Bamaluz Beach is located in the heart of St Ives and is one of the lesser known beaches, situated between the harbour and Porthgwidden. The beach offers sheltered cover with high walls which can also block out the sun, the only thing at high tide there is a small beach left which can fit no more than maybe 15 people on and in spring it can almost disappear from your very own eyes. This beach is also just below the famous St Ives Museum. Bamaluz is a fairly friendly family beach but there is no lifeguard cover or much room for the children to play and there isn’t really any surf here apart from when there’s big northerly Atlantic swells.
Bessy’s Cove is a small secluded cove on the West Cornwall coast, situated somewhere between Perranuthnoe and Praa Sands this Cove is small in size but beautiful. During low tide it opens up a small beach which can be empty most of the time but its perfect for escaping the crowds near Praa Sands on a busy summers day. It goes without saying its not a family friendly beach as there is not enough space for the children to play or any lifeguard cover. This picturesque cove is great for snorkelling and explore Cornish marine life, also a popular fishing spot off of Cudden Point.
Blackrock Beach, located on the south side of Widemouth Bay, boasts a stunning natural landscape. The beach gets its name from the large rocky outcropping that can be seen to the south. Visitors should be aware that the tide can be quite high, resulting in the beach becoming inaccessible at certain times. The beach is a popular spot for surfers due to the strong point and reef breaks. Meanwhile, those who enjoy exploring the natural world will find plenty to keep them entertained in the rock pools that can be found at low tide.
Booby’s Bay Beach is a vast sandy beach that is popular with surfers and families, having plenty of waves and rock pools which attract both crowds. Booby’s bay is just located around 1 mile from Harlyn Bay and just down the road from the village of Padstow. During summer time this cornish beach can attract quite a crowd and at high tide it doesn’t leave much room for all families so we advise getting here nice and early!
Beakwater Beach sits to the seaward side of Bude’s breakwater, just across from the Bude Canal. Breakwater Beach is also close to Summerleaze but these two should not be confused as Summerleaze is a golden sandy beach and Breakwater Beach is full of rocks and shingle that you will often find empty.
Cadgwith Cove Beach is small cornish village built on fishing dating way back. The Cove is full of thatched cottages lined up at the side of the valley and the small fleet of fishing boats winched up on shingle beach. The beach is still at the centre of the village with pots at the front of the boat houses.
Carbis bay Beach is located inbetween the popular seaside town of St Ives and Hayle, this wide sandy beach is actually a private beach owned by the Hotel which backs on to it which gives it great facilities making it a very popular family friendly beach as it also benefits from the surrounding cliffs for shelter. Surfing isn’t really a big thing on Carbis Bay as it requires a srong northerly swell but when there is its usually popular with bodyboarders as the waves can be quite wedgy and dumpy.
Carlyon Bay is located in South East Cornwall and situated near Mevagissey. This bay is stretches almost 2 miles long and the sand composite is actually a mix of waste from the tin and china clay revolution and if you take a closer look its made up of large grains of grey quartz. Carlyn Bay is actually known as 3 seperate sectionsm Crinnis, Shorthorn and Polgaver. Crinnis is the bigger part and is what is known as Carlyon Bay Beach.
Carne Beach is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike, due to its stunning scenery and diverse range of activities available. The beach is known for its crystal clear waters, making it a perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The rockpools at the end of the beach are also a popular spot for families, as they provide a great opportunity to explore the local marine life and discover the diverse range of creatures that live in the waters around the Roseland Peninsula.
Castle Beach is a picturesque spot in South East Cornwall, located near the town of Falmouth. It is a long, thin stretch of golden sand that is dotted with rocks. The beach is best for swimming at high tide, but at low tide, it can be dangerous due to the presence of sharp rocks and old wartime wrecks that are exposed.
Cawsand Bay Beach is located in South East Cornwall and situated near Saltash. This sheltered bay overlooking Plymouth and is considered safe to swim in although we always advise caution when entering the sea. The beach itself is made up of sand and shingle. At low tide it opens up more rock pools to explore cornish marine life with children. This is a popular place for families as it has a lot of facilities to offer being in town and being so close to a major city like Plymouth.
Chapel Porth Beach is set in a valley hidden between high cliffs giving it shelter from the wind. As you come over the hill from the north the view of the cove is dramatic and will be a totally different beach depending on if the tide is in or not. At low tide the sand stretches all the way from St Agnes Head to Lushingtons at the far end of Porthtowan Beach. Depending on what time of the year you visit the beach will also look totally different with Chapel Porth being one of the most exposed beaches on the North Coast.
Charlestown Beach is located in South East Cornwall and situated just a short walk away from Charlestown village and St Austell town. This sand beach has been explored by geologists with an interest in the pebbles. The beach features a small number of caves in the cliffs but be careful as there can be rock falls happening at any time. The beach is divided into two sections, the east and west side of the harbour, the bigger side is the east whilst the west side offers rock pools to explore and interesting rock formations to look into.
Church Cove is situated in West Cornwall, somewhere between Cadgwith Cove and Lizard Point. This small cove was once a little fishing cove with boats being used within it, still in the cove are a few cottages which lead to the slipway. You can still find boats here from time to time but it’s not used for commercial purposes anymore. Low tide you can sometimes see a small patch of sand at the lower end of the slipway but this soon disappears when the tide comes in. Surrounding Church Cove are many beautiful coastal walks and vantage points to overlook the Cove from
Constantine Bay Beach is great beach for the family and surfers but beware if you’re new to getting in the water as there are some strong rip currents during the summer season, although there are lifeguards just be sure you’re safe at all times and take notice of the RNLI flags. At low tide this beach connects with Booby’s Bay Beach making it one long stretch of golden sand and gives plenty of room for the family and activities.
