Great Western Beach

Newquay

Great Western Beach in Newquay is a picturesque coastal spot known for its golden sands, sheltered cliffs, and excellent surfing conditions.

Sandy

Yes

Yes

Yes

Great Western Beach

Great Western Beach in Newquay is a quintessential British seaside destination, renowned for its stunning golden sands and dramatic sheltered cliffs. Nestled along the north coast of Cornwall, this beach offers a serene escape with its breathtaking coastal scenery and vibrant marine life. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists, providing excellent surfing conditions, family-friendly facilities, and a range of water sports. Whether you're looking to catch some waves, relax on the sand, or explore the surrounding area, Great Western Beach offers something for everyone in a beautifully scenic setting.

Newquay epitomises the quintessential Cornwall holiday experience, offering a plethora of attractions to delight every visitor. With its picturesque beaches, breathtaking vistas, renowned surf spots, diverse culinary scene, and top-tier art galleries, Newquay is a destination that leaves visitors yearning for more. It's no surprise that people return to Newquay year after year, captivated by its charm and endless array of delights.

About Great Western Beach

Great Western Beach, located in the heart of Newquay, Cornwall, is a charming and accessible beach celebrated for its natural beauty and inviting atmosphere. This stunning coastal retreat features expansive golden sands, ideal for sunbathing and beach games, flanked by striking cliffs that provide shelter and picturesque views. Known for its excellent surfing conditions, Great Western Beach attracts surfers of all skill levels, offering consistent waves and a friendly surf culture. The beach is family-friendly, with amenities including lifeguard services during peak seasons, nearby cafés, and convenient access from Newquay's town centre. Whether you're seeking adventure in the waves or a relaxing day by the sea, Great Western Beach is a perfect destination to experience the quintessential charm of Cornwall's coastline.

Great Western Beach offers excellent swimming conditions, particularly during the summer months when lifeguards are on duty to ensure safety. The sheltered bay and gentle waves make it a family-friendly spot for swimmers of all ages and skill levels, providing a safe and enjoyable environment to splash and play in the Atlantic waters.

Great Western Beach is a popular destination for surfing and a variety of water sports, renowned for its consistent waves and welcoming surf community. Whether you're a seasoned surfer or a beginner looking to take lessons from local surf schools, the beach caters to all abilities. Additionally, other water sports such as bodyboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking can be enjoyed in the dynamic coastal environment.

The beach is well-equipped with modern toilet facilities, ensuring visitors have access to clean and convenient amenities throughout their visit. Located near the main entrance, the toilets are easily accessible and maintained regularly, providing comfort and convenience for beachgoers.

During low tide, the expansive sandy area of Great Western Beach is fully exposed, creating a wide-open space ideal for beach games, sunbathing, and leisurely strolls. The receding waters reveal intriguing rock formations and access to hidden coves, making it a prime time for exploration and enjoying the full beauty of the beach's natural landscape.

At low tide, Little Fistral Beach reveals its expansive sandy shores and intriguing rock formations. This is the perfect time to explore the beach, as the retreating waters uncover rockpools and hidden nooks along the coast. Low tide offers more space for beachgoers to relax, sunbathe, and explore the shoreline, making it an ideal time for a visit.

At high tide, the beach transforms as the water reaches closer to the cliffs, creating a smaller but equally charming shoreline. While the sandy area may be reduced, high tide is perfect for swimming and water sports, with waves that are optimal for surfing. The changing tides offer a dynamic and ever-evolving beach experience, ensuring there's always something new to enjoy at Great Western Beach.

Great Western Address

Great Western Beach
Newquay
Cornwall
TR7 2NE

Map of Great Western Beach

Little Fistral Beach

How do you get to Great Western Beach

Great Western Beach is conveniently located within walking distance of Newquay town centre. From the centre, simply follow the well-signposted paths leading towards the beach, which takes about 10-15 minutes. The beach is easily accessible via a series of steps and pathways, making it an ideal destination for a leisurely stroll from the town.

If you're travelling by car, Great Western Beach is easily accessible with ample parking available nearby. Follow the A3058 into Newquay and then head towards the beach signs. There are several car parks within walking distance of the beach, such as the Newquay Station Car Park and the Mount Wise Car Park. From these car parks, it's a short walk down to the beach.

Newquay is well-served by local and regional bus services, making it easy to reach Great Western Beach by public transport. The main bus station in Newquay is just a short walk from the beach. Bus services such as the First Kernow and Stagecoach routes connect Newquay with surrounding towns and villages. From the bus station, follow the signs to the beach, which is approximately a 10-minute walk away.

Great Western Beach General Information

Beach Type: Sandy

Dog Friendly: All year round

Public Toilets: The beach is well-equipped with modern toilet facilities, ensuring visitors have access to clean and convenient amenities throughout their visit. Located near the main entrance, the toilets are easily accessible and maintained regularly, providing comfort and convenience for beachgoers.

Accessibility: Access to Great Western Beach is available via a steep, winding path, but there is also disability access through a private lift at the Great Western Hotel.

Lifeguard Cover: Daily 14 May – 25 September - Patrol times 10am-6pm

Great Western Beach FAQs

Are there any facilities at Great Western Beach?2024-05-16T13:05:00+01:00

Yes, the beach has modern toilet facilities, nearby cafés, and convenient access points, including a private lift at the Great Western Hotel for those requiring disability access.

Are there lifeguards on duty at Great Western Beach?2024-05-16T13:04:14+01:00

Yes, lifeguards are on duty during the summer months, ensuring the safety of swimmers and surfers.

Can I surf at Great Western Beach?2024-05-16T13:04:39+01:00

Absolutely! Great Western Beach is known for its excellent surfing conditions, suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. Surf schools and equipment rentals are available nearby.

Is Great Western Beach family-friendly?2024-05-16T13:03:54+01:00

Yes, Great Western Beach is very family-friendly, offering safe swimming conditions, lifeguard services during peak seasons, and plenty of space for children to play.

Is there parking available near Great Western Beach?2024-05-16T13:05:19+01:00

Yes, there are several car parks within walking distance of the beach, such as Newquay Station Car Park and Mount Wise Car Park.

Weather At Great Western Beach

Check the weather forcast for Great Western Beach. Check our weather forcast for the next few days.

Tide Times At Great Western Beach

Planning a beach day at Great Western Beach? Don’t forget to check the tide times today! These are today's tides for Great Western

17 August 2025

Time Type Height
05:46 low 2.16m
11:52 high 5.43m
18:26 low 2.4m

18 August 2025

Time Type Height
00:36 high 5.32m
07:13 low 2.56m
13:19 high 5.21m
20:09 low 2.55m

View full 7 day tide times.

Copyright 2025 © Tides Today. By using this data, you are agreeing to the Terms and Conditions


Go to Top