The best beaches in Cornwall
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You could be forgiven for thinking you were in the South of France when soaking up the British summertime at one of Cornwall's best beaches, with 400 miles of shimmering coastline – Cornwall beaches offer dramatic cliffs and crystal clear water from Carbis Bay to Kynance Cove. Cornwall is home to a list of the UK's best beaches, as well as some of the country's most charming seaside towns, and if you're looking to tuck into some seafood, well then you're in luck; Cornwall restaurants are home to some of the freshest in the UK. So whether you're looking for the ultimate surfing beach or to unwind on a sleepy cove, Cornwall has it all.
The best beaches in Cornwall: at a glance
- Pedn Vounder: Best for a dramatic backdrop
- Lantic Bay: Best for stunning Atlantic views
- Polzeath Beach: Best for winter surfing
- Porthtowan Beach: Best for Blue Flag bliss
- Kynance Cove: Best for bucket list visits
- Summerleaze Beach: Best for buzzy families
- Whitsand Bay: Best for unspoilt, quiet sands
- Porthcurno Beach: Best for Caribbean-blue waters
Getty ImagesPedn Vounder, Penzance
When it comes to high-drama landscapes, it doesn’t get much better than this secluded beach on the far southern tip of Cornwall. Huge stacks of jagged rocks jut out of the coastline, reminiscent of a scene from Game of Thrones (just minus the dragons). Accessed via the picturesque coastal path from the more heavily frequented Porthcurno, this under-the-radar spot retains its secretive appeal thanks to a fairly steep scramble down the rocks to get there. Once you’ve made it, however, it’s hard to imagine many places that could be more magical than this, as golden sands blend into turquoise waters and rugged cliffs envelope the beach to give the ultimate sense of seclusion. The private nature of Pedn Vounder has also made it a popular spot for naturists, so if you’re in search of a freeing skinny dip in the ocean, this might be the perfect place for you. Lucy Bruton
Getty ImagesCrantock Beach, Newquay
Crantock Beach is a mere 15-minute drive from Newquay but feels like a hidden gem compared to the likes of Porth Beach. This beach is a haven of golden sand protected by the rolling dunes and grasslands of Rushy Green; sitting at the mouth of Gannel estuary, Crantock offers the perfect conditions for surfing and lazing the day away as high tide fills the estuary. It’s the ideal spot for making sandcastles with your family or taking a stroll to enjoy the unspoilt nature of Cornwall. We’d recommend enjoying the village after a day well spent at the beach – Jam Jar Kitchen offers delicious cream tea (when in Cornwall). Book a stay at The Hatch, a self-catering home on Beach Road in Crantock. The house sleeps up to nine guests and is beachside luxury at its best. Tasteful creams create a serene space, while the garden boasts a lovely outdoor dining area for an al-fresco supper after a long day spent at the beach. Amber Port
Getty ImagesLantic Bay, Polperro
Sometimes the best things in life are just worth that little bit of extra effort, and that’s certainly the case when it comes to Lantic Bay. This gem of a beach stretches across a hidden bay between the popular harbour town of Fowey and the postcard-perfect fishing village of Polperro on the south coast. Accessed by a steep 20-minute walk, no matter how many times you make the venture, you’re guaranteed to have your breath taken away as you breach the crest of the hill and see the dramatic ribbon of white sand and azure waters at the foot of the cliffs below. Make sure to pack plenty of supplies as there are no amenities nearby – but, we’d recommend polishing off as much of your picnic as possible before making the steep ascent for your return journey. Even better, secure a boat and access the bay from the comfort of the sea. This gives you exclusive access to the smaller bay, Little Lantic, which can't be accessed by foot, as well as having the benefit of catching the very last rays of the day. Lucy Bruton
James Markham/Getty ImagesPolzeath Beach, Polzeath
Polzeath is the ultimate Cornish surfing beach. Its expansive golden sand, long, slow-breaking waves, and cute shops, cafés and bars make it an ideal choice for everyone from serious surfers to bodyboarding beginners. It encapsulates the North Cornish laidback glamour that makes this entire stretch of coastline so popular. Yes, it gets busy, but even in the height of the summer, the atmosphere here is relaxed and laidback. Hire a board from one of the sandy-floored beach shacks, grab a coffee from the Cone Zone, sink into one of the bars for a refreshing drink, or simply wander the soft sands and breathe in the incredible ocean views. Particularly show-stopping at sunset, when the crowds have begun to depart, Polzeath is one of the most beautiful and beguiling beaches in Cornwall.
