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Cornwall welcomes one of the largest crowds in the summer months and this is mostly due to this county’s beautiful beaches. Its clear waters, cliffs and lovely waves make it perfect for surfers, swimmers and those who just want to enjoy the gentle breeze of the waterside. If you plan on visiting and are curious, we’ve put together a list of the best beaches in Cornwall and tips for enjoying your time here.
Table Of Contents
- 1 15 Best Beaches In Cornwall
- 1.1 1. Kynance Cove
- 1.2 2. Gyllyngvase Beach
- 1.3 3. Porthmeor Beach
- 1.4 4. Porthtowan Beach
- 1.5 5. Porthcurno Beach
- 1.6 6. Polzeath Beach
- 1.7 7. Watergate Bay
- 1.8 8. Godrevy Beach
- 1.9 9. Holywell Bay
- 1.10 10. Harlyn Bay
- 1.11 11. St Ives Bay
- 1.12 12. Sennen Beach
- 1.13 13. Mount’s Bay
- 1.14 14. Lantic Bay
- 1.15 15. Whitsand Bay
- 2 Does Cornwall Have A Dog-Friendly Beach?
- 3 What’s The Best Sandy Beach In Cornwall?
- 4 Tips For A Day At The Beach In Cornwall
- 5 Frequently Asked Questions
- 6 Conclusion
15 Best Beaches In Cornwall
Cornwall is famous for its beaches. It is home to so many that you might have a difficult time choosing which one is worth visiting, so this list makes your job easier.
1. Kynance Cove
Step into one of the world’s most spectacular sandy beaches. Kynance Cove is regarded as one of Cornwall’s gems with its white sand and turquoise waters. This beach gets its name from the Cornish word ‘kewnans’, which means ravine and features a stream that cuts through the valley and across the beach.
Owned by the National Trust, Kynance Cove is located close to Lizard Point at the southern tip of the Lizard Peninsula. Activities to enjoy here include exploring the caves at low tide, rock climbing and rock pooling. The water here is also relaxing enough for swimming.
Kynance Beach’s car park is at the top of the cliff so be ready for the tricky walk down.
2. Gyllyngvase Beach
Gyllyngvase is one for those looking for a family-friendly beach in Cornwall. Its soft sands are great for digging and building sandcastles, while the calm waters are perfect for relaxing. The car park is conveniently close to the beach, ensuring ease of access. This beach also has lifeguards on duty all through the summer months to ensure the safety of swimmers.
If you’re looking for more things to do, just head down to the south end of the beach, where you can explore rock pools and spot creatures like crabs and lobsters. To cap it off, Gyllyngvase was the winner of a Blue Flag Award and Seaside Award in 2024, which indicates the water quality and safety of the beach.
3. Porthmeor Beach
Porthmeor Beach is one for surfers but this beach offers much more than its surfing experience. When the wind is calm, the water is perfect for swimming, while adventurers can explore the numerous tide pools on the west side of the beach. Parking here can be tricky, so it’s best to use the car park at the top of the town.
Despite being overlooked by buildings for most of its length, Porthmeor manages to retain much of the Cornish seaside feel. When you’ve had your fill of surfing and other activities at the beach, you can spend some time exploring St Ives, with the town centre only a short distance from the beach.
4. Porthtowan Beach
Porthtowan Beach is a soft sandy beach on Cornwall’s great North Coast. It is regarded as a family-friendly beach, featuring sheer cliffs while offering fantastic surfing opportunities. This beach has a vast expanse of sand at low tide, making it great for games like rounders and cricket.
Porthtowan has been a holder of the Blue Flag award since 2005, showing consistent levels of water quality and cleanliness. Right at the entrance is a beach bar, where you can drink and enjoy stunning views. When you’re done with the beach, you can check out the Porthtowan area, which runs along Cornwall’s iconic South West Coast Path and features important relics from Cornwall’s history.
5. Porthcurno Beach
Few Cornwall beaches can rival the pure beauty of Porthcurno Beach. This beach in West Cornwall is known for its high cliffs, yellow sand and blue water that turns turquoise when the sun is shining bright. There’s a cafe in the car park, perfect for grabbing a drink while you enjoy the views.
Conditions are usually flat in the summer but the winter’s southwest swells create ideal conditions for surfers and bodyboarders. You can catch a show at the Minack Theatre just before leaving, while the Museum of Global Communications is also only a stone’s throw away.
