Many people are opting for staycations over travelling abroad, but that doesn’t mean that they have to sacrifice their beach vacation. Travellers can find plenty of beaches in Cornwall. With over 400 beaches to chose from, it’s no wonder visitors flock to the Cornish coast during the summer. If you’re planning a vacation in Cornwall and don’t know which beaches to go to, here are our top 10.
Fistral Beach
The first on our list is Fistral beach, which is reportedly one of the best surfing beaches in the UK. This beach has some great waves for surfing, but because of the strong currents, it may not be the best for swimming; however, there are RNLI lifeguards keeping an eye on beachgoers throughout the summer. There is a shop and café at the north end of the beach, and there is an International Surfing Centre which offers surf lessons for all ages and skill levels. The centre hires out surfing equipment, as well as sun loungers, deckchairs, and windbreakers. The beach is fully accessible, and sand wheelchairs can be rented from the centre. There is a carpark at the north end of the beach with a nearby public toilet and another public toilet at the south end of the beach. This is a dog-friendly beach and its popular with families. After a day of surfing, you can meander the trails along the clifftop to Huer’s Hut vantage point. Fistral beach is famous for hosting the Boardmasters Festival.
Watergate Bay
Watergate Bay is a European Designated Beach and is one of the Marine Conservation Society recommended beaches of 2023. This beach also has a surfing school where you can take lessons and rent equipment. This beach welcomes dogs all year round and has a carpark, public toilets, and shower facilities. You can get to the beach from the carpark along a tarmac path. There are several restaurants along the beach where you can grab a few drinks or have lunch. This beach hosts the music portion of The Boardmasters Festival, which takes place on the cliff that overlooks Watergate Bay.
Pedn Vounder Beach
Pedn Vounder Beach has gained a reputation for being one of the loveliest small beaches in Cornwall. It’s a tidal beach surrounded by granite cliffs, and it disappears at high tide. The nearest carpark is a 15-minute walk away and it is not accessibility friendly because of the steep path down the cliff face. The climb and decent will require you to wear sturdy shoes, not flipflops. You should bring a backpack so you can steady yourself with your hands. There are no nearby restaurants or facilities unless you wander into Porthcurno Village, but there is a public toilet near the carpark. Pedn Vounder Beach is considered to be a dog-friendly beach, but because of the steep slope, most people don’t bring their dogs there. The beach is unsuitable for younger children who can’t do the climb or decent themselves. There are no lifeguards on this beach and those who plan to visit should be aware that it is a naturist beach.
Porthcurno Beach
Porthcurno Beach is owned by the National Trust and is a 10-minute drive from Pedn Vounder Beach. To get to the beach, you must do a 20-minute walk along the coastal path from the carpark and go down the steep slope when you get to the cliff face. This beach is not accessibility friendly, and there is a seasonal dog ban during the months of July and August between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. There are public toilets near the carpark and a beachside café. The beach is watched by lifeguards in the summer months, and while the waves are tamer at that time, it’s a popular surfing spot in the winter for those who don’t mind cold water.
Carbis Bay
This sandy beach is in the west of Cornwall and has a Blue Flag Award. Carbis Bay is popular with kayakers, paddle boarders, and canoers, and visitors can take surfing lessons and rent equipment from the Ocean Sports Centre. Like Porthcurno Beach, Carbis Bay has a seasonal dog ban and there are lifeguards in the summer. There is a restaurant and a café at the beach, as well as a carpark and a public toilet.
Praa Sands
Praa Sands is a sandy beach surrounded by grassy sand dunes. This beach is in the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and it is a Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Site (RIGS). At this beach, you’ll commonly see surfing, bodyboarding, stand up paddle boarding, and kayaking. The lifeguards patrol the beach during the summer and at half terms. There are two car parks, public toilets, and a nearby slipway for wheelchair and pram access. Dogs are not allowed on the beach between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. in July and August, but are welcome during the rest of the year. There is a beachside café and bar for visitors to grab some food while enjoying a day at the seaside.
Kynance Cove
Kynance Cove is on the Lizard Peninsula. It is owned by the National Trust and was once Queen Victoria’s and Prince Albert’s favourite spot. The beach is surrounded by cliffs, and may visitors enjoy exploring the caves and rock pools at low tide. Kynance Cove is a tidal beach with strong currents, and since there are no lifeguards on the beach, it is up to visitors to check when the tide comes in. This is a prime location for dolphin spotting, so keep an eye out while you’re there. There is a café, public toilets, and a car park close by, but the beach is not wheelchair accessible.
Summerleaze Beach
Summerleaze Beach was awarded Blue Flag and Seaside Awards in 2023. This beach is wheelchair accessible and visitors can go to the beach office to rent sand wheelchairs. This beach is lifeguarded and is perfect for families. There is a semi-natural tidal pool that is free for all visitors to use. Dogs are welcome on the beach but must be on a leash from May to September. Summerleaze Beach has a surf school which offers lessons on surfing and bodyboarding. There is a carpark, toilets, and a café.
Holywell Bay
Holywell Bay is a popular beach for families, dogwalkers, and surfers. It’s owned by the National Trust and there is a National Trust carpark a short walk away. The beach is lifeguarded and there is a beachside food and drink kiosk. There are no public toilets near the beach, but there are some in the village. Visitors can explore St Cuthbert's Cave and the holy well at the far end of the beach, and those who want a view of the beach but aren’t a fan of the water can admire it from the nearby golf course.
Sennen Cove
Sennen Cove is also in the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There is a carpark close to the western end of the beach and some other car parks a short walk away. The path from car park is only accessible at low tide. There is a seasonal dog ban enforced on this beach, but the neighbouring Gwynver Beach allows dogs all year round. Sennen Cove is lifeguarded, and is frequented by surfers, bodyboarders, paddleboarders, and kayakers. Beachgoers can get lessons at the surf school, and they can rent surfing equipment, deckchairs, and windbreaks. There are public toilets near the beach, and there is a beachside bar and a Beach Complex, where visitors can get takeout.
A vacation in Cornwall has the allure of a beach holiday, without the hassle of visiting another country. Even if you are only travelling a few hours to get there, make sure your trip and the activities you do are covered by travel insurance.
