England - Great Western Beach
Great Western Beach is a sandy beach surrounded by high cliffs. It lies on the northern edge of Newquay in Cronwall, England. The beach can be accessed by a steep slope from Cliff Road. Great Western Beach is one of several fine, sandy beaches in the town of Newquay. The beach derived its name from the Great Western Railway, which was the major mode of transport to the town between 1876 and 1960. After which the motor car became the popular means of getting to Newquay. The railway company also built a large hotel up on the cliffs to supplement the railway service.

The Great Western Hotel offers a view of the sea and is a strategic location for seeing the sights of the north coast of Cornwall. Newquay is still accessible via train and the railway station is close to taxi ranks and bus stops. Families and surfers flock to Great Western Beach, but remains relatively quieter compared to the other beaches found in Newquay, including Porth, Tolcarne and Fistral Sands. During low tide, beachgoers can walk and explore neighboring beaches. The surrounding cliffs provide a shade to beachgoers during the late afternoon. The beach also has a few rock pools, where kids and toddlers can frolic. Great Western Beach offers great waves for surfing and body boarding. Every summer, Newquay hosts a major international surfing competition. Canoeing is also possible as the beach does not have heavy swells. There is a sufficient disabled access and available walking trails for those who prefer to explore or hike. Beach facilities such as toilets, cafes, deck chair rental shops and surfboard rental shops can be easily be found in and around the beach. Seasonal lifeguards man the beach from July and August. Dogs are also allowed on the beach, but access may be restricted from May to September.
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