Best Beaches in Cornwall – The Ultimate Guide

Best Family Friendly Beaches in Cornwall

Check out the the best family friendly beaches in Cornwall, which also pair as some of the safest swimming beaches in Cornwall. All are lifeguarded during the summer season which typically runs from Easter until October.

Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth – Best Family Friendly Beach in Cornwall for Watersports

My local spot, Gyllyngvase is one of the best family-friendly beaches in Cornwall. Although there’s plenty of space, the beach isn’t too big, making it easy to keep an eye on children. Relaxing views stretch over Falmouth Bay and towards Pendennis Castle which is perched on the headland. There’s also a unique microclimate here (a characteristic of the surrounding South Coast Central National Landscape), which means many of the beaches are backed by subtropical gardens – in Gylly’s case you can visit Queen Mary and Fox Rosehill to see subtropical plant species.¹

• Grid reference: SW 80885 31679
• What3words: ///whips.rope.sadly

Activities: A hotspot for wild swimming and watersports, Gylly offers paddleboard and kayak hire, and the kelp forests are great for snorkelling. At low tide children will love exploring the rock pools.

Amenities: Awarded Blue Flag status for its plentiful amenities, there are public toilets, the excellent Gylly Beach Café and a car park at the back of the beach. For a more casual bite, I’d grab an ice cream or a pasty from the stall on the slip way.

Insider tip: If you’re looking to stretch your legs, it’s a 1-mile (12 minute walk) along the coastal path to neighbouring Swanpool beach, where you can treat yourself to one of their famous hedgehog ice creams.

See: Gyllyngvase Beach Guide

Carbis Bay, St Ives – Best Family Friendly Beach in Cornwall for Young Children

A perfect arc of bright white sand, which meets turquoise waters, Carbis Bay would be my top pick for taking young children. Sheltered from most of the wind and waves, the water here is often tranquil and it’s less busy than the other beaches near St Ives (Porthmeor beach, Porthminster beach and Porthgwidden) – all together making it one of the best Cornwall beaches for families.

• Grid reference: SW 52743 38959
• What3words: ///again.haggis.buzzards

Activities: Ocean Sports Centre on the beach hires SUPs, mega SUPs, wetsuits, kayaks, and deck chairs.

Amenities: The clear water, restaurant at the back of the beach and public toilets have earned Carbis Bay blue flag status. St Ives is just 2 miles away where you’ll find shops, restaurants and galleries including Tate St Ives.

Insider tip: Parking is expensive (£15 per day) and often gets full. Leave your vehicle at St Erth Park & Ride and take the 10-minute train journey to Carbis Bay. It’s well worth it, not only for convenience but also because it’s one of the most scenic train journeys in Britain.

Summerleaze beach, Bude – Best Family Friendly Beach in Cornwall for Safe Swimming

A beloved seaside escape since Victorian times, Summerleaze beach (Bude) offers an extensive stretch of golden sand, backed by one of Cornwall’s largest tidal pools. Right next to the town and with all of the amenities you could ever want for, it’s the perfect spot for visiting with children.

• Grid reference: SS 20426 06548
• What3words: ///avoiding.backpacks.briefer

Activities: Summerleaze is one of the best tidal pool beaches in Cornwall, with safe swimming, surfing, stand up paddleboarding and kayaking available. The huge expanse of sand is great for building sandcastles and children can swim safely in the tidal pool at low tide.

Amenities: Expect excellent amenities, with public toilets and places to change. There’s beach hut hire, a beach shop, Life’s a Beach Café – plus plenty more just a few metres away in the town centre. Summerleaze car park is right next to the beach.

Insider tip: Don’t forget to explore the hidden gem of Bude Canal which backs the beach. Enjoy more watersports, flat walks great for prams and children, plus lovely artisan shops and eateries.

See: Summerleaze Beach Guide

Best Secret Beaches in Cornwall

These are my favourite secret Cornwall beaches, because of their remote location and natural beauty. They’re dog-friendly beaches year round, aren’t lifeguarded and require a walk to reach because – well, they’re hidden!

Lundy Bay – Best Secret Beach in Cornwall for Peace and Tranquility

A beautiful rocky bay with sandy coves at low tide, Lundy is found near the more popular beach of Polzeath. Make your way through meadows and grassland before reaching a bay complete with collapsed caves and rockpools. For me, it’s one of the best secluded beaches in Cornwall to go for a picnic – and I’m always blown away by Lundy Hole, a collapsed sea cave at the western end of the beach. Local legend tells this hole was created by the Devil when he hid from St Minver.²

• Grid reference: SW 95575 79870
• What3words: ///yesterday.postcard.bets

Access tips: Park at Lundy Bay National Trust car park and walk for 1 mile along an easy coastal trail. The signpost will tell you which way to go.

