Towan Beach
Iconic Newquay beach with golden sands, calm waters, and the famous 'The Island' landmark. Perfect for families, surfers, and coastal explorers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters & fewer crowds
Towan Beach
Best Time
Calm waters & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Newquay beach with golden sands, calm waters, and the famous 'The Island' landmark. Perfect for families, surfers, and coastal explorers.
"A great beach with lovely water for a swim and plenty of rock pools to explore on low tide."
🚗 Smart Parking
National Trust car park fills fast. Pay by phone or use the app; signal can be poor onsite. :car:
🌊 Swim Safely
Calm waters are great for swimming and paddleboarding. Always check conditions before entering the water. :ocean:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Island
Overlooking Towan Beach
Iconic Newquay landmark with a suspension bridge, offering stunning coastal views.
Golden Sands & Rock Pools
Towan Beach
Expansive sandy shores perfect for sunbathing, with fascinating rock pools to discover at low tide.
Seal Spotting
End of the bay
Keep an eye out for seals often spotted basking or playing in the water at the bay's end.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Tides & Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🚗 Smart Parking
National Trust car park fills fast. Pay by phone or use the app; signal can be poor onsite. :car:
🌊 Swim Safely
Calm waters are great for swimming and paddleboarding. Always check conditions before entering the water. :ocean:
🥾 Coastal Walks
Fantastic cliff-top walks offer stunning views. Explore the peninsula for a rewarding hike. :hiking_boot:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
This beach welcomes dogs, making it a great spot for furry friends to enjoy the sand and sea. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Smart Parking
National Trust car park fills fast. Pay by phone or use the app; signal can be poor onsite. :car:
🌊 Swim Safely
Calm waters are great for swimming and paddleboarding. Always check conditions before entering the water. :ocean:
🥾 Coastal Walks
Fantastic cliff-top walks offer stunning views. Explore the peninsula for a rewarding hike. :hiking_boot:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
This beach welcomes dogs, making it a great spot for furry friends to enjoy the sand and sea. :dog:
🥪 Gluten-Free Cafe
The cafe at the top car park is highly recommended for its excellent gluten-free options. :sandwich:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Towan Beach is widely praised for its lovely sandy shores, clear waters, and family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to spot seals and explore rock pools at low tide. While parking can be a challenge, the convenience of nearby facilities and the beauty of the coastal walks make it a highly recommended spot.
"Lovely beach, nice and sandy with crystal clear waters. East to get there from the National Trust carpark. We enjoyed watching the seals at the end of the bay as well. Hiked down and around the peninsula back to the car park. Lovely walk with some nice views."
Bruce Rowland
"Great little beach, dogs allowed, parking by pay by phone or free with national trust, pay before you get there as no signal when you are there, cafe at the top where you park that actually caters for Coeliacs, Gluten free, highly recommend, and the cliff top walks are fantastic"
Wayne Steadman
"Great beach. Lovely water for a swim and some rock pools to explore on low tide. Sand is smooth and sandy. Parking available via national trust car park, 150 yards away. Cafe and toilets also available here."
Tom Duggan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Towan Beach is located in the heart of Newquay. You can reach it by car, with parking available at the National Trust car park nearby. Public transport options to Newquay town centre are also available, followed by a short walk to the beach.
Yes, there's a National Trust car park approximately 150 yards away. It's a pay-by-phone or app system, but signal can be unreliable, so pay before you arrive if possible. It gets busy, so arrive early.
If you're staying in Newquay, Towan Beach is easily accessible on foot. It's also a starting point for beautiful coastal walks along the Roseland Peninsula. 
Newquay is accessible by car, bus, and train. If driving, be aware of potential traffic and parking challenges during peak times.
Access to the beach itself can be challenging due to the sand. However, the promenade and nearby cafes offer good accessibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Towan Beach itself is free to access. Parking in the nearby National Trust car park incurs a fee.
Towan Beach is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, facilities like cafes and toilets will have their own operating hours.
