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Down The Cove
Place guide3 min readUpdated 8 Apr 2026

Towan Beach

is Newquay's central town beach, a golden sweep of sand tucked right beneath the town between the harbour and The Island, a rocky outcrop topped by a house and reached by a famous suspension footbridge. Sheltered by Towan Headland, its calmer waters and lively seaside atmosphere make it a family favourite.

A calm Down The Cove places guide for slower coastal days, family visits and local detail.

Beach and cove guide

Plan your visit

A simple guide to the feel of the place, how to arrive, and what to keep in mind before you go.

Towan Beach is the kind of place where the day is shaped by simple things: tide, weather, a picnic, and time to notice the coast properly.

Best forOpen coastal character with sand, pebbles, cliffs or coves depending on the tide and weather.

Families, beach days, coast paths, rock pools and relaxed exploring.

Getting thereParking, arrival and the practical first steps.

Plan the final walk from the car park and check whether the beach is easy with pushchairs, tired legs or beach bags.

What to look forA calmer way to plan with children or visitors.

A useful read before visiting with children, especially for tides, paths, facilities and simple beach expectations.

Before you goThe small checks that make the day easier.

Look up tide times, swimming guidance and weather before you go, especially on wilder beaches.

The full guide

Read straight through, or use the planning notes above to shape an easier coastal day.

RNLI Lifeguards are on duty:

2025

Easter School Holidays 05 April - 21 April

Weekends Only 26 April - 27 April

Daily 03 May - 28 September

Weekends Only 04 October - 19 October

October Half Term 25 October - 02 November

Patrol times 10am - 6pm

Browse coastline guides
Beach Safety Guide

Common questions

Where is Towan Beach?
Towan Beach lies in the centre of Newquay on Cornwall's north coast, right below the town. It is bordered by Newquay Harbour to the west and by The Island, with its suspension bridge, to the east.
What is Towan Beach known for?
It is known as Newquay's central, family-friendly beach, famous for The Island, a rocky outcrop crowned by a house and joined to the mainland by a small suspension footbridge built in 1900. Sheltered by the headland, it tends to have calmer water than nearby Fistral.
What's the nearest town to Towan Beach?
Towan sits within Newquay itself, with the town's shops, harbour and seafront right behind the sand. Great Western and Tolcarne beaches lie just along the coast to the east.