BEST OF 2020 Cornwall’s beaches

16 BEST OF CORNWALL 2020 Cornwall’s beaches

By Anna Ridley

Cornwall is home to some of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes and with over 400 miles of rugged coastline, you are only ever 16 miles away from one of the region’s 300 stunning beaches. The north coast boasts golden sandy beaches and crashing waves that offer perfect conditions for surfing and bodyboarding, while the south coast is dotted with secluded coves and bays fringed with calmer azure waters. Cornwall plays a vital role in the maritime history of the UK with fishing and smuggling activities dating back as early as the 12th century and D-day embarkations on the shingly beaches of the Fal and Helford rivers and the . Powder soft sandy beaches stretch along the north coast from down to Land’s End, and granite cliffs tower over pebbly shores extending along the south coast of Cornwall.

17 BEST OF CORNWALL 2020 Duckpool Summerleaze Bude Crooklets Widemouth Bay

There is a beach to suit everyone in Cornwall, Haven Café whether you are looking to stroll along the shores Trebarwith Strand at sunset, sunbathe in rolling sand dunes, breathe in the fresh sea air while walking the dog, build sand Bay Bay Rock Toilets castles with the kids, or scuba dive beneath the Bedruthan Steps surface of the Atlantic Ocean to explore the marine

ecosystem and sunken shipwrecks. Watergate Bay Fistral Parking Discover the beauty of Cornwall’s coastline with our extensive guide to a selection of St Agnes Charlestown Bay Porthpean Cornwall’s finest beaches. Porthtowan Dogs not St Ives allowed Starting at Bude in the north July & Porthminster Towans Carne August east, the list of beaches Bay 10am to Hayle Porthcurnick 6pm runs in a southerly Falmouth Cove Swanpool Gyllingvase direction down the north Praa Sands coast, around Land’s Lands End Porthcurno End and then along the Mullion Surfing south coast to Whitsand Bay. Kennack Sands The

Lifeguard BUDE Summerleaze is within walking distance of Bude town Situated 3 miles south of Bude, this long open bay is a ’s beaches boast miles of centre and is great for families with its expansive soft fantastic spot for families. The beach has an array of rock unbroken stretches of golden sand, hidden sands. The beach is sheltered by the breakwater and is pools, small waves that are perfect for learning to surf, and coves and rugged tall cliffs. The ocean’s perfect for paddling, building sand castles and relaxing in it is patrolled by RNLI lifeguard during summer months. Blue Beach crashing waves offer plenty of swell for surfing, the rolling sand dunes. Lifeguards operate on the beach Dogs are allowed on the South Beach all year round and Dogs not kite boarding and bodyboarding activities, during summer months and visitors can bathe safely under facilities include cafes, toilets, shops and surf schools. allowed while calmer waters enable swimmers to take their watch in the Sea Pool. There is disabled access from mid May to end a refreshing dip in the gentle bobbing sea all the car park with beach chairs available in the summer and TINTAGEL AND PORT ISAAC of Sept year round. nearby facilities include shops, beach hut hire, toilets and Tintagel is famous for its historic legends a café. Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round but surrounding King Arthur and the Knights of the DUCKPOOL must be kept on leads between 10am and 6pm from May Round Table at Tintagel Castle. The coastline to September. boasts dramatic cliffs, turquoise green ocean CROOKLETS waters, fantastic surf conditions and golden sandy beaches.

BOSSINEY HAVEN

This large sandy beach is a hidden gem and most people miss it while travelling straight from Tintagel to Boscastle. Surrounded by high cliffs that are teeming with flora and fauna, the beach is only accessible by a footpath over This beautiful secluded cove offers breathtaking views of farm land and steep steps down the cliffs. Once on the the northern coast of Cornwall and is the perfect place to sandy shores, visitors can absorb the stunning scenery and escape the crowds during busy summer months. The peak This beach is a favourite for surfers of all levels with larger tranquil surroundings comprising golden soft sand, azure of Steeple Point Cliff towers over the small pebbly beach swells than its neighbouring beach, Summerleaze. Home to ocean waters and a waterfall cascading down the side of a and visitors can access Duckpool via the wooded Coombe the Bude Life Saving Club, Crooklets has lifeguards during cliff. There are no facilities and toilets are a ten-minute walk Valley or from the National Trust car park. The tides make summer months and when the tide is out there are plenty away. Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round. it dangerous for swimming and lifeguards do not operate at of rock pools to explore. Facilities include cafes, toilets, and TREBARWITH STRAND this beach at all. Dogs are welcome all year round. a large car park. Dogs are banned from the beach between Easter and the beginning of October. SUMMERLEAZE WIDEMOUTH BAY ©Peter

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Trebarwith Strand beach is located at the bottom of a deep ROCK CONSTANTINE BAY valley two miles from Tintagel. Access is via foot along the coast path by St Materiana’s Church at Tintagel or from Café Treknow and when the tide is out visitors can enjoy nearly a mile long stretch of unbroken golden sand, vast cliffs, caves and views of Gull Rock. At high tide the beach is submerged. Surfers can enjoy great conditions and facilities include a Toilets café and toilets. Lifeguards patrol the beach during summer months and dogs are allowed all year round.

