If you’re planning a visit to Cornwall in the South West of England, chances are you’re hoping for a bit of ocean time? Cornwall offers up some of the best beaches in the UK so, even if beach time isn’t your thing, you’d be mad to not head to at least one Cornwall beach during your adventure.

I spent last summer exploring Cornwall in my converted VW van and I’ve been living in Newquay for the last 3 months, right on the world-famous Fistral Beach! I’ve found some absolute gems for you to check out. Look no further, in this blog post, I’m going to share with you the best Cornwall beaches and the most beautiful beaches to visit in Cornwall.

You don’t travel far without finding a gorgeous beach in Cornwall so the following list is by no means all of the beaches. So many little unknown gems are knocking around the coastline, so I’d highly recommend driving along the coastal roads and discovering some Cornwall beaches for yourself.

If you’re looking for more ideas for your Cornwall adventure check out my best places to visit in Cornwall blog post, my 3-day itinerary for Cornwall and my 4-day itinerary for Cornwall. And if you happen to be planning a wider English adventure or road trip, check out my 28 best places to visit in England blog post.

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Would you like lifetime access to all my top tips and favourite spots in Cornwall to help you plan an epic adventure? Purchase my Cornwall Google Map Legend here.

Cornwall Google Map Legend

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A guide to the best and most beautiful beaches in Cornwall

1. Pedn Vounder beach

This is up there at the top of my Cornwall beaches favourites. Just around the corner from, and with views of, the Minack Theatre and Porthcurno beach is Pedn Vounder beach. I couldn’t believe it was England. I haven’t seen it on an overcast day but my god, on a sunny one it’s sensational. There’s no easy access to the beach, it’s a bit of a climbdown but you don’t need any advanced fitness or ability to make it down. It’s just a rugged path with a rocky final ascent. Park up the top at Treen car park. £5 for the day!

Tip: Wear trainers for the walk!

2. Marazion Beach

2 miles east of Penzance is the ancient market town of Marazion and the gateway to the famous national trust managed by St. Michaels Mount. At low tide, you can walk across the causeway to access the fairytale castle and gardens and otherwise, small ferry boats operate for a small fee. The beach here is beautiful and boasts views across St. Michael Mount. A gorgeous day out!

Cornwall is one of the prettiest places to visit in England. For more of the best places to visit in England, check out this post.

3. Gwithian Beach

Located right by Godrevy Beach (connected at low tide) is Gwithian Beach, a popular surf beach backed by gorgeous wild dunes (perfect for walking your pup). The swell provides good all-year-round conditions and this beach is a popular spot for windsurfers too. Cornwall beaches do not disappoint, do they?!

Tip: Dogs are welcome on Gwithian Beach all year round however Godrevy Beach has a seasonal dog ban in place during July and August (10 am – 6 pm).

4. Porthmeor Beach

This has been a favourite spot of mine for years. It’s just around the coastline (5-minute walk) from the centre of St.Ives and there’s a beautiful cafe right on the beach where you can enjoy lunch, a wonderful coffee (they serve Oatly) or a post-surf beer. You can kick back and enjoy a day on the sand, learn to surf with St.Ives surf school, wander the shops and grab an ice cream in St.Ives or check out the Tate Museum, all within walking distance from Porthmeor.

Dreamy!

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EXPLORE CORNWALL TRAVEL GUIDES HERE

5. Sennen Cove

As you drive down the hill from the little town of Sennen, you’ll witness breathtaking views right across Sennen Cove – one of Cornwall’s hottest surf spots. At low tide, the beach and its golden sands open up for plenty to enjoy. Sennen is located on the Northern beaches of Cornwall and has a reliable surf break year-round. You can hire a board on the beach and try it for yourself!

Tip: If you’re feeling active, the walk from Sennen around to Land’s End is a beautiful coastal walk. It’s pretty chilled and takes only around 25 minutes!

Top tip: For 20 of the best adventures in Cornwall that you cannot miss, check out this blog post!

6. Fistral Beach

Fistral Beach is not only one of Cornwall’s top surf spots but it’s a world-class surf destination and is the surf capital of England. If you’re looking to try surfing for the first time, this should be on your Cornwall beaches bucket list. you can rent a board in town or even on the beachfront. You’ll be joined by many other ocean lovers. If surfing isn’t your thing, why not try an afternoon with Barefoot Coasteering or book a yoga class?

Tip: Head to Box and Barbour for a coffee/acai bowl in town!

• The best things to do in Newquay, Cornwall

Would you like lifetime access to all my top tips and favourite spots in Cornwall to help you plan an epic adventure? Purchase my Cornwall Google Map Legend here.

7. Treyarnon Bay

This was the spot where I hosted a Global Travellers weekend adventure, see the weekend highlights here. There’s a gorgeous YHA hostel right on the bay which I’d highly recommend but if you’re passing by, I recommend passing by for sunset. On a clear day, like we had, the sunset is priceless and sets perfectly on the horizon.

Take the walk around to Booby’s and Constantine Bay if you have time!

EXPLORE ROAD TRIPS ON MY BLOG HERE

8. Kynance Cove

Kynance Cove is a cove on the eastern side of Mount’s Bay in Cornwall. It is situated on the Lizard peninsula approximately two miles north of Lizard Point.

The Lizard Peninsula is an outcrop of land on the South Coast of Cornwall and is the UK’s most southerly point. How cool! The landscape is ridiculous and it’s relatively underdeveloped leaving plenty of natural beauty for you to enjoy. You’d be crazy to not walk at least a section of The Lizard Coastal walk, an 11 km walk that takes you along the coast from Kynance Cove before going inland and returning to where you started.

See details of the route and walking directions here.

Just a stunning place to stop off and spend some extra time! Snorkels and swimmers at the ready, this is one of the best Cornwall beaches!

9. Crantock Beach

Just a few minutes south of Newquay is Crantock Beach, this long stretch of golden sand sitting at the mouth of the Gannel estuary. I only popped down to walk my dog on the dog-friendly beach but whilst I was there I witnessed so many people hiring surfboards from the main National Trust car park and heading into the water!

Would you like lifetime access to all my top tips and favourite spots in Cornwall to help you plan an epic adventure? Purchase my Cornwall Google Map Legend here.

What Cornwall beaches would you add to the list??

I’d love to know!

Love as always and happy adventuring,

Mollie.

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