From surf to sunsets: the best beaches in Cornwall
On a recent list of breathtaking beaches, I was delighted to see Cornwall feature amongst the exotic locations further afield. Voted one of the best beaches in the world, Pedn Vounder on the South Coast is undeniably beautiful in the summer. It’s got crystal clear waters and soft yellow sand. However, the recent surge in popularity means that in high season it’s almost impossible to get to, as thousands of tourists compete for spaces in the car park and on its shores. But don’t despair as there are MANY incredible beaches in Cornwall to enjoy, whatever your preferences. From surf to sunsets, here are some of the best beaches in Cornwall:
For surfing
It’s difficult to write a surf beach list without mentioning the famous Fistral Bay in Newquay. But personally we much prefer Watergate Bay, its larger and quieter sister just a 10 minute drive away. There’s plenty of parking here, a few bars and cafes and most importantly, good waves.
Another great option is Sennen Cove. This really has a surf vibe to it and tends to be less busy than the beaches further north. The vibe reminds me of a few surf communities in Australia. Shame the water temperature is a little chillier!
Godrevy/Gwithians is my final choice. It’s a great surf beach with incredibly beautiful surroundings. Also look out for seals, who might come join you in the waves.
If going out surfing don’t forget to keep an eye on the tides and weather forecast. Surfline is a great tool for this.
For families
If you want the sea without the tides then head to Summerleaze in North Cornwall which has an excellent sea pool; a far calmer and safer alternative for familes with small children.
Perranporth is an absolutely HUGE stretch of sandy beach not too far from Newquay. It’s great for spending an entire day building sandcastles and swimming, and the town is full of cafes, restaurants and shops when you fancy a wander and bite to eat.
Treyarnon Bay is full of rockpools for little (and big) people with an interest for sea creatures. Bring a net and a bucket and see what you can find. Just make sure to return the crabs, anemones and other friends to the water unharmed.
For sunsets
Holywell Bay is my favourite place in all of Cornwall and a truly great spot to watch the sunset. Off season it is nice and quiet too, despite its huge size. If you don’t fancy sitting on the beach, head up the dunes for a more panoramic view.
Godrevy – yes Godrevy is making another appearance. In my opinion, having a beautiful foreground really elevates a sunset in the background, and that’s exactly what Godrevy lighthouse provides. Just be sure to get here early as the car parks fill up FAST.
Kynance Cove is beautiful at any time of day, but at sunset it tends to be WAY quieter. And thanks to its jagged rocks and cliffs it’s pretty dramatic in the last hour of the day. Keep an eye on the tide if you’re going on the sand, or enjoy the view from above where you’re safe from the sea.
For peace and quiet
For those of us willing to go a little bit off the beaten path, there are plenty of smaller Cornish beaches to explore. These offer crystal clear water and a more tranquil experience than the larger, busier, stretches of sand. This is locals’ territory, so be respectful and leave no trace.
Nanjizal Beach doesn’t have a car park and can therefore only be accessed via the coastal path from either Land’s End or another nearby town but it’s worth the hike when this beautiful beach suddenly appears before you, almost entirely empty! The famous ‘song of the sea’ cave is what attracts people to this spot. An emerald pool sits at the foot of a chasm in the cliff, making for a very dramatic swim location.
Portheras Cove is another quieter spot and requires a bit of a scramble to get to, but this feels like a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of St Ives, despite its close proximity.
Another beach somehow avoiding the crowds is Trevone, just a short drive from the lively town of Padstow. The water is so clean you can see all the way down to the bottom even when you’re standing on the cliffs overlooking the little bay.
Final on this list is one of my favourite spots in Cornwall – Polstreath Beach. Just a 20 minute walk from the colourful town of Megavissey is this hidden gem. The steps down to the beach are an adventure (take your time!) but the reward at the bottom is a quiet sandy cove, usually all to yourself!
What’s your favourite beach in Cornwall, or in the UK? Are you more into surf or sunsets? Comment below! For more Cornwall inspo, see here.
