A town on the north Cornwall coast with several large sandy beaches, including Fistral Beach, and a strong reputation for surfing. It's also a popular family holiday spot, with a busy centre and plenty of watersports on offer.
Perfect for a soak
Met Office inshore waters forecast
Settled — no significant storm signal in the next 35 days
Storm risk = % of ensemble members reaching gale force (39+ mph). ECMWF ENS days 8–15 · GEFS days 16–35 (lower confidence, right of the dashed line).
Thresholds from 90-day tide predictions. Spring tides occur near new and full moon when the tidal range exceeds the 90-day average.
Fistral is one of the UK's most famous bass beaches. Fish the surf line after storms. Dawn and dusk. Big Atlantic swells produce the best fish.
Towan Head rocks hold good wrasse. Float fish crab in the kelp at high water.
Towan Head and harbour rocks. Spin at dusk.
From the harbour walls and Towan Head. Feathers and sabiki. July-August peak.
Great Western Beach sandy areas at low tide. Plaice and dab.
Min size: 90mm
V-notched lobsters must be returned
Berried (egg-bearing) females must be returned
From boat: max 2 per day (combined with crawfish)
From shore: unlimited (pots or hand gathering)
Methods: pots, hand gathering (no spearfishing)
Season: All year
Min size: 110mm
From boat: max 2 per day (combined with lobster)
From shore: unlimited
Methods: pots, hand gathering
Season: All year
Min size: 160mm
From boat: max 5 shellfish per day total (crab + lobster + crawfish + spider crab)
From shore: unlimited
Methods: pots, hand gathering
Season: All year
Min size: 130mm
From boat: max 5 shellfish per day total
From shore: unlimited
Methods: pots, hand gathering
Season: All year
Min size: 100mm
Hand diving only (no aqualung/scuba for recreational)
From boat: max 5 shellfish per day total
From shore: unlimited
Methods: hand diving (free dive only)
Season: All year
Voluntary code of practice for winkle picking applies
Methods: hand gathering
Season: All year