Explore | Beaches | Towan Beach

Towan Beach

One of the most iconic, and perhaps the most photographed, beaches in Cornwall due to the towering private island home aptly named ‘The Island’ that keeps watch here.

Flanked by the harbour to the left and Great Western to the right, this golden stretch of sand is a playground for water sports and on a sunny day, the turquoise water glistens brightly in sparkling hues of clear aquamarine, meaning you might find it hard to believe you’re in England at all. The shallow waters and gentle waves that lap the shoreline culminate in this being a very family-friendly and dog-friendly spot. During the warmer months, the promenade that backs the beach becomes a hive of activity with beach shacks, ice cream vans and pop-up markets.

Towan Beach

FACILITIES

♿️ Accessible (sand wheelchair available)
🐾 Dog friendly (year-round)
🍴 Food & drink
🏄 RNLI Lifeguards (May-September)
🚾 Toilets

Towan Beach

The Island, Newquay

Quite possibly one of the most incredible homes found anywhere in the UK, The Island is quite the talking point. A private home perched high above the beach, and only accessible via a suspension footbridge.

Dating back to the 19th century, this architectural marvel was originally built for a wealthy merchant family and has been witness to significant historical events, including both World Wars, where it played a critical role in the town’s defence strategies. Known by many names over the years, including Newquay Island, The House Of The Sea, Towan Island and even Jago’s island, the island originally belonged to a Richard Lomax. In 1838, Lomax rented it to the Billings brothers who planted a potato patch atop the stack and even housed chickens here which led to another name, Chicken Island. Long before the bridge was built, it is thought the brothers climbed a steep winding path to reach the top and ferried their tools and potatoes down by donkey. The bungalow was built in 1910 by Mr O’Flaherty who must have been made of stern stuff, as this was pre-double glazing or central heating, and it gets very stormy in the winter months! Today, it is a popular holiday let property offering some of the most unique views found anywhere in Cornwall.

The Island, Newquay

Walking

When the tide is low, it’s possible to walk from Newquay Harbour along all the town beaches: Towan Beach, Great Western and Tolcarne. Click below to discover the four main walking routes you can take along the stunning Newquay coastline.

Walking Around Newquay
Walking

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