Insider tip: This is a tidal beach, so time your visit with low tide or there won’t be any sand. It’s a great place to escape the crowds in the summer months and is most pleasant on a sunny day when you might spot butterflies. Don’t forget to visit

Nanjizal – Best Secret Beach in Cornwall for Wildlife Watching

Nanjizal has got to be one of the most hidden beaches in Cornwall, but those willing to make the walk will be rewarded with a mysterious cove complete with a narrow archway nicknamed ‘Song of the Sea’. At low tide, a sandy mermaid pool appears – perfect for children to paddle in. I love the walk to get there because you pass ponies grazing the clifftops.

• Grid reference: SW 35800 23579
• What3words: ///sweetener.sleepy.live

Access tips: Park at Porthgwarra village and walk for 2 miles along the coastal path to Nanjizal. Or, approach from Land’s End car park. Along the way, you will have far-reaching cliff top views and plenty of opportunity to spot wildlife include birds, ponies and seals.

Insider tip: Whilst walking the coastal path to reach the beach, keep an eye out for seals bottling below the cliffs. The best time to visit Nanjizal is during the summer and on a clear day you can spot the Isles of Scilly 22 miles offshore in the distance.

See: Nanjizal Beach Guide

Lantic Bay – Best Secret Beach in Cornwall for Dramatic Cliff Views

A glorious sandy beach set within the horseshoe of Lantic Bay, not only is this beach fantastic in its own right but the views are outstanding. The South West Coast Path wraps around the top of the cliff, offering far reaching views of Rame Head to the east and Dodman Point to the west – and the water from this angle is turquoise and sparkling.

• Grid reference: SX 14757 50877
• What3words: ///dandelions.bagels.partly

Access tips: Park at Lantic Bay National Trust car park, then follow a steep path towards the beach. There are lots of steps to walk down, but the effort is well worth it. It’s about a 20 minute walk.

Insider tip: Visit at low tide to avoid being cut off by a rising tide. This will also give you plenty of time to explore the secluded coves at the west end of the beach. Avoid swimming as Lantic Bay is prone to rip tides and there are no lifeguards.

Polly Joke – Best Secret Beach in Cornwall for Wildflowers

Half way between the popular beaches of Crantock and Holywell Bay, the cliffs above Polly Joke are home to some of the best wildflowers in Cornwall. For many locals it offers a secluded location away from the main hustle and bustle of Newquay. The beach is made from pristine sand backed by a grassy valley and is a spot I love visiting for a wild swim.

• Grid reference: SW 7731 6043
• What3words: ///mixing.expectant.magnitude

Access tips: Leave your car at National Trust Pentire car park, then follow the footpath west. It’s a pleasant 15 minute walk which passes through wildflower fields and over a bridge, then down towards the cove.

Insider tip: Visit between April and July to see the main display of poppies and marigolds. On the way back, pop into the Bowgie Inn for a bite to eat with views over Crantock beach.

Best Surfing Beaches in Cornwall

Looking for some of that famous Cornish surf? You will find most of the best surfing beaches in north Cornwall and the ones below are lifeguarded in summer. Keep reading for Cornwall surf tips.

Fistral Beach, Newquay – Best Surfing Beach in Cornwall for All Abilities

England’s surf capital, Fistral beach is one of the best places to surf in the UK – but it does get busy. Backed by dramatic cliffs and with consistent Atlantic swells it attracts surfers of all levels. You will also find surf at many of the other beaches near Newquay.

• Grid reference: SW 79741 61684
• What3words: ///guardian.vines.uplifting

Beginner surf tips: Head to the south of the beach for smaller waves thanks to the protection of Pentire Headland. Fistral Beach Surf School and Quicksilver Surf School Newquay are the best places for surf hire and lessons.

Expert surf tips: South Fistral works when swell is from the NW or SW, with the best wind coming from SE and NE. Surf from low to mid-tide for a long left breaking off the rocks. For advanced surfers, North Fistral is home to powerful hollow waves which can reach up to 8 foot.

Amenities: North Fistral is awash with amenities, including a car park, several surf schools, cafés, restaurants and boutiques. My choice would be to grab a pizza at the Stable to refuel after a session in the water.

See: Fistral Beach Guide

Perranporth Beach, Perranporth – Best Surfing Beach in Cornwall for Surf Lessons

When the surf’s on, Perranporth is usually my first pick. With miles of golden sand, consistent waves for surfing, an iconic rock topped with a Cornish flag and the UK’s only bar on the sand each time I visit is a pinch-me moment. Perranporth also forms part of the Devon & Cornwall Mining UNESCO World Heritage Site and the mining works at Droskyn Point are considered some of the oldest in Cornwall.³

• Grid reference: SW 75508 54665
• What3words: ///doses.glows.delivers

Beginner surf tips: In my opinion, Perranporth Surf School is one of the best in the county, so it’s well worth renting a board and a lesson there. Stick to the white water, then try out some smaller green waves at the north end of the beach when you’re confident.

