Cornwall has some of the most varied beaches in the UK, ranging from long open bays to small coves reached on foot. The north coast faces the Atlantic Ocean and is generally more exposed, with stronger waves and a higher concentration of surfing beaches. The south coast is more sheltered, with calmer water and a greater number of smaller coves and harbour beaches.
The type of beach you choose will depend on what you are looking for. Some beaches are easy to access with nearby parking and full facilities, while others require a walk and have no services. Tidal range also has a significant impact, particularly on smaller coves where the beach may be largely covered at high tide. Larger beaches tend to remain usable throughout the day.
This page provides an overview of the best beaches in Cornwall, grouped by type to help you compare options. You can explore individual beach guides for more detailed information on access, facilities and conditions.
Best Sandy Beaches in Cornwall
Fistral Beach (Newquay)– Large exposed surf beach with consistent waves, good access and full facilities close to Newquay.
Porthcurno Beach – Small sheltered sandy cove with clear water, located below cliffs near the Minack Theatre.
Perranporth Beach – Very large sandy beach backed by dunes, suitable for walking, surfing and general beach use.
Gwithian Towans Beach – Long open beach with extensive dunes, known for surfing and views towards Godrevy Lighthouse.
Watergate Bay Beach (Newquay)– Wide sandy bay with strong surf, popular for walking, surfing and coastal activities.
Sennen Cove (Whitesand Bay)– Large sandy bay near Land’s End, with reliable surf and accessible beach areas.
These beaches offer wide areas of sand and are generally the most suitable for walking, general beach use and surfing. They tend to remain accessible at most states of the tide.
Most Beautiful Beaches in Cornwall
Kynance Cove – Distinctive cove with rock formations and changing tides, located on the Lizard Peninsula.
Pedn Vounder Beach – Secluded sandy cove with clear water, accessed by a steep path from the coastal path.
Porthcurno Beach – Sheltered sandy cove with clear water and easy access, set below steep cliffs.
Porthchapel Beach – Small quiet cove between Porthcurno and Pedn Vounder, with limited access and no facilities.
Nanjizal Beach – Remote cove with rock arch and mixed sand and pebble shoreline, reached by coastal walking routes.
Holywell Bay – Wide sandy beach with dunes and offshore rock stacks, located between Newquay and Perranporth.
Carbis Bay Beach – Sheltered sandy bay near St Ives, known for calmer water and easier swimming conditions.
These beaches are defined more by their setting than their size, often featuring distinctive rock formations, clear water or enclosed coves.
Best Beaches for Families
Polzeath Beach – Accessible sandy beach with moderate waves, popular for families and beginner surfers.
Porthminster Beach – Sheltered sandy beach in St Ives with calm water and easy access from the town.
St Ives Harbour Beach – Small central beach with calm water, best visited at low tide for maximum space.
Summerleaze Beach (Bude) – Town beach with sea pool, good facilities and easy access from Bude centre.
Gylinvase Beach – Sheltered sandy beach in Falmouth with facilities, calm water and good accessibility.
Treyarnon Bay – Sandy beach with rock pools and natural tidal pool, suitable for families at low tide.
Swanpool Beach (Falmouth) – Sheltered sand and shingle beach with facilities and generally calm conditions.
These beaches are typically easier to access and have nearby facilities. Many also have more moderate sea conditions during suitable weather.
Quieter Beaches in Cornwall
Port Quin – Small rocky cove with limited access and no facilities, located on the north coast near Port Isaac.
Hemmick Beach – Remote sandy beach on the south coast, reached by walking, with minimal development.
Lansallos Beach – Quiet pebble and sand cove accessed by footpath, located on the south coast.
Bossiney Cove – Small sandy cove below cliffs near Tintagel, accessed by a steep path.
Nanjizal Beach – Remote and undeveloped cove requiring a coastal walk, with no facilities.
Lantic Bay – Secluded sandy cove on the south coast, accessed via a steep walking path.
These locations are generally less crowded due to more limited access or fewer facilities. They are better suited to walking and short visits rather than full-day beach use.
Top Surfing Beaches
Fistral Beach (Newquay) – One of Cornwall’s main surf beaches, with consistent waves and surf schools.
Watergate Bay (Newquay) – Large open beach with reliable surf and strong Atlantic exposure.
Sennen Cove (Whitesand Bay) – Consistent surf beach near Land’s End, suitable for a range of experience levels.
Polzeath Beach – Popular surf beach with more manageable waves, ideal for beginners and intermediates.
These beaches are exposed to Atlantic swell and offer consistent wave conditions, particularly outside the summer months.
Top Surfing Beaches for Beginners
Harlyn Bay – Sheltered sandy bay with gentler waves, suitable for learning in moderate conditions.
Polzeath Beach – Wide sandy beach with consistent but manageable surf, popular for beginner lessons.
These locations tend to have more manageable waves due to partial shelter or gentler beach profiles, making them suitable for learning in the right conditions.