The coast
Cornwall's Beaches
107 beaches, each with the dog rules, lifeguard cover and parking spelled out.
Cornwall has over 300 miles of coastline, and the two coasts behave differently: the north takes the full Atlantic, with surf beaches and big tidal ranges, while the south is calmer, with sheltered coves and estuary sand. Use the filters below to find beaches by type, region, or what you want to do there.
Editor's Picks
Bedruthan Steps Beach
wadebridge
Sea stacks between Newquay and Padstow, seen from National Trust clifftops. The cliff steps down to the beach have been closed since a 2019 rockfall.
Carbis Bay
carbis bay
Blue Flag sandy beach a mile from St Ives with calm, sheltered water. Good for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Fistral Beach
newquay
The UK's most famous surf beach - consistent Atlantic swells and a buzzing beach scene in Newquay.
Godrevy Beach
hayle
Wide National Trust beach at the east end of St Ives Bay, with views of Godrevy Lighthouse - the inspiration for Virginia Woolf's To the Lighthouse.
Kynance Cove
helston
Turquoise water and serpentine rock formations at the tip of the Lizard, one of the most photographed spots in Cornwall.
Porthcurno Beach
penzance
A wedge of white sand framed by dramatic granite cliffs - one of Cornwall's most photographed beaches.
Sennen Cove
sennen
Crescent beach just a mile from Land's End with a working harbour and reliable surf. Cafés, a pub, surf schools. One of the most westerly beaches in England.
Watergate Bay
watergate bay
2 miles of north coast sand north of Newquay with consistent surf, dogs welcome all year, and The Beach Hut for food right on the sand.
Browse All Beaches
Bedruthan Steps Beach
wadebridge
Sea stacks between Newquay and Padstow, seen from National Trust clifftops. The cliff steps down to the beach have been closed since a 2019 rockfall.
Bossiney Cove Beach
tintagel
Secluded sandy cove near Tintagel accessible only at low tide. Turquoise water, Elephant Rock, and caves make this quieter than Tintagel Castle nearby.
Cadgwith Beach
helston
Working fishing village on the Lizard with two shingle coves. Traditional Cornish gig boats land their catch daily. Cadgwith Cove Inn overlooks the beach.
Carbis Bay
carbis bay
Blue Flag sandy beach a mile from St Ives with calm, sheltered water. Good for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Carlyon Bay
st austell
Long sandy beach near St Austell with gently sloping seabed ideal for families. Championship golf course overlooks the bay; watersports hire available.
Carne Beach
truro
Mile-long sheltered beach on the Roseland Heritage Coast near Veryan. Calm swimming water and gradual sand slope; the Nare Hotel sits on the clifftop.
Castle Beach
falmouth
Sand and shingle beach at the foot of 16th-century Pendennis Castle in Falmouth. Extensive rock pools at low tide. Good snorkelling in calm, clear water.
Cawsand Beach
torpoint
Sand and pebble beach on the Rame Peninsula with Plymouth Sound views. Twin village has pubs and cafes steps from the shore; Mount Edgcumbe nearby.
Charlestown Beach
st austell
Coarse sand beach beside Georgian harbour, famous as the Poldark filming location. Rock pools at low tide and tall ships in the historic harbour.
Constantine Bay Beach
constantine bay
Reliable surf beach near Padstow with rock pools at each end. Consistent Atlantic waves suit all levels.
Coverack Beach
helston
Sand and shingle beach in a quiet fishing village on the Lizard. Protected harbour makes it ideal for kayaking and windsurfing.
Crackington Haven Beach
bude
Coarse sand cove enclosed by dramatic striped sandstone and shale cliffs near Bude. Reliable surf breaks, rock pools, and village cafes above the beach.
Crantock Beach
crantock
Wide sandy beach near Newquay where the Gannel estuary meets the sea. Backed by dunes, quieter than Fistral. Good surf and rock pools at low tide.