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6. Polzeath Beach
Polzeath Beach is one of Cornwall’s major gems and it is among the best surfing destinations in the county. The beach’s consistent, slow-breaking waves make it the perfect spot for novice and intermediate surfers as well as bodyboarders. Advanced surfers may, however, have to look elsewhere for powerful waves.
Although watersports are the main attractions on this beach, you can still have a great day here relaxing in the sand. At low tide, there are rock pools to explore under the cliffs, so kids can spot sea creatures looking to take the next tide out. The beach can get busy in the summer, so make sure to get here early to secure a spot in the car park.
7. Watergate Bay
Watergate Bay is a large stretch of golden sand with big Atlantic swells set between the cliffs of Trevelgue Head to the south and Stem Point to the north. Many consider it to be one of the best beaches in this county with its fantastic views and range of activities.
Watergate Bay is privately owned and welcomes surfers and spectators looking for enormous waves. Families can also come here to enjoy the fresh sea breeze and you have a beach bar, cafe and restaurants where you can step in for some food and drinks. This beach is dog-friendly all year; good news for those looking to bring their furry friends.
8. Godrevy Beach
Boasting prime positioning within St Ives Bay, Godrevy Beach is another sandy cove you don’t want to miss out on if you’re in Cornwall. This beach has plenty to do for everyone. On hot days, you can relax by the waterside and take in beautiful views or jump in for a swim.
At low tide, you can go out and explore the tide pools in search of marine creatures waiting for the next wave. You can also keep an eye out for the seals who like watching you from a distance. Before you leave, make sure to take a stroll along the cliffs beyond Godrevy, part of the Godrevy to Portreath Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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9. Holywell Bay
No matter the kind of activities you enjoy, Holywell Bay has something for you. Holywell may look familiar and that’s because it featured in the popular fantasy drama ‘House of the Dragon’. This beach is an awesome spot for swimmers, surfers and bodyboarders due to the large swells, but it offers much more than that.
At low tide, the shallow streams and rock pools serve as a great spot for children to paddle, while sunbathers can take advantage of ample space. Aside from regular activities, you can check out the vast 5000-year-old sand dunes, which are great for sandboarding, on the east side of the beach.
10. Harlyn Bay
Harlyn Bay is another great option for anyone looking for a family-friendly beach in Cornwall. Just near the popular harbour town of Padstow on the Trevose Head, you’ll find this beach, which is wide, sheltered and features golden sand and pebbles.
Harlyn Bay is popular with surfers from beginners to pros, with good September waves and small swells in the summer. Harlyn Bay Beach is an ideal spot for swimming during calm days and there are lifeguards present between May and September to keep an eye out for swimmers.
11. St Ives Bay
You can’t find a more scenic setting in north-west Cornwall than St Ives Bay. This beach runs from St Ives town all the way to Godrevy Point, where the famous Godrevy Lighthouse is. St Ives is more than just a beach. It comprises multiple smaller beaches, including Porthminster and Carbis Bay Beach.
In addition to St Ives Bay’s beaches, this West Cornwall bay is home to various wildlife, including seals, dolphins and seabirds. The cliffs near Godrevy Point are particularly great for waiting wildlife and sharks tend to visit the bay’s waters in warm months.
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12. Sennen Beach
Located on the south coast of Cornwall, Sennen Cove is one of this county’s most stunning beaches. It offers everything you need for a beach holiday with family or friends. For starters, the South West Coast Path offers access north to Gwynver Beach, a great location for surfers and anyone seeking some quiet.
Access to Sennen Beach is easy from the large car park and it has plenty of places to eat, like the Surf Beach Bar. Plus, toilets and shops are present. Sennen Cove is dog-friendly except between May and September each year. The beach also has lifeguards for peak seasons between Easter and October.
13. Mount’s Bay
Mount’s Bay on the south coast of Cornwall stretches from Lizard Peninsula to Land’s End. Mount’s Bay is the biggest bay in Cornwall. This beach is known for its lovely coastal scenery and golden sands.
The bay is surrounded by various charming towns and fishing villages, including Penzance, Mousehole and Marazion. These locations are great for anyone looking to learn about local art and history. Mount’s Bay’s sheltered waters make it a popular spot for sailing, paddleboarding and other watersports. Visitors can also spot wildlife such as seabirds, seals and dolphins occasionally.
14. Lantic Bay
Lantic Bay is Cornwall’s hidden gem when it comes to beaches. This beach is located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and features crystal-clear waters, white sand and a shingle shoreline.