Coverack Beach is located in West Cornwall on the Lizard Peninsula. The beach backs on to the little fishing village of Coverack and the harbour here is one of the more photogenic ones of Cornwall with beautiful granite walls and a few wooden fishing boats nearby along with whitewashed cottages above. This remote part of the Cornish coast rarely sees much attention of a crowd beyond ones staying in the area. Low tide there is a good size of golden sand making it ideal for families but as the tide comes in this dissappears and becomes more of a rocky beach.
Crackington Haven Beach is set at the end of a narrow valley with beautiful cottages surrounding the valley. Crackington Haven beach offers shelter against the rough Atlantic Ocean and before our time in the 19th century this little village was actually a harbour with all sort of boats docked on the beach.
Crantock Beach is a great expanse of beautiful golden sand situated between the Pentire and West Pentire headlands. At high tide the beach filters through making the Gannel Estuary which has diminished since it was previously a port. Crantock beach is a great place for the family with lots of space, generally calm seas and much of the beach backed by sand dunes protecting you from the off shore wind. At the south end of the beach are high cliffs providing even more shelter from the wind.
Crooklets Beach is a small sandy beach that joins up at low tide with both Summerleaze and Northcott Mouth Beach forming a larger bay for the family to explore. Mostly made up of golden sand this beach is perfect to bring the family with plenty of facilities and shops backing onto the beach. During the summer period, Crooklets Beach can get busy! Bordered from the north by Wrangle point and separated from Sumerlaze beach to the south by a rocky patch at high tide this beach is sheltered. The beach received a Blue Flag Award in 2007 and again in 2021.
Daymer Bay is a golden stretch of sand bordered by dunes and sandhills the beach itself stretches onto the Camel Estuary and very sheltered with a gradual sloping beach making it perfect for swimming in. Compared to the neighbours, Rock and Polzeath it doesn’t see as much foot traffic giving you that more secluded feel.
Downderry Beach is located in South East Cornwall and situated near Looe. Downderry beach is made up on sand and shingle. Low tide opens up Downderry as a vast beach and uncovers rock pools to explore Cornish marine life with the children. You can also walk across to Seaton during low tide but always check the tide times as it can be easy to get cut off. There is also a good pub right on the beach and you can park your car in the village.
Duporth Beach is located in South East Cornwall and situated near St Austell. This beach remains quiet throughout summer and winter which is unknown being this close to a mjaor cornish town. The beach has low cliffs backed on to it and covered in Cornish plants and shrubs otherwise it appears out of a rock coastline which stretches for half a mile. Low tide at this beach uncovers rock pools full of Cornish marine life. Duporth doesn’t have any facilities near and those looking for parking will need to park at Porthpean or Charlestown.
Durgan Beach located in West Cornwall and situated in a valley in a tiny village called Durgan. This beach overlooks the Helford river with stunning views in all directions. The beach is made up of a mix of grey sand and shingle with scattered rocks. The beach has great features for children such as rock pools at either end. Durgan beach is suitable for swimming and is fairly safe in this sheltered location but there isn’t any RNLI lifeguards.
Eastern Green Beach is situated right outside the Penzance train station near some rocks named ‘Station Rocks’ and follows the curve round to meet Longrock Beach. This was once one of Cornwall’s most polluted beaches but now thanks to South West Water Clean Sweep program it is now as clean as any other beach inviting many swimmers and watersports enthusiasts. This beach is a family friendly beach which gently slopes out and very sheltered makes it perfect on those windy days, to get below waist depth in the water you may have to walk around half a mile to get out your depth. This is generally a quiet Cornwall beach.
Fistral Beach is located in Newquay and is known as the Home of British Surfing. This wide golden sandy beach has its respect from being around 1 mile long and at low tide 1 mile wide giving great space for the family, although please be careful when entering the sea as there are strong rip currents that can occur here and the waves are generally bigger than the other beaches in the area as its more exposed to Atlantic swells.
Flushing Cove is a small, secluded beach located on Gillan Creek. It is composed of sand and shingle and offers stunning views of the sea. The beach is surrounded by mature woodland and is not easily accessible, which contributes to its peaceful atmosphere. There is no parking available at the beach, and there are no facilities on site. However, the beach is a lovely and quiet spot, nestled in a beautiful location. If you do happen to encounter anyone else on the beach, they are likely either launching a boat or passing through on the coast path.
Freathy Beach is located in South East Cornwall and situated in Whitsand Bay. Freathy has a beautiful beach with a large expanse of sand at low tide which spits into the east and west coves but as the tide comes in these areas of sand disappear and be sure not to get caught out by the tide so before visiting please check tide times. Freathy is also pretty safe to swim at but always have caution when entering the sea as there is also no lifeguard cover here. Freathy is only accessible down a winding cliff path.
Godrevy Beach sits at the north end of Hayle’s long 4 Mile golden sandy beach. This Cornish beach is very popular with surfers as it takes the brunt of the Atlantic swell and being one of the most exposed beaches in the North coast it has a range of swells from beginner all the way to experieced surfers. Godrevy is connected to Gwithian beach and at low tide this stretch of beach reaches staggering lengths and could be walked all the way to Carbis Bay at some points but be sure to check the tide times and not get caught out!
