Fistral Beach

Fistral Beach featuring a sandy beach as well as a large group of people
Fistral Beach showing a coastal town, a beach and rocky coastline
Fistral Beach
Fistral Beach showing a beach
Fistral Beach showing a sandy beach


Bring your board to one of the best surfing spots in the country and attempt to ride the crashing Atlantic waves.

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.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

OYO Newquay Beach Hotel

OYO Newquay Beach Hotel

3.5 out of 5
1 Narrowcliff, Newquay, England
OYO Newquay Beach Hotel
Pentire Newquay Cornwall Hotel

Pentire Newquay Cornwall Hotel

3 out of 5
Pentire Avenue, Newquay, England
Pentire Newquay Cornwall Hotel
The Esplanade Hotel

The Esplanade Hotel

4 out of 5
Esplande Road, Fistral Beach, Cornwall, Newquay, England
The Esplanade Hotel
Oceanside

Oceanside

3 out of 5
Headland Road, Fistral Beach, Newquay, England
Oceanside
The Atlantic Hotel

The Atlantic Hotel

4 out of 5
Dane Road, Newquay, England
The Atlantic Hotel
Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa - Adults Only

Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa - Adults Only

4 out of 5
Esplanade Road, Newquay, England
Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa - Adults Only
Great Western Hotel

Great Western Hotel

3 out of 5
Cliff Road, Newquay, England
Great Western Hotel
Kilbirnie Hotel

Kilbirnie Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Narrowcliff, Newquay, England
Kilbirnie Hotel
The Headland Hotel and Spa

The Headland Hotel and Spa

5 out of 5
Headland Road, Newquay, ENG
The Headland Hotel and Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Fistral Beach

Fistral Beach in Newquay offers a variety of exciting activities for guests, including thrilling experiences at the nearby Adrenalin Quarry, where adventure seekers can indulge in high-octane pursuits. Aquatic adventures abound with surfing lessons and water sports provided by local activity providers, ensuring a memorable stay by the coast. Whether you're a novice or an expert, Fistral Beach is the perfect destination for both relaxation and adventure.

Shopping

For shopping near Fistral Beach, Kingsley Village is just 11.3km away, offering a lively atmosphere with various shops. If you're up for a drive, visit Lemon St Market at 17.7km, known for its unique stalls, or Discovery Quay, 29.0km away, featuring family-friendly shops and eateries.

Recreation

Experience the serene greens at Newquay Golf Club, just 644m from Fistral Beach, perfect for a relaxing round of golf. For wellness, Indoor Bowling Newquay, located 966m away, offers a calming atmosphere. Oasis Fun Pools, 3.2km from the beach, provides family-friendly fun in a vibrant setting.

Adventure

Embark on the South West Coast Path Section 17 Trailhead for stunning coastal views and invigorating hikes, located 1.6km from Fistral Beach. For exhilarating water activities, visit Retallack Water Sports, 14.5km away, or navigate the fun-filled Padstow Maize Maze, situated 12.9km from the beach.

Nightlife

Experience the thrill at Holywell Bay Fun Park's arcadeAdventureZone, only 4.8km from Fistral Beach. For a romantic evening, catch a film at Lighthouse Cinema, just 966m away. If you're up for a cultural outing, head to St. Ives Theatre, located 35.4km from Fistral Beach.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Fistral Beach

Fistral Beach in Newquay is a splendid destination for those seeking a mix of beach life, culture, and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy the stunning bay views, explore the vibrant marina, and partake in various thrilling experiences. Whether you're looking to relax on the sandy shore or indulge in local cultural attractions, Fistral Beach offers a delightful array of options to make your visit memorable.

  • Watergate Bay Beach: A stunning expanse of golden sand, Watergate Bay Beach is perfect for sunbathing, surfing, or simply enjoying the beach vibes. Its vast shoreline provides ample space for relaxation and beach games.
  • Watergate Bay: This picturesque bay offers breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities. Ideal for walks along the cliffs or enjoying water sports, Watergate Bay immerses visitors in natural beauty and adventure.
  • Newquay Boating Lake: A serene spot perfect for a romantic outing, Newquay Boating Lake features scenic views and opportunities for boating. Enjoy a tranquil moment amidst lush surroundings, making it a delightful escape.

Best time to go to Fistral Beach

The best time to visit Fistral Beach is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July and August are its hottest month on average. At the time of August, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January45.5°F (7.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
March46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.9°F (9.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
June58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July61.5°F (16.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
August61.5°F (16.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
September59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November50.7°F (10.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly Low
December47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Fistral Beach

To save money during your visit to Fistral Beach, consider travelling in the quieter months of January to February or November, when accommodation prices drop. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can yield better rates, and Tuesdays are typically cheaper than Fridays. Explore last-minute deals on Expedia for potential savings, and use their search tool to filter options by price and location. Combining flights, hotels, and activities into a package can further reduce costs, ensuring you make the most of your budget while enjoying free beach activities and stunning coastal views.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Fistral Beach are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Fistral Beach is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Fistral Beach is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Fistral Beach is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to tailor your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Fistral Beach with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

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