England may not seem like the top travel destination that comes to mind when people think of beaches, but what many don’t know is that it actually hosts a number of these. Cornwall alone has over 400 of these, some of which have been recognized as part of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Whether your preference is golden or pebbled, family-friendly or a surfer’s delight, crowd drawers or isolated pockets of paradise, there is a beach that awaits you in this county. Many of these are nestled in picturesque villages that only add to their charm. Check out this list of the most beautiful beaches in Cornwall, UK.
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1. Porthcurno Beach
Porthcurno Beach is an award-winning beach located on the western section of the county, and it’s easy to see why. The wide beach features turquoise waters over white, powdery soft sand, framed by rocky cliffs, scenery that often makes its way in photographs boasting Cornwall’s beauty. If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll be pleased to know that this is a child-friendly destination, with a lifeguard manning the area during the summer. There’s also a lost child center here. Close to it is the Minack Theatre, which holds theatrical performances from May to September.
Porthcurno Beach
Address: Porthcurno, Cornwall TR19 6JX, UK
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
2. Gwithian Beach, Hayle
If you’re a fan of water sports, you may want to head over to Gwithian Beach, otherwise known as Gwithian Towans. This beach is popular among fans of activities like surfing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing. It’s also frequently chosen as the venue for the World Land Speedsailing Championships. If you love wildlife, you can spot seabirds and common seals along the beach. If you like walking, the famous sand dunes of Gwythian Towans are just a few steps away from the beach.
Gwithian Beach, Hayle
Address: Gwithian Towans Beach, Hayle, Cornwall TR27 5BX, UK
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
3. Fistral Beach
Fistral Beach got its name from the Cornish word “bystel”, which means “foul water”, probably due to its huge waves. While this was not appreciated in the past, today, surfing enthusiasts make their way here, as it is considered as the top surfing destination of Cornwall. This is often selected as the venue for local and international surfing competitions. Surfing lessons are also offered here in case you’re interested in picking up the sport. If you already have surfing know-how, you can rent a board at one of the shops there if you want to catch some waves.
Fistral Beach
Address: Fistral Beach, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1HY, England
Website: Fistral Beach
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
4. Great Western Beach, Newquay
Great Western Beach takes pride in its identity as the first surfing beach of Newquay, and of being the hometown of local and international champion surfers. During high tide, only a small part of its golden beach is exposed. At low tide, however, the beach stretches to Towan, Tolcarne, and Lusty Glaze to form a long strip of sand. Families are welcome here, and there are lifeguards stationed to look after beachgoers during summer.
Great Western Beach, Newquay
Address: Cliff Rd, Newquay TR7 2NE, England
Website: Great Western Beach, Newquay
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
5. Polzeath Beach
Polzeath is another award-winning beach that draws surfers and swimmers alike. Like the Great Western Beach, it features a long stretch of sandy beach during low tide that shrinks to a small pocket during high tide. Despite these, it is still regarded as one of the safest beaches in the area, which makes this a good option if you’re planning on taking the kids with you. This beach is also great for wildlife fans because you can occasionally catch sight of dolphins, seals, puffins, and other kinds of animals in the area.
Polzeath Beach
Address: Polzeath, Cornwall
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
6. East Looe Beach, Looe
East Looe Beach is a good option if you’re traveling with small children and want them to enjoy a seaside experience while in Cornwall. The waters are shallow during low tide, perfect for your little ones to frolic in. Facilities, including bathrooms and snack shops, are complete as well for greater convenience. Once your family has had your fill of the water, you can stroll along the boardwalk and explore what the shops there are selling if you want to get some souvenirs.
East Looe Beach
Address: E Cliff Rd, Near SW Coast Path, Looe PL13 1HL, England
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
7. Tregantle Beach, Torpoint
Much like some of the others on this list, the beach at Tregantle Beach, also known as Whitsand Bay, shrinks to a small patch of land during high tide but becomes a long stretch during low tide. If you have your dog with you, you can take him/her there, as this beach welcomes pets all year round. Be aware, however, that this area has strong rip currents, so swimming is not usually advised here. The site may occasionally be closed off when used for training by the Ministry of Defense.
Tregantle Beach
Address: B3247, Antony, Torpoint, UK
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
8. Perranporth Beach
Perranporth is one of the most popular beaches in Cornwall. Not only is it picturesque, featuring a lot of spots that photographers would love to capture, it also allows you to do just about everything water-related here, from swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and even sailing. It also comes complete with facilities and is just a few steps away from the village in case you need anything. If you’re traveling with someone who has mobility issues, you’ll be pleased to know that this beach is wheelchair-accessible. Dogs are welcome here so long as they’re on a leash.
Perranporth Beach
Address: Perranporth, Cornwall TR6 0AQ, England
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
9. Marazion Beach, SW Coast Path
Marazion Beach is another family-friendly option that offers a little bit of something for everybody. If you want to try something different, there’s a windsurfing school situated at the end of the beach. There are also facilities where you can rent gear for sailing and windsurfing. Jetskiing and kite surfing are also other activities that you can try out here. Depending on the season, the waves can be gentle enough for beginner surfers or provide a little more challenge for more experienced ones. For those who want to do some exploring, there’s a cobbled stone pathway that leads directly to St. Michael’s Mount.
Marazion Beach, SW Coast Path
Address: S W Coast Path, Marazion TR17 0EQ, UK
Website: Marazion Beach, SW Coast Path
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
10. Swanpool Beach
Swanpool is a sand and shingle beach located on the outskirts of Falmouth. If swimming is your go-to activity when you head to the beach, consider visiting this one. As a bonus, you can even rent kayaks or paddleboards and have a fun and leisurely time floating on the water. Once you’ve had your fill of the water, you can head to the nearby golf course and play a round. Alternatively, you can head over to the cafe and enjoy their yummy ice cream.
Swanpool Beach
Address: Swanpool, Falmouth, Cornwall. TR11 5BG
Website: Swanpool Beach
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Something for everyone
With over 400 beaches to choose from, there’s surely something that you will find that suits your preferences in Cornwall. Start by visiting our recommendations above as they’re some of the most beautiful beaches in the area.
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