Cornwall's Finest Beaches: A Coastal Paradise

With over 300 miles of dazzling coastline, Cornwall boasts some of the most spectacular beaches in the United Kingdom. From vast stretches of golden sand to hidden coves accessible only by steep cliff paths, Cornwall's beaches offer something for every type of traveler. Having grown up in Cornwall and spent countless summers exploring its shores, I've compiled this guide to help you discover the perfect Cornish beach for your holiday—whether you're seeking family fun, romantic seclusion, or world-class surfing.

Cornwall's Beach Landscape: North vs. South Coast

Understanding the geography of Cornwall's coastline is essential for planning your beach adventures. The north and south coasts offer distinctly different experiences:

North Coast: Characterized by dramatic Atlantic-facing beaches with bigger waves, rugged cliffs, and spectacular sunset views. This coast is popular with surfers and more adventurous beach-goers. The beaches tend to be wider with golden sand and more exposed to prevailing winds.

South Coast: Generally more sheltered with calmer waters, smaller coves, and harbors. These beaches often feature shingle or pebbles mixed with sand and are ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. The south coast also tends to be slightly warmer.

Family-Friendly Beaches

When traveling with children, safety, facilities, and entertainment options become top priorities. These beaches offer the perfect combination for family enjoyment.

Perranporth Beach (North Coast)

This vast three-mile stretch of golden sand with its natural tidal pool makes Perranporth a firm family favorite. At low tide, you can explore caves and rock pools, while the gently sloping beach provides safe swimming conditions (always between the RNLI flags). The town sits directly on the beachfront, offering easy access to cafés, toilets, and shops.

Facilities: RNLI lifeguards (seasonal), toilets, showers, cafés, bars, shops, equipment rental, disabled access, dog-friendly (seasonal restrictions)

Parking: Large car park adjacent to the beach (paid, often fills by mid-morning in summer)

Insider tip: Visit The Watering Hole, the UK's only bar on a beach, for lunch with unbeatable sea views. Their nachos are particularly good!

Porthminster Beach, St Ives (North Coast)

With its pristine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Porthminster could easily be mistaken for a Mediterranean beach. The sheltered location provides calmer swimming conditions, while the gently sloping sand is perfect for younger children. The award-winning Porthminster Beach Café offers superb dining right on the beach.

Facilities: RNLI lifeguards (seasonal), toilets, cafés, restaurants, equipment rental, disabled access, dog ban (seasonal)

Parking: Limited beach parking; use St Ives town car parks and walk or take the branch line train that runs along the coast

Insider tip: Visit early morning or after 4 pm to avoid the crowds, especially during school holidays

Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth (South Coast)

This Blue Flag beach offers a perfect combination of natural beauty and amenities. The crescent of golden sand and safe swimming make it ideal for families, while the beachside café serves excellent food throughout the day. Falmouth town is a 10-minute walk away, offering additional activities if the weather changes.

Facilities: RNLI lifeguards (seasonal), toilets, café, water sports center, disabled access and beach wheelchair availability, dog ban (seasonal)

Parking: Car park behind the beach (paid)

Insider tip: Book a table at Gylly Beach Café for dinner to watch the sunset over the bay

Hidden Gems and Secluded Coves

For those seeking tranquility away from the summer crowds, Cornwall's coastline hides numerous secluded beaches accessible only to those willing to venture off the beaten path.

Pedn Vounder, Treen (South Coast)

Often described as Cornwall's most beautiful beach, this hidden cove beneath the cliffs near Porthcurno reveals itself fully at low tide with Caribbean-clear waters and white sand. The beach is naturally formed by a sand bar that creates a shallow lagoon when the tide is out. Access requires a challenging cliff descent, ensuring it remains relatively uncrowded despite its growing Instagram fame.

Facilities: None (nearest facilities at Treen campsite)

Parking: Treen village car park with a 15-20 minute walk to the cliff path

Insider tip: Check tide times carefully as the beach can disappear at high tide. Also note that the far end of the beach is unofficially naturist.

Lantic Bay (South Coast)

This remote beach near Polruan requires a 20-minute walk through National Trust farmland followed by a steep descent, but the effort is rewarded with a stunning crescent of sand and pebbles framed by high cliffs. The crystalline azure waters and sense of isolation make this the perfect spot for a romantic picnic.

Facilities: None

Parking: National Trust car park at Lansallos with a 20-30 minute walk

Insider tip: Pack everything you need as there are no facilities, and wear appropriate footwear for the steep path

Portheras Cove (North Coast)

Located between Pendeen and Morvah on the wild Penwith Peninsula, this pristine sandy cove remains one of Cornwall's least visited beaches despite its beauty. The half-mile walk from the nearest parking keeps visitor numbers low, and the unspoiled nature of the location makes it a favorite with locals.