Godrevy Cove is located in West Cornwall situated near Coverack and on the Lizard Peninsula. This sheltered sandy beach hardly ever gets busy due to its remote location, unlike other Cornish beaches there are no cliffs to climb down so you can’t get cut off as the tide comes in. Godrevy Cove generally see’s less stormy sea’s due to facing more east. Stretching for around 300 meters to the neighbouring beaches .
Gorran Haven Beach is located in South East Cornwall and situated on the Roseland Peninsula just a short walk away from Gorran Haven village. This sheltered beach has Dodman point just to the west and as this beach is so close to the village it benefits from the facilities there, cafes, pubs and more more to discover. Low tide opens up rock pools filled with Cornish marine life and the water is crystal clear around these parts, swimming is really good here but always be cautious when entering the sea as there isn’t lifeguard cover here.
Great Molunan and Little Molunan beach are located in South East Cornwall and situated near St Mawes in the mouth of the River Fal. These series of coves are the Molunans are tucked away in shelter of the St Anthony Head with its lighthouse standing guard over the entrance to the Carrick Roads. With views across the water to Pendennis Castle and beyond is the town of Falmouth. Surrounding these coves are always yachts setting out from Mylor, Flushing and Falmouth along with from time to time giant commercial shipping boats.
Great Perhaver Beach is located in South East Cornwall and situated on the Roseland Peninsula just a short walk away from Gorran Haven village. This sheltered beach has no facilities and doesn’t get as busy as neighbouring beaches due to this fact. Low tide opens up rock pools filled with Cornish marine life and the water is crystal clear around these parts, swimming is really good here but always be cautious when entering the sea as there isn’t lifeguard cover here. During high tide the beach disappears leaving nothing behind.
Great Western Beach is a great family beach as being so close to Newquay town it can get quite busy but its still one of the quieter ones nearby. At low tide there are rock pools for the children to find Cornish marine life and during low tide you can you can walk to neighbouring beaches, Tolcarne and Lusty Glaze. Surrounding Great Western are high cliffs which tower over the beach giving some protection from winds but they do cast a shadow later in the afternoon but be careful as these cliff edges are eroding and could potentially fall.
Grebe Beach is located in West Cornwall and situated near the Helford River mouth. A short walk away from Grebe beach is a secluded woodland walk near the village of Durgan. Access to the beach is limited via a steep path down so this prevents Grebe from getting too busy. Grebe beach is a mix of sand, shingle and rocks which can be hard to sit on but if you find a soft spot you can sit for hours and watch the world go by. Swimming in the sea here can be quite safe but caution should always be advised when there are no lifeguards on the beach.
Greenaway Beach is situated in-between Polzeath and Rock and it stays relatively quiet during the summer but this is because there is no parking or amenities nearby and to get down to the beach are a few steps. Once you’re down you’re introduced to a holden sandy beach with lots of rock pools at low tide for the kids to discover marine life and crab hunting.
Gunwalloe Beach sits between the Lizard and Porthleven and is owned by the National Trust. This Cove holds a good stretch of golden sand which is backed on by gently sloping grassy dunes and the most famous bit of this beach is the church tucked away in the northern end. Gunwalloe church is where the beach gets its name, named after the early Breton missionary, St Winwaloe, and the squat little bell tower is actually separate from the main church.
Gwithian Beach is a part of the longest beach in Cornwall, the total length comes to around 4 miles of golden sandy beach and great for families with tons of space and features all through the beach including rock pools filled with Cornish marine life. This beach is also very popular with surfers giving perfect conditions for all types of waves from beginners to long time surfers. A famous surf spot if called ‘Sheep Dips’ which refers to a large pool formed between two big sets of rocks.
Gwynver Beach is derived from Gwynevere of Authurian legend and it does have some mystic beauty about it. This beach is situated on the North end of Sennen beach at the base of a grassy cliff and just about secluded so it doesn’t get busy. The beach itself is sandy and around 150 meters long and at high tide the beach slopes steeply into the sea and can be dangerous, but at low tide the Gwenver joins up with Sennen Beach
Gyllyngvase Beach is located near Falmouth, a short walk from the town center and is considered to be the best beach in Falmouth. Gyllyngvase is the perfect beach for families with soft golden sand and beautiful views surrounded and not to forget the lovely facilities nearby and cafe. The sea at this beach is clear and safe to swim at as it sheltered from rough seas by the Lizard Peninsula to the west and in the summer there is lifeguard cover here too. Low tide here uncovers rock pools to explore with the kids at low tide with shrimps, crabs and more to see.
Harlyn Bay Beach is a great family beach located near Padstow on the Trevose head with a northerly aspect its more sheltered than some of the west facing beaches. This beach is very popular with surfers from beginners to pros, with good September swells and small waves during summer.
The wide sanded beach is great for everyone and provides a lot of space for water activities and are generally safe to swim in being lifeguarded during summer months. Along with water activities there are lots of rock pools, sand dunes and small streams to keep the children occupies.
Hemmick Beach is located in South East Cornwall and situated on the Roseland Peninsula just a short walk away from Dodman point. The beach is a golden sandy cove with rocks on the left hand side filled with big and small rock pools which at low tide become bigger. Parking nearby is around a quater of a mile away and a 10 minute walk across the fields which does put some visitors off hence the beach remaining quiet during the summer months and most visitors often stay at the nearby hostel.