Crooklets Beach
bude
Bude's main surf beach with golden sands and one of the UK's oldest surf lifesaving clubs. Annual contests, lifeguards May-Sep, and facilities on site.
Daymer Bay Beach
rock
Sheltered estuary beach at the mouth of the Camel near Trebetherick. Calm, shallow water ideal for families.
Downderry Beach
downderry
South-facing mile-long stretch of sand and shingle with views across Whitsand Bay and Rame Head. Dogs usually allowed; check signs.
Duckpool Beach
bude
Remote National Trust cove north of Bude with large boulders and dramatic cliffs. No facilities, no lifeguards.
East Looe Beach
looe
Golden sand beach in central Looe with rock pools at low tide. Fishing harbour, cafes, and restaurants within minutes' walk. Sheltered within the bay.
Eastern Green Beach
penzance
Quiet family beach on Penzance's eastern edge with shallow, calm water and views of St Michael's Mount across the bay. Walking distance from train station.
Fistral Beach
newquay
The UK's most famous surf beach - consistent Atlantic swells and a buzzing beach scene in Newquay.
Godrevy Beach
hayle
Wide National Trust beach at the east end of St Ives Bay, with views of Godrevy Lighthouse - the inspiration for Virginia Woolf's To the Lighthouse.
Gorran Haven Beach
gorran haven
Crescent-shaped sandy beach in a small fishing village between Mevagissey and St Austell. Harbour walls keep the bay calm.
Great Western Beach
newquay
Named after the Great Western Railway, this Newquay beach sits below the town centre, with rock pools and sea caves at the base of the cliffs.
Greenaway Beach
rock
Quiet cove between Polzeath and Daymer Bay, accessible only on foot from nearby car parks. Rock pools rich in marine life.
Gunwalloe Church Cove Beach
helston
National Trust cove on the Lizard beside the Church of the Storms, a medieval church whose detached bell tower is built into the cliff at the beach's edge.
Gwithian Towans
hayle
Miles of dune-backed golden sand at the west end of St Ives Bay. Left and right-hand surf breaks for all levels, plus kiteboarding and windsurfing.
Gwynver Beach
penzance
Surf beach near Sennen with powerful Atlantic swells and fewer crowds than its neighbour. Steep cliff path to access the sand.
Gyllyngvase Beach
falmouth
Blue Flag beach in Falmouth - known locally as Gylly - with fine sand and a popular beachside café. Panoramic views across Falmouth Bay.
Hannafore Beach
looe
Rocky shore in West Looe with Cornwall’s best rock pools at low tide - crabs, starfish, anemones, and squat lobsters.
Harlyn Bay Beach
harlyn
Family surf beach near Padstow with consistent waves and a gentle gradient. Dog friendly year-round - no seasonal ban.
Helford Passage Beach
falmouth
Sand and shingle beach on the Helford River with the Ferryboat Inn steps away. A seasonal foot ferry crosses to Helford village.
Hemmick Beach
st austell
Small secluded cove on the south coast near Gorran Haven. No facilities on the beach - bring supplies. Clear water for swimming and snorkelling.
Holywell Bay
holywell bay
Over a mile of dune-backed sand near Newquay, with sea stacks called Gull Rocks rising from the water. Surf, bodyboarding, and tidal pools.
Kingsand Beach
torpoint
Sand and shingle beach on the Rame Peninsula with views across Plymouth Sound. Sheltered waters ideal for swimming, plus village pubs and cafes nearby.
Kynance Cove
helston
Turquoise water and serpentine rock formations at the tip of the Lizard, one of the most photographed spots in Cornwall.
Lamorna Cove
penzance
Rocky inlet near Penzance favoured by the early 20th-century Lamorna artist colony. Clear water for snorkelling, rock pooling, and a small seasonal café.
Lansallos Beach
looe
Remote cove between Looe and Polperro reached only by countryside footpath. Crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkelling with no facilities.
