Cornwall has some of the best beaches in the UK, with a coastline that ranges from long sandy bays exposed to the Atlantic to smaller, more sheltered coves along the south coast. The variety of landscapes means that different beaches suit different purposes, whether for surfing, swimming, walking or simply spending time by the sea.
This page lists 20 of the best beaches in Cornwall, based on a combination of scenery, accessibility and overall experience. The selection includes well-known locations as well as less obvious choices, providing a balanced overview of what the county has to offer.
The beaches are listed in reverse order, starting at number 20 and working towards the top-ranked location.
20. Port Quin
A small, sheltered cove on the north coast between Port Isaac and Polzeath, Port Quin is a quiet and less developed location compared to nearby beaches. There is limited sand at high tide, with a mix of rock and shingle, but the setting is attractive and relatively uncrowded. It is better suited to short visits, walking and exploring the coastline rather than traditional beach use.
19. Swanpool Beach (Falmouth)
Located just south of Falmouth, Swanpool Beach is a small, sheltered beach with a mix of sand and shingle. It is backed by Swanpool Lake and has a more relaxed, local feel than larger beaches in the area. Facilities are available, and the calmer waters on the south coast make it more suitable for swimming and families.
18. Bossiney Cove
Situated near Tintagel on the north coast, Bossiney Cove is a scenic beach accessed via a steep walk down from the cliffs. At low tide, a sandy area is revealed, framed by high cliffs and rock formations. The beach is relatively quiet due to the access, but conditions can change quickly with the tide, so it is best visited with some planning.
17. Porthchapel Beach
A small sandy beach near Porthcurno on the far west coast, Porthchapel Beach is known for its clear water and sheltered setting between steep cliffs. It is less visited than neighbouring beaches but offers a similar landscape on a smaller scale. Access is via a short coastal path, and there are no facilities, contributing to its quieter atmosphere.
16. Summerleaze Beach (Bude)
Located in Bude on the north coast, Summerleaze Beach is a wide sandy beach with good access and facilities, including a large car park and sea pool. It is popular with families and visitors staying in the town, with a more organised and accessible feel than smaller coves. The beach is suitable for swimming and general use, although it can become busy in peak season.
15. Porthtowan Beach
Located on the north coast between St Agnes and Portreath, Porthtowan Beach is a wide sandy beach backed by cliffs and a small village. It is popular with surfers due to consistent waves, but also suitable for general beach use at low tide. Facilities are available, and the beach is easily accessible, although it can become busy during peak periods.
14. Gwithian Beach
Part of a long stretch of sand running from Hayle towards Godrevy Point, Gwithian Beach offers wide open space and views towards St Ives Bay. It is popular for walking and surfing, with plenty of room even in busier months. The beach is backed by dunes and has several access points, making it one of the more versatile beaches in Cornwall.
13. Holywell Bay
Situated between Newquay and Perranporth, Holywell Bay is a large sandy beach known for its distinctive twin rock stacks just offshore. It has a more open and less developed feel than nearby beaches, with access through sand dunes. The beach is suitable for walking and general use, although conditions can be exposed on the north coast.
12. Polzeath Beach
Located on the north coast near Rock, Polzeath Beach is a gently sloping sandy beach that is particularly popular with beginners learning to surf. It has a range of facilities and is easily accessible, making it one of the more family-friendly beaches in Cornwall. The beach can be busy, especially during the summer months.
11. Watergate Bay
A large sandy beach just north of Newquay, Watergate Bay is known for its size and open setting. It offers good conditions for walking, surfing and general beach activities, with space to accommodate visitors even when busy. There are several restaurants and facilities overlooking the beach, giving it a more developed and accessible feel.
10. Perranporth Beach
One of the largest sandy beaches in Cornwall, Perranporth Beach stretches for several miles along the north coast. It offers a wide, open setting suitable for walking, surfing and general beach use. The beach is backed by dunes and has good access from the town, with facilities available. Its size means it rarely feels overcrowded, even during busier periods.
9. St Ives Harbour Beach
Located in the centre of St Ives, this small sandy beach has a very different character from the larger open beaches elsewhere in Cornwall. It is sheltered and accessible, making it popular with families, particularly at low tide when more sand is exposed. Its setting within the town, with views of the harbour and surrounding buildings, makes it one of the more distinctive beaches in the county.
8. Porthcurno Beach
A well-known beach on the far west coast, Porthcurno Beach is a small sandy cove surrounded by steep cliffs. It is known for its clear water and sheltered setting, although access involves a short walk down from the car park. The nearby Minack Theatre adds to its appeal, making it one of the more visited beaches in the area.
7. Fistral Beach (Newquay)
One of the most famous surfing beaches in the UK, Fistral Beach is located on the edge of Newquay and attracts surfers throughout the year. It is a large sandy beach with consistent waves and a range of facilities, including surf schools and cafes. While it can be busy, particularly in summer, its reputation and accessibility make it a key destination.
6. Kynance Cove
Situated on the Lizard Peninsula, Kynance Cove is one of the most photographed coastal locations in Cornwall. It features a mix of white sand, turquoise water and distinctive rock formations. Access is via a walk down from the cliff-top car park. The beach is best visited at low tide, when more of the sand and rock features are visible.
5. Gyllyngvase Beach (Falmouth)
Located close to Falmouth town centre, Gyllyngvase Beach is one of the most accessible and well-equipped beaches on the south coast. It has a mix of sand and shingle, with generally calm conditions suitable for swimming. Facilities are good, including a beach café, making it a popular choice for both visitors and locals.
4. Pedn Vounder Beach
A small, scenic beach near Porthcurno, Pedn Vounder Beach is known for its clear water and striking setting below steep cliffs. Access is via a relatively steep path, which limits visitor numbers compared to nearby beaches. At low tide, a larger sandy area is exposed. The beach has a more remote feel and no facilities.
3. St Ives Porthmeor Beach
Located on the Atlantic-facing side of St Ives, Porthmeor Beach is a wide sandy beach popular with both surfers and visitors staying in the town. It combines a good location with reliable surf conditions and views across the bay. Facilities are available, and the beach is within easy walking distance of the town centre.
2. Porthminster Beach (St Ives)
Situated on the eastern side of St Ives, Porthminster Beach offers a more sheltered environment than nearby Porthmeor. It is a sandy beach with calm waters, making it suitable for swimming and families. Its proximity to the railway station and town centre makes it one of the most accessible beaches in Cornwall.
1. Porthcurno / Pedn Vounder Area
The area around Porthcurno and Pedn Vounder represents one of the most distinctive coastal landscapes in Cornwall. With clear water, white sand and dramatic cliffs, it combines several of the region’s key features in one location. While individual beaches may be small, the overall setting makes this one of the most notable coastal areas in the county.