Hendra Beach is located inbetween Helston and Penzance, actually its connected to Praa Sands beach and makes up 1/2 of the huge beach. Its golden sandy beach sees less foot traffic than Praa Sands due to there not being any car park and a lengthy walk away from the car park therefore in summer can be a lot quieter than Praa Sands. An amazing family friendly beach provides everything you need but the facilities are a long walk away if you need them so make sure you check you have everything before walking down to Hendra. The left hand side of the beach is great for rock pooling and fishing, perfect to keep the children busy.
Holywell Bay Beach is one of the most photographed beaches in Cornwall with the main focus on the two islands out to sea. This unspoiled golden sandy beach stretches for almost a mile and of course is backed on by sand dunes. This makes sunsets in the summer so perfect! Being located near Newquay this beach can get quite busy during summer periods but theres plenty of room on this beach at low tide. Holywell holds a great family friendly atmosphere with seasonal lifeguards at hand and plenty of rock pools, dunes and small stream to explore with the children.
Housel Bay Beach is located just a short walk away from Lizard Point is this stunning bay set at the bottom of dark derpentine cliffs you will find a sretch of golden sand with the clearest turquoise water imaginable. The beach here is relatively sheltered, particularly considering it is within a stone’s throw of the most southerly point in mainland Britain. The high cliffs also provide plenty of cover from the wind. Backing on to the beach is a tall cliff with Housey Bay Hotel on the back with a small garden. Surrounding the bay is beautiful coastal walks to the Lizard or to Cadgwith Cove! be careful if you can become cut off at higher tides
Kennack Sands Beach is located in West Cornwall and is situated in between Coverack and Lizard Point. Despite being in the sheltered side of the Lizard Peninsula this fairly remote location is actually very popular due to being such a family friendly beach. Low tide this beach is huge and features all the family friendly things for children like a stream, rock pools and plenty of facilities like toilets and a cafe for convenience. As Kennack Sands beach faces west its considerably warmer than most other beaches in the area but another thing, this beach is popular with surfers when the conditions are good, during summer its a great beach to learn to surf on.
Kenneggy Cove Beach is a large sandy beach which you could access from a cliff path with metal ladders but recently due to coastal erosion this access has been closed for your safety but you can access the beach at low tide from nearby coves but please take care if you do visit as high tide swallows the beach whole and it can be dangerous!
Kingsand Beach is located in South East Cornwall and situated near Saltash. This small fishing village beach consists of sand and shingle and is south facing meaning less wind. The beach itself backs right onto the village and is home to the iconic Kingsand Clocktower. Low tide revels rock pools to explore cornish marine life with the children then high tide leaves a little patch of sand. This is a very popular beach for families during summer as there are tons of facilities being right in town. The beach at Kingsand overlooks Plymouth Sound and has fantastic views of the ships coming and going.
Kynance Cove is located on the west side of the Lizard in West Cornwall, arguably the most photographed and painted location in Cornwall, the contrast between the rocky cliff tops, the golden sand beach, and the clear blue seas takes your breath away.
At low tide you can explore the towering rock stacks and caves which are usually covered when the tide is high, once you’re done exploring you can then have some lunch at the eco-friendly cafe, choose from a few Cornish favorites like Cornish pasties, fresh sandwiches, baguettes, homemade cakes, and afternoon tea then head down the beach for some family fun.
Owned and looked after by the wonderful Nation Trust, thanks to their members and volunteers they’re able to keep this wonderful location in tip-top shape. Parking is also free for National Trust Members and can be quite difficult during the summer months, we recommend arriving early morning or early evening to avoid disappointment but fortunately, there are many other beaches near Kynance like Housel Bay, Pentreath Beach, Kennack Sands Beach, and more.
Kynance Cove is located on the west side of the Lizard in West Cornwall, arguably the most photographed and painted location in Cornwall, the contrast between the rocky cliff tops, the golden sand beach, and the clear blue seas takes your breath away.
At low tide you can explore the towering rock stacks and caves which are usually covered when the tide is high, once you’re done exploring you can then have some lunch at the eco-friendly cafe, choose from a few Cornish favorites like Cornish pasties, fresh sandwiches, baguettes, homemade cakes, and afternoon tea then head down the beach for some family fun.
Owned and looked after by the wonderful Nation Trust, thanks to their members and volunteers they’re able to keep this wonderful location in tip-top shape. Parking is also free for National Trust Members and can be quite difficult during the summer months, we recommend arriving early morning or early evening to avoid disappointment but fortunately, there are many other beaches near Kynance like Housel Bay, Pentreath Beach, Kennack Sands Beach, and more.
Lamorna Cove Beach sits at the bottom of a wooded valley situated between Mousehole and Porthcurno. Behind the beach are small cute cottages and when you arrive into Lamorna it looks like something out of Poldark, as you come towards the beach you’ll notice a small sand and pebble beach at the foot of the slipway when the tide is low, but nothing to speak of as the tide comes in. This is a popular beach for swimming and there is also good scuba diving to be had off the coast here. However, there is no lifeguard service here so caution is advised
Lankidden Cove is located in West Cornwall situated between Coverack and Kennack Sands. This hidden cove can only beach reached from the coastal path from Kennack Sands around a mile away and is usually not as busy as other surrounding beaches due to its location. Lankidden Cove is a typical Cornish Cove with beautiful turquoise waters with golden sand broken up by large rocky outcrops. As with much of the Lizard the rocks here are unique with red serpentine running throughout them. Lankidden cove is south east facing, meaning its sheltered from the wild Atlantic winds by huge Iron age cliffs.
