Restormel
The beaches in the Restormel district Lifeguarded by the RNLI, encompass Crantock, Fistral (North and South), Towan, Great Western, Tolcarne, Porth, Watergate Bay and Mawgan Porth on the rugged North Coast of Cornwall. These beaches vary little in appearance but have noticeably different atmospheres, with some being most popular among young travellers and others being most frequented by families.
Crantock is a relatively peaceful beach, and is the furthest south of all the Restormel beaches. It lies on the River Grannel estuary and has cliffs on either side. Crantock has excellent coastal walks with glorious views of the water and plenty of opportunities for spotting wildlife. Check out the Bowgie pub for real ales and unmatchable views of Crantock Bay and the entire headland beyond.
South Fistral is a well known surfing haunt and often holds world class surfing competitions. At these events the beach is heaving with competitors and spectators as well as camera crews and refreshment tents. For those wanting to learn to surf, there is plenty of opportunity to do so here. South Fistral Surf School offers one on one coaching or group lessons at reasonable prices.
Along the coast is North Fistral, which is very similar to South Fistral in apperance. The two are joined by a wide stretch of sand in the middle and so it is difficult to differentiate between them. An enormous sandy beach, North Fistral is perfect for Frisbee and football and has a restaurant, bar and café as well as the customary surf school and hire shop. Try Fistral Blu for stylish dining and delicious food as well as amazing views of the ocean.
Towan is a less surf-centred beach and only gets waves when it's stormy. There's a sea water pool here that is excellent for children and those less confident swimming in the sea, and a tea room that provides a well-deserved break for mums and dads. As there is no car park at Towan beach, the best thing to do is park in the town and walk, taking the time to look around Newquay, which is well known for its lively town centre and buzzing pubs and restaurants.
At low tide Towan joins up with Great Western, which is a beautiful sandy beach sheltered by towering cliffs. The cliffs protect Great Western from the elements and so this is a real suntrap for the first part of the day. However, as the sun sinks down behind the cliffs relatively early, it's not the best place to catch the last of the day's rays. At high tide, Great Western gets completely covered by the sea so keep your eye on the water, and take heed of lifeguard warnings.
Tolcarne is memorable because of the brightly coloured beach huts that line the back of the beach. These jaunty abodes are available for rent and provide the perfect base for a day swimming and exploring at Tolcarne. Grab a table and eat with a glowing conscience at the award winning Venus Café. Their commitment to helping local farmers and the environment is admirable, and you'll be doing your bit just by trying out their delicious, locally produced, wares. Going green never tasted so good...
Next along the coast is Porth. This beach is perfect for families as it is well known for its safe bathing and beautifully clean waters, plus with a large expanse of golden sand it's ideal for building sandcastles and beachcombing. A unique feature of Porth is its blow hole, which can be seen at mid tide, and is most impressive on windy days.
Watergate Bay is wildly popular in the summer months and it's not hard to see why. An enormous West-facing beach, Watergate Bay is home to Jamie Oliver's celebrated Fifteen restaurant as well as the infamous Extreme Academy. Here you can try everything from kitesurfing to waveskiing to mountain boarding, either under the keen eye of a competent instructor, or if you have already mastered your sport, by yourself.
The furthest north of all the beaches, Mawgan Porth recently received a blue flag for its clean water and amenities, and surrounded by towering cliffs, this place really is idyllic. It is a dog friendly beach, though dogs must be kept on leads in the summer, and the coastal paths high up on the cliffs are an excellent place for a stroll. Try the Fire bar for a great vegetarian breakfast and beach side seats.
Author: Chelsey Flood © Coastal Britain 2007