The best beaches in Cornwall: Discover your perfect seaside haven
If you’re looking for secluded coves, family-friendly bays, picturesque waterways, or somewhere to enjoy watersports, keep reading to discover the best beaches in Cornwall.
Surrounded by the ocean, Cornwall has no shortage of sandy beaches to enjoy. Make your way to either coast to be amazed by the beauty of the south west coastline. The north coast is known for its dramatic cliffs, Atlantic views and impressive surf, whilst the south coast offers a more serene experience perfect for swimming, paddleboarding and relaxing.
With hundreds of beaches to choose from, it’s no surprise that everyone loves a Cornish beach holiday. Here, the difficult part isn’t accessing the beach, it’s choosing from a wide range of fantastic options. Luckily for you, The Cornish Place is close to both coastlines, meaning we can help you discover the best beaches in Cornwall.
Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a Cornish wedding or a romantic retreat, we can point you in the right direction.
Our favourite beaches on the south coast of Cornwall
Known for its sheltered beaches, picturesque villages, and serene coves here are the best beaches on the south coast of Cornwall.
Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth
Gylly beach, one of the best family friendly beaches in Cornwall.
Known locally as Gylly, Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth is a family-friendly beach based in the maritime town of Falmouth. Sheltered by two protruding headlands, this beach offers calm waters and soft sand that gently slopes into the sea, making it perfect for a dip. There are a wide range of activities on offer, including paddleboarding, yoga, kayaking, and fitness classes, especially during the warmer months.
A ramp and pathway behind the beach provide easy access to the South West Coast Path, ensuring it is accessible for everyone. After enjoying your time on the sand, head to Gylly Beach Café for delicious locally-sourced food or grab a stone-baked pizza from Dough An Dowr’s food van.
Gyllyngvase Beach is lifeguarded, providing a safe environment for all visitors. While dogs are welcome in the winter, there is a seasonal ban from May to September, between 10 am and 6 pm.
Where to park: There’s a car park conveniently located next to the beach, just a minute’s walk from the sand (TR11 4PA).
Trefusis Beach, Flushing
Flushing beach - a dog friendly beach all year round.
Separated from Falmouth by the Fal River, Trefusis Beach is a quieter, family-friendly alternative to the town's beaches, offering stunning views over Falmouth Harbour. More sheltered than Gyllyngvase, Trefusis is an excellent choice when the sea is choppy. The beach, composed of small pebbles and soft sand, is ideal for picnics and relaxation. Enjoy the scenic views while watching sailboats glide by. For those who enjoy snorkeling, Trefusis offers good conditions, and at high tide, you can even jump off the pier. There is also a pleasant waterfront walk that takes you to the nearby village of Mylor.
For dining, Harbour House Flushing is within walking distance and serves a delicious breakfast. Other nearby options include The Royal Standard and The Waterside. both offering excellent food and a pleasant dining experience.
There are no lifeguards at Trefusis, but dogs are always welcome.
Where to park: Park on Trefusis Road and follow the footpath down to the beach (TR11 5TZ).
Grebe Beach, The Helford
Grebe - one of our favourite secluded beaches in Cornwall.
Grebe is a truly magical spot and one of our favourite places to go for a dip at the start of the week. Here the water is often crystal clear and you’re surrounded by ancient oak woodland. If you’re looking for a secluded and tranquil escape, Grebe is where you want to be. It’s also very well sheltered, meaning you can visit in any weather. You should only visit at low tide, however, otherwise there isn’t much of a beach. Due to its remoteness there’s no café at Grebe, however you can pick up sandwiches, pastries and coffees at Awna Coffeehouse in nearby Mawnan Smith. There’s also a lovely walk along the South West Coast Path which takes you from Grebe to Maenporth.
Dogs are welcome at all times, but Grebe beach is not lifeguarded.
Where to park: Park at Bosveal National Trust Car Park, then make the five-minute walk through the woods down to the beach (TR11 5JR).
