In Cornwall we’re blessed to have more than 300 beautiful beaches to explore and enjoy. The south coast is characterised by sheltered bays and picturesque harbours while the north coast is lined with rugged cliffs and dramatic landscapes. Here’s how we love to enjoy our beaches…
Picnic at Perranporth
With three miles of golden sand there’s space for everyone on Perranporth’s huge beach. Spread out from the crowd down to the far end of the beach, find sheltered picnic spots in the dunes, or enjoy lunch at The Watering Hole while watching the surfers and bodyboarders in the vast expanse of Atlantic blue.
Rockpool at Trevaunance Cove
A sheltered bay at the bottom of St Agnes village, Trevaunance Cove is a small beach nestled below craggy cliffs. At low tide large areas of rocks are uncovered, making it perfect for rock pooling, and the clear waters are ideal for swimming and snorkelling; great for a family beach day.
Walks at Chapel Porth
Turn off your phone and step away from modern life for a couple of hours at Chapel Porth. A secluded National Trust beach with wonderful surrounding walks, the beach is presided over by the iconic remains of Wheal Coates tin mine, and the little café serves ‘hedgehog’ clotted cream ice creams: the stuff of local legend!
Build Sandcastles at Porthtowan
A family favourite for sandcastle building, beach games, and swimming in the tidal pool, Porthtowan’s Blue Flag beach is within an Area of Outstanding Beauty. At the edge of the beach The Blue Bar provides a great location for a beachside lunch or evening drink.
Paddle at Holywell Bay
Picturesque, sheltered, with soft sand, undulating dunes and a shallow channel great for paddling, Holywell Bay ticks the boxes for a memorable family day at the coast. Dogs are allowed all year round too, so everyone can go along!
Go Crabbing at Crantock
The River Gannel flows down to the beautiful wide beach at Crantock; bring buckets to go crabbing in the estuary, try paddle boarding in the clear water, or clamber up the steep dunes to fully appreciate the breathtaking sweep of the bay.
Surf at Fistral Beach
One of the best surfing beaches in Europe, surfers flock to this deservingly popular spot in Newquay with quality breaks. The sandy beach is great for shell hunting, and there are beachfront amenities, showers, restaurants, shops and parking.
Explore Towan Beach and Great Western Beach
Bordered by Newquay harbour on one side and ‘the island’ (a rocky outcrop connected to the mainland by a suspension footbridge) on the other, Towan Beach is located in the heart of Newquay. Just around the corner, on Great Western Beach, the entrance to an old Victorian tunnel can still be seen. Lifts from within the tunnel used to carry guests to and from the Hotel Victoria, high on the cliffs above the beach.
Take in the View at Watergate Bay
Boasting two glorious miles of sand, Watergate Bay is a popular surfing and kitesurfing spot, and has lovely beachfront cafes and restaurants from which to enjoy watching the spectacular sea swell here.
If visiting Cornwall’s glorious beaches isn’t enough, how about waking up next to one on your next holiday? Open the curtains to breathtaking beach and sea views and step from your holiday home from home onto the sand in seconds… browse our holiday cottages by the sea here.
