Top 10 Best Cornwall Beaches You Have To Visit
Nestled in the southwestern tip of England, Cornwall is a stunning peninsula renowned for its charming fishing towns, rich cultural history, and, of course, the famous Cornish pasty. Its coastline features some of the most beautiful beaches in the U.K., with an astonishing total of over 300 to explore. Here are 10 of the best Cornwall beaches to visit in 2025.
Table of Contents
Where is Cornwall?
Cornwall is located on the southwest peninsula of England, jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. It is the only county in England to have one bordering county, Devon. It takes less than 5 hours to reach Cornwall from London by car, though it is also accessible by train, coach and plane. Newquay is home to Cornwall’s domestic and international airport.
When is the best time to visit Cornwall?
The most popular time of year to visit Cornwall is summer, due to better weather and school holidays. However, it is extremely busy during this period and accommodation prices see a huge increase.
The shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) see cooler temperatures but with the benefits of quieter roads and cheaper stays. Winter on the other hand can bring cold and stormy weather, though it’s likely you will get to enjoy an entire beach to yourself.
As a local, I would recommend September as a great month to visit Cornwall. Most families have retuned home for the school year so it’s much quieter. Also, if you’re lucky, you will still have the warmth of summer along with cheaper accommodation deals. Plus, this is when the ocean is at its warmest too!
Cornwall Average Temperature
| SEASON | LOW/HIGHS (°C) |
| SPRING | 4°/16° |
| SUMMER | 10°/20° |
| AUTUMN | 6°/18° |
| WINTER | 4°/9° |
(20°C=68 °F)
What is there to do in Cornwall?
Cornwall offers so much to do for all ages, and there’s a reason it is one of the top U.K. destinations for British families on holiday!
With 422 miles of coastline, Cornwall boasts an abundance of water-based activities. It goes without saying that surfing is one of the top sports in the county, with Newquay being the surf capital of the U.K. There are dozens of surf schools scattered along the coastline to choose from, making it great fun for the whole family.
Some of Cornwall’s most popular day trips include the Eden Project, an iconic eco-park featuring massive biomes and serving as an educational hub. There’s also the Lost Gardens of Heligan, one of the most beautiful gardens in the U.K., which was only recently rediscovered after being hidden for many years. Additionally, St Ives is home to Tate St Ives, which showcases modern and contemporary art.
For history enthusiasts, there’s Tintagel Castle, an iconic landmark associated with the legend of King Arthur. Then there’s St Michael’s Mount, a medieval castle on a tidal island, which is an absolute must-see.
Top 10 Cornwall Beaches
It’s no easy feat narrowing down Cornwall’s beaches to a list of 10 but below are a selection of beaches that are either considered hidden gems, family favourites or absolute must do’s.
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1. Kynance Cove
Located on the Lizard Peninsula, Kynance Cove is one of the most picturesque and photographed beaches in Cornwall. The cove is famous for its rock formations and turquoise waters, contrasted with the white sandy beaches. Kynance Cove is a tidal beach, meaning that during high tide much of the beach is covered in water, so you need to time you visit right.
There is café located at the cove, selling refreshments including Cornish cream teas and pasties, perfect for a day at the beach. There are also toilets situated behind the café.
Access: there is a National Trust carpark available in the nearby fields. The walk from the carpark to the cove takes 10-15 minutes and is uneven with stairs, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
2. Fistral Beach
Fistral Beach is located in Newquay and is arguably one of the most iconic and famous beaches within Cornwall. It is the number one surf destination within the U.K and is a hotspot for competitions and events, including Boardmasters Surf Festival.
Its proximity to Newquay makes it a fantastic family-friendly destination, as well as the on-site facilities. There are numerous restaurants and eateries a stones-throw away from the beach, as well as the iconic Headland Hotel. The beach is also patrolled by lifeguards during peak season, ensuring a safe environment for swimmers.
Access: there is car park at the beach, though competition for a parking space is fierce during summer. To reach Fistral Beach from Newquay town centre, it is about a 15-20 minute walk.
3. Pedn Vounder Beach
Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the U.K., Pedn Vounder feels like a slice of the Mediterranean with its dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters. Its breathtaking scenery is truly otherworldly.
Pedn Vounder is located on the Roseland Peninsula, adjacent to another must-visit spot, Porthcurno Beach. The beach’s charm lies in its remote and somewhat challenging access. You can reach it via a coastal path from Porthcurno, which involves a rock scramble. Alternatively, during low tide, you can wade around the cliffs from Porthcurno Beach, though caution is advised.
Note: Due to its secluded nature, Pedn Vounder is also popular as a nudist beach.
Access: the nearest car park is located in Porthcurno.
4. Watergate Bay
Just a few miles north of Newquay, Watergate Bay is an expansive beach known for its golden sands, surf breaks, and lively holiday atmosphere. Popular with both locals and tourists, it is one of the best family-friendly Cornwall beaches.
The beach is well-equipped with amenities, including toilets, cafés, restaurants, and nearby accommodation. It is also patrolled by lifeguards during the peak season, making it one of the safest swimming spots in the area. Watergate Bay is home to a surf school, offering regular daily lessons throughout the summer months.
Access: easily accessible by car, with nearby parking. There is also a regular bus service from Newquay.
5. Porth/Polly Joke
Known as ‘Polly Joke’ by locals, Porth Joke Beach is still a bit of a hidden gem and a local hangout during the busy summer months. It’s a great alternative to some of the more popular beaches in the area, such as Crantock and 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. Due to the beaches remoteness, there are no facilities at the beach and it is not lifeguard patrolled.
Access: there are two access points to Polly Joke Beach, the first is via the nearby village of Cubert, where you will find a small carpark. The second is via the coastal path from Crantock.
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6. Porthmeor Beach
Located in the heart of St Ives, Porthmeor Beach is a well-loved beach known for its soft, golden sand, blue waters and easy access. It is also one of the more popular beaches within Cornwall for surfing due to its consistent waves, which attract all levels of surfers. The beach is framed by a rocky headland and the iconic town of St Ives, which provide spectacular views of the coastline and ocean.
During peak season, Porthmeor is patrolled by RNLI lifeguards and the beach is well equipped with amenities, including cafes, restaurants and bars. There are also public toilets nearby.
Access: numerous parking options available in town, though we would recommend arriving early do the towns popularity.
7. Crantock Beach
Situated just a few miles from Newquay on Cornwall’s north coast, at the mouth of the River Gannel. Crantock beach is popular due to its expansive golden sand, surf conditions and unspoilt beauty. It is a favourite spot for both locals and visitors, with the nearby village of Crantock being a drawcard too.
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
Porthcurno beach is a beautiful, sheltered beach near the village of Porthcurno and the previously mentioned, Pedn Vounder Beach. Being much easier to access than Pedn Vounder, Porthcurno sees crowds flock to its golden shores during the summer months. 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
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
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 Looe Island. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer months and is within walking distance to Looe’s town center, making it perfect for a family day out at the beach.
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? Yes, very! Most beaches allow dogs. However, this can be restricted during the peak season, either a complete ban or no access during certain hours. It’s best to check individual beaches for dog rules.
- Are the beaches lifeguard patrolled? This depends on the popularity and location of the beach. Nearly all of the major beaches close to towns/villages are patrolled during peak season. The remote beaches tend not to be.
- 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 and Pedn Vounder are harder to access so with that comes less crowds.
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