Turquoise waves rolling onto the golden sands of Fistral Beach on the north Cornwall coast. The iconic Headland Hotel is perched on the headland to the right, overlooking the beach

Explore | Beaches | Fistral Beach

Fistral Beach

Widely recognised as one of the finest in the UK, Fistral Beach attracts surfers from world-over.

Renowned for its carefree beach-life culture, consistent waves and breathtaking scenery, it’s not hard to see how Fistral Beach easily draws visitors in from across the globe. Regularly playing host to international surfing championships including Boardmasters and home to formidable reef break, the Cribbar, Fistral produces some of the most powerful swells seen in Cornwall, firmly earning its title of the ‘home of British surfing’. A picturesque spot backed by grassy dunes, this beach is a mecca for surf fans, sun worshippers, happy families, dog walkers and nature lovers year-round. 

Fistral Beach

Facilities

🅿️ Parking
♿ Wheelchair friendly
🐾 Dog friendly (year-round)
🍴 Food & drink
🏄 RNLI Lifeguards (April-October)
🚾 Toilets & baby changing

Fistral Beach

Not just a surfer’s paradise

Split into North and South sections, it might be one of the main attractions but Fistral is about far more than just the surf! This stretch of sun-baked golden sand offers an immersive and authentic beside-the-sea experience, with a number of retail outlets, food and drink ranging from wood-fired pizzas to award-winning Michelin Guide dining, plus a number of beach-based activities to try. Fistral Beach radiates relaxed, down-to-earth Cornish living, where the salty air breezes in off the azure Atlantic, folk happily pad barefoot across the shoreline and where the sunsets know how to put on a show.

Where to Shop, Eat & Drink
Not just a surfer's paradise
NORTH FISTRAL

NORTH FISTRAL

One of the busiest surf breaks due to its exposure to the elements and the quality of powerful, hollow waves that are produced here, North Fistral is an ever-popular spot for both amateur and professional surfers. This end of the beach is where you’ll spot the iconic Headland Hotel and find the International Surfing Centre complex, home to a variety of businesses including shopping, dining, drinking, surf hire, plus toilet facilities. North Fistral also offers accessible entry for the less mobile, wheelchair users and families with prams.

SOUTH FISTRAL

SOUTH FISTRAL

This end of the beach is typically quieter and more mellow than that of North Fistral, it is also more sheltered due to the rocky outcrop of Pentire Headland that stretches along the east side, protecting it from harsh winds and prevailing swell. South Fistral is popular with families and beginner surfers, largely due to the gentler conditions. There are two options for beach access at this end: a set of (rather sheer) steps with a handrail leading from the road above, alternatively, walk along the sand dunes that run along the back of the beach and take one of the paths onto the shoreline. This end also offers dining options, both on the beach and off.

THE CRIBBAR

A sleeping giant just off the North end of the beach, the Cribbar is awoken only when conditions are just right, on a handful of occasions each year. A variety of elements need to combine to create these monster waves, but when there’s a powerful swell in the North Atlantic, the energy from both the ocean and the wind grip the reef below the sea’s surface to create clean, perfectly formed, huge walls of water that can reach a lofty 40ft in height. It’s no surprise that the Cribbar is also known locally as the ‘Widow Maker’! Named after the reef on which it sits, on glory days, when the Cribbar comes to life, spectators flock to Towan Headland to witness brave professionals trying to tame her. If you’re lucky enough to watch the Cribbar baring her teeth, rest assured, it’s a sight you won’t forget.

THE CRIBBAR

RNLI LIFEGUARDS

The beach has extensive trained lifeguard cover from early April until the end of October, after which busy weekends will still be patrolled into the winter months. Flaunting a state-of-the-art RNLI lifeguard station that hovers above the sand, the centre includes a first aid room, storage, changing facilities and a large observational deck for the lifeguards to keep a safe watch over this bustling beach.

RNLI LIFEGUARDS

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