If there’s one thing that Cornwall is famous for, it’s beaches. And for good reason! With over 400 miles of coastline, Cornwall is packed with golden sands, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters that wouldn’t look out of place in the Med. Whether you’re into surfing on big waves, paddling in calm waters, or hunting down secret spots to relax in the sand, there’s something for everyone. Discover Cornwall's top beaches. From hidden coves to family-friendly shores, explore stunning coastal escapes for your next seaside adventure.
Best beaches for families in Cornwall
Gyllyngvase Beach
Gyllyngvase Beach, or “Gylly,” as the locals affectionately call it is just a short stroll from Falmouth’s town centre and is hands-down one of the best spots in Cornwall for a family day by the sea. With a fab restaurant overlooking the sand and plenty of places offering water-based activities, there’s loads to keep kids of all ages entertained.
You can spend your afternoon watching your little ones learn to stand-up paddleboard or simply lounge about on blankets, tucking into a sun-soaked picnic. The beach itself is a dream, with soft, golden sand and an abundance of rock pools for little explorers. In the summer, things get even more fun with bouncy castles and volleyball nets popping up on the sand.
This beach is also super easy to get to, especially if you’ve got a pushchair in tow, with no tricky slopes or steps. There are also public loos with baby-changing facilities, so no stressful dashes when nature calls. And if you fancy a bite, the Gylly Beach Cafe is right there on the sand – perfect for grabbing an ice cream, a refreshing drink, or something a bit more filling.
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Perranporth Beach
Ideal for a family day at the beach, Perranporth is massive, sandy, and has loads of space to spread out. On top of this, it’s just a stone’s throw from shops and some great places to grab a bite, so you’re never far from snacks or emergency sun cream.
Kids of all ages will love it here. Little ones can splash around in the gentle stream that winds its way across the sand, while the older adventurers can go cave-hunting or take a dip in the sea pool. Dogs are welcome all year round too – just keep them on a lead during July and August.
Only about eight miles from Newquay, Perranporth is a brilliant alternative to busier spots like Fistral if you fancy more space to breathe. You can walk for miles along the sand (if the kids have the energy), or maybe even get them on a surfboard for their first taste of the waves.
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Porthminster Beach
Porthminster Beach in St Ives might just fool you into thinking you’ve landed somewhere tropical, with its soft white sand, swaying palm trees, and sparkling blue sea. This Blue Flag beach is just a short stroll from the heart of St Ives - with its buzzing harbour, fresh seafood, and arty charm. The views are next-level, too. Think sweeping panoramas across the bay and the iconic Godrevy Lighthouse sitting pretty out at sea.
The beach is well sheltered, which means it’s usually calm and safe for swimming, and there’s RNLI lifeguard cover from May through September for extra peace of mind. While the waves here aren't big enough for surfing, a bit of bodyboarding, or a gentle paddle is always on the cards. When hunger hits, head to the award-winning Porthminster Café for something tasty and fresh seafood, pasties, or a homemade cake, and if you fancy something quicker, there are plenty of beach bars, takeaways, and shops nearby. You can even rent a windbreak or deckchair and settle in for the day.
Want to mix it up? Hire one of the colourful Beach Pods for your own private base, or get competitive with a round of mini golf on the 18-hole course just behind the beach.
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Best surfing beaches in Cornwall
Newquay
Newquay is Cornwall’s original surf town and is still the life and soul of the UK’s surf scene. Whether you're a total newbie or you’ve been surfing your entire life, this place is perfect for you.
If you head to Newquay, you’ll be spoilt for choice with surf spots. Towan, Tolcarne, Lusty Glaze, and Great Western are all gems. But let’s be honest, Fistral Beach is the star of the show. It’s the UK’s best-known surfing beach for a reason. Sure, in summer you might be sharing the lineup with what feels like half of London, but when Fistral’s firing – with swells up to eight feet – it’s all worth it. And if you're hunting something a bit more hardcore? Cribbar (or Cribba if you're local) looms just around the corner, dishing out big wave drama when the conditions are right.
