Best Sunrise and Sunset Views in Cornwall

There’s something truly magical about Cornwall at golden hour. From the first soft light spilling over its eastern bays, to the fiery sunsets that melt behind rugged Atlantic cliffs, Cornwall offers some of the UK’s most breathtaking horizons. Taking time to watch the sunrise or sunset is one of the simplest ways to slow down, reconnect with nature, and make your holiday truly unforgettable. Whether you’re travelling as a family or with your partner, Cornwall’s skies never disappoint. And with each of our Cornish holiday park locations being right by the coast, these special moments are always within easy reach.

Best Places in Cornwall to Watch the Sunrise

Cornwall’s east-facing beaches and calm bays are perfect for early risers. There’s a unique stillness at dawn: just you, the gentle hush of the waves, and the first blush of colour spreading across the sky. Here are some of our favourite sunrise spots.

Watergate Bay

This wide, sandy beach is a dream at dawn. As the tide draws back, the wet sand mirrors the morning sky, doubling the spectacle. The bay feels endless at low tide, making it perfect for quiet walks before the crowds arrive.

• Best time: Summer mornings, when the skies are at their brightest and longest.
  
• Good to know: During the summer months, lifeguards are on duty, and convenient parking is available nearby. It’s a popular spot for early morning dog walks, and for those who like a refreshing swim to start the day. On the way down, you’ll also find The Hangout café, which opens at 8:30am.
  

Holywell Bay

Framed by its iconic twin sea stacks, Holywell Bay is defined by rugged headlands, a wide sweep of golden sand, and a towering dune system. In the early hours, the beach takes on a peaceful, atmospheric ambience, often veiled in soft morning mist, feeling wild and untouched, making it an ideal setting for budding photographers.

• Best time: Spring and summer mornings, when the colours are soft and skies are clear.
  
• Good to know: Park in the National Trust car park at the bottom of the hill, opposite The Treguth Inn, and enjoy a short stroll to the beach. Bring a blanket and a flask of coffee to watch the sky fade from lilac to gold.
  

St Austell Bay

Looking east across the water, this bay rewards early risers with sweeping views of the sunrise. As dawn breaks, the calm surface acts like a mirror, reflecting shifting tones of silver, pink, and orange that gradually brighten into gold as the morning unfolds. The atmosphere is serene and unhurried, making it a perfect place to pause, breathe, and take in the start of the day.

• Best time: Summer mornings with clear skies.
  
• Good to know: If you’re a morning swimmer or paddleboarder, this bay is a great place to get out on the water.
  

Best Places to See the Sunset

Cornwall’s rugged coast delivers sunsets you’ll never forget. Think dramatic cliffs that drop into the roaring Atlantic, wide stretches of golden sands that glow in the fading light, and skies ablaze with fiery reds, pinks, and oranges. The sunsets here are about more than just the view; they’re about slowing down, savouring the moment, and sharing it with the people you care about.

Treyarnon Bay

Treyarnon Bay, one of the Seven Bays of Padstow, is a beautiful, sheltered cove with golden sands and gentle waves, ideal for quiet morning walks or family outings. Fringed by dunes and dramatic cliffs, it provides a breathtaking backdrop for enjoying the sun as it sets over the horizon.

Best time: Year-round, but summer mornings bring calm waters and soft, clear skies ideal for photography and quiet walks.

Good to know: The bay has easy parking and well-marked paths down to the beach, making it a stress-free spot for families or anyone looking to enjoy a serene sunrise.

Bedruthan Steps

Towering sea stacks rise from the sand, creating an epic backdrop as the sun sinks into the sea. The golden light brings out the textures of the rocks and cliffs, making it one of Cornwall’s most dramatic sights.

• Best time: Summer evenings are ideal, with long, lingering light over the Atlantic. Late spring and early autumn also offer softer, golden light and fewer crowds, perfect for capturing the cliffs and waves at sunset.
  
• Good to know: Well-marked paths and stairs lead down to the beach, which are steep but worth it for the stunning views. The low sun creates perfect silhouettes on the cliffs and rock stacks. Families can enjoy the expansive beach, couples can soak up the romantic atmosphere, and nearby cafés make it easy to finish the evening with a hot drink or ice cream.

Perranporth Beach

This three-mile stretch of golden sand glows at sunset, with wide open skies and plenty of space to settle in. Families love it here, as children can run freely while adults relax and watch the evening unfold.

• Best time: Summer and early autumn offer calm evenings and clear skies, making it ideal for sunset watching.
  
• Good to know: With a variety of cafés, pubs, and restaurants just a short stroll from the beach, you can easily pair your sunset experience with a leisurely seaside dinner, a refreshing drink, or a classic Cornish ice cream. The beach is also a renowned surfing spot, so if you’re feeling adventurous and don your wetsuit, catching the sunset from the waves adds an exhilarating twist to the view. Even if surfing isn’t your thing, watching surfers glide across the water as the sun dips below the horizon creates a perfect snapshot of Cornwall’s vibrant coastal life.

