Okay, the beaches in Cornwall are just something else.

If you’re planning a visit to Cornwall in the South West of England, you’re in for a treat. The beaches in Cornwall are, IMO, the most beautiful in the UK, and there are so many stunning beaches to choose from. Even if surfing and beach days aren’t your thing, you’d be mad not to enjoy at least the views that beaches in Cornwall offer during your trip.

I’ve been living in Newquay for the last 3 years (right on the world-famous Fistral Beach) and in my spare time, I’ve been uncovering different corners of this rugged coastline, in search of the best Cornwall beaches for you to explore.

In this blog post, I’m going to share with you my favourite Cornwall beaches and the beaches in Cornwall that you must visit.

The following list is by no means exhaustive. The fantastic thing about beaches in Cornwall is that there are many little unknown gems knocking around the coastline beyond these main spots, so I’d highly recommend driving along the coastal roads and discovering some secret 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.

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.

Beaches in Cornwall that you should visit on your next trip

1. Pedn Vounder beach, Cornwall

This is up there at the top of my beaches in Cornwall bucket list. Just around the corner from the Minack Theatre and Porthcurno beach, with views of both, 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 climb down, 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 and check the tide times, the most stunning views with the sand banks are at mid – low tide! There really isn’t much beach at high tide!

2. Marazion Beach, Cornwall

2 miles east of Penzance is the ancient market town of Marazion, gateway to the famous National Trust-owned St. Michael’s 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, with views across St. Michael’s Mount. A gorgeous day out!

Cornwall is one of the prettiest places to visit in England; there are the beaches in Cornwall, but then there are the villages to check out too. For more of the best places to visit in England, check out this post.

3. Gwithian Beach, Cornwall

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) and another of the best beaches in Cornwall. 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, Cornwall

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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5. Sennen Cove, Cornwall

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 and one of the most stunning beaches in Cornwall – particularly on a clear, sunny day.

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, Cornwall

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. Many other ocean lovers’ll join you.

If surfing isn’t your thing, why not try an afternoon with Barefoot Coasteering or book a yoga class?

See my Best Brunch Spots in Newquay, Cornwall and 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, Cornwall

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’d recommend stopping for sunset. On a clear day, as we had, the sunset is priceless and sets perfectly on the horizon.

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

8. Kynance Cove, Cornwall

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 not to 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, Cornwall

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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