Fistral Beach

The moment you step onto Fistral Beach, you understand why Newquay's become synonymous with British surfing. Three miles of golden sand backed by dunes that actually look like they belong on a decent beach break, not some tired seaside resort. The Atlantic swells roll in relentlessly - proper waves, the kind that draw surfers from across Europe.

If you're not here to ride them yourself, don't worry. The beach works for everyone else too. Families stake out territory near the lifeguard stations - there are several dotted along the strand - and the shallow end near the car park is decent enough for paddling. Walkers get miles of sand to cover, especially at low tide when the flats open up. The rock pools towards Watergate Bay end are worth investigating if you've got kids who need entertaining.

Park yourself at Sunhaven Holiday Park just 1.2 miles away and you're sorted for the week. It's close enough for casual visits but far enough that you won't have the full tourist crush on your doorstep every morning. The beach itself is free, though car parking will cost you a few quid depending on the season.

Timing matters here. Summer weekends are rammed with families and day-trippers. If you can manage a weekday visit or head out early - before 10am - you'll get something approaching peace. Wind direction matters too; southwest swells are what everyone's chasing, so check the forecast. Most visitors spend two to three hours on the beach before the novelty wears off or the cold drives them back to the car.