Little Fistral Beach

Little Fistral sits tucked away from Newquay's main tourist drag, and that's precisely why you should bother with it. It's a proper sand-and-rock affair, smaller and quieter than its big sibling across the bay, with enough character to make it worth the walk from the town centre or a quick drive if you're based at Sunhaven or one of the other parks within striking distance.

The beach itself is classic Cornish - golden sand at high tide, rock pools when the water drops. You'll find surfers here, walkers, families who've sussed out it's less heaving than Fistral Beach proper. The approach is straightforward enough, and there's a decent vantage point from the clifftop path if you can't be bothered with the descent. Allow an hour for a proper poke around, longer if rock pooling with kids is on the agenda.

Who'll love it? Families after something less frantic than central Newquay, walkers wanting a quick coastal leg, anyone trying to dodge the crowds in summer. If you're after a long sandy expanse for a full day's lounging, this isn't it - you'll want the main beaches. But for a morning session, a spot of exploring, or one of those golden-hour evening visits, it's excellent.

It's free to access and sits conveniently close to Sunhaven Holiday Park - barely over a mile - making it a natural addition to any Newquay break. Go when the tide's dropping to catch the pools properly exposed.