Nearby Beaches

Explore Cornwall’s Stunning Coastal Beauty While Staying at The Old Chapel – Luxury Holiday Accommodation Cornwall

Discover more than 300 breathtaking beaches and coves that surround you, with endless opportunities for exploration – from secluded rocky bays to vast expanses of golden sand on the Atlantic coast, The Old Chapel in Newquay provides the perfect base for a tranquil retreat or an adventurous coastal escape during your next holiday in Cornwall.

Perranporth

8.7 miles by car

DOG FRIENDLY : Dogs are allowed all year round on Perranporth Beach, but they must be on short leads from the promenade to Flat Rocks Steps in July and August, between 10 am to 5 pm. So, whether you're travelling with a furry friend or not, you can enjoy everything that this fantastic beach has to offer.

Perranporth holidays aren’t complete without a visit to Perranporth Beach – the perfect destination for a stunning coastal day out. With miles of golden sand, huge surf and sand dunes, you'll feel like you've stumbled upon paradise. The best part? Perranporth Beach is easily accessible, so it's ideal if you've got young ones in tow or simply want a stress-free day by the sea.

There's also a selection of cafes and bars nearby, serving snacks and drinks throughout the main holiday seasons, so you won't have to worry about bringing your refreshments.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can take a walk up the beach to Ligger Point, just a 2-mile stroll away. It's an excellent way to explore the area and take in the stunning scenery.

Accessibility:

There is a car park right by the beach, and from there, a short slope to the beach that is suitable for wheelchairs. To access the beach over the river from the promenade, take the path along the promenade, and there is a footbridge over the river to the beach, which is also suitable for wheelchairs.

Holywell Bay

6.7 miles by car

DOG FRIENDLY : For dog-friendly holidays, Cornwally is abound with options! You'll be pleased to know that Holywell Bay is dog-friendly all year round. Please be sure to keep your dog on a lead and clean up after them to help maintain the beach's natural beauty.

The Old Chapel is just a short distance from the stunning Holywell Bay. This huge sandy beach is a popular spot for families and surfers alike, with extensive high sand dunes adding to its natural charm. The beach's wide open bays are large enough for everyone to find their own spot to relax and enjoy the natural beauty.

The beach's iconic Gull Rock is a familiar sight to fans of Poldark’s series three, making Holywell Bay a must-see destination for any Cornwall holiday.

With toilet facilities just a 5-minute walk away in Holywell village, you'll have everything you need for a day at the beach, including a beach shop, takeaway and a pub.

Accessibility:

As a National Trust-owned beach, Holywell Bay is cared for and conserved and National Trust members can enjoy free parking at the car park too. Access to the beach is easy via a level path, taking just 5 minutes to walk to the sand.

Porth (Polly) Joke

5.7 miles by car

DOG FRIENDLY : Dogs are welcome to join you at Polly Joke Beach all year round, making it the perfect destination for a family holiday with your furry friends.

Discover the enchanting beauty of Polly Joke Beach, known locally as Polly, during your stay at The Old Chapel in Newquay. This small, yet stunning northwest-facing cove is perfect for those seeking a peaceful and secluded beach experience. Polly is an ideal spot for rockpooling and exploring caves, as well as swimming, bodyboarding, surfing, and fishing. Although popular in summer, Polly Joke remains unspoiled, with no facilities or toilets, making it a haven for those who love to escape the crowds.

Accessibility:

The beach is a 15-minute walk from the nearest parking area, with a National Trust car park located on Cubert Common or private pay & display parking available at West Pentire. The beach is accessible for most visitors, but please note that there are some steep inclines along the way, which may pose challenges for those with mobility issues.

Crantock

4.8 miles by car

DOG FRIENDLY : Crantock Beach is also dog-friendly, but please remember to keep your furry friends under control during your visit.

If you’re looking for places to stay in Cornwall, The Old Chapel offers a great location to visit Crantock Beach. A stunning expanse of golden sand backed by high sand dunes forms an area known as Rushy Green, between the Pentire Headland to the west and the Gannel River to the east.

Crantock Beach is a popular sheltered beach destination for various activities such as swimming, snorkelling, surfing, and wind-surfing. You can even hire boards and canoes on the beach. With its vast expanse of golden sands, it's also a perfect getaway from the summer crowds. To add to visitors' convenience, the Crantock Beach car park provides accessible toilets.

Keep an eye out for dolphins occasionally visiting the beach, and the steep cliffs are also home to various seabirds. Don't forget to explore the large gap in the cliffs towards the western end of the beach, which houses a cave known as Piper's Hole.

Accessibility:

Accessibility to the beach is easy with short paths through the dunes from the car parks, but please take care when accessing the beach from Rushy Green as there can be sheer drops from the dunes, especially after stormy weather. There are two car parks located north of Crantock village that are a short distance from Crantock Beach. The first car park is less expensive than the second, which is operated by the National Trust and has a higher cost. Additionally, there are two car parks at West Pentire, and visitors can walk from West Pentire to Crantock Beach via the coast path.