No booking is required for Towan Beach. It's a public beach, so you can visit anytime.
Dogs are allowed on Towan Beach, and it's generally a family-friendly environment. Check local signage for any specific seasonal restrictions.
You'll find toilets and a cafe located near the National Trust car park. Surf schools and hire options are also readily available.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Towan Beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, exploring rock pools at low tide, and paddleboarding. It's also a popular spot for surfing lessons.
Yes, Towan Beach is ideal for families. Its sheltered nature and calm waters make it safe for children, and there are plenty of rock pools to explore.
Absolutely! The waters at Towan Beach are generally calm and clear, making it a lovely spot for a swim.
Lifeguard services are typically available during the summer months. It's always advisable to check local information for current lifeguard presence.
'The Island' is a distinctive rocky outcrop connected to the mainland by a suspension bridge, offering iconic views of the Newquay coastline.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a cafe located near the National Trust car park that offers food, including highly recommended gluten-free options. Newquay town also has numerous cafes and restaurants.
The cafe by the car park is noted for catering well to Coeliacs and offering gluten-free choices, including pasties.
You can find typical beachside cafe fare, including pasties, sandwiches, and drinks. Newquay offers a wider range of dining options from casual to more formal.
While there isn't a restaurant directly on the sand, there are cafes and eateries very close by, including one with excellent gluten-free options.
Yes, picnicking is welcome at Towan Beach. Remember to take all your rubbish with you to keep the beach clean.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the iconic 'The Island' with its suspension bridge, the golden sands, and the rock pools at low tide. Drone shots offer a unique perspective.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful light for photography. Midday can be harsh but good for capturing the vibrant blue of the water.
Drone footage can provide stunning aerial views of Towan Beach and the Newquay coastline. Always check local drone regulations before flying.
The unique 'The Island' landmark, the sweeping sandy bay, and the dramatic cliffs make Towan Beach incredibly photogenic.
The cliff-top paths offer excellent vantage points. The area around the suspension bridge to 'The Island' is also a prime photo location.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The extensive sandy beach is great for building sandcastles, and the rock pools revealed at low tide are a huge hit for exploring marine life. Key recommendations: Bring buckets and spades for rock pooling, pack a picnic or enjoy the cafe's offerings, and consider visiting during the week to avoid the biggest crowds.
🏄♀️ Surfers and Watersports Enthusiasts
Numerous surf schools are based here, offering lessons and board hire, making it easy to get in the water. Beyond surfing, paddleboarding is also popular due to the sheltered nature of the bay. Top tips: Book surf lessons in advance, especially during peak season. Check tide times as they can affect wave conditions. Towan Beach is a great starting point for exploring other surf spots in the Newquay area.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
Must-do: Take the coastal path loop that includes the peninsula for varied scenery. Wear appropriate footwear, as the terrain can be uneven.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Surfing and Watersports at Towan Beach
You can rent wetsuits, surfboards, and even try paddleboarding, which is particularly enjoyable in the calmer sections of the bay. Key takeaway: Whether you're a seasoned surfer or looking to catch your first wave, Towan Beach provides accessible opportunities for watersports. The presence of surf schools means you can easily get started even if you have no prior experience.
Consider visiting during the week or outside of peak summer holidays for a less crowded experience, allowing more space to practice your skills.
Exploring the Coastal Paths
One popular route involves hiking down and around the peninsula, returning to the National Trust car park.
Pro-tip: Check the tide times before setting out, as some coastal paths might be affected by high tides. Always carry water and snacks, especially for longer walks.
Family Fun and Accessibility
At low tide, the exposed rock pools become a natural playground, teeming with small marine life for children to discover. While the beach itself is sandy, access can be a consideration for those with mobility issues. However, the promenade area and the nearby cafe are generally accessible.
The Newquay Aquarium is also located just above the beach, providing an additional family-friendly attraction. Family tip: Pack plenty of sun protection, snacks, and beach toys. The cafe near the car park is a convenient spot for a break and offers good facilities, including gluten-free options.
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