Best Beaches in Cornwall
Cornwall is known for its world-renowned beaches, making it a top destination for holidays in the UK. The region Cornwall has the longest coastline of any other county in the UK, so it is not surprising that over 4 million people holiday there every year.
There is nothing better than a day at the seaside, so we are rounding up the best beaches in Cornwall to help you make the most of your holiday there.
Portreath Beach
Easy to access from Landal Gwel an Mor, this popular beach offers amazing conditions for surfing and bathing. Despite its popularity, the size of Portreath Beach makes it perfect for finding a peaceful spot. You can also enjoy a scenic meal at the beach café or restaurant.
Pedn Vounder Beach
Set among the cliffs of Treryn Dinas, the beach benefits from crystal clear turquoise water and a beautiful white sand beach. It is located at the eastern end of the bay that makes up Porthcurno cove. On a spring low tide, you can walk to Pedn Vounder from Porthcurno beach. A word of warning, as the tide comes in you will not only find yourself cut off but facing a climb up the steep cliff path.
Kynance Cove
Kynance Cove is a tidal beach for the adventurous, famous for its white sand, turquoise sea and rock stacks. Located on the west side of the Lizard and is probably the most photographed and painted location in Cornwall.
Kynance Cove is an extremely busy, tidal beach. Please be aware you may need to park in private fields which are a 30-minute walk from the Cove. Kynance Cove is not life guarded.
Gyllyngvase Beach
Gyllyngvase beach is less than a 10 minutes’ walk to historic Falmouth’s town centre and is Falmouth’s largest beach. It has blue flag status and a fine crescent of sand and is popular with families. There is a café with spectacular views across the beach as well as a paddleboarding centre.
Gwithian (Gwithian Towans)
A popular beach for families and surfers alike. At low tide, there is a vast amount of sand and also rockpools for the kids (or big kids) to explore. The constant swell from the ocean makes this an ideal spot for surfers. There is plenty of wildlife to see including common seals.
Access to the beach is along a path through the sand dunes from the car park and there is full lifeguard cover for most of the beach from 1st May to 26th September.
Readymoney Cove
Readymoney Cove is a small sandy beach to the south of the harbour town of Fowey. Sheltered by cliffs. You can see St Catherines Castle from the cove and in the summer season, there is a café open for refreshments. During very high spring tides the water comes right up and covers the beach.
Photo credit: @jessica_hardy12
Watergate Bay
Watergate Bay is about a 40 minute drive from Landal Gwel an Mor and is approximately 3 miles of golden sandy beach. It is famous for its surf and is perfect for novice or experienced surfers. The Atlantic swells provide excellent conditions for water sports and there is tuition available throughout the year.
There are several access paths down to the beach. The easiest access path is in front of the hotel in the valley.
Harlyn Bay
Harlyn Bay is considered one of the best and safest family beaches in Cornwall. The beach is spacious with yellow sand, pebbles, and rock pools. It is also popular with novice surfers with surf school tuition available from the beach.
The best way to access Harlyn Bay is via the southeast corner of Harlyn village.
Porthmeor Beach
Portmeor beach can be found in close proximity to the famous Tate St Ives gallery. This is another beach that is popular with surfers and swimmers alike. With golden sand and one of only 8 beaches in Cornwall to hold the prestigious Blue Flag award in recognition of its safety, water quality, environmental management, and education.
Car parks in St Ives can get full quickly in peak season, we recommend parking at St Erth station and enjoying a short train journey to St Ives through the Cornish countryside.
Porthcurno Beach
We have definitely saved the best ‘till last. Porthcurno beach is described by some as a ‘paradise’ and is multi-award-winning. With soft white sand and turquoise sea, the sheltered beach is something of an oasis. Popular with families where children can paddle, and parents can relax in the sun.
You will also find here the world-famous Minack Theatre, an open-air theatre built in the 1920’s. This beach should be at the top of your list to visit.
With so many beautiful beaches you can visit in Cornwall, it is important to have an equally beautiful place to stay, so make sure you check out Landal Gwel an Mor luxury log cabins. The perfect place to get the sand out from those hard-to-reach places and enjoy an evening sunset in a hot tub.