Fistral

19 mins walk
0.9 miles by car

DOG FRIENDLY : Fistral Beach is dog-friendly, and dogs are allowed all year round.

The Old Chapel provides one of the best places to stay in Cornwall if you’re looking to visit Fistral Beach. Fistral Beach is not only Newquay's but also one of Cornwall's most popular beaches and a mecca for British surfers. It's the ultimate location for big UK surf competitions, including the famous Boardmasters Surf Championships, amongst others. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time surfer, Fistral Beach is the perfect place for you to showcase your skills or take your initial dip in the ocean.

The beach stretches out over a broad expanse of golden sand, with the headlands of Pentire and Towan to the south and north, respectively. On the Towan headland, overlooking the beach, stands the impressive Victorian Headlands Hotel.

Fistral Beach is generally divided into three areas: South Fistral, the main beach, and Little Fistral. The first two are self-explanatory, and Little Fistral is only visible at low tide. You can find a beach shop and café by Fistral Beach, and there are numerous shops, cafés, and amusements in Newquay. Sand chairs are available for disabled visitors to hire at Fistral Beach.

Toilets are located by the Fistral Beach car park and at the south end of Fistral Beach. There are also toilets above Little Fistral Beach.

Accessibility:

The Fistral Beach car park is located right by the beach, and there is level access to the rear of the beach, although it slopes downwards. There are several points on the coast path with steps to Fistral Beach. At the southern end of the beach, there are steep steps to the beach, and at Little Fistral Beach, there are steps to the beach.

Newquay Harbour

7 mins walk
0.3 miles by car

DOG FRIENDLY : All dogs are welcome at Newquay Harbour throughout the year, making it the perfect destination for you and your furry friend to enjoy a lovely day out.

Just a 7-minute walk or 0.3 miles by car from The Old Chapel, Newquay Harbour is one of the most charming locations in Newquay. With its own small beach, it is perfect for relaxing and soaking up the picturesque views. The harbour is home to a wide range of attractions, including a restaurant by the beach and several other dining options, where you can enjoy a meal or a drink whilst admiring the stunning views.

Newquay Harbour is both a fishing and pleasure harbour, with tidal moorings, seasonal activities and all-year-round fishing vessels. The Harbour is home to a fleet of about 20 fishing boats and the largest fishing port on the North Cornwall coast for the landing of shellfish, the harbour also hosts an RNLI station.

Visitors can enjoy a range of snacks from an ice cream van, mobile café or shellfish stalls while soaking up the atmosphere.

Accessibility:

There’s a Long Stay Car Park at Newquay Harbour which also has two disabled spaces available. However, please note that the harbour and beach are surrounded by cliffs, with a very steep roadway and steps down to the beach and harbour. The steep roadway can be difficult for those in wheelchairs and those with limited mobility.

Towan

5 mins walk
0.2 miles by car

DOG FRIENDLY : Furry friends are part of the family too, which is why Towan Beach is dog-friendly all year round.

Towan Beach is a must-visit destination for beach lovers staying at The Old Chapel in Newquay – with its southeast-facing position and fine golden sand, this quiet beach offers a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of the town centre, which is just a stone's throw away.

Discover fascinating marine life at the Blue Reef Aquarium, located right on the beachfront, and explore rock pools at low tide. You can also take a scenic stroll along the South West Coast Path to reach the nearby beaches of Porthbeor and Portscatho.

Indulge in some sweet treats, with refreshments available from Easter to October including teas, coffees, cream teas, cakes, and bakes.

Accessibility:

At Towan Beach, you'll find sand chair hire available to facilitate disabled access, as well as a lifeguard service during the summer months for added safety. There is a small car park available, with a 5-minute walk from the car park to reach the beach.

Great Western

13 mins walk
1.3 miles by car

DOG FRIENDLY : Like many of the beaches in Cornwall, Great Western Beach is a dog-friendly beach, so you can bring your dog along for a day of fun in the sun and sea.

Situated just north of Towan Beach, Great Western Beach was awarded a regional Seaside Award in 2022 and is perfect for families with several coves offering a degree of seclusion and backed by high cliffs.

At high tide, it's a small rectangle of sand but during low tide, it joins with Towan and Tolcarne to create a vast expanse of golden sand that's perfect for novice surfers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the rock pools and you can walk to the neighbouring beaches at low tide.

The beach is exposed to moderate Atlantic swells which can create surf. High cliffs offer some protection from the worst winds but also cast a shadow later in the afternoon, making it less ideal for sunbathing. Facilities at Great Western Beach include toilets, cafes, deck chair hire, surfboard hire and lifeguard cover during the summer months.

Accessibility:

Disabled access is available via a private lift from the Great Western Hotel. Car parking is available at the railway station and the Albany pay and display car parks located 250m from Great Western Beach or Newquay Town Centre, 5-10min walk away.

Tolcarne

17 mins walk
1.3 miles by car

DOG RESTRICTIONS : Also, please be aware of the seasonal dog ban from 1st May to 30th September.

As you plan your Cornish vacation, don't miss out on nearby Tolcarne Beach, one of the most stunning beach destinations in the area.

