Where To Paddleboard in Cornwall

With its sweeping coastlines, sheltered coves, and crystal-clear waters, Cornwall is a dream destination for paddleboarders. Whether you’re a seasoned stand up paddleboarding (SUP) enthusiast or just getting started, exploring Cornwall’s coastline from a paddleboard gives you a fresh perspective on the county’s natural beauty. From calm estuaries to scenic beaches, we’ve rounded up the best places to paddleboard in Cornwall, all within easy reach of our four Cornish Lovat Parks. The spots below have been chosen not only for their safety and beauty, but also for accessibility and their proximity to local paddleboard hire options.

Best Cornish Locations for Paddleboarding

St Michael’s Mount

Located in Mount’s Bay just off the coast of Marazion in West Cornwall, St Michael’s Mount is as iconic as it is enchanting. Paddleboarding around the 14th-century castle and island offers spectacular views of the castle and tidal causeway and it’s only 20 minutes from our Cornish Meadows Holiday Park.

Highlights:

• Stand tall on your board, drifting by St Michael’s timeless fortress.
  
• Enjoy beautiful sunsets over the bay.
  
• Mount’s Bay, in Cornwall’s southwestern peninsula near Penzance, is one of the UK’s sunniest and most beautiful bays.

The Gannel estuary

Near Newquay on the north coast, The Gannel estuary offers calm, tidal waters perfect for a relaxed paddle. This area is particularly well-suited to beginners and families just a 20 minute drive from Sun Haven Holiday Village.

Highlights:

• A sheltered tidal estuary ideal for paddle boarding beginners, offering calm, protected waters, gentle tides, and scenic routes that make learning safe and enjoyable.
  
• Paddle along winding channels lined with salt marshes and past sandy beaches.

Porthcurno Beach

Porthcurno, with its turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs, is one of Cornwall’s most picturesque beaches. It’s located near Land’s End on the southwest tip of the county. The closest of our holiday parks is Cornish Meadows, located a 50 minute drive away.

Highlights:

• Surreal turquoise waters and golden sands create one of Cornwall’s most breathtaking beachscapes, perfect for relaxing or paddleboarding.
  
• Just a short distance from the famous Minack Theatre, offering the chance to combine your beach day with a stunning open-air performance afterwards.
  
• Ideal on calm, windless days when the sea is glassy and perfect for gentle paddling or swimming.
  

The Fowey River

Flowing into the sea on Cornwall’s south coast, the River Fowey is a tranquil haven for paddleboarders. You can easily access the river by walking downhill through our Penmarlam Lodge Retreat as well as the namesake Penmarlam Boat Yard. From there, paddle past wooded banks and charming villages like Golant and Lerryn.

Highlights:

• Experience peaceful river paddling along calm, sheltered waters that are perfect for a relaxing and easy paddle, ideal for beginners or anyone seeking tranquility.
  
• The river’s banks and nearby wetlands are a birdwatching paradise where you can spot elegant herons stalking the shallows, vibrant kingfishers darting above the water, and graceful egrets gliding through the reeds, making every paddle a memorable wildlife encounter.
  
• Getting there is part of the experience: a scenic 20-minute walk through Penmarlam Boat Yard to the river mouth, where there’s one access point, or an easy drive to Bodinnick ferry point with additional access points to cart your gear across to Fowey and start your paddleboarding adventure.

Sennen Cove

Just north of Land’s End, Sennen Cove is a favourite spot for surfers, and on calmer days it’s ideal for confident paddleboarders seeking a bit of challenge. Situated a 45 minute drive from Cornish Meadows Holiday Park, it offers a spectacular coastal experience.

Highlights:

• A wide sandy beach with stunning views across the Atlantic, perfect for launching and landing your paddleboard.
  
• Dramatic scenery including the rugged cliffs and the famous Logan Rock, where towering granite formations meet crashing waves to create a breathtaking backdrop.
  
• Several charming eateries nearby, serving fresh seafood and traditional Cornish cream tea to enjoy after your paddle.

The Camel Estuary

Stretching from Wadebridge to Padstow, the Camel Estuary is a calm and scenic paddle. With wide channels and tidal flow, it’s great for all skill levels a 20 minute drive from Padstow Holiday Village.

Highlights:

• Family-friendly conditions with sheltered waters and easy access points make it an ideal spot for paddlers of all ages and abilities.
  
• Paddle into the charming town of Padstow and enjoy lunch at one of Rick Stein’s renowned restaurants, combining your adventure with a delicious dining experience.
  
