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Newquay Fistral Beach

Cornwall, England


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Newquay's Fistral Beach is a popular destination for surfers and families alike, offering a long sandy beach with excellent water quality and a range of facilities.

Fistral Beach is located on the north coast of Cornwall, approximately half a mile west of Newquay. The beach is a sandy resort, approximately 950 metres wide, backed by high cliffs. It is commonly divided into two beaches - North Fistral and South Fistral, with a small bay to the north known as Little Fistral, which can only be reached at low tide.

Fistral Beach is considered to be the UK's leading surfing beach, offering some of the best surfing in the country. The beach is known for its big waves, particularly at The Cribbar, a reef at the northern end, where rideable waves can reach over 30 feet. The water quality is excellent, making it a popular destination for surfers and families.

Fistral Beach is very popular with families and day trippers, and offers numerous beach and seafront facilities, including a sandchair hire scheme. The beach is backed by the South West Coast Path and the Newquay Golf Club's scenic 18-hole course. There are RNLI lifeguards on duty full-time between April 2 and October 31.

The beach is a west-facing, long sandy beach, backed by steep sand dunes and overlooked by the iconic Headland Hotel. The beach offers stunning views and a range of activities, including surfing, sunbathing, and swimming.

Newquay Fistral Beach is adjacent to the South West Coast Path.

Sand

Weather and tides for Friday 18 July

Today
Chance of rain 4%
Max temp. 20°C
(feels like 19°C)
Wind 9mph
Max UV Index
Tonight
Chance of rain 6%
Min temp. 16°C
(feels like 15°C)
Wind 2mph

The tide at Newquay Fistral Beach is currently falling. Low tide will be at approximately 6:21 AM, and the next high tide will be at approximately 12:24 PM.

Today's air pollution levels are forecast to be Low

Approximate sea surface temperature:   17.1°C  

Detailed weather and tides »
  • Facilities

    Campsite Food available Toilets Shops Litter bins
  • Popular Activities

    Sunbathing Surfing
  • Parking

    Numerous car parks, charges apply.

  • Dogs

    Dogs welcome.

  • Beach Cleaning

    Beach cleaned daily during the summer.

  • Lifeguard

    Daily - 25th March - 30th October

  • Awards

    Marine Conservation Society Recommended

  • Water Quality

    Excellent water quality

    Excellent water quality

Recommended holiday cottages near Newquay Fistral Beach

Things to do and see in the area

Fistral Beach Surf School (0.1 miles)
Quiksilver Surf School Newquay (0.4 miles)
Blue Wings Surf School (0.4 miles)
Vertical Descents Cornwall (0.6 miles)
Newquay Water Sports Centre (0.6 miles)
The Escape Surf School (0.6 miles)
Newquay Activity Centre (0.7 miles)
Bodyboard-Holidays (0.7 miles)
Big Green Surf School (0.9 miles)
Bare Feet Coasteer (1.8 miles)

Places to eat near Newquay Fistral Beach

Harbour Fish and Grill (400 yards)
Cafe Cloud (350 yards)
Harbour Rest Cafe (320 yards)
Bush Pepper (360 yards)
Gusto Grill & Roast (320 yards)
Bunters (240 yards)

All distances are approximate

Other beaches nearby

Location: Pentire, Newquay

Location type: Urban

OS Grid: SW798621

Country: England

Local Authority: Cornwall

Parish: Newquay

Nearest postcode: TR7 1HY

(for sat-nav purposes only, a beach does not have a postal address!)

Important! Beach information is compiled from a variety of different sources and is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of compilation. However, information may be incorrectly supplied by our sources or go out of date after publication. BritishBeaches.uk makes no warranty as to the accuracy of any information on this page.

Stuff you might want for the beach!

(Or après-beach. Or pre-beach. Or, just because you might want stuff)

Visitor information for Newquay Fistral Beach, Cornwall, England. Weather, tides, visitor comments, beach facilities, photos, nearest postcode, beach information and nearby accommodation.

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18.97.14.84 Sat, 19 Jul 2025 02:57:18 +0100