Lansallos Beach is located in South East Cornwall and situated near Fowey. This small cove at low tide opens up to a decent sized beach but at high tide it almost dissappears. The beach is made up of sand and shingle and actually features a small waterfall on the eastern side known as Reed Water which was once used to power a small mill. Swimming is not advised here as there are no lifeguard cover
Lantic Bay is located in South East Cornwall and situated near Fowey. Lantic bay is often described as the hidden gem of Cornwall which is accutrate to Lantic Bay. This beach is a golden stretch of sand but during high tide it splits into two beaches, as the tide goes out the beach joins up again into one cove. The west side of the beach is easily accessible at low tide but keep you’re eye on the tide as you can get cut off.
Little Fistral Beach is only accessable at low tide and it is a very small beach that cannot hold as much as its bigger neighbour Fistral Beach. Located at the far right side inbetween Fistral and Towan headland lies this sandy beach. This is a lovely place to take the children as there are many caves, rock pools filled with cornish marine life. If you do plan on venturing to this sandy interesting beach then it’s well worth coming at mid tide because you can take a dip in but be careful because there can be rogue waves and unfortunately there isn’t any lifeguard cover on this beach.
Loe Bar beach is located between Porthleven and Poldhu Cove and is home to one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in Cornwall. The sandy bar is what separates this lake, Loe Pool, from the sea.
Around 12,000 years ago, during the last Ice Age, rising sea levels and powerful Atlantic currents began depositing sand, gravel, and flint along the coast, gradually forming Loe Bar at the mouth of the River Cober. The bar’s composition, particularly its flint, is unusual, with the nearest onshore source over 120 miles away—likely transported by glacial action or ocean currents.
Before Loe Bar fully formed, the River Cober flowed freely into the sea, creating an estuary that served as a bustling port for Helston, which was a key trading and fishing hub in medieval Cornwall. This port connected Helston directly to the sea, providing significant economic importance.
By the 13th century, the buildup of sand, gravel, and flint completely severed the river’s connection to the ocean, isolating the estuary and transforming it into Loe Pool. With the port cut off, Helston’s harbor became redundant, shifting commerce to other parts of Cornwall’s coastline.
The exact origin of the flint at Loe Bar remains a mystery, as there is no known source of flint nearby the nearest onshore deposits are over 120 miles away. There are a few theories about how this flint ended up on Cornwall’s coast.
Today, Loe Bar remains a stable natural barrier maintained by the forces of wind and tide, separating Loe Pool from the sea and preserving a unique piece of Cornwall’s geological and maritime history.
Loe Beach is located in South East Cornwall and situated in the River Fal. This sheltered shingle beach is fairly safe for swimming due to not being exposed to the Atlantic and its well known for watersports in this area. This beach also has great parking on the back of the beach which is perfect for those people who aren’t wanting to walk too far for a beach. There is also good fishing off the rocks at dawn and dusk. This beach also holds small boats which are launched here from time to time, it also has a boat hire which you can hire kayaks, sailing dinghies and rowing beach at the watersports center.
Longrock Beach is a great family beach as there is very little waves and the golden stretch of sand is easily accessible from the town and there is a good sized car park on the right making this beach a choice of many families during the summer. Towards the car park section of the beach this offers some shelter from the wind whilst also being a little sandier above the tide line. Swimming here is particularly safe as it takes a lot of walking to get into even waist deep water.
Looe Beach is located in South East Cornwall and situated right in Looe town. This beach is sheltered from the west by Looes Banjor Pier and overlooked by the east from some high cliffs making it ideal for the family. During Low tide here Looe is known for its safe swimming although do not swim by the mouth of the river as it has strong currents. The beach actually backs on to the seafront walkway which runs the length of the beach.
Lusty Glaze Beach is one of the smaller beaches which at low tide connects all neighbouring beaches together. Lusty is a steep walk down and benefits from the high cliffs that back on to this beach as it protects you from the wind. Although this beach is privately owned its fully open to the public at no cost. This Cornish beach is home to an adventure center with various act-ivies such as climbing, bungee jumping, surfing and other watersports. Located in Newquay this beach can get busy during summertimes as its great for the family but please be careful as the cliffs are eroding at a fast rate so we advise not to sit underneath them if you can help it!
Maenporth Beach is located in West Cornwall and situated just south of Falmouth. This beach is a vast golden sandy beach perfect for the family to come have a beach day here, with plenty of rock pools for the children to explore Cornish marine life it really is one of the best family beaches in Cornwall. Low tide a wreck appears out of the water, this wreck is named Ben Asdale and you can see it clearer whilst Sailing, Kayaking or doing water based activities. Parking is right by the beach along with facilities you need to spend the day here.
Marazion Beach is located right in front of St Michaels Mount and directly in front of Marazion village with great parking spaces on the front along with facilities making this beach a great family friendly beach with clean water, lifeguard patrol through the summer and backing on to the beach is a childrens playground. Towards the town end the beach becomes rockier after which there are a series of small rocky coves. It is from this end of the beach that you can walk over to St Michael’s Mount at low tide along a stone causeway.
