Cornwall is known as one of the best staycation spots in the UK; from the lovely fishing villages to the stunning beaches, Cornwall has a lot to offer everyone. When you think about Cornwall think beaches, it’s unquestionable that Cornwall beaches are some of the best in Europe.
It’s no surprise that there are beaches in Cornwall to suit all kinds of tastes and adventurers. Cornwall’s dramatic coastlines, stunning steer cliffs, secret coves, epic surf breaks, and fine golden sands with turquoise waters make it worth a visit.
Although so many gorgeous Cornwall Beaches will take your breath away, here is a list of the best beaches in Cornwall you need to explore.
Most Popular Beach In Cornwall
Kynance Cove Beach
Kynance Cove is renowned as one of the most photographed beaches in Cornwall because of its striking beauty. The deep turquoise water, fine white sand, hidden caves, lovely islands, and stunning formation of serpentine rocks gives this beach its natural beauty.
It is situated on the Lizard Peninsula, about two miles north of Lizard Point. There is some beautiful cliff walks that will take you through the subtropical vegetation of the Lizard reserve.
The excellent surf and breathtaking views make Kynance one of the best beaches in Cornwall. The beach gets really crowded as it attracts visitors from around the world.
Relax and rewind on this beach while sunbathing. The soft white sand us perfect for breaking out your sandcastle building kit, while the turquoise blue water is perfect for bathing or swimming. There are things to do for both kids and adults.
Surfing and snorkeling are other activities you can enjoy on this beach. There is also a café and restaurants on the beach where you can grab a bite. Note that dogs are not allowed on the beach from Easter Day to October 1.
Best Beaches In Cornwall – St. Ives
Porthminster Beach
Porthmisnter is the second-largest beach in St. Ives and can be easily mistaken for an oversea tropical scene because of the swaying palm trees in the background. It is enclosed by grassy headlands and a little sheltered, which makes it one of the best family beaches in Cornwall.
There is disabled access down to the beach, ensuring the area is safe and easily accessible for everyone. A mini-golf course is located on the beachfront, as well as an award-winning seafood restaurant where you can enjoy a sumptuous meal.
Aside from lounging on the beach’s soft sand and swimming, you can enjoy all kinds of watersports, including kayaking, surfing, and paddle boarding.Â
Carbis Bay Beach
Carbis bay is one of the best beaches in Cornwall due to its unique microclimate and possibly the cleanest and clearest water in the whole of the UK. With its pristine white-sand cove and glittering turquoise water, Carbis Bay is such a delight.
The sheltered bay offers calm water that’s perfect for paddling and swimming. The subtropical plants that thrive in the West Cornwall climate surround this beach, making it easy to believe you are on a Greek Island.
All the attractions and amenities on Carbis bay make it one of the best family beaches in Cornwall and a perfect staycation destination. There are beach shops, ice creams, and pizzas. You can also enjoy all kinds of water sports, from surfing to kayaking.
READ MORE: 15 Best Beaches In St Ives To Visit
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Best Beaches In Cornwall – Newquay
Watergate Bay Beach
Watergate bay is one of the top Cornwall beaches; it is a large expanse of sand backed by towering cliffs. Facing the northwest means Watergate picks up most Atlantic waves, making it one of the finest surfing destinations in Cornwall.
Watersport enthusiasts will love it here as other watersport activities like water skiing, paddle boarding, kitesurfing, and kayaking.Rock pools for kids to explore and a designated safe swimming zone makes it ideal for families with kids.
Dogs are allowed all year round, making it one of the dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall. You can use a dog leash stake if you want to keep your dog close to you.
Several cafes and restaurants are available on the beach, meaning you can quickly grab an ice cream and a pasty.
Perranporth Beach
Perranporth Beach is renowned as one of the best beaches in Cornwall due to its golden sands, crystal blue waters, and excellent surf. The sandy beach is nearly 2 miles long, so it still feels like you have the whole place to yourself even when it gets busy.
The beach has interesting rock formations with large arches and many stacks. The beach boasts all facilities you would need on a beach, and it’s famous for the pub on the beach – The Watering hole.
