Top 10 beaches in Cornwall

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From the surf scene to the barely seen, Cornwall has over 300 beaches to choose from. Some are just sandy little crescents nestled at the foot of towering cliffs, others are sweeping expanses of sand that fringe our estuaries and bays.

Pendower beach

This lovely south facing sandy beach is in the heart of the Roseland Peninsula. Towards low tide Pendower joins up with neighbouring Carne Beach to form a huge sandy beach stretching over a mile across Gerrans Bay. With a sandy stretch and also a rocky area with great rock pools this is a great family beach.

Gyllyngvase beach
Gyllyngvase beach

Beautiful, sandy and on our doorstep. With great access to watersports and gently shelving into azure waters, this popular beach in Cornwall is the jewel of Falmouth Bay. When the tide is out there are rock pools full of marine life where children can spend hours with their fishing nets and buckets.

Marazion beach

A long sweeping pebble and sand beach that has the enviable backdrop of the iconic St Michaels Mount. Ample parking and amenities, with safe clean water. There is also a good children’s playground just behind the beach and at the town end you will find the causeway that at low tide leads to the Mount.

Trebah Garden's beach - Polgwiddon Cove
Trebah Garden's beach - Polgwiddon Cove

One of Cornwall’s best kept secrets, this little secluded and private beach is on the Helford River, with views to the open sea. You have to pay entry to the gardens but a day here in this sub-tropical paradise is well worth it. A cafe is situated on the beach (open from March to September) subject to weather conditions, and Trebah Garden's Beach also provide complimentary buckets and spades. Dogs are welcome on the beach, but must be under supervision at all times.

Porthcurno beach

One of the most spectacular beaches snuggled into the cliffs of West Cornwall. This award-winning beach has fine white sand and turquoise seas. A fresh water stream attracts kids of all ages to play, and the towering cliffs that shelter the beach turn it into a suntrap. The perfect spot for a barbecue as you watch the sun go down.

Church Cove / Gunwalloe beach

Situated on the Lizard, a sandy beach with a stream running through it, ideal for paddling, a dog ban operates throughout the summer (Easter day to 1st October). There is a small café, and there is a large National Trust car park just above the beach. There is reputed to be lost Spanish treasure at nearby Dollar Cove. You may recognise this from an episode of the new Poldark series.

Church Cove / Gunwalloe beach
Church Cove / Gunwalloe beach

Situated on the Lizard, a sandy beach with a stream running through it, ideal for paddling, a dog ban operates throughout the summer (Easter day to 1st October). There is a small café, and there is a large National Trust car park just above the beach. There is reputed to be lost Spanish treasure at nearby Dollar Cove. You may recognise this from an episode of the new Poldark series.

Sennen beach

Just around the corner from Land's End, this large crescent shaped sandy beach faces the full force of the Atlantic Ocean making it a popular spot for surfers. Also great for families in the summer, as surf hire available in the village.  Access is good too, with a large car park nearby. The quaint village centre is a short stroll away where you will find a couple of shops, cafes and a pub. If you fancy something a bit more substantial for lunch there is a restaurant with views out to sea.

St Ives Bay

Not just one beach here, as sandy beaches sweep round the entire bay, starting from St Ives in the south with the safe and sandy Porthminster beach, Carbis Bay, and then other side of the river Hayle estuary the 6 miles of continuous sands stretch from Hayle Towans, through Gwithian to Godrevy. There are plenty of rock pools, natural sea pools and great surfing all along this stretch. It is so big that you can always find a spot that makes you feel you have the place to yourself. There are refreshments available at Porthminster, Gwithian and Godrevy.

A modern approach

I really liked the online check in, no room bills/pay as you go and easy check out….a really modern approach that works well.

HolidayswithHT,
Simply fantastic

The hotel is superb, with great spa / leisure facilities, right on the beach and only a short walk to town.

Stuart B,
Birthday night away

Thank you for making my birthday so special. Even though I’m local I felt like I was a 1000 miles away.

StephensS4881IS,
Wonderful hotel

Wonderful hotel and Spa resort. Friendly and helpful staff, dog friendly even dog bed and treats in room, great food and ambience.

Geoff Clark,
Great restaurant

Had a lovely dinner last night in the restaurant with a voucher from Christmas. Warm atmosphere, great service and perfect food. Will definitely do it again

PClarke,
Special birthday

We had a free upgrade along with a lovely Birthday card for my Partner and a free cocktail for us both to celebrate! Such a lovely lovely gesture.

SiobhanL,
Lovely evening away

Excellent breakfast - such a good choice and very delicious. We also had THE best Sunday Roast and cocktails - Can't wait to return.

KevinSarah,