Marazion beach is about a mile long, starting infront of the town and curving round to the Station House pub and the bay continues for another 2 miles into neighbouring beach Long Rock Beach.
Mawgan Porth Beach is a lovely stretch of golden sand with great shops backed on to the beach. Situated just 4 miles from Newquay this is the best beach if you want to avoid the crowds Newquay attracts in the summer, although it can get quite busy during summer so we advise getting here early for the best spots. Sheltered by high cliffs each side and panoramic views out to the Atlantic from the coastal path, this is a walkers dream.
Mexico Towans Beach is directly in the middle of Hayle’s 4 miles of golden sand. This part of the beach is backed on by high sand dunes which are covered in marram grass but there are a couple of access points up and down the dunes. When the tide is out it shows off how big this beach is and despite the size it doesn’t get too busy during summer so there is plenty of room for the family and children to roam around.
Millendreath Beach is located in South East Cornwall and situated near Looe. This beach is south facing and lies at the feet of a wooden area in a cove. Low tide sees Millendreath beach open up with soft sand and plenty of rock pools to explore cornish marine life. High tide sees nearly the whole beach disappear so check tide times before visiting. Surrounding Millendreath beach is plenty of beautiful coastal walks on the south west coastal path.
Milook Haven Beach is located in North Cornwall just south of Widemouth Bay Beach and Bude. Facing towards the Atlantic Ocean this beach sees a lot of big waves crash against the large pebbles and coarse shingle on the beach. Because of facing the Atlantic with its huge waves it attracts some of the more experienced surfers looking for those perfect breaks.
Nanjizal Beach, located in remote West Cornwall, is a small and secluded hidden gem that remains unspoiled and retains its natural cornish charm. With no facilities in sight, the beach’s pristine and untouched beauty brings visitors from far and wide. It is a haven for wildlife, especially birds with a variety of bird species such as Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, and Blackcap. The marine wildlife here is vast too with the recent addition of Bluefin Tuna to the county.
Nanjizal is known for its turquoise waters and incredible natural stone formations. On the north side of Nanjizal beach, you’ll see the famous Diamond Horse stands out. Characterized by a sparkling quartz vein that catches the sunlight. On the south side of Nanjizal, the magnificent rock arch known as ‘Zawn Pyg’ or ‘Song of the Sea’ adds to the dramatic landscape with many visitors flocking to the area for pictures in front of the ‘Song of the Sea’. Nanjizal Beach’s crystal clear waters and the rugged landscape that surrounds it beams an unmatched atmosphere and relatively low footfall make it a great destination for walkers along the south west coastal path.
Newlyn’s Tolcarne Beach is located just to the right of the harbour but during high tide you may only see stones but at low tide it reveals a large sandy beach which is frequently visited by the Cornish seals. This beach also looks out to Mounts bay with St Michael’s Mount in the distance. This beach isn’t suited great for families as it doesn’t have much facilities nearby but it can be a great beach just to chill at or watch the boats come in and out of the harbour! It’s also very close to Newlyn Orion Gallery.
Northcott Mouth Beach is the bit of sand that joins up with Crooklets Beach at low tide in the south and almost as far as Duckpool Beach in the North. Although be aware during these times do not attempt to walk across unless you know the tide times as its very easy to get cut off
Par Sands Beach is located in South East Cornwall and situated near St Austell just a short walk away from Par Sands Beach. Par Sands beach is a wide sandy beach and faces towards the south, this beach also backs on to some low sand dunes like most cornish beaches. During summer the beach can get quite busy with many holiday parks around the beach although it can get crowded it never feels it as the beach is vast. Low tide opens to beach up more and unveils some rock pools to explore with the children.
Swimming at Par Sands can be quite safe but considering there is no lifeguard cover we always enter the sea with caution.
Pedn Vounder Beach is one of Cornwall’s gems and you may have seen this pop up on social media. This beach is set among the stunning cliffs of Treryn Dinas with crystal clear turquoise water and a beautiful white sand beach. The name Pedn Vounder translates from the Cornish ‘pedn’, meaning head or end and ‘vounder’, meaning lane. Pedn Vounder is located at where Porthcurno beach ends and during low tide you can walk from one to the other however be careful as the tide comes in you may face being cut off and climbing up a steep cliff.
Pendower Beach is located in South East Cornwall and situated in the Roseland Peninsula. Low tide sees Pendower Beach join up with Carne Beach to form a vast golden sandy beach stretching around a mile long across Gerrans Bay. Pendower Beach is a popular beach with families during summer especially to one side as its more sandy and the west being quite rocky with many rock pools for the children to explore Cornish marine life.
Pentewan Beach is located in South East Cornwall and situated near Mevagissey. This sheltered beach is actually owned by Pentewan Sands Holiday Park which backs on to the beach but the beach is still open to the public and only means that the beach is maintained to a good standard and it isn’t short of facilities. Low tide opens up rock pools filled with Cornish marine life and the water is crystal clear around these parts, swimming is really good here but always be cautious when entering the sea as there isn’t lifeguard cover here.
Pentreath Beach is located just a short walk away from the famous Kynance Cove. This beach is west facing meaning its exposed to the Atlantic swells making it a great surfing beach if you can get your surfboard here as its typically also a quiet beach because of the lack of car parking. During high tide, Pentreath Beach becomes just a pebble beach and then at low tide it transforms into a much sandier stretch. In winter, the beach is typically rockier, with cliff falls are a hazard.
