Explore | Beaches | Great Western Beach
Great Western Beach
Great Western Beach sits in the heart of Newquay Bay and is widely recognised as one of the most influential beaches of early surf culture in the UK.
Understated and relaxed, Great Western is a laid-back spot nestled between the beaches of Towan and Tolcarne, and sits in prime position to consistently receive a wrap of diverted Atlantic ocean swells from nearby Towan Headland. Backed by sheer cliff faces, Great Western comprises a series of intriguing little coves that offer a degree of seclusion to beach-goers, and at low tide, this becomes a magnificent expanse of golden sand that connects the neighbouring beaches as one. Flaunting a number of amenities down by the sand, Great Western has everything you might need in one place, from a beachside restaurant, bar, toilets, and ocean-based activities. What’s more, Great Western is proud to be a friendly, welcoming place for all, making it a popular option for families, dog walkers and of course, surfers.
FACILITIES
🐾 Dog friendly (year-round)
🍴Food & drink
🏄 RNLI Lifeguards (May-September)
🚾 Toilets
History of Great Western
Throughout the centuries Great Western has proven a popular playground for locals and holiday-makers alike, from Victorian bathers right up to modern day. However, it was the sheer consistency of rideable waves that would ultimately give rise to the introduction of surfing as a sport to Newquay residents in the mid-1900s, and firmly put Great Western on the map. It began in the 50s with brave wooden belly board riders before progressing to daring stand-up pioneers on large fibreglass boards in the 60s: it was this advent of stand-up surfing that truly saw the sport take off. Originally dubbed a ‘counter culture’, spectators and surfers catching a break between sessions would regularly gather on ‘the slope’ leading down to Great Western, much to the dismay of Newquay’s more upper class residents! Little did they know, this was the very beginning of what we now know (and love) as surf and beach life culture. In the years that followed, surfing would become iconic and synonymous with Newquay town and Great Western would go on to produce many of the UK’s earliest, current, national and international surfing champions.
WATERSPORTS
It should be no surprise given Great Western’s incredible link to UK surf history that you can learn to ride the waves here. Whether you’re looking for a first-time introduction to surfing or expert tuition to hone existing skills, group lessons or private one-on-one’s, the friendly pros at Great Western are on hand to expertly guide you through the water. Alternatively, if some leisurely kayaking, stand up paddle boarding or simply relaxing on the beach is more your scene, there’s equipment hire available too.
