The Spectacular Beaches of Cornwall

Cornwall, situated on England's rugged southwestern tip, boasts nearly 300 miles of diverse coastline and over 300 beaches. From vast stretches of golden sand to hidden coves accessible only by steep paths, Cornwall's beaches are among the finest in the UK and rival those found in more exotic destinations. This guide highlights some of Cornwall's most spectacular beaches and provides essential information for planning your coastal adventure.

North Coast Beaches: Wild and Dramatic

Cornwall's north coast faces the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in more dramatic scenery, bigger waves, and world-class surfing conditions. These beaches tend to be more exposed to the elements but offer breathtaking natural beauty.

1. Fistral Beach, Newquay

Widely regarded as the UK's surfing capital, Fistral Beach is a magnificent stretch of golden sand backed by dunes and rugged cliffs. This iconic beach hosts numerous surfing championships and offers consistent waves year-round.

Best For: Surfing, bodyboarding, people-watching, and beach facilities

Facilities: Surf schools, equipment hire, restaurants, cafes, showers, toilets, and lifeguard service (seasonal)

Insider Tip: For a quieter experience, visit early morning or late afternoon outside of the summer holidays. The Headland Hotel, which featured in the film adaptation of Roald Dahl's "The Witches," offers spectacular views over the beach.

2. Porthcurno Beach

Nestled beneath the cliffs near Land's End, Porthcurno Beach is one of Cornwall's most photographed beaches, featuring fine white sand and turquoise waters that could easily be mistaken for a tropical paradise. The beach is overlooked by the famous open-air Minack Theatre, carved into the cliff face.

Best For: Swimming, snorkeling, family days out, and photography

Facilities: Car park, cafe (seasonal), toilets, and lifeguard service (May to September)

Insider Tip: Combine your beach visit with a performance at the Minack Theatre (book well in advance) and a tour of the fascinating Telegraph Museum, which tells the story of Porthcurno's role in global communications.

3. Watergate Bay

This vast two-mile stretch of golden sand near Newquay offers plenty of space even on busy summer days. With consistent Atlantic swells, it's popular with surfers and kite surfers, while the expanse of flat sand at low tide is perfect for ball games and long walks.

Best For: Water sports, dog walking (allowed year-round), and family activities

Facilities: Parking, restaurants, beach cafes, surf schools, toilets, and lifeguard service (seasonal)

Insider Tip: The beach hosts the annual "Polo on the Beach" event, and the beachside Watergate Bay Hotel offers excellent dining options with stunning views, including Jamie Oliver's Fifteen Cornwall restaurant.

South Coast Beaches: Sheltered and Serene

Cornwall's south coast, facing the English Channel, generally offers more sheltered, gentler beaches. These tend to have calmer waters, making them ideal for swimming and family beach days.

1. Kynance Cove, Lizard Peninsula

Often cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Kynance Cove features white sand, turquoise waters, and dramatic serpentine rock formations. Located on the Lizard Peninsula, Britain's most southerly point, this beach offers a truly magical setting.

Best For: Photography, exploring rock pools, swimming (at high tide), and scenic coastal walks

Facilities: National Trust car park, cafe (seasonal), and toilets

Insider Tip: Visit 2-3 hours before low tide for the best experience—you'll have access to the beach but also be able to swim. At very low tide, the sea can be too far out, and at high tide, the beach can disappear completely.

2. Porthminster Beach, St Ives

This crescent of golden sand offers calm, clear waters and stunning views across St Ives Bay to Godrevy Lighthouse. Located close to St Ives town center, it combines natural beauty with convenient access to one of Cornwall's most charming artistic towns.

Best For: Family beach days, swimming, paddleboarding, and proximity to town amenities

Facilities: Award-winning beach restaurant, cafes, beach huts for hire, water sports equipment rental, toilets, and lifeguard service (seasonal)

Insider Tip: Take the scenic St Ives Bay Line railway from St Erth to St Ives, which runs along the coast offering spectacular views. After your beach visit, explore St Ives' numerous art galleries, including Tate St Ives.

3. Polperro Beach

This small beach is located in the heart of Polperro, one of Cornwall's most picturesque fishing villages. While not the largest or most spectacular beach in Cornwall, its charm lies in its setting amid the narrow streets, whitewashed cottages, and working harbor of this traditional Cornish village.

