Just around the corner from Porth Beach, privately-owned Lusty Glaze is a sandy beach regardless of the state of the tide and is flanked by dramatic 200ft cliffs. The beach is open all-year round to the public and it’s smaller and less known than its Newquay neighbours. Here’s everything you need to know…

NEWQUAY WEATHER

Lifeguards & Safety

In season, RNLI lifeguards patrol Lusty Glaze, setting the red‑and‑yellow flags for the safest place to swim. Even in this sheltered cove, rip currents can form near rock ledges and on shifting sandbanks, and the shore can shelve at higher tides. Only swim between the flags, keep children close, and avoid inflatables in offshore winds. On days with private events the beach team may adjust public access — always follow on‑site signage.

Lusty Glaze Beach Lifeguard patrol dates 2025

Patrol times: 10am – 6pm

• 19 July – 7 September (Daily)

Surf & Watersports 

Lusty Glaze is best for swimming, bodyboarding, paddle‑boarding and kayaking on calmer days. When a small wrap‑around swell arrives you’ll find playful peaks across the central banks; for consistent surf most riders head to Fistral or Watergate Bay. Launch well away from the flagged swim zone, give the headlands a wide berth and keep clear of moorings and rock ledges.

Tide tips: Mid to low tide reveals the widest strand and easiest launching. By high tide the beach narrows against the cliff and small dumpers can thump on spring highs — better for paddling than wave‑hopping. At very low tides you can often walk round to Tolcarne along the waterline; leave ample time to return.

Dog Rules

Lusty Glaze is generally dog‑friendly year‑round, however a seasonal restriction from June 1 to September 1 between 9 am and 6 pm. As a privately owned cove, event days or peak‑season hours can bring additional restrictions, so please check on‑site notices and the beach’s event calendar before you descend the steps.

Facilities & Accessibility

There’s a pay‑and‑display car park at clifftop level and public toilets and beach bar/restaurant down on the sand. Access is via the 133 cliff steps — there’s no ramp or lift — so it’s not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies, and you’ll need to be comfortable with the climb. The beach occasionally closes for private events; it’s worth checking the calendar on busy weekends.

Coast Path & Nearby Walks

From the clifftop you can hop onto the South West Coast Path and wander north towards Porth & Whipsiderry for blowhole views and rugged headlands, or amble south into Newquay via Tolcarne and Great Western for an easy prom‑and‑beach circuit with café stops.

Places to Eat Nearby

Right on the sand, the Lusty Glaze Restaurant pairs relaxed plates with ocean views and sundowner vibes (opening varies around events). A short stroll brings you into Newquay’s vibrant food scene, for everything from bakeries and fish‑and‑chips to seafood restaurants overlooking the bay.

Rainy‑Day Options

If the weather turns, swap sea spray for the Blue Reef Aquarium on Towan or Newquay Zoo for a mix of indoor exhibits and sheltered trails. Between showers, the clifftop viewpoints above Lusty Glaze deliver moody Atlantic panoramas without committing to the steps.

BANNER IMAGE CREDIT: Lusty Glaze ©Ian Woolcock Shutterstock