Ludovic Caritey / Getty ImagesPorthtowan Beach, Porthtowan
Porthtowan is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and its Blue Flag beach is one of Cornwall’s most popular surfing spots. Framed by large dunes and dramatic cliffs, at low tide you can walk to its gorgeous neighbouring beach, Chapel Porth. Porthtowan sits on one of the most scenic stretches of Coast Path, home to enchanting reminders of its rich mining heritage, such as the Wheal Coates engine house, as well as breathtaking sea views. In Porthtowan itself, perfectly placed at the entrance to the beach, Blue Bar is an informal and inviting beach bar and kitchen, with stunning views.
Kevin Britland / Alamy Stock PhotoCarbis Bay, St Ives
A pristine, white-sand cove with glittering turquoise waters, close to wonderful St Ives, Carbis Bay is a delight. This sheltered bay offers tranquil seas, perfect for paddling and swimming, surrounded by sub-tropical plants which thrive in the West Cornwall climate. It’s easy to forget you are still in the UK on a sunny day. Well-served by the Carbis Bay Hotel, there are beach shops, water sports, pizzas and ice creams, and the beach is meticulously tended to, adding to its premium feel. With all the attractions and amenities of St Ives less than a mile away, there are endless options for food, drink and entertainment after a day on the sand and in the sea here. As an example of a perfect Cornish beach, Carbis Bay is hard to beat.
Ewen MacDonald/Getty ImagesPraa Sands, Breage
A mile-long stretch of white-gold sand, backed by sheltering dunes, Praa Sands is an idyllic Cornish beach. Its sheltered position creates serene shallows, ideal for paddling, but venture deeper and the waves are great for surfers and bodyboarders. The beach is surrounded by superb coastal walks, with magnificent views of Penzance, Mount Bay and The Lizard Peninsula – home to one of Cornwall's leading creative scenes. For a slice of history nearby, 16th-century Pengersick Castle is a short walk. Right on the beach is Sandbar, a bright, dog-friendly beach bar serving Mediterranean-inspired Cornish food with panoramic ocean views from its terrace.
Adrian Baker / Alamy Stock PhotoEast Looe Beach, Looe
No list of must-visit Cornish beaches is complete without a solid, traditional, nostalgic British seaside resort. Looe is charming and unpretentious; it’s also incredibly pretty. Its sparkling harbour is often dotted with children fishing for crabs among the colourful fishing boats. A stroll through its streets, bursting with ice cream parlours, amusement arcades, gift shops and cafes, leads to East Looe beach, a large, sheltered bay with a picturesque pier. Right on the beach, the fabulous Pier Café serves tasty, hearty food and good coffee. A short hop over the bridge in West Looe, The Sardine Factory is a rising star of Cornwall’s food scene, producing exciting local food on the water’s edge.
Getty ImagesKingsand Beach, Rame Peninsula
This tiny shingle beach is surprisingly charming given its size. The south-east-facing beach backs right onto the pretty village of the same name, home to the iconic seafront Kingsand clocktower, which was built to commemorate the coronation of King George V. As the sun sets locals head to The Devonport Inn which overlooks the beach. Expect to find happy toddlers running up and down the slipway emitting squeals of delight as their barefooted parents sip glasses of chilled rosé on the car-less road above. Neighbouring Cawsand Beach is just a short walk away.
Getty ImagesPorthcurnick Beach, Roseland peninsula
The tiny open-air café above the sandy cove is the real destination here. The Hidden Hut dishes up delicious salt cod, king prawns and bouillabaisse at lunchtime but those in the know bag tickets for their feasts – priced from £9 to £20 depending on what’s cooking – which sell out an hour after they’ve been posted online. Diners bring their own cutlery and booze, and eat around giant fire pits on the beach. The beach itself is owned by the National Trust and there are lots of rockpools, ideal for children and water activities, while other smaller beaches nearby are accessible at low tide – just make sure you know the time of high water.
Pietro Canali/4CornersKynance Cove, The Lizard Peninsula
Regarded as not just one of the best Cornwall beaches, but one of the best beaches in the world, Kynance Cove is straight out of a childhood fairytale. Mossy stacks rise from deep turquoise waters, the sand is astonishingly white, and magical serpentine rocks shimmer in the sunlight. This beach was a favourite of Lord Alfred Tennyson who would come to sit and watch the 'glorious grass-green monsters of waves' colliding against the craggy cliffs. When high tide cuts off the beach in the afternoon, retreat to the hillside National Trust café for tea and scones over a rosy sunset.
