The Best Family Friendly Beaches In Newquay

With seven beaches to choose from and each one as breathtaking as the other, it can be hard to know which one to visit especially with children in tow. Some have easier access than others and some have less of an incline into the sea making them popular spots so we’ve rounded up all of Newquay’s beaches that tick the boxes when it comes to family beach days.

1. Tolcarne Beach

This sheltered cove is the idyllic beach to while-away a day and the best thing about it is there’s no need to pack a picnic because it’s home to The Colonial Restaurant and a kiosk selling pasties, sandwiches and of course ice creams. Scour the shoreline for sea shells and make endless sandcastles in the golden sand. If your little ones can stay awake, waiting for sunset here is something else and dinner in the restaurant is an absolute must! There are two ways to access this beach, either lots and lots of steps that are not always popular with little legs or a slope that winds its way down to the sand – the preferred route for those with buggies and all the gear. This beach has incredible facilities including toilets and baby changing. If you really want to make the most of being beside the sea, check out the many options to stay here.

2. Great Western Beach

With a giant play area at the top of this beach in the aptly named Great Western Hotel, one of the hardest things is persuading the children to go down to the beach – we certainly suggest a pit stop at the hotel on your way home. Situated close to the town centre, it’s surrounded by shops, cafes and restaurants making it a popular spot with visitors and locals alike. A gentle sloping beach with calmer waters than some of the other well-known surf spots. It’s quieter here and it’s a great place to soak up the sun. There are a couple of options when it comes to refreshments including the Great Western Surf Cafe located on the beach. It’s a great place to kick back and admire the view whilst treating the whole family to a bite to eat. There is also a Surf Shack serving ice cold beer, soft drinks, coffees and snacks. For older children, this is a ‘great’ place to learn to surf. Thought to be Newquay’s original surfing beach, Great Western Beach is home to Newquay Surfing School. Learn to ride the waves, hire a board or join in with a coasteering adventure. This beach really is a ‘great’ all rounder.

3. The Harbour

This is not an obvious choice for many but Newquay’s harbour caters for any age thanks to the gentle wave free waters, the fishing opportunities and it’s a brilliant spot to try your hand at stand up paddle boarding. It has a small car park next to the harbour but during the peak summer months, it’s very busy so we’d recommend leaving the car in one of the many town car parks and walking here. Spread out a blanket, unpack the bucket and spade and simply relax. As lunchtime looms, grab your phone and order delicious street food from The Boathouse’s app. Choose from all types of cuisine including Thai curries, catch of the day seafood dishes, pizza, burgers and one that’s very popular with children, chocolate stacked waffles. If you’re looking for an easy option for a fun filled family day out that will keep everyone busy, we recommend heading to the harbour. Make sure you say hi to the local resident seal, Sammy.

4. Towan Beach

The easiest beach to access! No steps, no steep slope, no sandy pathway just a short stroll from the town centre and you’re ready to go. On fine weather days when the sea is calm, you can easily mistake this beach for being in the Mediterranean as the water gently laps the shore. Rock pools, expansive golden sand and shallow waters are ideal for paddling but venture deeper and the waves are great for first time surfers and bodyboarders. If the weather suddenly takes a turn for the worst, a day spent here is not lost. Dive into the Blue Reef Aquarium and delve into the marine life of the deep blue sea or head back into town to stroll through the streets bursting with bakeries, ice cream parlours, amusement arcades, gift shops and cafes. This beach is about as traditional ‘sea-side’ as they come so if you’re looking to create some life long memories or bring back flashes of nostalgia from your own childhood with your brood, we highly recommend heading here.

Tip – the sand can often take a little longer to dry out here so pack a water-proof blanket!

5. Crantock

Just moments away from Newquay town centre this beach might just be one of the best family friendly locations in the UK. Popular with parents thanks to the River Gannel that meanders through leaving small pools as the water retreats at low tide. Here, imaginations can run wild as pools transform into ocean bound fortresses and forgotten wonders of the sea. Whilst the children are lost in a world of make believe, it gives tired parents a second to breathe and soak in the sea air. The car park is within easy reach so dragging everything that a toddler needs becomes so much easier and don’t fear those words ‘I’m hungry’ as you desperately search the snack bag only to find it empty. Crantock is home to a small kiosk and even a retired army truck that sells the most delicious cakes. If you’re looking for a beach day with as little stress as possible, it has to be here.

Newquay’s family friendly beaches cater to every taste from adventure seekers to those in search for a serene shores. Whether you’re building sandcastles, learning to ride the waves or simply splashing in the sea, there’s one thing that all of these beaches will bring and that’s memorable moments of family togetherness. See you beachside!