Mawgan Porth


Five miles northeast of Newquay, this wide, arc-shaped bay is often quieter than its neighbours. The beach is lovely, and less developed than those nearer town. Two of the north coast's swishest hotels, the Scarlet and the Bedruthan Hotel, are just inland.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Bedruthan Steps

1.23 MILES

Roughly halfway between Newquay and Padstow loom the stately rock stacks of Bedruthan. These mighty granite pillars have been carved out by the relentless…

2. Watergate Bay

1.63 MILES

This magnificent sweep of sand presents what is undoubtedly the finest panorama of any beach near Newquay. Travelling north from town, as the road crosses…

3. Porthcothan

2.95 MILES

A long, narrow, northwest-facing beach backed by grass-covered dunes, tall cliffs and divided by a tidal stream. It's best visited at low tide, when there…

4. Porth

3.1 MILES

Porth is a popular family beach 1.5 miles northeast of the town centre. Long and narrow, it's ideal for building sandcastles and sheltering behind the…

5. Lusty Glaze

3.39 MILES

Probably the least hectic of Newquay's beaches, this is a sheltered wedge of sand framed by cliffs. It has a good adventure-sports centre, and also hosts…

6. Treyarnon

4.11 MILES

A good family beach, with easy access from the car park, lots of fine sand at low tide and a small area for swimming, that's framed by rocks on either…

7. Newquay Zoo

4.18 MILES

Newquay's pint-sized zoo isn't a world-beater, but its population of penguins, lemurs, parrots and snakes will keep the kids happy. The Tropical House and…

8. Blue Reef Aquarium

4.2 MILES

A small aquarium on Towan beach, with touch pools and various deep-sea denizens, including reef sharks, loggerhead turtles and a giant Pacific octopus…