Whipsiderry Beach and Caves
A dramatic Newquay beach with stunning cliffs, accessible sea caves at low tide, and a challenging but rewarding descent.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Reveals caves & expansive sand
Whipsiderry Beach and Caves
Best Time
Reveals caves & expansive sand
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dramatic Newquay beach with stunning cliffs, accessible sea caves at low tide, and a challenging but rewarding descent.
"The effort to reach this beach is 100% worth it for the scenery and caves!"
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path down is steep and can be slippery. Good grip is essential for a safe descent and ascent. :athletic_shoe:
🌊 Check Tide Times
Crucial for exploring caves and maximizing beach access. Low tide is your best friend here! :ocean:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hidden Sea Caves
Along the beach at low tide
Explore intriguing sea caves carved into the cliffs, offering a glimpse into the raw power of the ocean.
Expansive Sandy Shore
The main beach area
A vast stretch of golden sand perfect for relaxing, walking, and enjoying the coastal views.
Dramatic Cliff Formations
Surrounding the beach
Marvel at the rugged beauty of the cliffs, a testament to Cornwall's dramatic geological history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Steep Descent, Big Reward
Tide Times are Crucial
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path down is steep and can be slippery. Good grip is essential for a safe descent and ascent. :athletic_shoe:
🌊 Check Tide Times
Crucial for exploring caves and maximizing beach access. Low tide is your best friend here! :ocean:
⚠️ Respect Cliff Safety
Cliffs are unstable. Stay at least 50ft away from the edge for your safety. :warning:
🚗 Parking is Limited
Only space for a few cars. Consider parking at Porth Beach and walking. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path down is steep and can be slippery. Good grip is essential for a safe descent and ascent. :athletic_shoe:
🌊 Check Tide Times
Crucial for exploring caves and maximizing beach access. Low tide is your best friend here! :ocean:
⚠️ Respect Cliff Safety
Cliffs are unstable. Stay at least 50ft away from the edge for your safety. :warning:
🚗 Parking is Limited
Only space for a few cars. Consider parking at Porth Beach and walking. :car:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Beach
A great spot for dogs, but always be mindful of other visitors and wildlife. :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Whipsiderry Beach is lauded for its stunning natural beauty, dramatic cliffs, and intriguing sea caves, especially when revealed at low tide. While the steep access path and limited parking are noted drawbacks, most visitors find the effort well worth it for the quieter, more expansive experience compared to other Newquay beaches. Concerns have been raised by some about nearby development impacting the area.
"A small cottage right by the harbour at Portloe. No garden and steep narrow stairs might not suit some, but a lovely location. We spent a happy week here."
Paul Margrie
"It's nice. It deserves to be one of the most magnificent coastlines in Britain."
Wlobalsales
"Newquay has lots of very nice beaches, however, my personal favourites is this one. Especially after lunch when the tide goes back retrieving in and making the place accessible for walk accross. Then you can explore, see the stone formations, caves and enjoy a absolutely massive beach. The water was really shallow, so you really need to go in to get a decent depth, however, I found it safe to leave my stuff and enjoy swimming."
Bogomil Rashkov
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Whipsiderry Beach is located north of Newquay. Access is via a steep cliff path with steps. While a few cars can park nearby, it's often recommended to park at Porth Beach and take a short walk up the hill to the access point.
Parking is very limited, with space for only about 3 cars directly in front of the path. For more reliable parking, consider the larger car parks at nearby Porth Beach and walk for about 5 minutes.
From Newquay town center, you can drive or take a local bus towards Watergate Bay. The beach access point is well-signposted from the coast road.
Due to the steep cliff path and steps, Whipsiderry Beach is not accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs. It requires a moderate level of fitness to navigate the descent and ascent.
Yes, Whipsiderry Beach is situated between Porth Beach and Watergate Bay. You can enjoy a scenic coastal walk along the cliff path to reach it from either location.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Whipsiderry Beach is a public beach and does not require any admission tickets. Entry is free for all visitors.
Whipsiderry Beach is accessible at all times, but its usability and exploration potential are heavily dependent on the tide. Always check tide times before your visit.
The sea caves at Whipsiderry Beach are naturally formed and accessible at low tide. There is no entrance fee to explore them, but safety is paramount.
The main restriction is related to cliff stability; visitors are advised to stay at least 50 feet away from the cliff edges due to potential instability.
While there have been protests regarding developments near Whipsiderry Beach, the beach itself remains accessible to the public. Visitors should be aware of any local advisories.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At low tide, you can explore sea caves, walk across the expansive sandy shore, admire rock formations, and enjoy the coastal scenery. It's also a dog-friendly beach.
The water can be shallow, requiring you to go further out for depth. Many find it safe for swimming, but always be aware of conditions and currents.
While intriguing, exploring the caves is not recommended for safety reasons due to potential instability and the risk of being cut off by the tide.
The beach features impressive stone formations and geological features sculpted by the sea over time, particularly visible when the tide recedes.
Compared to some of Newquay's more central beaches, Whipsiderry is often less busy, offering a quieter experience, especially outside peak times.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic cliff formations, the intricate details of the sea caves at low tide, and the vast expanse of sand. The 'Hidden Bridge' formation is also a unique subject.
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light that enhances the textures of the cliffs and sand. Low tide is essential for photographing the caves.
The 'Hidden Bridge' over the sea is a distinctive feature that photographers often seek out. The interplay of light and shadow within the sea caves also provides dramatic shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the beach and cliffs. A macro lens can be useful for details in the rock formations and tide pools.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and ensure you fly responsibly, respecting privacy and safety, especially given the cliff proximity.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Coastal Walkers
📸 Photographers and Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Terrain: Access and Safety
Safety is paramount at Whipsiderry. The cliffs are known to be unstable, and visitors are strongly advised to maintain a distance of at least 50 feet from the cliff edges.
The Magic of Low Tide Exploration
Many visitors find the water shallow, requiring them to venture further out for a decent depth for swimming. However, the shallows are often described as safe for enjoying the water, with plenty of space to leave belongings.
Community Concerns and Coastal Development
While these developments are a point of contention, the beach itself remains a public amenity. Visitors are encouraged to be aware of any local advisories or ongoing discussions related to these issues.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit