Looking for a perfect day to spend without any stress or worries? Then spending it at the amusing beaches in Cornwall is the ideal way to go. You can spend hours upon hours just lounging around on the sand, taking in the incredible views, and swimming in the crystal-clear waters.
So why not give it a try? With its beautiful beaches, breathtaking scenery, and variety of activities, you’ll never want to leave. So get out there and explore all that the beaches in Cornwall have to offer – from amazing food to incredible experiences, it’s the place to be!
15 Beaches in Cornwall to Spend a Perfect Day
With 10 different places to choose from, there’s something for everyone. From secluded coves to bustling seaside towns, these are the 10 best beaches in Cornwall to spend a perfect day:
Surfing Haven and Local Attractions: Renowned as one of Cornwall’s prime surfing spots, it is home to the Smart Surf School, known for its deep local knowledge and expertise. The beachfront also boasts the renowned Ben Tunnicliffe restaurant, offering gorgeous ocean views.
Activities and Exploration: Active visitors can enjoy cliff-top hikes for superb views over the Cornish coast. The beach also offers lifeguard cover during the summer months, ensuring safe sea adventures.
Accessibility and Nearby Excursions: While accommodation options in Sennen are limited, it’s an excellent choice for day trips. The beach’s proximity to Land’s End and Porthcurno makes it ideal for side trips.
So bring your bucket and spade – Cornwall awaits!
Activities for Relaxation: The beach is a haven for those looking to unwind on the sand or seeking adrenaline highs with surfing. Known for its popular surf break, Crooklets offers an unforgettable surfing experience.
Scenic Views: Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean from the cliffs, making Crooklets Beach an ideal spot for sightseeing.
Accessibility and Convenience: Situated close to the Crooklets Holiday Park, the beach is easily accessible and surrounded by plenty of amenities, ensuring convenience for all visitors.
Rich Marine Life and Natural Attractions: Summerleaze Beach is a popular spot for spotting dolphins, seals, and turtles, offering a unique opportunity to connect with marine life. Conveniently located just outside Bude town center, the beach provides easy access to visitors looking to explore its natural attractions.
Dry Land Activities: Beyond the sea, the beach offers options like fishing, kayaking, and windsurfing for those seeking adventure. The Bude sea pool, particularly safe for families, becomes a hub of enjoyment in the summer months.
Local Attractions and Amenities: The beach’s proximity to local attractions like Bude Castle, Pitch & Putt, and various shops and cafes enhances its appeal. A sandy play area near the beachside adds an element of fun, especially for younger visitors.
Dining and Relaxation: The beach area is dotted with a variety of restaurants and cafes, perfect for enjoying delicious food after a day under the warm sun. These eateries provide a delightful culinary experience complementing the beach visit.
Scenic Beauty: Framed by rugged cliffs, the two-mile stretch of picturesque golden sand at Watergate Bay is equipped with exceptional facilities. This includes beachside eateries, pubs, and the Extreme Academy, offering activities like paddleboarding, surf lessons, wave skiing, and more.
Pet-Friendly Destination: Welcoming dogs all year round, the beach is a favorite for families, surfers, and windsurfers. It features tidal rock pools for children and designated swimming areas, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all during the summer.
Ideal for Families: The beach’s sheltered position between high cliffs offers protection from the wind, creating a perfect environment for families. A natural stream at the top of the beach forms a paddling pool, adding to its family-friendly features.
Exploration and Theatre: Visitors can explore numerous caves along the coastline and enjoy performances at the Minack Theatre. Perched high on the cliffs, the theatre adds a dramatic backdrop to shows and events, enhancing the beach’s natural setting.
Dining and Activities: A range of cafes and restaurants near the beach make it easy for visitors to refuel after a day of sunbathing, swimming, or exploring the beach’s historical aspects.
A Haven for Adventure Seekers: The beach’s rock pools create an intriguing place for exploration, appealing to both young and seasoned adventurers. These natural features add an element of discovery to the beach experience.
Wildlife and Natural Beauty: On sunny days, visitors to Harlyn Bay may be fortunate enough to spot dolphins and seals near the shore. These wildlife sightings enhance the natural allure of the bay.
Relaxation and Enjoyment: Harlyn Bay is not just a visual treat but also a perfect place for relaxation. It’s an ideal spot to unwind and appreciate the serene beauty of Cornwall, with its inviting combination of sand, sea, and wildlife.
Cornish Coastal Gem: Bedruthan Steps Beach, set in the picturesque Whitsand Bay and under the stewardship of the National Trust, is a breathtaking coastal location in Cornwall. It stands as a favorite destination for those seeking to experience the natural beauty of the county.
Panoramic Cliff-Top Trails: Several trails leading up to the top of Carnewas cliffs offer panoramic views of Whitsand Bay and the nearby town of Padstow, known as one of Cornwall’s finest. These trails provide an opportunity to fully appreciate the expansive coastal scenery.
Exploring the Unique Coastline: Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beach, marveling at its unique coastline. The natural rock formations and rugged landscape offer a stunning backdrop for walks and exploration.
Scenic View: Located in St Levan, Cornwall, Pedn Vounder Beach is a breathtaking stretch of sand renowned for its clear turquoise waters and scenic cliffside views. This beach is a perfect destination for those looking to relax and enjoy the picturesque surroundings.
Exploration and Relaxation: The beach offers several small caves and rock pools along its shoreline, providing ample opportunities for exploration. Alternatively, visitors can simply lay on the sand to soak up the sunshine and enjoy the serene environment.
Haven for Surfers and Bodyboarders: Known for its high waves, reaching up to six feet tall, the beach is a popular spot for surfers and bodyboarders. However, it’s more suitable for experienced swimmers as there are no lifeguards on duty.
Scenic View: Situated in southwest Cornwall, Carbis Bay is a picturesque cove just a short journey from the vibrant town of St Ives. The cove, with its rocky cliffs and fringed palm trees, boasts a stunning beach with golden sand and clear blue waters.
Activities and Relaxation: The inviting beach at Carbis Bay is ideal for various activities. Visitors can soak up the sun, swim in the refreshing sea, or surf the waves, making it a perfect spot for a summer day out.
Enchanting Nighttime: Ambiance At night, Carbis Bay transforms into an even more magical place. As the sun sets, it casts an orange glow across the beach, creating an enchanting atmosphere for evening strolls and relaxation.
Scenic View: Praa Sands, known for its glorious white sand and tumbling blue waves, is set against a backdrop of rolling fields, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors in Cornwall.
Sparkling Sunny Haven: On sunny days, Praa Sands transforms into a glittering paradise. The sand shines like diamonds, and the waves glisten in the sunlight, reminiscent of a sun-soaked Spanish beach.
Convenient On-Shore Facilities: For those needing a break from the beach, Praa Sands is equipped with numerous facilities. These include a cafe, beach shop, pub, and toilets, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience for all visitors.
11. Holywell Beach
Natural Scenery: Holywell Beach is a serene haven. The beach is fringed by towering dunes and a gently flowing stream, creating an idyllic backdrop for leisurely strolls and peaceful contemplation.
Cave Explorations: The allure of Holywell Beach extends to its intriguing Holywell Cave, a natural wonder that beckons the curious. Inside, visitors are greeted by an array of stunning rock formations and clear tidal pools that reflect the cave’s interior like mirrors.
Tranquil Atmosphere: The soft murmur of waves and the gentle rustling of dune grasses provide a soothing soundtrack. Whether lounging on the sand or simply soaking in the scenic beauty, this beach provides a restorative retreat for the soul.
12. Kynance Beach
Turquoise Waters and Dramatic Rocks: Kynance Beach is a breathtaking spectacle, where the vivid turquoise hue of the sea beautifully juxtaposes with the rugged, imposing rock stacks that rise majestically from the water. These natural sculptures, shaped by centuries of wind and waves, create a dramatic and almost otherworldly landscape.
Photographers’ Paradise: The unique and captivating scenery of Kynance Beach makes it a magnet for photographers and artists. Each turn offers a new perspective, from the intricate patterns of the rocks to the play of light on the water.
Iconic Status: Kynance Beach’s fame as one of Cornwall’s most iconic beaches is well-deserved. Its stunning natural beauty, combined with its rich history and mythology, have made it a must-visit destination on the Cornish coast.
13. Gwithian Beach
Surfing and Sand: Gwithian Beach is a surfer’s paradise, boasting a vast expanse of golden sand. The beach is renowned for its consistent surf conditions, making it a popular destination for surfers of all abilities.
Wildlife Spotting: The beach and its surroundings are frequented by seals, often seen basking on the rocks. Birdwatchers can delight in the variety of seabirds that make this area their home, including rare species.
Scenic Views: The iconic Godrevy Lighthouse, standing tall on the horizon, provides a picturesque backdrop and is a focal point for sightseers. The views along the coastline, with its rugged cliffs and rolling dunes, are breathtaking and offer a sense of serenity.
14. Porthtowan Beach
Surfing and Water Sports: Porthtowan Beach is renowned for its excellent surfing conditions, attracting surfers of various skill levels. The beach is also popular for other water sports like bodyboarding and kayaking.
Natural Beauty and Scenery: This beach is framed by impressive cliffs and golden sands, offering stunning views.
Community and Amenities: Porthtowan has a strong local community vibe, with several amenities including beachside cafes, shops, and public facilities. It makes the beach a convenient and family-friendly destination.
15. Fistral Beach
World-Class Surfing: Fistral Beach is famously known as one of the best surfing beaches in the UK. It hosts international surfing competitions and draws surf enthusiasts from around the world.
Vibrant Atmosphere: The beach has a lively atmosphere with a range of beachfront bars, restaurants, and surf schools.
Picturesque Landscapes: Offering stunning views of the Cornish coastline, Fistral Beach is a scenic spot for walkers and nature lovers.
Things to Consider Before Visiting the Beaches in Cornwall
Cornwall is a popular destination for beachgoers seeking stunning coastlines and great surf. But before visiting, there are some factors visitors should consider to make sure their beach trip is safe and enjoyable.
Amenities
Cornwall beaches vary greatly concerning amenities, so travelers need to research which ones offer the services they’re looking for. Some may have lifeguards on duty, while others may not have any at all. Parking, restrooms, and concession stands may be available at some locations while others only offer bare sand or rock pools.
Accessibility
Depending on what activities visitors plan to do at the beach, accessibility can be an important factor in choosing a destination. Some beaches may be difficult to reach or access by car, while others may have well-developed pathways for easy navigation.
Local Weather Conditions
Visitors should always check the forecast before planning their trip. Cornwall’s weather conditions can vary drastically from one beach to another. This is especially important during summer months when strong tides and winds can create unsafe swimming conditions.
Water Quality
The water quality of Cornwall’s beaches can also differ significantly depending on location and time of year, with some having higher levels of pollutants than others. Visitors should research any potential health risks associated with swimming in contaminated waters before deciding which beach to visit.
How Do We Pick Our Recommendations?
We take into consideration several factors when choosing our recommendations for the best beaches in Cornwall. We also like to ensure that each beach is unique and offers something special for visitors. Our team personally visits those beaches and thoroughly researches each potential recommendation before adding it to our list. We want to make sure that we are presenting only the very best options for your next visit to Cornwall. Have fun exploring the incredible beaches in Cornwall! Happy travels!
Spend a Perfect Day at These Amusing Beaches in Cornwall - FAQs
Yes! Some of the most popular dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall include Watergate Bay, Widemouth Bay, and Sennen Cove.
Crooklets Beach is one of Cornwall’s most popular beaches, renowned for its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Yes, many of the beaches in Cornwall offer camping and caravanning options, such as Carbis Bay.