Lantic Bay
fowey
National Trust bay near Fowey reached by a steep 15-20 minute walk. Dramatic cliffs, calm clear water, and no lifeguards keep it quiet and undisturbed.
Lekerock Cove Beach
looe
Rocky cove near Looe reached on foot via the coast path. Clear water for snorkelling and kayaking, no facilities, and near-empty even in season.
Little & Great Molunan Beach
truro
Twin coves at St Anthony Head on the Roseland with views across Carrick Roads. Steep footpath access, rock pools at low tide, no facilities.
Long Rock Beach
penzance
Sand and shingle beach between Penzance and Marazion with direct views of St Michael's Mount. Dogs are allowed all year at the Penzance end.
Lusty Glaze
newquay
Privately owned Newquay cove enclosed by 200ft cliffs, accessed by 133 steep steps only. Adventure centre, beachside restaurant and bar on sand.
Maenporth Beach
falmouth
Sheltered south-facing cove just south of Falmouth. Sandy beach, calm water for swimming and kayaking, plus a café on site.
Marazion Beach
marazion
Golden sands on Mount's Bay with direct views of St Michael's Mount. A causeway to the island opens at low tide. Calm water, paddleboarding, wildlife.
Mawgan Porth
newquay
Wide north coast bay between Newquay and Padstow with rock pools at low tide and reliable surf. Surf schools, cafés, and dog-friendly year-round.
Millook Beach
bude
Geologically remarkable pebble beach south of Bude famous for dramatically folded cliff strata. Rock pooling and geology exploring rather than swimming.
Mother Ivey's Bay
st merryn
On Trevose Head Heritage Coast near Padstow, with views of Trevose Head Lighthouse. Long sandy bay, shallow calm water, minimal facilities and no lifeguards.
Mousehole Beach
penzance
Two small sandy beaches inside Mousehole's granite harbour quays, reachable at low tide, with a long pebble beach running east toward Penlee Point.
Mullion Cove Beach
mullion
Rocky cove on the Lizard with a historic working harbour and frequent seal sightings. Good for rock pooling and snorkelling.
Nanjizal Beach
penzance
Remote cove near Land's End with the 'Song of the Sea' rock arch, reached on foot along the Coast Path. No road access, no facilities.
Northcott Mouth Beach
bude
Dog-friendly year-round north coast beach near Bude with rock pools, the 'Devil's Cauldron' tidal formation and a National Trust car park.
Pedn Vounder
penzance
Cliff-backed cove with tidal lagoons east of Porthcurno, seen from the coast path. The National Trust has closed the route down; use Porthcurno beach.
Penberth Cove
penzance
Working fishing cove near St Buryan, still active today. Pebble and granite beach in a narrow wooded valley - a genuine piece of Cornwall's maritime heritage.
Pendower Beach
truro
On the Roseland Heritage Coast, Pendower stretches over a mile at low tide on Gerrans Bay. Calm water, limited facilities, and very few crowds.
Pentewan Beach
mevagissey
Almost a mile of golden sand near St Austell on the south coast, privately owned but open to the public, with kayaking and paddleboarding.
Perranporth Beach
perranporth
3 miles of golden sand with The Watering Hole - a pub built right on the beach. Consistent surf, surf schools, lifeguarded in summer.
Perranuthnoe Beach
penzance
Family-friendly beach east of Penzance with views across Mount's Bay. Sandy at low tide with rock pools, good for beginner surfers, café on site.
Piskies Cove
rosudgeon
Small cove at Prussia Cove near Rosudgeon, with two sandy beaches at low tide, rock pools and no facilities.
Plaidy Beach
looe
Calm, sheltered beach near Looe with sand and shingle, excellent rock pooling, and safe waters for families. Coastal path walk into town.
Poldhu Cove Beach
mullion
Sandy family beach on the Lizard where Marconi sent the first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901. Gentle waves, café, and parking.
Polurrian Beach
helston
Surf-friendly beach under Lizard cliffs near Mullion with golden sand and nesting seabirds. No facilities, bring your own supplies.
