Towan Headland
Dramatic headland in Newquay offering stunning coastal views, surf vibes, and spectacular sunsets. Explore rock pools at low tide!
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Reveals rock pools & more beach
Towan Headland
Best Time
Reveals rock pools & more beach
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic headland in Newquay offering stunning coastal views, surf vibes, and spectacular sunsets. Explore rock pools at low tide!
"A truly fantastic lookout, where you can spend some time appreciating the stunning views."
Check Tide Times First! :ocean:
Towan Beach is significantly affected by tides; check before you go to enjoy the sand .
Cocktails with a View :cocktail:
Don't miss The Coconut Shy for drinks while watching surfers and sunsets .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Towan Beach & Harbour
Newquay Town Centre
The main town beach, bustling with activity and directly linked to shops and restaurants. Busy in summer, serene in winter .
The Coconut Shy Cocktail Shack
Towan Beach
A charming seaside spot for cocktails with stunning views of surfers and sunsets .
Towan Headland Views
Towan Headland
Offers golden sands, crystal waters, and epic surf vibes, perfect for chilling or sunset watching .
Hidden Rock Pools
Towan Headland (at low tide)
Discover serene rock pools accessible only at low tide, ideal for exploration and cold water therapy .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tide Times are Crucial
Parking Can Be Tricky
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Times First! :ocean:
Towan Beach is significantly affected by tides; check before you go to enjoy the sand.
Cocktails with a View :cocktail:
Don't miss The Coconut Shy for drinks while watching surfers and sunsets.
Explore Rock Pools :shell:
Visit at low tide to discover hidden rock pools on Towan Headland.
Coastal Walk Potential :hiking_boot:
Towan Headland offers scenic walks with amazing sea views.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Times First! :ocean:
Towan Beach is significantly affected by tides; check before you go to enjoy the sand.
Cocktails with a View :cocktail:
Don't miss The Coconut Shy for drinks while watching surfers and sunsets.
Explore Rock Pools :shell:
Visit at low tide to discover hidden rock pools on Towan Headland.
Coastal Walk Potential :hiking_boot:
Towan Headland offers scenic walks with amazing sea views.
Surf's Up! :surfer:
Newquay is famous for surfing, with Towan Beach being a popular spot.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Towan Headland for its stunning natural beauty, offering breathtaking views and a peaceful escape, especially outside of peak season. The accessibility from Newquay town and the opportunity to witness spectacular sunsets are frequently highlighted as major draws. However, some visitors note issues with parking and the beach's disappearance at high tide.
"Beautiful. Wild and windy but so beautiful. It was a shame however that most people thought it was acceptable to cover number plates to avoid ANPR and paying for parking."
Gemma Robinson
"One of the best Peaceful place I ever been. Out side of town centre. Nice long walk. Amazing sea"
naim ahmed
"Lovely views and free of charge"
Andy Wetherell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Towan Headland is easily accessible from Newquay town centre. Many visitors walk directly from the town.
If driving, there is parking available nearby, though be mindful of potential ANPR issues.Yes, Towan Beach is the main beach in Newquay and is directly linked to the town centre, making it very convenient to access.
While not a direct walk, you can enjoy a scenic coastal path connecting different parts of Newquay, including areas near Fistral and Towan Headland.
Walking is highly recommended for exploring the coastline around Towan Headland and Newquay. You can find beautiful coastal paths offering stunning sea views.
Newquay has bus services that can get you close to the town centre, from where Towan Headland and Towan Beach are a short walk away.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Towan Headland is a natural landmark and offers free access for visitors to enjoy the views and coastal paths.
Towan Beach is a public beach and is accessible at all times. However, its usability is dependent on the tide.
No booking is required to visit Towan Headland. It's a public space for everyone to enjoy.
Yes, there is parking available very close to Towan Headland, which is convenient for visitors.
The main restriction is the tide; at high tide, the beach can be completely covered.
Otherwise, it's open to the public.🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy scenic walks, photography, watching surfers, exploring rock pools at low tide, and simply relaxing while taking in the stunning coastal views.
Towan Beach is suitable for swimming, and it's also a popular spot for surfing. Be aware of currents and conditions, especially if you're a beginner.
As Towan Beach is linked to the town centre, you'll find plenty of amenities nearby, including shops, restaurants, and bars.
There's also a unique cocktail shack, The Coconut Shy.Surfing conditions can vary, but generally, mornings and afternoons can offer good waves. Watching surfers is a popular pastime here.
While specific restrictions can change, dogs are generally allowed on Newquay beaches, but often with seasonal restrictions. It's best to check local signage.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire headland offers dramatic coastal scenery. Capture the beach with the town in the background, the unique rock formations, and the surfers.
Sunsets are particularly spectacular here, casting a warm glow over the sea and cliffs.
Golden hour in the morning also provides beautiful light.Drone usage is subject to regulations. Always check local bylaws and airspace restrictions before flying a drone in the area.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the beach and coastline, close-ups of surfers, and atmospheric images during different tide conditions.
The rock pools revealed at low tide offer unique macro photography opportunities, and the dramatic coastal landscape is perfect for landscape photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting The Coconut Shy for a fun, relaxed drink with a view. The gentle slope of the beach can make it easier for little ones to enjoy the water. For a more adventurous outing, exploring the rock pools at low tide can be a memorable experience for the whole family.
🏄♀️ Surfers and Watersports Enthusiasts
For those seeking a thrill, the potential for downwind runs from Towan Headland to Watergate Bay offers an exciting challenge. Always check surf reports and conditions before heading out, and be mindful of other beach users. The vibrant surf culture here means you'll always find fellow enthusiasts to share the stoke with.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Scenery Lovers
Combine your walk with a visit to Towan Beach itself, or explore further along the coast. The views are particularly spectacular during sunrise and sunset, making it a rewarding destination for photography enthusiasts as well.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Surfing Culture in Newquay
For beginners, it's advisable to check conditions and consider lessons, especially during busier periods. The presence of surf shops and cafes catering to surfers further enhances the beach's appeal. The iconic Cribbar wave, which only forms under specific conditions a few times a year, draws significant attention from onlookers, showcasing the powerful and sometimes elusive nature of the ocean here.
The Magic of Low Tide Exploration
Remember that access to these rock pools is only possible during low tide, so checking the tide times is essential for planning your visit. The experience of discovering these hidden gems adds an extra layer of adventure to your visit to Towan Headland. It's also a great spot for cold water therapy enthusiasts looking for a refreshing dip in a more sheltered environment.
Sunset Spectacles at Towan Headland
The vantage point from the headland allows for unobstructed views, making it a popular spot for couples and individuals to unwind and appreciate the end of the day. The combination of the rugged coastline, the vast ocean, and the vibrant sunset creates a truly unforgettable spectacle. Arrive a little early to secure a good spot and soak in the atmosphere as the day transitions into night.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit