Five Sandy beaches to visit this summer
Despite some fantastic inland landscapes, food you can die for, and world beating tourist attractions, we know what many of you come to Cornwall for? Its sandy beaches... Here's just a handfull of some of our favourites... We have over 300 beaches to choose from so don't just head to these, get out there and find your own little patch of paradise!
Swanpool Beach, Falmouth
Falmouth has a host of beaches to choose from, but for the locals it has to be Swanpool.
It has everything you need to have a fun family beach day, with its mix of shingle and sand, and crystal clear water benefiting from being sheltered by cliffs.
There's a carpark nearby, crazy golf and a beach café, plus you have the Swanpool if you fancy a change from the beach and want a gentle walk somewhere a little quieter.
Polkerris Beach, nr Fowey
Polkerris Beach is a bit of a Cornish secret, covered with golden sand and hidden away on the south coast between St Austell and Fowey. It’s a perfect harbour beach for all the family; reached down a hill from the carpark. Once there, take advantage of an abundance of watersports on offer, grab a pizza or a bowl of mussels at the old lifeboat station, or enjoy a cool drink at the pub.
Watergate Bay, nr Newquay
Cornwall's north coast is spoilt for choice when it comes to sandy beaches. Surrounded by spectacular scenery, Watergate Bay is as good as any of them, it has two miles of golden sand at low tide, offering a great place to walk the dog all year round, plus out to sea, enormous waves come in from the Atlantic providing a spectacular sight and a popular surfing and kitesurfing spot. Add to this several good places to eat and drink, what more could you want?
LIFEGUARD PATROL TIMES 2024 Easter School Holiday 29 March - 14 April Weekends only 20 April - 28 April Daily 04 May - 29 September Weekends only 05 October - 20 October October Half Term 26 October - 03 November Patrol times 10am - 6pm
Sennen Cove, Nr Land's End
As you descend the hill from Sennen, it’s not long before your view is full of sea and sunshine. Some days huge blue rollers head towards the shore making Sennen Cornwall’s most westerly surf hotspot, other days the tides out and two miles of golden sands provide plenty of space for everyone to enjoy. And with a selection of places to eat, drink and shop, including art galleries, it's easy to while away to whole day here and then catch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
LIFEGUARD PATROL TIMES 2024 Daily 29 March - 03 November Patrol times 10am - 6pm
Hayle Towans, Nr St Ives
Hayle Towans Beach is vast expanse of golden sand backed by sand dunes and is the beginning of Hayle’s ‘Three Mile Beach’ within St Ives Bay, joining with neighbouring bays, Gwithian and Godrevy, at low tide.
Despite being directly in front of a substantial caravan the beach is so vast that it very rarely gets crowded.
A beautiful part of our coastline, which is great for families, and the added safety of Lifgueards during the summer.
LIFEGUARD PATROL TIMES 2024 Easter School Holiday 29 March - 14 April Weekends only 20 April - 28 April Daily 04 May - 29 September Weekends only 05 October - 20 October October Half Term 26 October - 03 November Patrol times 10am - 6pm
FAQ's Beaches
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Dogs are restricted on the designated beaches at the times listed below Cornwall Council enforces restrictions at the following beaches which are all part of a Public Spaces Protection Order. Other privately owned beaches may have their own local restrictions in force.
Please note: Blue Flag and Seaside Award beaches have longer restrictions due to the requirements of the Award status. In addition there are three protected wildlife areas that are subject to individual restrictions.
Yes, and it also has a pub, cafe and a watersports centre.
Spoilt for choice!
St Ives alone has five wonderful beaches, with both Porthminster and Porthmeor being awarded Blue Flags in 2022. Across the bay you will find three miles of golden sand stretching north from the Hayle Estuary. Then there's Porthtowan and Portreath just up the coast...
Sennen Cove right down near Land's End is another popular stretch both with surfers and families, whilst Mount's Bay provides endless walking and is often home to kite surfers.
There's also countless small secret coves, ideal for hiding away in, we would tell you where they are, but they wouldn't be secret then!
Avoid the traffic jams, the arguments when the GPS sends you the wrong way and the general hassle of having to drive great distances...
GWR operate high speed train services frequently from London Paddington station including the Night Riviera Sleeper Service to Penzance. There are also direct trains daily from Bristol and beyond. More info from: nationalrail.co.uk
Once in Cornwall, there's a great rail network for getting around the county, ideal for when the roads are busy in the summer. Give the driver a rest and grab a cheap day return to St Ives or Looe. Sit back and enjoy the scenery on the Tamar Valley Line or head to the beach at Newquay or Falmouth. For more info, go to Great Scenic Railways
For National Rail enquiries telephone 08457 484950
The First Group co-ordinate bus services from many Cornish stations.
Park-and-ride schemes run in season at Liskeard (for Looe) and St Erth (for St. Ives).
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