Maurizio Rellini/4CornersPorthpean Beach, St Austell
Sailors and windsurfers flock to this little sliver of a beach for its calm waters and well-equipped outdoor centre. Kayak past the arches and caves near the seafront before walking up to the historic shipping village of Charlestown - its harbour and picturesque cobbled streets were recently the setting for costume drama Poldark.
AlamyPorth Joke Beach, Newquay
Even in high season you're likely to have this gorgeous beach practically to yourself. Set in a deep cove between grassy headlands, Porth Joke (known locally as Polly Joke) has beige sands, crystal-clear waters and great conditions for surfing without the crowds. Holiday cottages are available for rent in nearby Crantock Beach and Holywell Bay, and Newquay is only five miles away. Porth Joke itself has few beach facilities and is only accessible on foot, but this is the price of real peace and quiet on this beautiful stretch of coastline.
AlamyGyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth
Laidback and low-key, Gyllyngvase Beach is wonderfully undemanding. The wide arc of sand means plenty of room to spread out, the car park is conveniently close and the sea is safe for swimmers of all ages, making this one of the best family-friendly beaches in Cornwall. Dry off after a dip on the sunny terrace of Gylly Beach Café which serves fresh seafood and hosts acoustic gigs by local musicians.
AlamyPorthcurno Beach
For Caribbean-blue waters and fine silky sand in south-west Cornwall, head to Porthcurno Beach, one of the best places to visit in Cornwall. The high cliffs provide shelter from the wind, gentle slopes allow for easy access and a small stream winds down to form a natural paddling pool for children. It's just along the coast from another brilliant Cornish beach, Pedn Vounder]. Don't leave without catching a show at the Minack, an extraordinary open-air theatre built on a rock jutting out to sea, where actors recite Shakespeare with a stunning backdrop of crashing waves.
Pietro Canali/4CornersSummerleaze Beach, Bude
Action-packed and bustling all year round, Summerleaze is perfect for those in the mood for more than just lying on the beach. Large waves are a dream for surfers and there are provisions for kayaking, climbing and coasteering. There's also a 1930s sea pool which fills up with seawater when it's submerged at high tide and reappears when waters retreat as a lovely place to swim.
AlamyPendower Beach, The Roseland Peninsula
The prettiest beach on the Cornish Riviera is Pendower, a mile-long stretch of sand with a panoramic view of Gerrans Bay. You can stretch out on the deserted golden beach or follow the stream up to explore rock pools full of little crabs and jellyfish. The surrounding sand dunes are great for picnicking in the sunshine - grab supplies from the food trucks parked at the end of the beach.
AlamyWhitsand Bay, Torpoint
Scamper down rocky paths to reach this hidden oasis in south-east Cornwall. Whitsand Bay is a three-mile stretch of unspoilt sand studded with rocks and backed by towering cliffs. The bay runs from Rame Head, a windswept headland with a crumbling 14th century chapel at the top. Once you've taken in the amazing view, walk down the coast to Sharrow Point for a peek into Lugger's Cave, a small grotto excavated by hand in 1784 by a sailor who inscribed enigmatic verses on the ceiling.
AlamySennen Cove, Land's End
Impressive Atlantic waves draw surfers to the sleepy fishing village of Sennen in western Cornwall. It's one of the most scenic Cornwall beaches, with pristine white shores, rolling hills and an astoundingly blue sea. After hanging up your wetsuit, linger over a pint and a ploughman's lunch at the supremely cosy Old Success Inn. The beach is also just around the corner from breathtaking Land's End – savour the views with a stroll up the coastal paths through fields of wildflowers and fluttering butterflies.
GettyFistral Beach, Newquay
Fistral Beach is the epicentre of Cornwall's deservedly famous surfing scene – a long crescent of sand backed by grassy dunes which regularly sees waves of more than 8 feet. Experienced surfers rent chic beachside apartments at Natural Retreats Fistral while newcomers to the sport can take lessons at The Hotel & Extreme Academy just along the coast. Go in August for Boardmasters, Europe's largest surf and skating festival, when surfing competitions, buzzing beach bars and a five-day music festival take over Fistral and neighbouring Watergate Bay.