Enjoy a 360º virtual tour of Great Western Beach surrounded by high cliffs and popular with surfers who want to avoid the heavy swells at Fistral beach and quieter than the neighbouring Towan beach.
At low tide the beach is huge as it combines with Towan to the left and Tolcarne to the right. If you want to escape the crowds of Towan for a quieter patch of sand then this beach is just a short walk around the corner. High cliffs tower over the beach giving some protection from the worst winds, but also cast a shadow later in the afternoon so it is not always the best place for sunbathing. There are a few rock pools and caves you can explore.
One thing we did find puzzling was the huge ugly black building on the top of the cliff, initially we thought it was disused, but it’s actually a gym. Why on earth would you block up an amazing view. Imagine being on a treadmill or rowing machine looking out over the bay, that would encourage members just for the view.
A popular family beach situated between Towan and Tolcarne beaches. The beach is backed by high cliffs and at high tide is just a small rectangle of sand. The beach got its name from the Great Western Railway which ran a very popular service to Newquay between 1876 and 1960 putting it on the map as a tourist destination – they also built the Great Western Hotel up on the cliffs, immediately opposite the railway station.
- Lifeguards: this beach has RNLI lifeguards from May until September.
- Dogs: well behaved dogs and responsible owners are welcome on the majority of the beach 365 days a year. However, in the Blue Flag award area, a dog ban is in place from May to September in accordance with the lifeguard season. Dog bags are available from the surf school office.
Large breaking waves
Strong currents
Strong winds
Surfers
Tidal cut-off
Unstable Cliffs
- First wave adventure centre
- Fishing
- Kayaks
- Paddle boarding
- Rockpooling
- Sailing
- Sea Canoeing
- Surf Hire
- Surf School
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
- Slope
Beach access is via an inclining tarmac path beside the Great Western Hotel on Cliff Road, or along the sands at low tide
Newquay, TR7 2NE. Best way to get there is walking over from Towan Beach and past The Island or alternatively by finding somewhere to park on Cliff Road (A392) which runs parallel to it above, and walking down. There are public car parks located near Great Western beach. There are no parking facilities on the beach or vehicle access to the beach.
- By Car, There are a few parking spots on the residential streets nearby but you’ll be lucky to find one free. If you’re not going to be long there are 2 hour free parking on Narrowcliff Road. There are two pay and display car parks at the rail station and at Albany.
- By Bus, station is around a 10 minute walk via Manor Rd and East St.
- By Train, Railway station is a 3 minute walk via Station Parade
- Small waves, ideal for novice surfers or calm waters for safe swimming.
- High cliffs tower over the beach giving some protection from the worst winds, but also cast a shadow later in the afternoon so it is not always the best place for sunbathing.
- Lifeguards: this beach has RNLI lifeguards from May until September.
- Potential Hazards: Strong currents, Tidal cut-off, Strong winds, large breaking waves, falling rocks, surfers.
- Dogs, well behaved dogs and responsible owners are welcome on the majority of the beach 365 days a year. However, in the Blue Flag award area, a dog ban is in place from May to September in accordance with the lifeguard season. Dog bags are available from the surf school office.
- Toilets: there are public toilets on the beach which are open 10am until 6pm during the summer months – please note these may close in the winter.
- Type: Sandy
- For more info check out www.greatwesternbeach.co.uk
- Get £25 off your first Airbnb trip of £55 or more click here.
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