Perranporth Beach is a great family friendly beach and at low tide being one of the largest stretches of unbroken golden sandy beach joining up with Penhale Sands. Perfect at low tide giving a huge vast amount of space but during summer periods it can get very busy so be sure to get here early on a hot day! Great for the kids as there is a lot of space along with rock pools, caves, dunes and a stream running though the beach, oh and don’t forget the natural bathing pool on chapel rock!
Perranuthnoe Beach is one of the quieter beaches in West Cornwall this means its reasonably popular with the locals, we’re not sure why its one of the quieter ones as its a stunning golden sandy beach with a charming backdrop of an unspoilt village. During low tide Perranuthnoe opens up and you can see why its a local firm favourite, vast open space with golden sand and uncovered rock pools allow for endless hours of fun but watch out for high tide as the water reaches up to the cliff edge leaving no room for a beach which means you have to plan your trips around the tides!
Plaidy Beach is located in South East Cornwall and situated near Looe. Plaidy beach is a small shingle, sandy beach and during summer can be a nice spot to miss the crowds around Looe. The beach is actually backed on to a residential area with a nice tranquil feel to it. High tide at the beach doesn’t leave much to work with so check the tide times before arriving. Low tide actually opens up the beach to revel some rock pools to explore Cornish marine life.
The south-easterly aspect of the beach makes it fairly sheltered and catches the sun. Whilst there is no lifeguard service the swimming and snorkelling are generally safe.
Poldhu Cove is located on the Lizard Peninsula and is considered one of the most popular ones in this area and its less remote than further west but it also has the facilities you need which is great for the family. Poldhu Cove beach sits in a valley with high cliffs either side and backed on by low sand dunes which is a haven for wildlife. This cove faces west meaning its exposed to wild wind and big waves which attracts the surfers to Poldhu and its also a great place to learn to surf when the surf is not so big.
Polkerris Beach is located in South East Cornwall and situated near St Austell. Polkerris is a stunning beach and the walk down past the winding lanes sets the scene for this beautiful beach. The beach is tucked away sheltered from the winds and being on the South East coast this doesn’t see much swell coming in meaning the waters are generally calm, perfect for swimming but always be cautious when entering the sea as there is no lifeguard patrol here. Polkerris also has a harbour wall which in summer you can see kids jumping into the sea from there.
Polly Joke Beach is or often referred to as Porth Joke is situated between Crantock and Holywell Bay, often overlooked this unspoilt golden sandy beach can be a getaway from the crowds despite being so close to Newquay. The narrow beach is deeper than it is wide and backs onto a shallow valley with a stream running down through it. Low tide here is enough sand to comfortably sit down on even during busy periods. Access to Polly Joke is very limited, with a small car park being a bit of a distance away.
Polpeor Cove has a small beach located just to the right of Lizard Point, you may have seen this beach on old pictures of the Old Lizard Lifeboat Station which is located right on the beach with everything still intact. The beach is dark grey and isn’t great or even suitable for swimming, last time i checked there was still one fisherman using this cove as a working cove hauling the crab pots and catching mackerel from here!
Polperro Beach is located in South East Cornwall and situated in the village of Polperro. This beach is known in one of the most picturesque fishing villages filled with beautiful whitewashed cottages. Polperro beach is a small sandy beach positioned just outside of the harbour wall on the east side as it sits underneath the cliff edge and harbour wall it is well protected from the wind, although it is limited by size and during high tide the beach dissappears.
Polridmouth Cove is located in South East Cornwall and situated near St Austell. This shingle based beach is accessed by a woody track and the coves feel left untouched given the location and the access to the coves. Low tide joins the two beaches together and as the tide comes it leaves little to no room left on the beach. The west cove is access via a farm track which is backed on to by the coastal path and the cove to the east backs on to lawns and the lake of Polridmouth cottage both are private but not fenced.
Polstreath is located in South East Cornwall and situated on near Mevagissey. This sheltered beach has has been spotted many times on instagram as ‘the beach with the stairs’. Polstreath doesn’t benefit from the facilities with no cafes, pubs nearby. Low tide opens up rock pools filled with Cornish marine life and the water is crystal clear around these parts, swimming is really good here but always be cautious when entering the sea as there isn’t lifeguard cover here.
Polurrian Beach is located just south of Poldhu Cove and just north of Mullion Cove, you can get the best view of this beach from the headland inbetween Mullion Cove. The beach at low tide is a vast golden sandy beach with high cliffs either side providing shelter away from the breeze but the beach is west facing meaning you will get the Atlantic winds coming at you and the surf here can get quite good depending on what the swell and weather is doing. During the summer months there is a lifeguard service – but only at weekends. So if you do fancy a dip take care or make sure it is on a weekend during the summer holidays.
Polzeath Beach has become more known over the recent years and if you visit you can see why, its golden sandy beach and beach vibe town gives you a classic California surf feel. The beach is great for surfing and at low tide the beach becomes around half a mile in all directions which makes it perfect for the family but beware of the incoming tide as it just leaves a short patch of sand left.
Port Gaverne Beach is a small sheltered beach situated on the North Cornwall Coast, just a mile from the famous village of Port Isaac. During Low tide this beach is made up of sand and shingle and in the summer months is a very popular beach with the families and can quite often be busy. Also around the beach are rock pools filled with marine life and caves embedded into the cliffs surrounding the beach.
