Newquay.

The breaks

Recognised, publicly known surf spots around Newquay. Suitability depends on the day's swell, wind and tide, so treat the level as a guide, not a guarantee.

Why Newquay is Britain's surf capital

Newquay sits on a stretch of north Cornish coast where a series of headlands separates a string of sandy beaches facing different directions. Fistral, on the west side of town, faces the open Atlantic and picks up most swell. The town beaches on the north side, such as Towan and Great Western, are tucked into bays that are sheltered from the biggest swells and the prevailing south-westerly winds. A short drive or walk brings you to Watergate Bay to the north-east and Crantock to the south-west.

That range makes Newquay unusually reliable for the UK. On a big, windy day, the town beaches can offer clean, manageable waves while Fistral is too big; on small days, Fistral often has the best waves in the area. Newquay has been the centre of British surfing since the 1960s, with surf shops, shapers, schools, clubs and a long history of contests, including events at Fistral that brought international surfing to Britain.

Fistral

Fistral is a wide beach backed by dunes and a golf course, divided informally into North Fistral, Little Fistral and South Fistral. North Fistral, close to Towan Head, is usually the most consistent and powerful section, with good beach-break peaks on most swells. South Fistral can be more sheltered from some winds. On its best days, Fistral produces fast, hollow waves, and it is crowded with local and visiting surfers.

Fistral is lifeguarded in season, with chequered flags marking the area for surfboards. It is suitable for beginners on small days with a surf school, but it can become powerful quickly, with strong rips, so learners often use the town beaches instead.

The Cribbar

Off the tip of Towan Head, at the northern end of Fistral, the Cribbar is a reef that only breaks on the biggest Atlantic swells. When it does, it produces huge, powerful waves that have been ridden by British and international big-wave surfers, often with jet-ski support. It is one of the UK's most famous big-wave spots.

For visitors, the Cribbar is a spectacle to watch from the headland, not a wave to surf. On big days, crowds gather on Towan Head; stay back from cliff edges and follow any safety advice.

The town beaches

Towan, Great Western, Tolcarne and Lusty Glaze are a chain of sandy beaches below the cliffs on the north side of town. They face north and are sheltered by Towan Head and the harbour from much of the swell and the prevailing winds. On many days, they offer smaller, gentler waves than Fistral, which makes them popular with surf schools. When a big swell is running and the wind is from the south or south-west, they can produce surprisingly good waves for intermediates.

The town beaches are close to the centre, shops and accommodation, making it easy to fit a session around the day. At high tide, some beaches become very narrow, so check tide times.

Watergate Bay and Crantock

Watergate Bay, a few kilometres north-east of Newquay, is a long, open beach that stretches for about two miles at low tide. It picks up plenty of swell and is a popular learning and intermediate beach, with surf schools, a hotel and cafés. Its size helps to spread surfers out.

Crantock, across the Gannel estuary to the south-west, is a beautiful beach backed by dunes, with waves that can work in a range of conditions. Currents around the estuary can be strong, especially on the ebbing tide, so take care and stay away from the river mouth. Further afield, Holywell Bay and Perranporth are within a short drive.

Staying in Newquay

Staying in Newquay town puts you within walking distance of Fistral and the town beaches, along with shops, restaurants, pubs and nightlife. Newquay has a lively reputation in summer, especially around the town centre, but quieter accommodation is available near Pentire, Fistral and Porth.

Watergate Bay and Porth suit those looking for a calmer stay with easy beach access. Campsites and holiday parks are found around the town and along the coast. Book well ahead for July and August and for the Boardmasters festival weekend in August, when the town is very busy.

How to get to Newquay

Newquay has its own airport with flights from some UK cities. Trains run from London Paddington and other cities to Newquay via a branch line from Par, although services are less frequent than on the main line. By road, Newquay is reached via the A30 and A392; summer traffic can be heavy.

Within Newquay, most beaches are walkable from the centre. Buses connect the town with nearby beaches and villages. A car is useful for exploring further along the coast, but parking at popular beaches fills quickly in summer.

Water, weather and safety

The sea off Newquay ranges from around 9–10°C in late winter to about 16–17°C in late summer. Most surfers wear a 4/3 wetsuit with boots in summer and early autumn and a 5/4 with boots and gloves in winter. The weather can change quickly, so pack layers and waterproofs.

RNLI lifeguards patrol the main beaches during the season. Swim between the red and yellow flags, surf between the black and white chequered flags and never enter the water when a red flag is flying. Rip currents and the large tidal range are the main hazards; check tide times and ask lifeguards about conditions.

Beyond the surf in Newquay

Check the swell and wind each morning and choose between Fistral and the town beaches accordingly. Autumn often brings the best conditions, with warmer water and fewer crowds than summer.

On a flat day, walk the South West Coast Path around Towan Head and Pentire, visit the Blue Reef Aquarium or explore the Gannel estuary. The Eden Project and the fishing villages of Padstow and St Ives are within an hour. Cornish pasties, fish and chips and seafood are local favourites.

Newquay surf season month by month

A broad planning picture, not a forecast. Swell, wind and water temperature vary from year to year.

Learning to surf in Newquay

Newquay has more surf schools than anywhere else in the UK, teaching at Fistral, the town beaches, Watergate Bay and other beaches chosen for the day's conditions. Many are approved by Surfing England. Lessons include thick wetsuits, boots and soft-top boards, and many schools offer multi-day courses and family sessions.

The town beaches are often the best place for complete beginners, with smaller, gentler waves, while Fistral and Watergate Bay suit improvers. Ask about group size, instructor qualifications and whether lessons take place in lifeguarded areas.

Summer has the gentlest conditions and warmest water but the busiest beaches. September and early October are often ideal, with warm water, consistent small waves and fewer people.

Comparing options across the country? Read our guide to surfing in the UK.