Beacon Cove

Small waves lap against black rocks while families spread out across the golden sand - Beacon Cove offers a quieter alternative to Newquay's main beaches just a short walk from town. The sheltered position means it's often calmer than the exposed surf beaches, making it proper handy for families with smaller children who want to paddle without getting tumbled by Atlantic rollers.

Walking down from the clifftop path, you'll find a compact stretch of sand that's never as crowded as Fistral or Towan. Rock pools dot the eastern end at low tide - kids can spend ages hunting for crabs and anemones while parents actually get to sit down for five minutes. The western side opens up more space for ball games and sandcastles.

It's free to visit and accessible year-round, though facilities are limited so bring your own refreshments. Allow a couple of hours if you're combining it with the coastal walk. The beach works brilliantly as a gentler day out from any of the nearby holiday parks around Crantock Beach or Hendra - it's close enough for a quick trip but feels worlds away from the tourist bustle.