Expert surf tips: Ideal surf conditions are when swell is coming from the W, NW or SW. Offshore winds blow from ESE or SE. Head there at low to mid tide and when swell is large expect hollow lefts at the south end of the beach.

Amenities: Find a car park at the back of the beach – though get there early in summer before it’s full! There are public toilets, plenty of beach shops and a co-op within walking distance making it easy to pick up last-minute essentials.

Sennen Cove, Sennen – Best Surfing Beach in Cornwall for Catching Swell

Thanks to its west-facing position, the white crescent of Sennen Cove picks up more swell than the rest of the coast. This makes it popular with avid surfers hunting for swell in the summer months.

• Grid reference: SW 35557 26450
• What3words: ///division.disprove.blast

Beginner surf tips: Sennen Surfing Centre is one of the oldest surf schools in the UK, so you know you’re in good hands. Beginners should stick to the white water and the car park end of the beach for smaller waves.

Expert surf tips: Favouring swell from the W and NW, the ideal wind direction is SE. Surf from low to mid tide on the push. By late autumn, expect a beach break with clean, hollow waves up to overhead height. The southern end of the beach offers more shelter.

Amenities: Sennen has decent amenities, making it popular with families as well as surfers. Choose from car parks at the harbour or next to the beach, both of which have public toilets. Head to Sennen Surf Lodge or the Old Success Inn for food.

Best Beaches in Cornwall for Photography

If you love to capture memories on camera, add these scenic Cornwall beaches to your list. Keep reading to discover the best photography spots at Cornwall beaches.

Godrevy Beach, Hayle – Best Beach in Cornwall for Surf Photography

Godrevy beach is known for the eye-catching Godrevy lighthouse and often perfect waves. At low tide it connects to Gwithian beach and a three-mile sandy stretch across St Ives Bay. It’s a stunning place, making this a dream location for both landscape and surf photography.

• Grid reference: SW 58177 42077
• What3words: ///hostels.eggs.crinkled

Best conditions: For surf photography, check the forecast and head there at mid-tide on SW and NW swells and when the wind is from the N or NW. For landscape photography, golden hour is pretty spectacular and stormy weather can make for incredible dramatic shots of the lighthouse.

Best angles: Position yourself in the sand dunes above the beach for elevated shots over the surf – that way you can get the best angles. For landscape photography, the rocks just north of the lighthouse make for a good shooting location. Head there when the tide is out so you can play around with compositions which include rockpools in the foreground.

Marazion Beach, Marazion – Best Beach in Cornwall for Sunrise and Sunset Photography

One of the best beaches near Penzance and home to St Michael’s Mount, a magical fortress which sits on an island in the middle of Mounts Bay, Marazion beach is so pretty it could take your breath away. Including it as the best place for sunrise and sunset photography in Cornwall is controversial though – as for many, Cornwall’s north coast sunsets are the best. But for me: what’s better than watching the sun light up the sky behind an ancient water-locked castle?

• Grid reference: SW 51671 30593
• What3words: ///regaining.chaos.formally

Best conditions: Winter months are best for getting the most colour in the sky. For sunrise shots, shoot between March and July when the sun lights up the castle. The rest of the year the sun rises and sets behind the castle. Aim to visit on a falling mid-tide so you can add the causeway into your composition.

Best angles: To capture the iconic shot which uses the causeway as a leading line, don’t shoot from the beach. The best position is past Chapel Rock, which will give the causeway a curve. Bring a tripod and shoot from low down using a wide angle lens.

Kynance Cove, Lizard – Best Beach in Cornwall for Dramatic Coastal Photography

The most photographed location in Cornwall, there’s no way Kynance Cove wasn’t going to make the list. And let me tell you, no matter when you visit this place is always jawdroppingly beautiful. Whilst Kynance is great to shoot for landscape photography, it’s also worth heading onto the beach to photograph its unique serpentine rock, which it patterned in green and red. These beautiful colours record evidence of an ancient ocean and once farmed part of the Earth’s mantle below its crust.⁴

• Grid reference: SW 68441 13255
• What3words: ///gurgled.trash.princely

Best conditions: Mid morning offers the best light for shooting Kynance Cove, with many favouring a mid to low tide. However, at high tide you can create more dramatic shots where most of the beach is covered up waves crash against the cliffs and sea stacks.

Best angles: You can’t beat shooting Kynance Cove from above. There’s a great position overlooking the beach before you get to the steps. Use a wide lens so you can play around more easily with composition and capture the full beauty of the landscape.