Tolcarne Beach is a crescent-shaped bay set against a backdrop of picturesque cliffs that joins up with its neighbouring beaches, Great Western and Lusty Glaze, at low tide. With its soft sand, easy swimming, family-friendly surfing, rock pools to explore at low tide, and sea fishing, Tolcarne Beach offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Don't miss the chance to ride the unique "Tolcarne Wedge" on a boogie board. The beach is cleaned daily in the summer, and you can find public toilets at one end of the beach.

Accessibility:

While the walk down the high cliffs can be challenging for some visitors, Tolcarne Beach is still the perfect family-friendly destination, with plenty of facilities on offer. The beach is also easily accessible, with plenty of parking available nearby. The closest public car park is located behind the Bristol Hotel or the Manor Car Park nearby.

Lusty Glaze

31 mins walk
1.9 miles by car

DOG FRIENDLY : Lusty Glaze Beach is dog-friendly all year round.

Just north of the charming harbour town of Newquay lies the horseshoe-shaped sandy haven of Lusty Glaze Beach. This privately owned cove of calm and clarity offers a 5-star beach experience that was crowned Beach of the Year in 2017 by The Times and The Sunday Times. Here, the Atlantic gently laps the shore, and the pace becomes just that little bit slower. At the heart of the Lusty Glaze resort lies a bar and restaurant with stunning views and breathtaking sunsets.

Accessibility:

Visitors should note that getting down to the beach requires descending 133 steep and uneven steps. A car park is available at the top of the cliffs, alongside the Glendorgal Hotel. Unfortunately, wheelchair access is not possible due to the narrow and unpredictable descent.

Porth

38 mins walk
2.6 miles by car

DOG RESTRICTIONS : During the summer season, lifeguards are on duty between 10 am and 6 pm, ensuring the safety of all visitors.

Porth Beach is the perfect destination for a family day out or a relaxing beach holiday in Cornwall. Nestled in a horseshoe-shaped bay and protected by headlands on both sides, Porth Beach boasts golden sands and stunning views of Newquay Bay and Park Head in the north and there are cafes across the road from the beach and a pub on the beach – the Mermaid.

What sets Porth Beach apart is its fascinating history and a narrow footbridge leads to Porth Island, which features prehistoric defensive earthworks and the remains of a settlement. At the end of the island, you'll find a blow hole, a natural phenomenon that's visible during mid-tide on windy days.

If you're planning to surf at Porth Beach, it's important to take caution as rips can occur, particularly
after stormy weather. High tide is the best time for surfing here.

Accessibility:

Accessing Porth Beach is a breeze, thanks to its easy access that makes it popular with families and those with walking difficulties. The beach is fully accessible for disabled people and prams, with parking available right on the beach.

Watergate Bay

45 mins walk
4.5 miles by car

DOG FRIENDLY : Watergate Bay Beach is a permanent sandy playground studded with rock pools, and it's dog-friendly all year round, so your furry friend can join you on your adventures.

If you're looking for a beach that caters to surfers and activity lovers of all ages and abilities, Watergate Bay Beach is the perfect choice. With two miles of golden sand and a stunning azure sea, it's no surprise that this beach has been ranked as one of the top surf beaches (and kite surfing) not only in the UK but in the world. Watergate Bay also hosts a variety of demonstrations, events, championships and festivals

The beach is ideal for families with children, and beginners in surfing and paddleboarding. Surf instructors provide lessons in surfing, paddleboarding, kite surfing, waveski, and hand planing, and equipment and wetsuit rentals are available.

Located directly on the beach, The Beach Hut is a casual restaurant that serves seasonal menus, offering an exceptional hot chocolate on colder days! Right next door, you will find Restaurant Emily Scott, which boasts spectacular sea views and serves exquisite Cornish fish and seafood dishes. This new restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients and offers a simple menu that highlights the quality of the seafood

Accessibility:

Accessibility to the beach is easy, with several access paths available, the easiest of which is located in front of the hotel in the valley. There are also two beach-side car parks available for visitors.

Mawgan Porth

 6.1 miles by car

DOG FRIENDLY : Dogs are welcome all year round! So bring your furry friends along for a stroll on the sand and a dip in the sea.

Mawgan Porth is a hidden gem just to the north of Newquay and offers a perfect stretch of golden sand ideal for families seeking a peaceful and sheltered haven away from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist spots. Swimming is generally considered safe at this beach; however, it is also a well-known surfing spot and can be exposed to the powerful Atlantic swells.

During low tide, you can explore several caves and rock formations. On the south side of the beach, a river flows out to the sea, leading to a secluded beach called Beacon Cove.

On the other side of the road to the beach, you'll find a pub, restaurants, surf hire and tuition, a beach shop, and a cafe, offering everything you need for a perfect day out. And with easy access from the adjacent car park, including disabled access, getting to this idyllic beach has never been easier.

Accessibility:

There is a spacious car park located by the beach, providing easy access. Disabled access is also available. In addition, there are toilets, refreshment stands, and beach shops conveniently located close to the beach.