Cornwall, a gem in the UK, is home to stunning coastlines and beaches. With over 300 miles of coastline, it’s the perfect place for a seaside getaway. In this guide, we’ll explore Cornwall’s best beaches for your next beach adventure.

Porthcurno Beach

Porthcurno Beach, near Land’s End, is a must-visit. This beach has fine white sand and turquoise waters. You might even think you’re in the Caribbean! Surrounded by high cliffs, it’s a fantastic spot for sunbathing and swimming. Don’t miss the Minack Theatre, a unique outdoor theatre perched on the cliff.

Kynance Cove

Kynance Cove is a popular beach with dramatic scenery. Located on the Lizard Peninsula, its white sands, turquoise waters, and rocky outcrops make it a stunning sight. Visit during low tide to access the beach and explore its caves and islands. Keep in mind, it can get busy during peak season.

Fistral Beach

Fistral Beach, in Newquay, is a surfer’s paradise. Known for its world-class waves, this beach hosts surfing competitions. But it’s not just for surfers! With golden sands and clear waters, it’s perfect for a family day out. The beach also offers surf schools, shops, and eateries.

Perranporth Beach

Perranporth Beach, on Cornwall’s north coast, is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Its three-mile stretch of sand is ideal for surfing, kite-surfing, and bodyboarding. Families love the beach’s rock pools and shallow waters. Enjoy a meal at the beachside café or take a stroll on the coastal path.

St. Ives Bay

St. Ives Bay, on Cornwall’s west coast, offers several beaches to explore. Porthmeor Beach, a popular spot for surfers, has golden sands and clear waters. Porthminster Beach, with its calm waters and soft sand, is perfect for families. Don’t forget to explore the charming town of St. Ives.

Watergate Bay

Watergate Bay, near Newquay, is another beach for water sports lovers. With two miles of golden sand, it’s perfect for surfing, kitesurfing, and paddleboarding. The beach is dog-friendly, and there are walking trails nearby. Enjoy a meal at one of the beachside restaurants after a day of fun.

Polzeath Beach

Polzeath Beach, on the north coast, is a family-friendly beach. Known for its safe, shallow waters, it’s ideal for swimming and surfing. The beach offers surf schools, equipment rental, and lifeguard services. The nearby village has shops, cafes, and pubs for a relaxing day out.

Sennen Cove

Sennen Cove, close to Land’s End, is a picturesque beach with golden sands and clear waters. Popular with surfers, it’s also great for families, with lifeguards during summer months. Visit the nearby village for eateries and shops, or take a walk on the South West Coast Path.

Gwithian Beach

Gwithian Beach, near Hayle, offers three miles of sandy shores. It’s a fantastic spot for surfers and windsurfers, with consistent waves. Families love the beach’s rock pools, sand dunes, and lifeguard services. The beach is dog-friendly, and there’s a café and parking nearby.

Lusty Glaze Beach

Lusty Glaze Beach, in Newquay, is a privately-owned beach with a unique vibe. With soft sand and sheltered waters, it’s great for families and couples. Enjoy the beach’s adventure centre, offering activities like abseiling and coasteering. The on-site restaurant provides delicious meals with stunning views.

Marazion Beach

Marazion Beach, near Penzance, offers stunning views of St. Michael’s Mount. This sandy beach is perfect for families, with shallow waters for swimming. Visit during low tide to walk the causeway to the island. The nearby town of Marazion has shops, galleries, and cafes to explore.

Porthcressa Beach

Porthcressa Beach, on St. Mary’s Island in the Isles of Scilly, is a peaceful retreat. With soft sand and calm waters, it’s perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Enjoy the beach’s facilities, including a children’s play area and a café. The island’s subtropical gardens and historic sites are worth exploring.

Harlyn Bay

Harlyn Bay, near Padstow, is a family-friendly beach with golden sands and clear waters. Popular for swimming, surfing, and bodyboarding, it offers lifeguard services during summer. The beach is dog-friendly, and there are walking trails nearby. The nearby village provides shops, pubs, and restaurants.

Crantock Beach

Crantock Beach, near Newquay, is a peaceful spot away from the crowds. This sandy beach, backed by sand dunes, is perfect for families and surfers. With a nearby car park and lifeguard services, it’s a convenient beach destination. Don’t forget to explore the nearby Gannel Estuary.

Praa Sands Beach

Praa Sands Beach, on Cornwall’s south coast, is a mile-long sandy beach. Known for its surf, it’s popular with surfers and bodyboarders. Families appreciate the beach’s facilities, including a café, parking, and lifeguard services. The nearby coastal path offers stunning views and walking opportunities.

Carbis Bay

Carbis Bay, near St. Ives, is a sheltered beach with golden sands and turquoise waters. Its calm waters make it perfect for families, with kayaking and paddleboarding available. The beach offers a café, parking, and lifeguard services. The nearby train station provides easy access to St. Ives.

