If you’re heading to Cornwall in the South West of England, you’re in for a treat as I walk you through the best beaches to visit in Cornwall. Think all things beautiful, crystal-clear waters, golden sand, cliffs that often resemble those countries that are far more tropical and exotic places.

When it comes to the best beaches in Cornwall, it’s renowned for having the best beach trips in the UK (maybe biased for me because it’s somewhere I was lucky enough to call home), and there are so many of them scattered along the coast that it always feels like a tough decision to pick a favourite. Even if surfing or lazing on the beach isn’t really your thing, you’d still be crazy to skip the beautiful views and indulge in a beachside ice cream.

I’ve lived in Newquay for three years now, right on Fistral Beach, watching the surfers paddle out most mornings from my window (how dreamy!). In my spare time, I’ve been on the hunt for the most beautiful beaches in Cornwall, searching the coastline, particularly the quieter areas, and scouting out the ones that don’t show up when searching online. So here’s what I’ve found: my favourite Cornwall beaches, and the ones I think you actually need to see while you’re here. After reading this best beaches in Cornwall guide, I am sure you’ll have a calling for a multi-day beach-hopping Cornwall trip.

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 Inspiration and ideas for your Cornwall adventure:

• Best places to visit in Cornwall 
•  3-day itinerary for Cornwall 
•  4-day itinerary for Cornwall
• Check out my 28 best places to visit in England blog post if you happen to be planning a wider English adventure or road trip.

Would you like lifetime access to all my top tips and favourite spots in Cornwall to help you plan an epic adventure? Check out the Cornwall Google Map below.

Beaches in Cornwall that you should visit on your next trip

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!

Marazion Beach, Cornwall

Marazion beach has got to be up there with one of the best beaches in Cornwall to visit. 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.

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).

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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Polzeath, Cornwall

Polzeath’s one of those beaches that just has it all, honestly. Big, sandy, and with an actual proper village behind it, cafes, surf shops, and a pub (great if someone in your group is a sports lover and wants to catch a quick match of football on your beach day)

It’s the kind of place that seems to attract all sorts of people, whether it be families, surf beginners or just those who love to chill on the beach. The waves are gentle enough to learn on but there’s still enough of a break that you’ll see surf schools out most days, wobbly first-timers and all.

If surfing’s not your plan, it’s still a great one to just plant yourself for the day. Grab a coffee, people-watching, or catching the sunset? If you feel up to something more active, I’d suggest a walk up towards Pentire Point after; some really pretty coastal views along the coast.

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!

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?

• Best Brunch Spots in Newquay, Cornwall
• Best things to do in Newquay, Cornwall.

Bedruthan Steps, Cornwall

Honestly, this one just doesn’t look real. A short drive north of Newquay, Bedruthan Steps is famous for these huge rock stacks that shoot straight up out of the sand, like something out of a fantasy film rather than the north Cornwall coast. There’s a steep staircase down (National Trust car park at the top, you just pay a small fee), and by the time you’re standing on the sand looking back up at those stacks, you’ll have forgotten you’re still in the UK.

Just a heads up, even though this is one of the best beaches in Cornwall, swimming’s not really a thing here. The currents are often pretty strong, and there’s no lifeguard, so it’s more of a wander-around-and-take-a-hundred-photos kind of beach. I’d recommend grabbing a pasty from the café at the top once you’ve made it up; you’ll feel like you’ve earned it.

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!

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 relatively undeveloped, 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!

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!

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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