Watergate Bay

The beach at Watergate Bay stretches for nearly two miles, all golden sand and proper Atlantic exposure. You get that raw, energetic feeling the moment you walk down from the car park - the wind whips across the dunes and there's actual swell rolling in most days, which is precisely why surfers rate it so highly.

It's genuinely one of the better stretches of sand near Newquay without feeling like you're queuing for a spot. The bay curves generously, so even in summer you can find a decent patch of quieter beach if you walk either direction from the main access point. Families will manage fine during calm spells - there's lifeguard cover in summer months and the sand shelves gradually. That said, when the Atlantic's having a mood, this is no paddling pool. Kids who are confident swimmers will have a better time than nervous splashers.

Walkers should absolutely work it into a longer coastal path route. The cliffs at either end make for decent scrambles, and you can link it with other beaches nearby without much faffing about. Allow at least two to three hours if you're actually planning to spend time in the water or on the sand rather than just passing through.

Stay at Sunhaven Holiday Park, just 3.8 miles away - gives you a proper home base for exploring this corner. The beach works brilliantly on grey, windy days when everything looks moody and dramatic. Sunny bank holidays? That's when you'll feel the pinch with crowds. Early morning or late afternoon always feels better.