Polzeath Beach
polzeath
Half-mile north coast surf beach near Wadebridge with left and right-hand breaks for all abilities. Dunes, cliffs, and multiple surf schools.
Ponsence Cove
helston
Small woodland-backed cove on the south bank of the Helford River, reached on foot from Helford or St Anthony. No facilities and a steep path.
Port Gaverne Beach
port isaac
Sheltered cove near Port Isaac with calm, clear water for swimming and kayaking. Rock pools at low tide, traditional pub nearby.
Porth Beach
newquay
Family-friendly bay north of Newquay with flat sand, a stream for paddling, and an Iron Age cliff castle. Lifeguarded mid-May to September, dog ban July-August.
Porth Joke (Polly Joke) Beach
newquay
Car-free cove between Crantock and Holywell Bay. Foot access only keeps it quieter than neighbours. Golden sand, wild cliffs, good surf.
Porth Saxon Beach
falmouth
Quiet beach on the Helford River between Porthallack and Durgan, reached on foot by the coast path. Sheltered water for paddling; bring supplies.
Porthcew (Rinsey Cove)
helston
National Trust cove near Helston with mining heritage visible in the cliffs. Steep path from the car park, no facilities, clear water, dramatic setting.
Porthchapel Beach
st levan
Small, quiet cove near St Levan church on Cornwall's far west coast with turquoise water. Steep path access, no facilities, best at low tide.
Porthcothan Bay Beach
st merryn
Sandy bay between Newquay and Padstow with dramatic sea stacks at high tide. Dog-friendly year-round, parking, toilets, and beach shop.
Porthcurnick Beach
truro
Fine sandy cove on the Roseland with calm waters and The Hidden Hut, a rustic beach café famous for ticketed feast nights. Quiet and family-friendly.
Porthcurno Beach
penzance
A wedge of white sand framed by dramatic granite cliffs - one of Cornwall's most photographed beaches.
Porthgwarra Beach
st levan
Tiny cove near Land's End reached through a tunnel cut in the cliff. Clear Atlantic water, seasonal café and toilets above the beach.
Porthgwidden Beach
st ives
Small sheltered beach in St Ives between the harbour and Island headland. Calm water, beach hut hire, and a café with bay views. Safe for families.
Porthkidney Beach
hayle
Wide dune-backed strand in Hayle Estuary SSSI with golden sands and excellent birdwatching. Peaceful, uncrowded beach with minimal facilities.
Porthleven Beach
porthleven
Cornwall's most exposed south-facing surf break with powerful winter waves. Harbour restaurants. Dogs banned on Porthleven West, 10am to 6pm, 1 July to 31 August.
Porthluney Bay
st austell
South coast bay on the Caerhays Estate with the castle as backdrop. Wide sandy beach, no lifeguards, dogs welcome all year, close to Mevagissey.
Porthmeor Beach
st ives
Atlantic-facing surf beach in St Ives with consistent swell, surf hire and lessons. Below Tate St Ives, lifeguarded in season. Best town surf break.
Porthminster Beach
st ives
South-facing calm water beach in St Ives sheltered from Atlantic swell. Award-winning beachfront café, safe swimming for families, lifeguarded.
Porthoustock Beach
helston
Shingle beach on the east Lizard with old quarry ruins and access to the Manacles reef, one of Cornwall's top dive sites. Clear water for diving.
Porthpean Beach
st austell
Sheltered sandy cove near St Austell with calm swimming, large rock pools at low tide, kayak hire on the sand and a steep path down. No lifeguards.
Porthtowan Beach
truro
North coast surf beach between St Agnes and Portreath, backed by high cliffs on three sides. Reliable Atlantic swell, surf schools, village café and pub.
Portreath Beach
redruth
Sandy north coast beach backed by a historic harbour and rocky cliffs near Redruth. Reliable surf, lifeguarded in summer, rock pools at the western end.