Best For: Combining beach time with exploring a traditional fishing village

Facilities: Village amenities including restaurants, pubs, shops, and toilets

Insider Tip: Visit at low tide when the beach is at its largest. Park at the large car park at the village entrance and walk down to the harbor, as the village streets are too narrow for cars.

Hidden Gems: Cornwall's Secret Beaches

For those willing to venture off the beaten path, Cornwall offers numerous secluded coves and hidden beaches that reward the effort required to reach them.

1. Nanjizal Beach (Mill Bay)

Located near Land's End, this remote beach is only accessible via the South West Coast Path. The lack of direct road access keeps the crowds away, allowing visitors to enjoy its crystal-clear waters, fascinating rock formations, and natural rock arch known as the 'Song of the Sea.'

Best For: Escaping crowds, photography, and exploration

Facilities: None – bring everything you need

Insider Tip: The beach can disappear at high tide, so check tide times before visiting. The closest parking is at Porthgwarra or Land's End, with a 20-30 minute walk to the beach.

2. Pedn Vounder Beach, Treen

Hidden beneath the cliffs near Porthcurno, Pedn Vounder is a stunning white sand beach with Caribbean-blue waters. Access is via a steep and somewhat challenging climb down the cliff, but those who make the effort are rewarded with one of Cornwall's most beautiful natural settings.

Best For: Natural beauty, photography, and seclusion

Facilities: None – bring everything you need

Insider Tip: This beach is unofficially naturist-friendly. The safest access is via neighboring Porthcurno Beach at low tide, walking around the headland. At high tide, this route is cut off, so be aware of tide times.

Practical Information for Beach Visitors

Best Time to Visit

Cornwall's beaches can be enjoyed year-round, though experiences vary significantly with the seasons:

• Summer (June-August): Warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours, but also the busiest period. Water temperatures reach their peak in late August.
• Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October): Ideal times to visit with generally pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and many facilities still open.
• Winter (November-March): Offers dramatic storm watching, deserted beaches for bracing walks, and a totally different perspective on Cornwall's coastline. Many surf spots work best in winter, though water temperatures are cold.

Insider Tip: The first two weeks of September often offer the perfect combination of warm sea temperatures, pleasant weather, and significantly reduced crowds as schools return.

Beach Safety

Cornwall's beaches can be as dangerous as they are beautiful. Follow these safety guidelines:

• Always swim at lifeguarded beaches when possible and stay between the red and yellow flags, which mark the supervised swimming areas.
• Be aware of rip currents – if caught in one, don't try to swim against it. Instead, swim parallel to the shore until free of the current.
• Check tide times – many beaches become completely inaccessible at high tide, and it's possible to become stranded.
• Respect the sea – conditions can change rapidly, particularly on the north coast.
• Cliff paths can be unstable, especially after heavy rain. Keep to marked paths and keep dogs on leads near cliff edges.

Insider Tip: Download the RNLI Beachfinder app for information on lifeguarded beaches, tide times, and local hazards.

Getting Around

A car offers the most flexibility for exploring Cornwall's beaches, especially the more remote ones. However, some popular beaches are accessible by public transport:

• The Atlantic Coast Line and St Ives Bay Line trains connect to several beach towns.
• The First Kernow bus network includes services to major coastal destinations.
• The open-top "Atlantic Coaster" bus offers a scenic route along the north coast during summer months.

Insider Tip: During peak summer, consider using park-and-ride services where available (such as in St Ives and Falmouth) to avoid parking difficulties in popular beach towns.

Accommodation Near Beaches

For a true Cornish beach holiday, consider staying in one of the following:

• Beach Hotels: Properties like The Headland Hotel in Newquay and Watergate Bay Hotel offer direct beach access.
• Coastal Cottages: Self-catering options in fishing villages and beach towns provide flexibility.
• Beachside Camping and Glamping: Sites such as Trevella Park near Crantock Beach or Treen Farm Campsite near Porthcurno offer affordable accommodation close to stunning beaches.

Insider Tip: Book accommodation well in advance for summer visits, as properties with sea views or beach access are in high demand.