Before you set off
Today's snapshot
Towan is a sheltered town beach that works on any tide, but the rock pools around The Island and the walk across to Great Western Beach are only there at low to mid water.
Plan your visit
Getting there
Towan sits right below Newquay town centre, so there is no beach car park directly on the sand. The two nearest options are the Towan Headland and Manor Road car parks, both a short walk above the beach.
- Parking: Towan Headland car park and Manor Road car park are the closest options, both pay and display and a short walk down to the sand. Central Newquay car parks fill quickly in summer.
- Dog rules: Dog restrictions differ between Newquay's neighbouring town beaches. Check the current Cornwall Council beach list and Towan's on-site signage before visiting with a dog.
- Lifeguards: RNLI lifeguards patrol Towan through the main season, generally from around Easter weekends through to late October half term. Swim between the red and yellow flags when they are on duty.
- The Island: The rocky headland linked to the beach by a footbridge is a private house, not somewhere to visit, but it is a well-known Newquay landmark and a good point to navigate by.
Get in the water
Hire & lessons
Towan is right in the middle of town, so board and wetsuit hire is a short walk in any direction.
Cornish Wave
A surf shop on Fore Street with board and wetsuit hire, changing rooms and showers, a couple of minutes from the beach.
Newquay Activity Centre
Wetsuit and surf gear hire with heated changing rooms, close to both Towan and Great Western beaches.
After the beach
Eat, drink & stay
Towan sits directly below the town, so there is no shortage of places to eat with a beach view.
Saltsheds Bar & Bistro
A dog-friendly restaurant overlooking the beach, with a terrace and an all-day menu.
12 Beach Road
A relaxed, family- and dog-friendly restaurant and bar right above the sand.
Local perspective
Local notes
Towan is the beach you end up on without really planning to, because it is right below the town centre and the walk down is only a couple of minutes from the shops. It is not the biggest or the wildest beach in Newquay, but that is exactly why it works well with young children.
The best reason to time a visit around low tide is the rock pooling. The ledges either side of The Island footbridge fill with pools as the water drops, and at low water you can walk across the sand to Great Western Beach next door, which doubles the space to explore. Go early on a falling tide for the clearest pools before the crowds arrive.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is Towan Beach good for rock pooling?
Yes. At low to mid tide, rock ledges either side of The Island footbridge are exposed and fill with pools, and the sand connects through to Great Western Beach next door. Go on a falling tide for the clearest pools.
Is Towan Beach dog friendly?
Dog restrictions differ between Newquay's neighbouring town beaches. Check the current Cornwall Council beach list and Towan's on-site signage before visiting with a dog.
What's the best tide for Towan Beach?
Low to mid tide, when the rock ledges and pools around The Island are exposed and the sand joins up with Great Western Beach.
Where do you park for Towan Beach?
There is no beach car park directly on the sand. Towan Headland car park and Manor Road car park are the closest pay-and-display options, both a short walk above the beach.
Is it safe to swim at Towan Beach today?
Check the Environment Agency Swimfo map and Safer Seas & Rivers Service before swimming, and swim between the red and yellow flags when lifeguards are on duty.
Are there lifeguards at Towan Beach?
Yes. RNLI lifeguards patrol through the main season, generally from around Easter weekends through to late October half term.
Is Towan Beach pram or buggy friendly?
Partly. The car parks above the beach involve a slope or steps down to the sand, so I would check the route on the day if you are pushing a buggy.
What facilities are available at Towan Beach?
Towan has public toilets just off the promenade, beach wheelchair hire available to book through the seafront Blue Reef Aquarium, and cafés, shops and restaurants within a couple of minutes' walk.
Keep exploring