Porthcurnick Beach, The Roseland
Porthcurnick beach home to the popular Hidden Hut
Found on the unspoilt Roseland Peninsula and within Cornwall’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Porthcurnick is known for its local charm and stunning scenery. The beach is often sheltered, so it’s worth a visit at any time of year. However, sometimes Porthcurnick experiences rip currents, so only enter the water when it’s really calm. At low tide rocky reefs are exposed making it a great place to go rockpooling. This is also the best time to access the beach as there is much more sand available. The journey itself can be a fun adventure if you decide to cross the river on the King Harry Ferry (TR3 6QJ). Satnavs often try to take you the long way around, which adds a considerable distance to the drive. One of our favourite things about Porthcurnick is The Hidden Hut, which is famous for its feast nights. It’s also a great place for paddleboarding and soaking up the serenity of the water.
There are no lifeguards on the Roseland Peninsula, but Porthcurnick is dog friendly.
Where to park: Signal can be patchy in this area, so save the car park location before you leave. Head to Portscatho Beach car park which is a five-minute walk away (TR2 5HD).
Our favourite beaches on the north coast of Cornwall
Known for its rugged beauty, dramatic scenery and excellent surf, here are the best beaches on the north coast of Cornwall.
Chapel Porth Beach, St Agnes
Wheal Coates engine house above Chapel Porth beach
A small, sandy cove at the bottom of a narrow mining valley, Chapel Porth beach offers a taste of the Cornish wilderness. With unspoilt views over the Atlantic Ocean, it also forms part of the St Agnes Heritage Coast. Visit at low tide when there's a vast expanse of golden sand, but be careful not to get cut off when walking towards Porthtowan. Watch the waves roll in and surfers glide through the ocean, whilst feeling your soul being nourished. There are caves and rockpools to be explored here, plus an old engine house which sits above the beach. At the back of the sand is a café known for its incredible hedgehog ice creams. In the winter sit here with a hot chocolate and watch the waves crash onto the shore.
Dogs are welcome on Chapel Beach year-round, but a seasonal ban is in effect from 10 am to 6 pm in July and August. There are lifeguards on watch in the summer, also from 10 am to 6 pm.
Where to park: There’s a National Trust car park behind the beach, which is free for National Trust members (TR5 0NT).
Gwithian Beach, Hayle
Godrevy Lighthouse from the stunning Gwithian beach, one of the best beaches in Cornwall.
Known for its expansive white sand and excellent surfing conditions, on sunny days Gwithian could be mistaken for the tropics. A firm favourite for everyone who visits Cornwall, here the turquoise waters of St Ives Bay hit the sand banks to create some of the best surf for all experience levels. In the background Godrevy Lighthouse juts from the ocean, creating an interesting focal point. This area is also known for its resident seal colonies who often pop their heads up to say hello. Whether you’re surfing, sunbathing, dog walking or walking, Gwithian has it all. It’s a huge beach so it never gets crowded and there’s space for everyone to join in the fun.
The Sunset Surf Café is an easygoing eatery behind the car park, with views over the water. Or, a short walk away at neighbouring Godrevy, Kabyn Café offers great coffee and hot and cold food with a seating area on the sand.
Gwithian is dog-friendly year-round and lifeguards patrol the beach during the summer.
Where to park: Gwithian Towans car park sits above the beach and offers easy access to Gwithian and Godrevy (TR27 5BT).
Gannel Beach, Newquay
The Gannel Estuary, a dog friendly beach near Newquay.
Found between Newquay and Crantock, Gannel is home to both an estuary and a beach. There is plenty of soft, golden sand here, accompanied by rolling sand dunes. Our favourite part of this beach is the estuary, which is home to rare plant species and plenty of wildlife. During the summer the water often appears green as it reflects the surrounding banks of foliage. This area is popular with walkers because of the stunning views of the river winding through sand dunes and tidal flats. However, many people also come to dip and paddleboard. Plus, the beach often has surf. Swimming in the river is only possible during spring tides at high water, but you can swim from the beach at any state of tide. A short drive away is the Bowgie Inn which has a wide variety of food options and fantastic views across the ocean. There is also the Beachcomber Café which is a two-minute walk from the car park.
Dogs are welcome year-round at Crantock and there are lifeguards in the summer.
Where to park: Parking is available in the Crantock Beach National Trust car park which is a couple of minutes’ walk away (TR8 5RN).
Ready to explore these stunning beaches and experience the best of Cornwall? Book your stay at our holiday cottages which provide easy access to both coasts.