New to surfing? You’re in the right place. Fistral is beginner-friendly with loads of surf schools ready to get you up on a board. The beach is lifeguarded, super accessible, and packed with everything you need, including car parks, loos, surf shops, and seaside eats.
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Polzeath
Polzeath is a true gem on Cornwall’s north coast – and one of the best beaches in the UK to learn how to surf. Its sheltered bay and gently sloping sands create mellow, rolling waves that are perfect for beginners looking to build confidence. Whether you're mastering turtle rolls or catching your first wave, Polzeath offers a safe, consistent environment to practise.
The surf here works across a range of tides, so the waves are often rideable. Flanked by dramatic cliffs and rocky outcrops, the beach feels both wild and welcoming. The best part? The car park is right on the sand, just steps away from beach cafés dishing up tasty post-surf treats.
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Constantine
Constantine Bay in North Cornwall is widely regarded as one of the best surf beaches in the region, especially for experienced surfers. Known for its reliable, year-round surf, it features both beach and reef breaks, offering left and right-hand waves and excellent conditions at all tide stages. The best waves roll in with a westerly swell, and offshore easterly winds create clean, powerful surf. At high tide, the reef at the south end comes alive, delivering thrilling rides for those with the skills to handle it. However, Constantine Bay is not for beginners - serious rip currents and heavy shorebreak demand experience and caution.
When it comes to amenities, the beach is well-serviced with parking, toilets, a surf shop, and summer lifeguard cover.
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Best hidden coves in Cornwall
Nanjizal Beach
Tucked away along the South West Coast Path, Nanjizal Beach - also known as Mill Bay - is one of Cornwall’s most magical hidden coves. However, as with most truly hidden beaches, this one is not for the faint hearted. A scenic three-mile walk from Land’s End takes you to an unspoiled bay of golden sand, dramatic cliffs, and crystal-clear waters.
Its seclusion keeps it quiet, even in peak summer, making it a peaceful escape from the crowds. The beach’s standout feature is the striking “Song of the Sea,” a tall, narrow cave where sunlight dances through a slit in the rock, reflecting beautifully in the tidal pools. The “Diamond Horse” rock formation and surrounding caves add to the fairytale feel. Waterfalls, a stream, and hidden boulders invite exploration, while the remote setting and wild scenery make it a dream for photographers and nature lovers alike.
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Pedn Vounder Beach
Pedn Vounder is one of Cornwall’s most breathtaking and best-kept secrets, tucked beneath the granite cliffs of Treryn Dinas near Porthcurno. Its golden sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters offer a tropical feel, but yet again, reaching this secluded gem requires a fair bit of effort - either a steep cliffside descent or a walk from Porthcurno at low tide. This natural isolation keeps the beach peaceful and often uncrowded.
The striking Logan Rock overlooks the bay, and at low tide, shallow pools and hidden caves reveal themselves, perfect for curious explorers. Known for its clothing-optional status and unspoiled beauty, Pedn Vounder is a haven for those seeking solitude and stunning coastal scenery. Though it demands caution - especially with tide times and the tricky access. Whether sunbathing, paddling, or simply gazing out from the cliffs, Pedn Vounder feels like a secret slice of paradise on the Cornish coast.
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Fox Cove
And finally, Fox Cove. This marvellous beach sits between Treyarnon Bay and Porthcothan on Cornwall’s rugged north coast, and is one of the county’s best hidden beaches. Larger and sandier than its neighbouring inlets, Fox Cove is accessed via a coastal path that takes you from the Porthcothan car park up a steep and challenging cliff descent.
The effort, however, is truly rewarded. When you arrive you’ll find a peaceful, secluded cove framed by towering cliffs and marked by a distinctive mussel-encrusted rock that juts into the sea. While much of the sand lies in shadow during the morning, the cove is sheltered and ideal for quiet exploration or calm-day snorkelling. At very low tides, visitors may glimpse the remains of the ‘Helmsley I’ shipwreck from 1969.
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