Kynance Cove

One of Cornwall’s most iconic beaches, Kynance Cove is stunning at golden hour. Turquoise waters shimmer against white sand, and the unique rock formations glow in the fading light. Cliffs and tidal pools add drama and charm, making it a perfect spot for photography, quiet reflection, or simply soaking in a magical sunset.

• Best time: Late summer and autumn evenings, when the sun sets at just the right angle to illuminate Kyance Cove’s cliffs and shoreline. During these months, the skies are often clearer and the colours richer, vivid oranges, pinks, and purples reflecting off the water creating the perfect backdrop for a peaceful sunset stroll.
  
• Good to know: The National Trust car park on the cliffs above Kynance Cove can get busy in summer, so arriving early allows time to explore the beach, find a prime vantage point, and enjoy the sunset before the crowds arrive.
  

St Ives Head

Artists have long been inspired by the light in St Ives, and standing on the headland at sunset, it’s easy to see why. The soft, golden light lingers over the bay, reflecting off the water and rooftops, creating a scene that feels almost painted. As the sun dips lower, the sky fills with a blend of pinks, oranges, and purples, casting a warm glow over the charming town and sparkling sea. Whether you’re wandering along the cliff paths, capturing photos, or simply taking a moment to pause, St Ives Head offers a magical vantage point for watching the day fade.

Best time: Clear summer evenings provide the most vibrant colours and the longest golden light – easily one of the best sunsets in Cornwall.

Good to know: St Ives Head is a popular spot, so expect company, especially in summer. Despite the crowds, the atmosphere at sunset remains lively, welcoming, and full of shared awe as everyone takes in the spectacular views.

Porthtowan Beach

A favourite with surfers and locals alike, Porthtowan is known for its laid-back, beachy vibes and sweeping Atlantic views. With its wide stretch of golden sand backed by cliffs and dunes, it’s the perfect place to unwind as the day draws to a close. The sunsets here are truly spectacular, often with surfers silhouetted against the glowing horizon, creating a picture-perfect Cornish moment. Whether you’re watching from the sand, the water, or the clifftop paths, the changing colours of the sky make every evening feel unique.

Best time: Any evening, though it’s especially magical after a good surf session or a long coastal walk, when the reward of golden hour feels even sweeter.

Good to know: Facilities are close at hand, with beach cafés, a bar, and takeaway options nearby. Grab classic fish and chips or a refreshing drink, settle into the sand, and watch the sky shift from orange to pink to deep purple as the sun sinks into the sea.

Make It a Moment

Watching the sun rise or set in Cornwall is about more than just looking at the sky, it’s about slowing down and savouring the moment. Here are a few ways to make it extra special:

• Pack a picnic or takeaway and turn sunset into a relaxed evening meal on the sand. Or why not explore the best restaurants or fish and chips across the region?
  
• Bring a blanket for warmth and a flask of something hot to stay comfortable against the cool coastal winds at sunrise.
• Families: Turn a sunset walk into a daily holiday tradition. Children will love the adventure of staying up to watch the sun go down.
  
• Couples: Golden hour is made for romance, stroll hand in hand, snap some photos, or simply sit quietly together as the colours shift.
  

With Lovat Parks’ locations just minutes from many of Cornwall’s best sunrise and sunset spots, golden hour can become one of the highlights of your holiday.

FAQs: Catching the Sunrise and Sunset in Cornwall

What time does the sun set in Cornwall in summer?

In midsummer, the sun usually sets between 9:30 and 9:45pm.

Where does the sun set in Cornwall in summer?

On Cornwall’s west coast, the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean — making clifftops, coves, and wide beaches perfect viewing spots.

What time does the sun rise in Cornwall in summer?

Around the June solstice, the sun rises as early as 5am. Prepare for an early start if looking to catch the sunrise in Cornwall in summer!

Where does the sun rise in Cornwall in summer?

East-facing bays like Pentewan Sands and St Austell Bay are ideal for watching the dawn unfold.

Where is the best place to watch the sunset in Cornwall?

Some of the most beloved spots include Bedruthan Steps, Kynance Cove, and St Ives Head.

Where is the best place to see the sunrise in Cornwall?

Watergate Bay, Holywell Bay, and Pentewan Sands are beautiful, peaceful options.

Where is the best place to watch the sunset in Newquay?

Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay are both spectacular, with wide horizons and glowing evening light.

Why Stay With Lovat Parks?

When you stay with us, you’re never far from Cornwall’s best views:

• Peaceful, close-to-nature escapes that bring you closer to the coast and countryside.
  
• Perfectly placed locations for exploring Cornwall’s most beautiful beaches, bays, and clifftops.
  
• Walking trails, beach access, and photo-worthy views right on your doorstep.
  

Golden hour is calling, so why not book your Cornwall escape with us today?

Book now