The Best Beaches in Cornwall

Cornwall’s stunning coastline offers some of the UK’s most scenic and diverse beaches, from serene, golden sands to rugged rock pools perfect for exploring. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly destinations, dog-friendly escapes, or quiet spots to relax, Cornwall has a beach for every type of holidaymaker.  

Areas of Cornwall

North Cornwall is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, popular surf spots, and picturesque towns. Padstow, famous for its harbour and strong connections to celebrity chef Rick Stein, attracts visitors with its charming atmosphere and seafood offerings. In contrast, South Cornwall offers more tranquil escapes with stunning beaches and picturesque towns. St Ives is known for its vibrant arts scene and golden beaches, while Fowey is set in an Area Of Outstanding Beauty.

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Towns

Major Attractions

Cornwall Parks

Penmarlam Lodge Retreat

5 minute boat trip from Fowey

Escape to Penmarlam Lodge Retreat, a hidden gem surrounded by nature, just across the river from Fowey. Unwind, reconnect, and indulge in a luxurious lodge holiday, where mornings start with birdsong, days are spent exploring the lush countryside, and evenings can be enjoyed soaking in a hot tub while taking in the scenery.

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Parbola Holiday Park

20 minutes from St Ives

Tucked away under high tree tops, our newest park offers a diverse range of places to stay. Whether you prefer the snug comfort of our well-appointed holiday homes nestled among the trees, the freedom and flexibility of our spacious touring and camping pitches, or the unique experience of glamping in our safari tents, there’s something for everyone here.

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Sun Haven Holiday Park

15 minutes from Newquay

Located steps away from a Blue Flag beach and surrounded by charming Cornish villages, our park is on the cusp of everything one of our favourite corners of Cornwall has to offer. Plus, Newquay, a surfer and dog walker’s paradise, is just down the road.

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Padstow Holiday Village

30 minute walk to Padstow Harbour

We’re located just outside Padstow in the rolling countryside. Surrounded by greenery and on the cusp of the sea, our Padstow holiday park offers the perfect blend of coastal and countryside holidays by nature for all the family, including those on four legs.

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South Cornwall Beaches

Best for families: Hayle Towans

One of the most popular beaches in South Cornwall, Hayle Towans, near Parbola Holiday Park, stretches for three miles of golden sands, offering plenty of space for everyone to enjoy. It’s a safe beach, ideal for families, and when the tide goes out, you’ll find rock pools and paddling pools perfect for children to explore. There’s even a cave to walk through and out the other side, along with sand dunes to run down—making it a perfect adventure spot. The beach is dog-friendly, with plenty of space for your pet to roam freely. You’ll find lots of parking nearby, just a short walk from the beach, and a café serving hot drinks, food, and ice creams. Surf lessons are also available, organised by the local surf school, which are particularly popular during the summer months.

• How to Get There: Located near Hayle, just off the A30 with plenty of parking available.
• Facilities: With its safe environment, golden sands, rock pools, sand dunes, and caves, Hayle Towans offers the perfect family-friendly environment. The beach also offers surf lessons and has a café for refreshments.
• Best Time to Visit: Summer (June to September) when all facilities are available for family fun.

Most unique: Praa Sands

Praa Sands is another stunning beach that is perfect for families and pet owners. With plenty of parking available (including overflow parking in a nearby field during summer), this beach is easily accessible. A unique feature of Praa Sands is a tree that has slipped down the cliffs and embedded itself in the sand—people have written poems and messages on the tree over the years, adding a quirky charm to the beach. There’s also a pub on the beach and a café serving ice creams and light bites. Dog-friendly and offering beautiful views, it’s a great spot to relax or enjoy a long walk along the shore.

• How to Get There: Situated just off the A394, about a 15-minute drive from Penzance, with ample parking.
• Facilities: A dog-friendly beach with plenty of space for your pet to roam. The beach is also home to quirky features like a tree embedded in the sand, making it a fun destination for both dogs and their owners.
• Best Time to Visit: Summer months (June to August) when parking and amenities are fully available.

Best Sheltered Bay: Readymoney Cove

Readymoney Cove, located south of Fowey close to Penmarlam Lodge Retreat, is a sheltered sandy beach surrounded by cliffs near the River Fowey estuary. It’s flanked by St Catherine’s Castle and the historic town of Fowey. The beach is cleaned daily in high season, with a bathing platform moored in the bay. During spring tides, the beach can be covered, but it remains a peaceful spot for relaxation and swimming.

