Great Western Beach

Newquay’s Great Western beach is a popular family beach, comprising of several west facing sandy coves, backed by towering cliffs, sheltering it and providing early morning natural shade.

The beach is popular with both families and surfers and despite its close proximity to Newquay town centre, is quieter than some of the other Newquay beaches. It is also possible to walk to neighbouring beaches at low tide.

There is good disabled access and a private lift which descends through the cliffs from the Great Western Hotel.

The beach caters for all levels of surfing ability but is particular good for beginners as it is slightly more sheltered than other Newquay surfing beaches.

Toilets, cafes, showers, deck chair and windbreak rental, surfboard hire, surf schools and seasonal lifeguard cover (May – end of September). Parking is in Newquay Town centre some 5-10min walk away.

Great Western Beach has been awarded a regional Seaside Award.

Dog Friendly Beach?

Great Western Beach is dog friendly and allows dogs all year.

Why not check other beaches nearby as we have 216 beaches in Cornwall, or check our list of Cornwall Dog Friendly Beaches.

Visit Great Western Beach

(Get directions)

Great Western Beach Water Quality

Water samples are taken at regular intervals during the bathing season and at the end of the season the water quality is classified as:
  - Excellent: the highest classification meaning the water is cleanest
  - Good: generally good water quality
  - Sufficient: meets minimum standards
  - Poor: You are advised not to swim. The beach will stay open and an action plan should be in place to improve the water quality.

Great Western Beach 7 Day Weather Forecast

Today

Expect a temp in the range 16.1℃ to 17.9℃ with wind speed 5.3 m/sec (ESE)

Wednesday, Jun 07

Expect a temp in the range 11.6℃ to 12.7℃ with wind speed 3.3 m/sec (E)

Thursday, Jun 08

Expect a temp in the range 14.8℃ to 15.6℃ with wind speed 8.9 m/sec (ESE)

Friday, Jun 09

Expect a temp in the range 14.8℃ to 16.4℃ with wind speed 8.7 m/sec (ESE)

Saturday, Jun 10

Expect a temp in the range 15.1℃ to 16.3℃ with wind speed 4.9 m/sec (E)

Sunday, Jun 11

Expect a temp in the range 15.7℃ to 16℃ with wind speed 2.9 m/sec (S)

Monday, Jun 12

Expect a temp in the range 14.3℃ to 15℃ with wind speed 2.5 m/sec (WSW)

Newquay weather forecast from Yr, delivered by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute and NRK

Great Western Beach Tide Times

Tide times are available at around 600 locations and the closest location to Great Western Beach is at NEWQUAY 0.35 km (0.22 miles) away. Tides are displayed beneath for up to 7 days and we list both high and low water times along with the height, helping you to plan the best time to visit Great Western Beach. These times are not adjusted for BST.

Tue 06 Jun
   Low Tide at 00:23 (Height 0.75m)
   High Tide at 06:19 (Height 6.71m)
   Low Tide at 12:43 (Height 0.90m)
   High Tide at 18:42 (Height 6.83m)

Wed 07 Jun
   Low Tide at 01:12 (Height 0.82m)
   High Tide at 07:09 (Height 6.57m)
   Low Tide at 13:31 (Height 1.07m)
   High Tide at 19:32 (Height 6.70m)

Thu 08 Jun
   Low Tide at 02:03 (Height 0.99m)
   High Tide at 08:01 (Height 6.36m)
   Low Tide at 14:22 (Height 1.31m)
   High Tide at 20:27 (Height 6.51m)

Fri 09 Jun
   Low Tide at 02:59 (Height 1.21m)
   High Tide at 08:58 (Height 6.10m)
   Low Tide at 15:20 (Height 1.57m)
   High Tide at 21:25 (Height 6.30m)

Sat 10 Jun
   Low Tide at 04:01 (Height 1.44m)
   High Tide at 09:58 (Height 5.87m)
   Low Tide at 16:25 (Height 1.78m)
   High Tide at 22:30 (Height 6.13m)

Sun 11 Jun
   Low Tide at 05:10 (Height 1.61m)
   High Tide at 11:06 (Height 5.73m)
   Low Tide at 17:38 (Height 1.89m)
   High Tide at 23:38 (Height 6.03m)

Mon 12 Jun
   Low Tide at 06:20 (Height 1.68m)
   High Tide at 12:15 (Height 5.71m)
   Low Tide at 18:49 (Height 1.87m)