Seasonal Beach Tips for Cornwall

Curious about how a trip to the beach differs throughout the year and whether it’s still worth it outside of summer? Here’s everything you need to know about when to visit Cornwall beaches and what to expect when you get there.

When to visit Cornwall’s beaches

It’s a complete myth that Cornwall’s beaches are only worth visiting in the summer months. Here’s what you can expect throughout Cornwall’s beach seasons:

• Winter: In the Cornish winter, the water is at its coldest, so think about wearing a wetsuit before you get in. However, the real magic comes from watching (and photographing) huge waves crash upon the shore and from having whole beaches to yourself. If you’re looking for dog friendly beaches in Cornwall, you’ll have the pick of them all this time of year.
• Spring: My favourite time for swimming in Cornwall, the water is still fresh but the air is a little warmer. You’re still able to enjoy less people being around, but the coastline is starting to flower and the sun is more likely to make an appearance.
• Summer: Warmer weather and warmer seas make Cornish beaches heavenly. This means the crowds will start and you’ll need to visit the beach in the early morning or in the evening if you’re looking for a quieter experience. If you’re wondering where to swim in Cornwall, I’d head to one of the best family friendly beaches in Cornwall I’ve mentioned above.
• Autumn: My second favourite time for visiting the beach in Cornwall, the water is at its warmest and the surf is picking up. There are less people around and it feels like a precious window to enjoy before the winter.

See: When is the best time to visit Cornwall? (and What to Do in Every Season)

Insider Tips for Visiting Cornwall Beaches

Wanting to know the nitty gritty? Here’s how to plan a seamless day whilst visiting Cornwall’s best beaches. However, some of this also pairs as insider Cornwall travel advice in general!

• Parking hacks – In the busier months, parking at Cornwall beaches can become more difficult so get to the car parks early to secure a space. Or, check out public transport links and park & ride options to avoid the hassle all together. My favourite way to avoid parking hassle is to park somewhere less busy then walk along the South West Coast Path to my chosen beach destination.
• Avoiding the crowds – The easiest way to avoid the crowds is to visit outside of the summer holidays or main visitor season. However, if you can’t be flexible on dates, you could opt for lesser known beaches or visit popular favourites early in the morning.
• Visiting with dogs – Some beaches have a seasonal dog ban from Easter to October, however many of them only cover certain parts of the day. Check cornwall.gov.uk for the latest information on dog friendly beaches in Cornwall.⁵
• Water safety – If you’re planning on going in the water check out the RNLI website and select a beach which is covered by lifeguards. Only swim within the red and yellow flags and familiarise yourself with how to recognise a rip current.
• Tides – There are two low tides and two high tides each day, which means some beaches are smaller or larger depending on the time of day. Check the tide times via Surfline to make sure you can access the beach and that you don’t get cut off by rising water.
• Weather – Be mindful of the weather when you’re planning your trip to the beach. Big waves especially can make the water hazardous, particularly if you don’t have local knowledge. Windy.com has great tools for checking weather, wind and waves.

Conclusion

Now you know my Cornwall local beach tips, you probably have a better understanding on why I love living in my home county. Cornwall’s beaches offer endless fun, with activities to suit all moods, weather and conditions. Whether it’s living out your surfing dreams, seeking creative inspiration for your camera, planning a family seaside escape or simply wanting to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature – you’ll find everything you want and more with a trip to the beach in Cornwall.

Article Sources

1. Cornwall National Landscape (2022). The Management Plan [online]. Available at: https://cornwall-landscape.org/the-management-plan/?_gl=1*1xospb9*_up*MQ..*_ga*MjA1MjYwODA4Mi4xNzY1MjkyNDgy*_ga_ZMKF74VSFD*czE3NjUyOTI0ODEkbzEkZzAkdDE3NjUyOTI0ODEkajYwJGwwJGgw Cornwall National Landscape[↩]
2. South West Coast Path (no date). Walk – Lundy Bay & Pennywilgie Point [online]. Available at: https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walksdb/677 South West Coast Path[↩]
3. Association for Cornish Heritage (no date). Ertach Kernow – Miners toiled in the wake of St Piran at Perranporth [online]. Available at: https://www.cornwallheritage.com/ertach-kernow-blogs-2020-2021/ertach-kernow-miners-toiled-in-the-wake-of-st-piran-at-perranporth Association for Cornish Heritage[↩]
4. The Geological Society of London (no date). Kynance Cove [online]. Available at: https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/science-and-policy/100-great-geosites/historical-scientific/kynance-cove/ The Geological Society of London[↩]
5. Cornwall Council (2025). Dogs on Beaches [online]. Available at: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment/animal-welfare-and-enforcement/dogs-on-beaches/ Cornwall Council[↩]