How to Get There

• The beach is a short 10-minute walk from the main car park in Fowey, easily accessible via footpaths.
• Beach Facilities
• Amenities include a small shop, public toilets, and a bathing platform. The beach is cleaned daily in high season.
• Best Time to Visit
• Visit during late spring to early autumn for the best weather. Note that dogs are restricted from 10 am to 6 pm in July and August.

Best beach cafe: Poldhu Cove

Poldhu Cove is known for its famous café, which serves delicious hot chocolates and cakes and is open 362 days of the year. The café also has a shop where visitors can pick up branded merchandise. The beach is dog-friendly and easily accessible, with parking located just across the road. Poldhu is also a fantastic spot for families, offering a great combination of sandy beach and a lively atmosphere. You can enjoy a day at the beach while sampling some of the best treats Cornwall has to offer.

• How to Get There: Poldhu Cove is located near Mullion, Cornwall, accessible via the A3083. Parking is available just across from the beach.
  
• Facilities: Known for its café serving hot chocolates and cakes, Poldhu Cove is also home to a shop with branded merchandise. The dog-friendly beach is perfect for families, offering a lively atmosphere with plenty of space.
  
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is summer (June to September), when the weather is warm, and the café is in full swing. It’s also open year-round, perfect for off-season visits.
  

Most accessible: Maenporth Beach

Located near Falmouth, Maenporth Beach is a great spot for a relaxing day by the sea, offering easy, level access from the car park directly to the beach. The beach café serves irresistible ice creams topped with clotted cream and chocolate. With plenty of space, it’s perfect for families. The large car park is close to the beach, and nearby walking paths provide access to Gyllyngvase Beach and other areas. 

• How to Get There: Located near Falmouth, easily accessible by car via the A39 road, followed by a short walk from the parking area to the beach.
• Facilities: With plenty of space and easy access, Maenporth Beach has a café, large parking lot, and paths to other nearby beaches. It’s also ideal for families looking for facilities like ice cream and easy walking routes.
• Best Time to Visit: Summer months (June to August) for the best weather and facilities.

North Cornwall Beaches

Most Dog-Friendly: Watergate Bay

Watergate Bay, located just 3 miles from Fistral Beach, close to Sun Haven Holiday Park, is the ultimate dog-friendly beach in Cornwall, with miles of golden sand welcoming dogs year-round. It’s a spacious beach perfect for dogs to run and explore, and it has become a favourite for dog owners seeking a relaxed atmosphere. With its wide stretch of sand and beautiful views, Watergate Bay is not only great for pets but also offers excellent facilities for all visitors, including a café, surf school, and parking. The beach is accessible and a wonderful place for families, offering a little something for everyone.

• How to Get There: Watergate Bay is located just off the A3075, easily accessible from Newquay. The beach is a short walk from the car park.
  Facilities: Dog-friendly, café, surf school, public toilets, ample parking.
  Best Time to Visit: Spring to autumn, especially during the quieter spring and autumn months when the weather is still mild and ideal for beach walks.

Watergate takes the top spot for dog-friendly facilities, but Mawgan Porth deserves an honourable mention for its exceptional dog-friendliness and close proximity to our own Sun Haven Holiday Park. From our park, enjoy a peaceful walk through the River Menalhyl woodlands, leading to Mawgan Porth’s dog-friendly Blue Flag beach. Simply cross the stream at the bottom of our holiday park and take a 15 minute stroll to the sea.

Best for paddleboarding: Trevone Bay

Trevone Bay is a popular family-friendly beach in North Cornwall, with clear blue waters and soft golden sand. It’s an excellent spot close to Padstow for various watersports including paddleboarding, swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Although dog access is restricted in the summer months, the beach is still a fantastic destination for families. Facilities at Trevone include a café, shop, public toilets, and parking. It’s just a short 5-minute drive from nearby parks, making it an accessible beach for visitors.

• How to Get There
• Trevone Bay is easily accessible, just a short 5-minute drive from nearby parks and Padstow. It’s well-connected by road with ample parking available.
• Beach Facilities
• Facilities at Trevone Bay include a café, shop, public toilets, and parking, making it a convenient choice for beachgoers.
• Best Time to Visit
• The best time to visit is during the spring and summer months when the weather is ideal for water sports, including paddleboarding. Keep in mind that dogs are restricted between July and August.