You can enjoy an array of watersports on this beach, including canoeing, diving, and kayaking. It is a great destination for a family day by sea because there is something for everyone.
READ MORE: 15 Best Beaches In Newquay To Visit
Best Beaches In Cornwall – Penzance
Pedn Vounder Beach
Pedn Vounder is one of the most gorgeous Cornwall beaches. It has this Caribbean feel to it that will make you forget you’re in England. The stunning cliffs of Treryn Dinas, crystal clear turquoise water, and fine white sand make this beach a delight.
Access to the beach can be tricky as the last part down onto the beach is quite steep. You get the views of Minack Theatre and Porthcurno beach from this beach.
It’s a naturist/ nudist beach, so it may not be appropriate for kids. You can have fun swimming or just set up your beach mat and relax on the beach.
Porthcurno Beach
Sparkling blue water and pristine fine sand make Porthcurno one of the most beautiful beaches in Cornwall. The beach links up with two other low-tide beaches to create a long stretch of golden sand that runs from Minack Theater to Logan Rock.
A lost child center and a designated safe swimming zone make this beach one of the best family beaches in Cornwall. High cliffs on both sides of the beach provide shelter from the wind. In addition, a stream at the top of the beach forms a natural paddling pool for children.
Surfing is possible here but always check the conditions because it can change and is sometimes dangerous.
Other Famous Cornwall Beaches
Fistral Beach
Fistral is Cornwall’s, if not UK’s most famous beach for surfing, and is believed to be the surf capital of England. It should be on your Cornwall beaches bucket list if you love surfing. It is a world-class surfing destination and home to the annual Boardmasters Festival.
The vast expanse of golden sand has the headlands of Pentire to the south and Towan to the north, which causes the powerful waves on this beach. Equipment is available for rent from the surf center on the beach, and you can learn how to surf from the Fistral Beach Surf School.
A collection of restaurants, cafes, and pubs are available on the beach for you to get food and drinks. Fistral is one of the dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall, as dogs are allowed all year round.
Polzeath Beach
Polzeath beach, known as Hayle Bay, is a seaside resort on the north coast of Cornwall. It is one of the most beautiful and charming beaches in Cornwall, especially at sunset.
This Cornwall beach is a favorite for surfers and people on vacation. The sandy beach gets busy during summer but still feels relaxed and peaceful.
This is one of the best beaches in Cornwall for surfing due to its long, slow-breaking waves. The clear water is suitable for swimming and bathing. There are many pubs, shops, cafes and restaurants in the village.
Summerleaze Beach
Summerleaze is a large sandy beach within walking distance from Bude town center. It is flanked by the river, backed by dunes, and sheltered by an impressive breakwater. It is a popular spot for families and surfers.
There are colorful beach huts for hire and a sheltered sea pool that allows you to swim without worrying about the waves. Watersports are ample on Summerleaze to enjoy all sorts of activities. There are so many local surf schools in the area where you learn to surf and hire equipment.
Where To Stay In Cornwall Near Beaches
Downfield Bed and Breakfast
This hotel is located 10 minutes from St Ives and a 10-minute walk from the Carbis Bay beach. You can enjoy a full English/Irish, continental, vegetarian or gluten-free breakfast. The hotel features a guest lounge and a garden. There are many restaurants and places around the hotel where you can get a sumptuous meal.
The Beach Club
This 4-star beachfront accommodation in Penzance offers well-equipped and comfortable rooms where you can have a night’s rest after a fun day on the beach. The hotel boasts of a bar, a lounge, and a terrace.
The Glendeveor
Situated right in the heart of Newquay and only a few minutes’ walk from the beaches, facilities, and shops in Newquay. The rooms are well furnished and equipped, and you get a buffet or continental breakfast. Most of the rooms offer a sea view. There is a shared guest kitchen and a games room with a pool table, dart board, and many games.
Enjoying The Beautiful Cornwall Beaches
These are just some of the best options out of the many beautiful beaches in Cornwall. The region is blessed with over 250 miles of fine golden sands, crystal turquoise water, and rugged cliffs that you will not want to miss.
The coastal area makes up some of the idyllic and fun places to visit in Cornwall. Get your beach gear ready for a trip to the many Cornwall beaches. Â
