If you are looking for a quiet and scenic beach in Newquay, Cornwall, you might want to check out Little Fistral Beach. This small and sandy beach is located on the west side of Towan Headland, next to the world-famous surfing spot of Fistral Beach. However, unlike its bigger neighbour, Little Fistral Beach is only accessible at low tide and has no lifeguards, cafes or shops. It is a hidden gem for those who want to enjoy some peace and tranquility away from the crowds.
Little Fistral Beach has a lot of charm and character, with rocky edges, caves and rock pools to explore. The sand is slightly gritty, but still soft and golden. The waves can be quite strong and sometimes produce The Cribbar, a monster wave that attracts surfers from all over the world. However, this beach is not ideal for surfing, as there are many rocks in the water and the waves are not consistent. It is better suited for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking or just admiring the stunning views of the coast.
There is a small pay and display car park near the beach, with some good public toilets that were recently renovated. There is also an ice cream van parked by the beach access steps during the summer season. If you need more facilities or want to try some surfing, you can walk to Fistral Beach, which is only 200 yards away. There you will find a large car park, a restaurant, toilets, shops and watersports facilities. You can also walk up to the Towan Headland, where there is a small white lookout building that offers panoramic views of Newquay and beyond.
Little Fistral Beach has been used as a filming location for Rosamund Pilcher’s The Shell Seekers, a novel about a woman who inherits a valuable painting from her father and wants to keep it as a memory of her childhood on a Cornish beach. The beach scenes were filmed in one day in September 2014, in German, as Rosamund Pilcher has a huge fan base in Germany.
If you want to stay near Little Fistral Beach, you have some options to choose from. The Headland Hotel is right next to the beach, offering hotel rooms and holiday cottages with sea views. Alternatively, you can stay at one of the Sea View Holiday Apartments on Headland Road, which have balconies and uninterrupted views of the sea. They are also close to both Little Fistral Beach and Newquay town centre, where you can find more shops, restaurants and attractions.
Little Fistral Beach is a lovely place to visit if you want to experience a different side of Newquay. It is a small and secluded beach that offers natural beauty and tranquility. It is perfect for relaxing, exploring or taking photos of the stunning scenery. However, remember to check the tide times before you go, as the beach disappears at high tide. Also, be careful of the strong waves and rocks if you decide to go into the water. Enjoy your visit to Little Fistral Beach!
