Course, which can be a great break from the hustle and bustle of seaside life. If you're looking for other great days out in Cornwall, be sure to check out the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Eden Project to connect with nature and experience stunning horticultural days out.

What to know before you go

There are toilets, plus a shower area in the International Surfing Centre, and these are open all year.
The Fistral Beach Hire Centre works closely with Cornwall Mobility to provide free beach wheelchairs.
There is no baby changing facilities on Fistral beach itself, although there is some close by.
There is a beach wheelchair you can use, and it can be used freely across the beach.
The beach is accessible for wheelchair and pushchair users, with flat surfaces and pathways, although in rainy weather, this may alter the landscape slightly, making it harder to navigate.
When you're feeling peckish, there is a wide variety of flavours available at Fistral Beach. If you’re looking for something quick but still traditional, then the Pasty Shack is perfect. But, if you're looking for the wine and dine experience, then check out The Fish House. Rick Steins has phenomenal Fish and Chips, curries and more available. The Stable and Fistral Beach bar serves pub grub, pizzas and a great selection of drink, served all day, perfect for any fussy eaters.

Getting there

Fistral Beach is located in Newquay, the north coast of Cornwall, in south-west England.
Newquay airport is around 20 minutes walk away from the town centre, and there are buses and train stations situated in the town, making it easily accessible.
Fistral Beach is approximately a five-minute drive from the town centre, with 200 car parking spaces available.
If you are driving to Cornwall, Newquay is just 15 minutes off the A30, and it's well signposted. Newquay is a fantastic base if you're looking to exploring Cornwall, with both Padstow and the Eden project located around 30 minutes away from Newquay.
There is a large pay & display car park located on Fistral Beach next to the International Surfing Centre. Top tip: don't park at the beach as its cheaper at the top of the hill and only a short 10 minute walk away.
Newquay train station is located very close to Tolcarne Beach and is a short walk through the town to Fistral Beach. Newquay has its own train branch, with connecting trains from Par to Newquay. Some trains run direct from locations including London, Bristol, Birmingham, Yorkshire, the North East and Scotland. In the summer months during July and August, there is a daily train direct from Newquay from London.
For those looking to walk, the South West Coast Path offers 630 miles of stunning scenery with an array of wildlife and heritage to enjoy as you walk. From rambling down the 24 mile coastal path of Padstow and Newquay, to hiking the 48.2 miles coastal path of St Ives, you're sure to have an incredible backdrop.