Praa Sands
praa sands
Exposed south coast beach between Helston and Penzance with strong Atlantic surf. Wide golden sand, RNLI lifeguards in season and a pay and display car park.
Priests Cove
st just
Rocky cove at the foot of Cape Cornwall near St Just. Popular for rock swimming and dramatic seascapes.
Prussia Cove
penzance
Famous smuggling base on the Mount's Bay coast - John Carter 'King of Prussia' ran operations from these coves in the 1700s.
Readymoney Cove
fowey
Sandy cove below Fowey with Henry VIII's St Catherine's Castle on the headland. Sheltered, family-friendly, calm water. Short walk from Fowey town centre.
Sandymouth Beach
bude
National Trust beach north of Bude with 'Steeple Rock' rising from the sand. Wide golden strand at low tide, reliable surf, lifeguarded in summer.
Seaton Beach
seaton
Dog-friendly year-round beach on the southeast coast between Seaton and Downderry. Long sandy stretch, calm water, on-site café, cycle trails start here.
Sennen Cove
sennen
Crescent beach just a mile from Land's End with a working harbour and reliable surf. Cafés, a pub, surf schools. One of the most westerly beaches in England.
St Ives Harbour Beach
st ives
Town beach in St Ives harbour with views of fishing boats and yachts, sheltered by Smeaton's Pier. Clear water, all amenities, vibrant Cornish setting.
St Mawes
truro
On the Roseland opposite Falmouth, with St Mawes Castle - one of Henry VIII's best-preserved forts - a short walk away.
Summerleaze Beach
bude
Bude's main beach and home of the tidal Bude Sea Pool. Seasonal RNLI lifeguards. Dogs on leads from 10am to 6pm, 21 May to 30 September.
Swanpool Beach
falmouth
Crescent beach near Falmouth next to Swanpool Lake nature reserve - good for birdwatching alongside swimming.
Talland Bay
looe
Dog-friendly cove between Looe and Polperro with calm clear water for swimming and kayaking. Two beach cafés and South West Coast Path cliffside walks.
Tolcarne Beach
newquay
Cliff-sheltered crescent beach in Newquay that connects to neighbouring beaches at low tide. Lifeguarded in summer, with dog restrictions in the warmer months.
Towan Beach
newquay
Newquay's town beach with the famous island house on its suspension bridge. Sheltered cove at high tide, links to Great Western Beach at low tide.
Tregardock Beach
tintagel
Remote north coast beach near Tintagel with powerful surf and dramatic rock formations. Steep path down, best at low tide.
Trevaunance Cove
st agnes
St Agnes's beach, with old harbour walls and mine workings on the cliffs. Good surf and bodyboarding, lifeguarded in summer, with cafés and toilets.
Trevellas Cove
st agnes
Rugged pebble cove near St Agnes on the Heritage Coast. Clear water ideal for snorkelling and shore fishing, with a quiet atmosphere away from crowds.
Trevone Bay
trevone
Sandy north coast bay near Padstow with a natural blowhole on the western cliffs. Lifeguarded in summer, rock pools, good for families.
Treyarnon Bay
st merryn
Known for its natural rock swimming pool that forms at low tide - a unique sheltered spot for children.
Vugga Cove
newquay
Small, hard-to-reach cove near Crantock with a steep cliff path. Clear blue-green water, good snorkelling, no facilities.
Watergate Bay
watergate bay
2 miles of north coast sand north of Newquay with consistent surf, dogs welcome all year, and The Beach Hut for food right on the sand.
Whipsiderry Beach
newquay
Sandy cove north of Newquay hemmed in by high cliffs with a quieter atmosphere than the main town beaches.
Whitsand Bay
torpoint
4 miles of golden sand on the Rame Peninsula, less visited than north coast beaches. Cliff-backed, great for surfing and bodyboarding, beach cafés.
Widemouth Bay
bude
Over 2 miles of sand south of Bude with reliable surf for all abilities. Lifeguarded in summer, rock pools at low tide, surf schools, parking and cafés on site.