Best Beaches in Cornwall (By Type & Location) | Local Guide

Best Beaches in Cornwall: The Ultimate Guide (By Type & Location)

Cornwall is home to over 300 beaches, ranging from dramatic hidden coves to long sandy surf beaches and calm, family-friendly bays. Whether you’re visiting Cornwall for surfing, coastal walks, swimming, or simply soaking up the scenery, choosing the right beach can make a huge difference to your trip.

In this guide, I’m sharing the best beaches in Cornwall, broken down by type, location, and accessibility, so you can easily find the perfect beach for your visit – whether you want secluded and quiet or lively and full of facilities.

Best Beaches in Cornwall – Quick Overview

• Best beach for scenery: Kynance Cove

• Best beach for surfing: Fistral Beach

• Best secluded beach: Pedn Vounder

• Best family-friendly beach: Watergate Bay

• Best hidden gem: Porth Joke (Polly Joke)

When is the best time to visit Cornwall?

Summer (June–August) is the most popular time to visit Cornwall, thanks to warmer weather and school holidays. However, this is also when beaches are busiest and accommodation prices peak.

The shoulder seasons (May, June, September) offer a great balance of quieter beaches, milder weather, and better-value stays. As a local, September is my top recommendation, the sea is still warm, crowds have thinned, and prices are lower.

Winter can be cold and stormy, but if you enjoy coastal walks and empty beaches, it’s a beautiful time to visit.

Cornwall Average Temperature

SEASON	LOW/HIGHS (°C)
SPRING	4°/16°
SUMMER	10°/20°
AUTUMN	6°/18°
WINTER	4°/9°

(20°C=68 °F)

Best Beaches in Cornwall 

1. Kynance Cove – Best for Scenery

Best for: Photography, scenery, coastal walks
Facilities: Café, toilets
Parking: National Trust car park
Lifeguards: No

Located on the Lizard Peninsula, Kynance Cove is one of the most photographed beaches in Cornwall and for good reason. Its turquoise water, white sand, and dramatic rock formations feel almost tropical on a sunny day.

This is a tidal beach, meaning much of the sand disappears at high tide, so it’s best visited at low tide. There’s a café selling Cornish cream teas and pasties, and toilets are located nearby.

Access: A 10–15 minute walk from the National Trust car park, with uneven paths and steps – sturdy footwear recommended.

2. Fistral Beach – Best for Surfing

Best for: Surfing, events, families
Facilities: Restaurants, cafés, toilets
Parking: On-site (busy in summer)
Lifeguards: Seasonal

Located in Newquay, Fistral Beach is Cornwall’s most famous surf beach and widely considered the surf capital of the U.K. It regularly hosts major events, including the Boardmasters Surf Festival.

With plenty of restaurants, surf schools, and lifeguard patrols in peak season, it’s also a great option for families and first-time surfers.

Access: Easy access from Newquay town centre (15–20 minute walk) or on-site parking.

Related Post: Cornwall Accommodation: The Best Places to Stay in Cornwall

3. Pedn Vounder Beach – Best for Views & Photography

Best for: Views, photography
Facilities: None
Parking: Porthcurno village
Lifeguards: No

Often considered one of the most beautiful coastal spots in Cornwall, Pedn Vounder is known for its dramatic cliffs and striking turquoise water, which on a calm day can look almost Mediterranean. Even without beach access, it remains an incredible place to visit for the views alone.

Important update: Pedn Vounder Beach is currently closed due to cliff erosion, and access down to the beach itself is not permitted at this time. However, the beach can still be viewed from the coastal path above, which offers incredible panoramic views and photo opportunities.

If you were planning a swim or beach day, I’d recommend visiting the neighbouring Porthcurno Beach instead, which is easily accessible, lifeguard patrolled in season, and just as beautiful.

Access: The nearest parking is in Porthcurno village, with the coastal path offering the best viewpoint over Pedn Vounder.

4. Watergate Bay – Best Family-Friendly Beach

Best for: Families, swimming, surfing
Facilities: Toilets, cafés, restaurants
Parking: Nearby car parks
Lifeguards: Seasonal

Just north of Newquay, Watergate Bay is a wide, sandy beach popular with families and surfers alike. It has excellent facilities, surf schools, and lifeguard patrols during peak season.

Its size means it rarely feels overcrowded, even in summer.

Access: Easy access by car or bus from Newquay.

5. Porth Joke (Polly Joke) – Best Hidden Gem

Best for: Quiet beaches, wildlife spotting
Facilities: None
Parking: Small car park near Cubert
Lifeguards: No

Known locally as Polly Joke, this beach remains one of Cornwall’s best hidden gems. Surrounded by farmland and rolling hills, it’s far quieter than nearby Crantock or Holywell Bay.