• Rich estuary wildlife surrounds you as you glide along, keep an eye out for seals, otters, and a variety of bird species that thrive in this protected habitat.

The Helford River

This area near Falmouth on the south coast offers quiet creeks, lush vegetation, and fascinating history. The Helford River is perfect for exploration by paddleboard. The Helford is around a 50 minute drive from Cornish Meadows Holiday Park

Highlights:

• Paddle along serene waterways surrounded by dense woodland and peaceful estuarine landscapes, offering a true escape into nature.
  
• The river is well sheltered from the wind, creating calm conditions ideal for paddlers of all experience levels.
  
• Visit Frenchman’s Creek, made famous by Daphne du Maurier, the celebrated Cornish author whose novel of the same name evokes the romance and mystery of the area. Paddleboarders can experience the same enchanting scenery that inspired her timeless work.
  

Trevaunance Cove

Close to St Agnes on the north coast, Trevaunance Cove is a scenic paddle spot with great rock formations and cliff views. Choose a calm day and avoid high surf conditions to take the 30 minute drive from Cornish Meadows.

Highlights:

• Experience rugged coastal scenery with towering cliffs and unique granite rock formations that create a breathtaking backdrop for your paddle.
  
• Discover a small but beautiful sandy beach, perfect for a peaceful break or a quiet swim after your paddle session.
  
• Enjoy excellent nearby cafés where you can relax and enjoy fresh Cornish pasties, check out our pasty recommendation in our West Cornwall itinerary for the best spots nearby.

Trevone Bay

Just a 10 minute drive from Padstow and our holiday park, Trevone Bay offers a blend of adventure and tranquillity. With its Blue Flag status, this North Cornwall gem is popular with families and SUP fans alike.

Highlights:

• A sandy beach with crystal-clear waters invites you to paddle, swim, or simply soak up the stunning coastal views.
  
• Nearby rocky coves offer fascinating spots to explore, perfect for discovering hidden tidal pools and marine life.
  
• Best enjoyed on low wind days when the sea is calm, making it ideal for a smooth and relaxing paddleboarding experience.

Harlyn Bay

Another bay a 10 minute drive from Padstow, Harlyn Bay is a beautiful beach known for its safe, calm waters and easy access, perfect for stand-up paddleboarding beginners and families alike. This sheltered spot offers gentle waves and plenty of sandy shoreline to explore.

Highlights:

• Enjoy safe, sheltered waters that are perfect for paddleboarders of all skill levels, from complete beginners to more experienced paddlers looking for a relaxed outing.
  
• Launch from a sandy beach surrounded by scenic coastal views, creating a beautiful setting to paddle, swim, or simply unwind by the shore.
  
• Best suited to calm, low-wind days when the water is smooth, ensuring a peaceful and enjoyable paddleboarding experience.
  
• Bonus: Guests staying at Lovat Parks receive an exclusive 10% discount on paddleboard hire at Harlyn Surf School—just show your booking confirmation to take advantage of this offer!

Renting SUPs in Cornwall

Not travelling with your own paddleboard? No problem. Cornwall is packed with excellent SUP rental centres and surf schools offering lessons, equipment hire, and expert local advice.

Here are some top-rated places where you can hire paddleboards and even book guided sessions:

• Harlyn Surf School – Offers SUP rentals, group lessons, and 10% off for Lovat Parks guests with booking confirmation.
  
• Ocean Sports Centre (Carbis Bay) – Ideal for families and beginners. Offers paddleboard hire and beachside instruction.
  
• St Ives Surf School – Hire paddleboards right from Porthmeor Beach, with the option for lessons and guided tours.
  
• Hayle Watersports – Located on the Hayle Estuary; great for flatwater paddling and beginners.
  
• Ocean High (Marazion) – Based near St Michael’s Mount, they offer lessons and guided tours.
  
• Vertical Blue Adventures (Falmouth) – Run unique paddleboarding adventures and eco-tours.
  
• CS Watersports Academy (Padstow) – Excellent for estuary paddling on the Camel and group bookings.

If you’re staying at one of our Cornish holiday parks, you can safely store your gear inside your accommodation when hiring for multiple days. Plus, we offer free belly board hire for some extra fun on the waves. We’re also happy to assist with local hire arrangements and can recommend a great pub to unwind in after your paddle. Whether you’re gliding across a river at dusk or exploring a sunlit cove, paddleboarding is one of the best ways to see Cornwall’s coast from a new perspective. And with our Lovat Parks locations dotted close to many of these top spots, your next SUP adventure is closer than you think.

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