Lantic Bay is located within a remote area between Fowey and Polperro, which means it’s always free of crowds. Visitors coming here can use the National Trust car park on the road to Polruan or walk along the South West Coast Path. Swimmers do have to be careful, as there is sometimes a strong rip in the bay when the beach shelves dramatically.
15. Whitsand Bay
The beaches of Whitsand Bay run over three miles from Rame Head west to Portwrinkle and like Lantic Bay, this is a hidden gem. Whitsand Bay is never crowded since access is by steep paths and steps that lead between the verdant vegetation. The consistent waves here make it a great location for surfers.
Whitsand Bay is dog-friendly all year, so you can bring your four-legged friends to keep you company. Tide pools along this beach reveal marine life for anyone looking for some form of entertainment. You can also visit the nearby golf club for a quick game.
Does Cornwall Have A Dog-Friendly Beach?
Yes, Cornwall has a dog-friendly beach. In fact, there are numerous options to choose from in this regard. Our prime pick for dog-friendly beaches is Watergate Bay, a sandy beach that welcomes your furry friends all year round. Whitsand Bay is a great alternative, as you can also access all areas of this beach with your four-legged friends all through the year.
Sennen is another great beach to visit with your dog but it has restrictions between May and September every year. Other dog-friendly beaches in this county include Summerleaze Beach, Carbis Bay and Fistral Beach.
What’s The Best Sandy Beach In Cornwall?
The best sandy beach in Cornwall is Kynance Cove. This beach isn’t regarded as just the best in Cornwall but the whole world. Kynance Cove, situated on the Lizard Peninsula, comprises white sand and turquoise waters. The spectacular beauty of this beach makes it one of the most photographed, filmed and painted beaches in Cornwall.
Kynance Beach also offers a lot in the form of entertainment. You can explore the caves at low tide and also try rock pooling and rock climbing. To cap it off, the water is calm and great for swimming.
Tips For A Day At The Beach In Cornwall
- Choose the right beach: Cornwall has hundreds of beaches, so choose one that suits your interests. If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach with lifeguards, Polzeath Beach or Watergate Bay are good options. If you’re looking for a more secluded beach, try Kynance Cove or Sennen Beach
- Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat: Cornwall’s sun can be strong, even on cloudy days, so protect your skin with sunscreen and wear a hat.
- Check for dog restrictions: Some beaches have restrictions on dogs, so check before you go if you’re bringing your furry friend.
- Don’t forget insect repellent: This will help keep mosquitoes and other bugs away.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Best Family-Friendly Beaches In Cornwall?
The best family-friendly beaches in Cornwall are Gyllyngvase Beach, Porthtowan Beach, Harlyn Bay and Sennen Beach. These beaches have waters that are safe for swimming, with large expanses of sand and gentle waves. Some of these beaches even have lifeguards as an additional precaution. To cap it off, they offer activities for the entire family.
What’s The Best Beach On The North Coast Of Cornwall?
The best beach on the north coast of Cornwall is Watergate Bay with its golden sands and amazing cliffs. Watergate is popular among both families and thrill seekers as it offers all the facilities you want and much in the form of activities. You can enjoy surfing, bodyboarding and rock pooling, plus dogs are welcome all year round.
Does Cornwall Have Golden Sand Beaches?
Yes, Cornwall has golden sand beaches. Many of this county’s beaches, such as Watergate Bay, Harlyn Bay and Porthminster Beach, boast long stretches of golden sand. These beaches also offer more in the form of stunning views and great conditions for swimming and sunbathing. Other golden sand beaches in Cornwall include Porthminster Beach and Praa Sands.
Which Beach In Cornwall Has Rock Pools?
Beaches in Cornwall that have rock pools include Gyllyngvase Beach, Porthmeor Beach, Polzeath Beach, Godrevy Beach and Holywell Bay. These are just a few of the many beautiful Cornwall beaches that have tide pools. If you’re looking for a beach where you can swim, sunbathe and explore the underwater world, then Cornwall is the perfect place for you.
Which Beaches In Cornwall Are Best For Surfing?
The beaches in Cornwall that are best for surfing are Porthmeor Beach, Porthtowan Beach, Polzeath Beach and Holywell Bay. Some of these beaches are perfect for beginner and intermediate surfers, while others are best for professionals. In addition to surfing, Cornwall’s beaches are great for other watersports and activities.
Conclusion
There you have it—these are the best beaches in Cornwall. Cornwall is best known for its surfing beaches, but this county offers much more than that with sandy beaches and dog-friendly beach options. These beaches are also spread across, making it easy for you to reach one whether you’re in South or North Cornwall.