Facilities: None

Parking: Limited roadside parking near Pendeen with a 15-minute walk

Insider tip: Keep an eye out for seals, which are frequently spotted playing in the bay

Surfers' Paradise: Cornwall's Best Surfing Beaches

Cornwall is the undisputed surfing capital of the UK, with consistent swells and beaches suitable for all levels from beginners to professionals.

Fistral Beach, Newquay (North Coast)

Internationally renowned as the heart of British surfing, Fistral hosts numerous competitions including the Boardmasters festival. The beach offers several different breaks suitable for various abilities, though beginners should stick to the southern end. Multiple surf schools provide lessons and equipment rental.

Facilities: RNLI lifeguards (year-round), toilets, showers, surf schools, equipment hire, restaurants, cafés

Parking: Large car parks at both ends of the beach (paid)

Insider tip: For a more relaxed surf experience, visit outside July and August or hit the waves early morning

Harlyn Bay (North Coast)

This wide, sheltered bay near Padstow is the perfect learning environment for novice surfers. The beach's orientation means it receives smaller, more manageable waves than the more exposed beaches, and several excellent surf schools operate here. When conditions are right, the northern end also offers more challenging waves for intermediate surfers.

Facilities: RNLI lifeguards (seasonal), toilets, surf schools, equipment hire, beach café

Parking: Car park alongside the beach (paid)

Insider tip: Book lessons with Harlyn Surf School, one of the longest-established and most respected schools in Cornwall

Sennen Cove (Far West)

Just around the corner from Land's End, Sennen receives the full force of Atlantic swells, making it one of Cornwall's most consistent surf spots. The mile-long beach offers peaks suitable for all abilities, though conditions can become challenging when the swell picks up. The picturesque fishing village adds charm to your surf trip.

Facilities: RNLI lifeguards (seasonal), toilets, surf schools, equipment hire, cafés, pub, shops

Parking: Main car park in the village (paid) and additional parking on the hill

Insider tip: Check the surf forecast carefully—when it's small elsewhere, Sennen often still has rideable waves

Beach Walks and Coastal Adventures

Some of Cornwall's most spectacular beaches are best appreciated as part of a longer coastal walk, offering dramatic vistas and the chance to explore multiple coves in one outing.

Kynance Cove to Lizard Point

Perhaps the most photographed location in Cornwall, Kynance Cove features white sand contrasting with dark red and green serpentine rock formations. The coastal path to Lizard Point (Britain's most southerly point) offers breathtaking cliff-top views and the chance to spot rare coastal flora and fauna.

Walk details: 2 miles each way (moderate difficulty with some steep sections)

Facilities at Kynance: Seasonal café, toilets, National Trust car park

Insider tip: Visit 2 hours before low tide for the best access to the beach and its caves

Porthcurno to Minack Theatre

Starting at Porthcurno's stunning beach with its turquoise waters and golden sand, this short but spectacular walk takes you up to the famous Minack Theatre, an open-air venue dramatically carved into the cliff face. The views along this stretch of coast are among the finest in Britain.

Walk details: 0.5 miles each way (steep climb from the beach)

Facilities at Porthcurno: Seasonal café, toilets, car park, Telegraph Museum

Insider tip: Book a performance at the Minack in advance for a truly unforgettable evening

Bedruthan Steps

This dramatic section of coastline features massive rock stacks standing sentinel off a wild sandy beach. The name comes from the steep staircase that descends the cliff face to the beach below (note that these steps are occasionally closed due to rockfalls). The National Trust café at the top offers refreshments with a view.

Walk details: The coastal path extends in both directions, offering walks of various lengths

Facilities: National Trust car park, café, toilets

Insider tip: The beach is completely covered at high tide, so check tide times before descending

Seasonal Considerations and Practical Tips

When to Visit Cornwall's Beaches

• Peak Season (July-August): Warmest temperatures (averaging 18-22°C) but also the busiest period with higher accommodation prices
• Shoulder Season (May-June, September): Pleasant weather with fewer crowds—an ideal compromise
• Off-Season (October-April): Dramatically reduced visitor numbers with many beaches nearly deserted. While sea temperatures drop and some facilities close, this is the time to experience Cornwall's wild beauty

Sea Temperature Guide

• Summer (July-September): 15-18°C
• Spring/Autumn (April-June, October): 10-14°C
• Winter (November-March): 8-10°C

Beach Safety Tips

• Always swim between the red and yellow flags on lifeguarded beaches
• Beware of rip currents—if caught in one, swim parallel to the shore until free, then swim to shore
• Check tide times, as many Cornish beaches significantly reduce in size at high tide
• Be aware that cliff paths can be dangerous in wet or windy conditions
• Keep dogs under control near cliff edges and check seasonal dog restrictions on beaches

Eco-Friendly Beach Visits

Cornwall's beaches face increasing environmental pressures from tourism. Please help preserve these beautiful places:

• Take all litter home or use provided bins
• Participate in beach cleans (check The Beach Clean Network for organized events)
• Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life
• Respect marine wildlife by observing from a distance
• Consider car-free beach days using public transport or coastal walks