With its constant stream of waves, Fistral Beach is one of Newquay’s primary surfer hangouts. The beach, which faces the choppy waters of the Atlantic Ocean, is the setting for international surfing competitions and even has its own surfing museum. Learn to surf in one of England’s most well-known beaches.
Bring your board out on the choppy water to experience the powerful swells. Walk north to the Cribbar, a reef famous for its huge waves. Watch experienced surfers tackle the notoriously dangerous waves. The reef is also known as the Widow Maker and when conditions are right, can produce swells of up to 30 feet (9 meters).
Beginners can rent surf equipment on the beach and take lessons from the Fistral Beach Surf School on the northern end of the stretch of sand. Attend one of the events held on the beach, such as Boardmasters surf and music festival in August. The beach also holds other events such as night surfing and music festivals.
If you’d rather stay dry, find a spot on the sand and lay out and sunbathe. Walk the entirety of the beach, from Towan Head headland at the northern end to Pentire Point East at the south. As you stroll along the beach, pause to admire views of the long sweep of sand and observe daredevil surfers riding the crests of large, foamy waves. Overlooking the beach are several restaurants and cafés serving local dishes such as fish and chips.
Lifeguards patrol the area from May to September and on busy weekends outside of that period. Fistral Bay is on Cornwall’s northern shore between Newquay and Pentire. The beach borders Newquay Golf Course, which has stunning views looking out over Fistral Bay. Drive here from Newquay railway station and leave your car in one of the parking lot’s 200 spaces. While the beach is free to enter, drivers will have to pay a small fee for parking.