Porthkidney Sands

Porthkidney Sands, near St. Ives, is a quiet, secluded beach. With two miles of golden sands, it’s perfect for long walks and relaxing days. The beach is dog-friendly, and the nearby estuary attracts birdwatchers. Accessible by foot, it’s a peaceful alternative to busier beaches.

Whitsand Bay

Whitsand Bay, on Cornwall’s southeast coast, offers three miles of sandy beaches. Popular with surfers, it’s also great for families and walkers. The beach is dog-friendly, and there are walking trails nearby. The dramatic cliffs provide stunning views and photographic opportunities.

Porthgwarra Beach

Porthgwarra Beach, near Land’s End, is a hidden gem. With a small sandy cove surrounded by cliffs, it’s perfect for a quiet escape. The beach is popular with divers and snorkelers, with crystal-clear waters. The nearby café offers refreshments, and there’s a car park close by.

Treyarnon Bay

Treyarnon Bay, near Padstow, is a popular family beach. With golden sand and clear waters, it’s perfect for swimming and surfing. The beach offers lifeguard services during summer months, as well as rock pools for exploration. The nearby car park and facilities make it a convenient choice. The beach is also dog-friendly.

Porthpean Beach

Porthpean Beach, near St. Austell, is a sheltered cove with soft sand and calm waters. It’s perfect for families, with swimming and kayaking opportunities. The beach offers a car park, café, and toilet facilities. The nearby South West Coast Path provides stunning views and walking opportunities.

Porth Joke Beach

Porth Joke Beach, also known as Polly Joke, is a hidden gem near Newquay. This secluded sandy beach, surrounded by cliffs and dunes, is perfect for a peaceful day out. It’s dog-friendly, with no restrictions, and there are walking trails nearby. Keep in mind, there are no facilities, so come prepared.

Talland Bay

Talland Bay, between Looe and Polperro, offers two sheltered beaches with sand and pebbles. It’s ideal for families and couples, with rock pools to explore and clear waters for swimming. The beaches offer facilities, including a café, toilets, and parking. The nearby South West Coast Path is perfect for walkers.

Holywell Bay

Holywell Bay, near Newquay, is a large sandy beach backed by sand dunes. It’s popular with families and surfers, offering lifeguard services during summer months. The beach is dog-friendly, and there’s a nearby car park. The famous Gull Rocks, just offshore, create a dramatic backdrop.

Widemouth Bay

Widemouth Bay, near Bude, is a popular beach with a wide expanse of golden sand. It’s perfect for families and surfers, with lifeguard services in the summer. The beach offers facilities, including parking, toilets, and a café. The nearby coastal path provides stunning views and walking opportunities.

Gorran Haven Beach

Gorran Haven Beach, near Mevagissey, is a sheltered, family-friendly beach. With soft sand and calm waters, it’s perfect for swimming and kayaking. The beach offers a car park, toilets, and a nearby café. The South West Coast Path and nearby Roseland Peninsula provide beautiful walking opportunities.

Portreath Beach

Portreath Beach, on the north coast, is a sandy beach popular with families and surfers. With lifeguard services during summer, it’s a safe spot for swimming and bodyboarding. The beach offers facilities, including parking, toilets, and a café. The nearby village has shops and pubs to explore.

Daymer Bay

Daymer Bay, near Wadebridge, is a peaceful, dog-friendly beach. With golden sands and shallow waters, it’s perfect for families and couples. The beach offers facilities, including a car park and toilets. The nearby South West Coast Path and St. Enodoc Church provide stunning views and walking opportunities.

Summerleaze Beach

Summerleaze Beach, in Bude, is a popular, family-friendly beach with golden sand and clear waters. It’s perfect for swimming, surfing, and bodyboarding, with lifeguard services in the summer. The beach offers facilities, including parking, toilets, and a café. The unique Bude Sea Pool is also worth a visit.

Maenporth Beach

Maenporth Beach, near Falmouth, is a family-friendly cove with soft sand and shallow waters. It’s perfect for swimming and kayaking, with a nearby car park and facilities. The beach offers a café and toilets. The nearby coastal path provides stunning views and walking opportunities.

Portwrinkle Beach

Portwrinkle Beach , on the southeast coast, is a quiet, dog-friendly beach with sand and rock pools. It’s perfect for families looking for a peaceful day out. The beach offers facilities, including parking and toilets. The nearby South West Coast Path provides stunning views and walking opportunities.

Cornwall’s stunning coastline offers a diverse range of beaches to suit every taste. From the popular surfing spots of Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay to the hidden gems of Porthgwarra Beach and Porth Joke Beach, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a water sports enthusiast, a family in search of the perfect beach day, or a couple seeking a romantic getaway, Cornwall’s best beaches provide the perfect seaside escape. Plan your trip today and discover the magic of Cornwall’s beaches for yourself.

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