Newquay, a haven for surfers and beach lovers alike, boasts a collection of 11 stunning beaches. But nestled away from the hustle and bustle lies Lusty Glaze Beach, a hidden gem offering a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, music events and captivating scenery.

A Cove Steeped in History (and Beauty)

The name “Lusty Glaze” might raise a few eyebrows, but its origins are more ordinary than exciting! According to Wikipedia,  the Cornish is “Lostyn Glas”, which means “a place to view blue boats”.

The cove was once used for mining iron which was transported by boats to Newquay Harbour.

Fast forward to today, Lusty Glaze Beach remains a sheltered haven, but for sunbathers, swimmers, and adventurers. Named the “Beach of the Year” by The Times in 2017, it’s celebrated for its stunning scenery and secluded location. Enclosed by high cliffs, the beach offers privacy and shelter, creating a cosy atmosphere that feels like a personal paradise.

What Makes Lusty Glaze Special?

The soft golden sands and clear azure waters are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and simply enjoying the breathtaking views of the Cornish coastline. However, several things set Lusty Glaze Beach apart from other beaches in Newquay:

• Seclusion: Unlike the larger, more touristy beaches, Lusty offers a sense of escape. Accessed via a steep set of steps (be prepared for a bit of a workout!), the cove feels tucked away and intimate.
• Family-Friendly: The calm waters and golden sands make it perfect for families with young children. Rock pools teeming with marine life at low tide provide endless entertainment for curious little ones. The beach is also dog-friendly year-round, so your furry friend can join the fun.

• Activities Galore: The Lusty Glaze Adventure Centre caters to the thrill-seeker in all of us. From jet ski safaris to coastal boat tours, wet ‘n’ wild boat tours and surf lessons there’s something for everyone.
• Stunning Views: The beach boasts stunning sights of Towan Headland. Take a moment to soak in the vista, watch the surfers ride the waves, or simply marvel at the sunset, known for its fiery hues.

• Delicious Food: No trip to the beach is complete without a delicious meal. While you can bring your own picnic to the beach, they offer a tempting selection of alcoholic and soft drinks, crowd-pleasing pizzas, cakes and melted hot chocolates every day. Enjoy your meal with a refreshing drink while taking in the breathtaking sea views!

• Entertainment: Lusty Glaze Beach often comes alive with events throughout the year. From live music nights with local musicians to fun family days with entertainment for all ages, even a cinema on the beach, there’s a chance you might catch something special during your visit. Check their website for upcoming events at Lusty and make your beach day even more memorable. We personally love the free live music Lusty Sundowner sessions on Wednesday evenings in the summer holidays!

Local Knowledge: Tips for Visiting Lusty Glaze

Here are some insider tips for making the most of your visit to Lusty:

• Parking: Parking can be limited in the pay-and-display car park at the top of Lusty Glaze, especially during peak season. Arrive early or consider walking.  If you decide to park in the local residential streets where you can get free on-road parking, then please be considerate.
• Facilities: The beach has toilets, changing rooms, and a beach shop selling essentials like snacks and sunscreen.
• Accessibility: The steep steps down to the beach can be challenging for those with mobility issues.  At low tide, the beach can be reached from Tolcarne Beach and you can even walk all the way from the Harbour Beach in Newquay right through to Lusty Glaze.  Look online for tide times and be mindful of the sea cutting you off and needing to exit Lusty by the steps if these will be an issue for you.

• Lifeguards: Lifeguard presence is seasonal, typically from July to September. Always exercise caution in the water and supervise children closely.
• Free Events: Lusty often hosts events throughout the year, while many are ticketed, they also have free music events called Sundowner Sessions in the summer.
• Grab a smoothie and a coffee: In the Lusty car park, during the summer season, you’ll find Blend and The Caffeine Cottage.  These are friendly vans where you can grab a smoothie or get your caffeine fix!

What We Love About Lusty Glaze

I’ve probably covered most things in this article already, but our favourite things about Lusty Glaze include the Sundowner Sessions in the summer months where we bring a picnic blanket, and sit on the beach enjoying the music with a drink or two.

We love Blend in the car park which is an adorable van selling healthy superfood smoothie bowls and smoothie drinks to eat there on the picnic benches or to takeaway (down to Luty Glaze beach, why not?!)

The stonebaked pizzas (vegan-friendly) are delicious! And, you can eat them on the beach!

And, most of all, we love wave-watching at Lusty! Often we have seen some of the best crashing waves in Newquay at Lusty with beautiful colours in the sunsetting sky, it’s a dreamy combination and a sweet spot of ours.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Lusty Glaze Beach

• Is Lusty Glaze Beach free to visit? Yes, access to the beach itself is free. However, they are sometimes closed for private events such as weddings when the lucky couple have chosen to book the entire venue for their big day.  You can check on their website to see the dates they are closed for a private booking.  There will also be a sign at the entrance when it’s closed and the gate will be shut.

• Is there a restaurant at Lusty Glaze Beach? Yes, there is a restaurant serving delicious food and drinks with stunning sea views.  There’s a popup restaurant from Friday evenings through Sunday serving various locally sourced meals including kids’ menus and vegan options, as well as Sunday roasts.  There are also daily options of food and drink from the Lusty Glaze bar including fresh stonebaked pizzas.

• Is Lusty Glaze Beach dog-friendly? Yes, the beach is dog-friendly year-round. Here’s the information about dogs:

• Is there any parking available? Yes, there is a pay-and-display car park, but spaces can be limited, especially during peak season.

The Rich History of Lusty Glaze Beach

Lusty Glaze Beach, with its intriguing name, is thought to originate from the Cornish phrase for “a place to view blue boats”. Historically, these small blue boats were essential for transporting iron ore from the beach to Newquay’s scenic harbour. During turbulent seas, horses and carts would trudge across town beaches to move this bounty, a nod to the site’s rich mining heritage. When Lusty Glaze was eventually sold by the Crown, both the iron ore rights and the land were included, granting ownership right to the low-water mark for just £100.

The cove was a bustling iron ore extraction site, especially known for a deep cave mined until the late 1800s. The remnants of this industrial era, including a deep scar from ore winching operations and the awkward steps from the cave entrance to the cliff top, still mark the landscape. By around 1921, the beach transitioned from its industrial roots to become a private ‘bathing resort’, marking a new chapter in its history.

Since then, Lusty Glaze has changed hands several times, most notably purchased in 1999 by Cornish native Tracey Griffiths. She transformed the derelict site into a community-focused beach resort and established the UK’s first dedicated Rescue Training Centre.

Over time, the site adapted to changing leisure demands, becoming the UK’s first licensed Beach Resort for Civil Marriages and a renowned venue for music events. Today, under Tracey’s stewardship, Lusty Glaze continues to blend hospitality with the preservation of its natural and historical charm, beloved by both the local community and visitors.

Read more of the story at https://www.lustyglaze.co.uk/lusty-glaze-story/

Final word…

Lusty Glaze Beach offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors to Newquay. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or simply a beautiful place to soak up the Cornish sunshine, Lusty Glaze has something for everyone. So, pack your swimsuit, grab your sense of adventure, and head to this hidden gem for a day you won’t soon forget.