Best for wildlife: Harlyn Bay

Harlyn Bay is well-known for being a top spot for both families and surfers. With lovely golden sand, rock pools, and gentle waves, it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the coastal scenery. The beach is dog-friendly, with a café, public toilets, and ample parking nearby. It’s only a 10 minute drive from Padstow Holiday Village, making it an easy beach to access for those staying in the area.

• How to Get There: Located near Padstow, just off the A39. Parking is available nearby.
• Facilities: A dog-friendly beach with plenty of rock pools to explore. It’s a great place to observe coastal wildlife, such as crabs and small marine creatures.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn for the best chance to explore rock pools and observe wildlife.

Most picturesque: Mother Ivey’s Bay

For those seeking a quieter and more tranquil spot, Mother Ivey’s Bay near Padstow is perfect. The secluded cove offers stunning views and peaceful surroundings, ideal for a more relaxed day by the sea. The beach is dog-friendly, and parking is available at Trevose Headland Car Park, just a short drive away. The serene atmosphere makes it a great destination for those looking to escape the busier beaches.

• How to Get There: Accessible via a short drive to Trevose Headland Car Park and a short walk to the beach.
• Facilities: A tranquil, secluded cove offering stunning views and peace, ideal for relaxing or enjoying the beautiful scenery. Limited facilities, but perfect for those seeking serenity.
• Best Time to Visit: Late Spring to Early Autumn (May to September) for the best weather and fewer crowds.

Best sandy beach: Constantine Bay

With its long and wide stretch of golden sand and clear waters, Constantine Bay is perfect for families and beachgoers who want to enjoy a classic Cornish beach day. The beach is popular with surfers and is dog-friendly and offers a shop, public toilets, and parking at the National Trust Trevose Headland Car Park. Its location is just a 10-minute drive from nearby parks, making it a convenient and beautiful place to visit.

• How to Get There: Constantine Bay is a 10-minute drive from nearby parks, with parking available at the National Trust Trevose Headland Car Park.
• Facilities: The beach offers a shop, public toilets, parking, and is dog-friendly.
• Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit is during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn, with quieter visits possible outside peak seasons.

Best Sand Dunes: Treyarnon Bay

Treyarnon Bay is a beautiful family-friendly beach in North Cornwall, known for its golden sands, clear waters, and scenic sand dunes. It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and exploring the dunes. The beach is dog-friendly and offers great facilities for families.

• How to Get There
• Treyarnon Bay is easily accessible, just a 10-minute drive from nearby parks. There’s ample parking available, making it convenient for visitors.
• Beach Facilities
• The beach offers a café, shop, public toilets, and plenty of parking. It’s a well-equipped spot for a relaxing day at the beach.
• Best Time to Visit
• The best time to visit is during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is ideal for beach activities. Dogs are welcome outside the restricted summer hours.

Best for surfing: Porthcothan Bay

Porthcothan Bay is a fantastic family beach that offers everything you need for a fun day out. From swimming and sunbathing to surfing, there’s something for everyone at Porthcothan. It’s also dog-friendly, with a shop, café, public toilets, and parking available. Located 15 minutes between Sun Haven and Padstow Holiday Village, it’s an easily accessible and enjoyable beach for all of our guests.

• How to Get There: Easily accessible from the A39, with parking available near the beach.
• Facilities: Known for its good surf conditions, this beach is dog-friendly and offers a café, shop, and public toilets. It’s popular with surfers due to its consistent waves.
• Best Time to Visit: Autumn and Winter for more consistent surf conditions.

Cornwall’s beaches are truly a treasure trove of natural beauty and unique experiences, offering something for every kind of traveller. From the dramatic cliffs and surf-friendly shores of the north to the tranquil coves and family-friendly spots of the south, Cornwall’s coastline is brimming with adventures waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re drawn to golden sands, dog-friendly escapes, or charming cafes, there’s a perfect spot for you in our stunning region.

Ready to plan your Cornwall escape?

Explore the best of Cornwall’s beaches and make your next seaside adventure unforgettable. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or family fun, start planning your trip today.

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