Porth Beach is a great stretch of sandy beach just on the border of Newquay and just a short walk away is Watergate Bay. This beach is a popular family friendly beach ideal for children with a small stream running through the south side of the beach and at low tide rock pools to explore cornish marine life! Porth beach sits in a narrow valley with tall cliffs both sides making it very sheltered. Backing onto the beach is the Mermaid Inn with a beer garden that outlooks onto the beach and serving hot and cold food with beverages. Opposite this Inn are other food places and some clothing brands with coffee shops built into them.
Porthallow Beach is located in West Cornwall, situated in the east side of the Lizard Peninsula. Porthallow was once a busy fishing village thriving life and full of fishing boats on the pebble beach. The pub which overlooks the beach is named the “Five Pilchards”. Today there are still a few working boats left here, and you will often see them pulled up on the beach, as it doubles as the harbour.
Porthbean Beach is located in South East Cornwall and situated in the Roseland Peninsula. This beach is a golden sandy beach just a short walk away from Porthcurnick Beach. Porthbean is one of Cornwalls meany AONB and SSSI due to the biological diversity in the area. During low tide it leaves this beach with vast golden sand and plenty of room to play with the children or activities. As there is no lifeguard here we advise against swimming here due to strong rip currents.
Porthbeor beach is located in South East Cornwall and situated near St Mawes. This golden stretch of sand is part of the Roseland Peninsula and one of the lesser known beaches in Cornwall making it generally quiet even through the peak of summer. The beach is around 500 meters long which allows a lot of room for activities but with no parking nearby this beach can be difficult to get to for families. Swimming is not advised here as there aren’t any lifeguards in summer nor winter.
Rinsey Cove is located inbetween Praa Sands and Porthleven and its off the beaten track. Owned by the National Trust but doesn’t see as much foot traffic as other National Trust beaches due to its location. Low tide shows a small sandy beach but high tide quickly takes that away and it really is a small scramble down to the beach which isn’t ideal for families. This stretch of coast is quite exposed to powerful swells so given the remoteness and lack of lifeguard cover care should be taken if you fancy a dip.
Porthchapel Beach is around 3 miles from Lands End, situated somewhere between Porthcurno and Porthgwarra in West Cornwall. This sheltered cove is surrounded by weathered granite cliffs and generally quiet a favour with the locals as its neighbour beaches of Porthcurno and Pedn Vounder get busy during summer time. Due to its location, access is only suitable for the able bodied; the narrow cliff path winds through a beautiful wooded valley followed by a climb down rocks to the beach.
Porthcothan Bay Beach is a beautiful stretch of golden sandy beach situated north of Newquay and south of Padstow, despite not receiving the attention of other popular beaches in the area this is still a popular beach with families as its open space makes room for a lot of activites and at low tide it connects with the coves and rockpools surrounding the headland. High tide at Porthcothan has the illusion the beach is small but as it becomes low tide the beach opens up quite quickly.
Porthcurnick Beach is located in South East Cornwall and situated in the Roseland Peninsula. This beach is a short walk away from Portscatho Beach and Portscatho village. At high tide it leaves the beach with a small beach but at low tide the beach opens up along with the rock pools on either side of the beach. If you want to come swim here we advise against it as there are strong rip currents and no lifeguards on duty year round. The beach has a cafe backed on to it along with portaloos.
Porthcurno Beach is one of the most notorious beaches in Cornwall and you can really see why this near white golden sand meets crystal clear waters with rugged granite cliffs as backdrops sets a picture almost like a movie scene and it doesn’t feel like you’re in the UK. Not only is the sand look special but it actually is very few beaches in Cornwall have this type of sand but another one would be Porthmeor beach. The sand is made up of seashells pounded to smithereens by the sea over millions of years it is quite unique and is partly responsible for the beautiful colour of the sea here.
Portheras Cove is one of West Cornwall’s gems, located in the wildest stretches of Cornish coastline and not that easy to locate means in the summer its a haven to escape the busy tourism Cornwall receives. Portheras is actually owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, the beach itself is a lovely sandy cove located at the end of a shallow valley with sheer cliffs at the northern end. Recently parts of the beach are now out of bounds because of wrecks which have left razor sharp fragments under the sand.
Porthgwarra Beach is another West Cornwall gem. This beach is set in a secluded area of the Cornish coastline and largely owned by Lord St Levan of St Michaels Mount. At low tide there is a small beach with an array of rock pool and cave systems but history tells us that Porthgwarra has a rich fishing heritage meaning and you can see that as you enter the cove but now only a few fishing boats remain and work regularly from Porthgwarra.
Porthgwidden Beach is more than often forgotten about in St Ives which makes it the perfect beach to get away from the crowds at the other popular St Ives Beaches. It does benefit from being sheltered unlike many others and sits between the Island and Harbour which is positioned perfectly to block out any wind from either direction. Although there isn’t much lifeguard cover there are plenty of other facilities nearby, including a great cafe overlooking the beach.
Porthkidney Beach is located near the mouth of the Hayle Estuary and very close to Carbis bay. The beach itself is around a mile long and at low tide the beach connects up with Black Rock Beach creating a huge vast expanse of golden sand. This beach is great for families because of the space you have and gives the children space to play and explore. This beach is backed on by Sand Dunes which have several access points to the coastal path and just around the corner is the GWR train line with one of the most beautiful train journeys around to St Ives.
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