Beaches in Cornwall

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!

Dogs are allowed on Castle Beach, Gyllyngnvase Beach, Swanpool Beach & Meanporth all year except from 1st July - 31st August when then are not allowed between 10am - 6pm.

Holywell Bay Beach is patrolled by RNLI Lifeguards from the 13th of May to the 24th of September, between 10am and 6pm. (2023)

There is a free public toilet located at the south end of Perranporth Beach, next to the Car Park on the Promenade.

Carbis Bay Beach is open all year, and is free for all visitors.

In November 2019 a significant cliff fall took place at Bedruthan beach, with a further rock fall nearby in January 2021.

The initial rock fall caused damage to the lower section of the steps to the beach as well as the cliff face safety netting. Following the first fall, the National Trust commissioned an initial geological survey to determine the stability of the cliff face and assess whether access could be reinstated. The report concluded that further, in-depth, specialist feasibility studies would be required. These will identify whether there are options for stabilising the rock face and repairing the steps and safety infrastructure.

The steps are expected to be closed for the foreseeable future, with no confirmed timescale for the assessment and potential repairs. (2022)

While the sand only comes out at low tide, it’s perfectly safe to swim at both high and low tide—either off the beach or the slipway, depending on the time. Caution is advised when swimming further out, as dangerous currents may be present.

Yes, the sandy Readymoney Cove is out towards the mouth of the harbour and faces across to the village of Polruan, so great for morning swims in the sunshine! There's a little cafe/shop there and public toilets.

It's a five minute walk from the beach car park and about a 20 minute walk from the town centre. There's good access for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

Dogs are allowed on the beach, except between the hours of 10am and 6pm, in July and August. (2022)

Elsewhere, a walk along the South West Coast Path, both to the west, or east beyond Polruan, will bring you to several lovely hidden away coves.