The beach is surrounded by rolling hills and farmland, with visitors often spotting sheep on the nearby hills. There is also a seal colony not far from the beach, which you can reach by foot via the coastal path.

Access: Via Cubert village or the coastal path from Crantock.

6. Porthmeor Beach – Best All-Rounder

Located in the heart of St Ives, Porthmeor Beach is one of the best all-round beaches in Cornwall, offering something for almost everyone. Its consistent surf makes it popular with beginners and experienced surfers alike, while the wide stretch of sand and gentle shallows at low tide make it suitable for families too.

One of Porthmeor’s biggest advantages is its central location. With cafés, restaurants, shops, and galleries just steps from the sand, it’s an ideal choice if you want a beach day without sacrificing amenities or atmosphere. The beach is also lifeguard patrolled during peak season, adding extra peace of mind for swimmers.

Access: There are several car parks in St Ives, though they fill quickly in summer. Arriving early or visiting outside peak hours is recommended.

7. Crantock Beach – Best for Space & Nature

Best for: Surfing, walking, open space
Facilities: Seasonal food vans
Parking: National Trust car park
Lifeguards: Seasonal

Set at the mouth of the River Gannel, Crantock Beach offers expansive sands and a more natural feel than nearby Newquay beaches. At low tide, it’s possible to walk across the river from Newquay.

During summer the beach is patrolled by lifeguards and more recently, food and coffee trucks. However, there are no other facilities at the beach.

Access: the closest parking option is a National Trust carpark, located behind the dunes of the beach. Crantock Beach can also be accessed via the coastal path, though crossing the River Gannel from Newquay can only be done during low tide.

8. Porthcurno Beach – Best Easy-Access Scenic Beach

Best for: Scenery, swimming
Facilities: Toilets nearby
Parking: Village car park
Lifeguards: Seasonal

Porthcurno beach is a beautiful, sheltered beach near the village of Porthcurno and the previously mentioned, Pedn Vounder Beach. The nearby dramatic cliffs and lush green hills make for a spectacular sight, making it easy to understand why this beach is considered one of the best in Cornwall.

Porthcurno Beach is also located close to Minack Theatre, an incredible open-air theatre carved into the cliffs and a bucket-list experience for many in Cornwall.

Access: nearby parking in the village of Porthcurno.

9. Readymoney Beach – Best for Young Kids

Best for: Families, calm water
Facilities: Small shop nearby
Parking: Short walk away
Lifeguards: Seasonal

Readymoney Beach is a small, picturesque beach located in the popular town of Fowey on Cornwall’s south coast. Nestled in a sheltered cove, this charming gem is well-protected from the wind and waves, making it an ideal spot for families with young children. A small pontoon floating a short distance from the shore adds to the fun, providing entertainment for visitors of all ages.

Nearby, there’s a small shop offering refreshments such as coffee and ice cream. Just a short walk from the beach, you’ll find St. Catherine’s Castle, a historic fort built by Henry VIII to defend the estuary from invasion. This fascinating site is well worth a visit!

Access: carpark is located a short walk away from the beach.

10. East Looe Beach – Best South Coast Family Beach

Best for: Families, calm swimming
Facilities: Town amenities nearby
Parking: Multiple car parks
Lifeguards: Seasonal

Located on Cornwall’s south coast, East Looe Beach is particularly popular with families, thanks to its wide sandy shore, calm waters, and proximity to local amenities. It is also conveniently close to the Devon border, with the city of Plymouth less than a 40-minute drive away.

Popular activities here include exploring rock pools at low tide, enjoying various water sports, and visiting nearby LooeIsland. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer months.

Access: there are several car parks in Looe, but they can fill up quickly during peak season. Arriving early in the morning is recommended.

Cornwall Beaches FAQ

Are the beaches dog friendly?

Most beaches allow dogs, but restrictions often apply during peak summer months. Always check local signage before visiting.

Are the beaches lifeguard patrolled?

Popular beaches near towns are usually patrolled in summer. More remote beaches are not.

What facilities are there?

This comes down to individual beaches. The more remote, the less likely there will be any facilities nearby.

What should I take?

Depending on where you visit, you may want to pack food. Sun protection is also advisable during the summer months. If there are no facilities, please remember to take your rubbish with you.

Which beaches are best for kids?

Beaches close to major towns are best for children. They will all have the best facilities and are easier to access. Fistral and Watergate Bay would be our top recommendations from this list.

Which beach is best to escape the crowds?

Polly Joke is harder to access so with that comes less crowds.

🎥 WATCH: Cornwall’s Best Beaches

Thank You

Hi adventurers, thanks for reading this Cornwall beaches guide!

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