PORT ISAAC Parking

The flat and wide beach features plenty of soft sand, rock pools and a mass of low sand dunes, making it an ideal spot Rock beach, also known as Cove, is a long and for families and nature lovers. Constantine Bay is a well Dogs not sandy beach on the east side of the Camel Estuary facing allowed known haunt for surfers but there are strong rip currents Padstow and has sheltered calm and clear waters that make July & so the waters are best left to the experienced surfing August it a nice tranquil spot for walking, fishing and boat trips. The enthusiasts. There is a small car park with toilets and 10am to beach stretches for a mile round to which can 6pm lifeguards are present in the summer. Dogs are welcome be reached at low tide. Daymer Bay has facilities including all year round. a car park, cafe, beach shop, and waters sports. Dogs are allowed all year round on both beaches.

TREVONE BAY Surfing

Port Isaac is famously known as the fictional setting for the ITV series Doc Martin and the home of the singing group, the Fishermen Friends. The beach is small and shingly Lifeguard and nestled in the historic harbour. Fishing trips can be taken from the harbour and there are toilets, cafes and restaurants. There are no lifeguards and dogs are allowed all year round. Blue Beach Dogs not allowed PADSTOW & WADEBRIDGE The headland and cliffs that lie to the north of Porthcothan mid May to end are protected by the National Trust and are thriving with Padstow is a traditional fishing port that has of Sept been put on the culinary map thanks to Rick colourful flora. The golden sandy beach is sheltered by Stein’s Seafood Restaurant. Wadebridge is grassy sand dunes and rocky headlands and its calmer ocean waters are great for swimmers and little paddlers. located eight miles inland from Padstow and One of the famed 7 Bays of North Cornwall it is found to the There are plenty of rock pools to discover at low tide and the town sits on the banks of the Camel River. north of Harlyn Bay. Trevone Bay was awarded the coveted life guards are present in the summer. Dogs are welcome The area boasts sandy beaches on the camel Blue Flag Award in 2017 and is in an area of great geological all year round and facilities include a car park, toilets and estuary as well as north-facing shores fringed interest. The beach is popular with surfers and it has golden a nearby shop. by the Atlantic Ocean. sands and a shallow lagoon at low tide that is ideal for small POLZEATH children to play in. However please be aware that there is a powerful rip tide to the right of the beach. NEWQUAY HARLYN BAY Newquay offers some of the UK’s most popular surfing beaches. But it’s not all about catching the waves; the area also boasts beautiful powder soft sandy beaches and spectacular rugged cliffs and headlands.

BEDRUTHAN STEPS

Polzeath is one of Cornwall’s most popular beaches for both surfers of all levels and families and is located six miles from Wadebridge. The 2011 Blue Flag award-winning beach is situated at the mouth of the camel estuary and is large, flat and sandy. Visitors will have the chance to This crescent-shaped bay is located just over two miles Bedruthan Steps Beach is one of Cornwall’s most dramatic glimpse sightings of dolphins and seals playing in the surf from Padstow and is a favourite for families and surfers. The beaches with huge slate outcrops dotted across the beach while they relax on fine golden sand or paddle in the ocean. wide and spacious beach is protected from prevailing winds like stepping stones. At low tide the beach stretches over The beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer and is backed by low sand dunes. Lifeguards are present a mile and many rock pools and nooks and crannies can and facilities include parking, toilets, surf schools and a during the summer and facilities include toilets, parking, be found. The beach is not suitable for wheelchairs or café/ restaurant. a café and surf schools. Dogs are welcome all year round. pushchairs as there are a number of steps leading down to

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the beach and swimming is not advised due to the strong FISTRAL This soft sandy beach is three miles long and is located current. Facilities include a tea room with toilets and a small six miles south of Newquay. The wide flat beach is backed Café car park run by the National Trust. Dogs are allowed all year by extensive grassy sand dunes that stretch a mile inland. round and make sure you check tide times before you visit. Perranporth is perfect for families and surfers and the beach features a river which is perfect for paddling and cooling WATERGATE BAY off. Facilities include toilets, wetsuit hire, refreshments, ( BEACH) Toilets and a bar/restaurant directly on the beach. There is disabled access and lifeguards are present between May and September. Dogs are allowed all year round but in July and August restrictions are in place and dogs must be kept Parking on leads.

Dogs not ST IVES AND HAYLE allowed Fistral is one of the most famous beaches in Cornwall and St Ives and Hayle boast beautiful beaches July & is at the heart of the UK surfing scene. The wide expanse along the southern area of the north coast of August of golden sands stretch between Pentire and Towan Cornwall. Hayle is well known for its golden 10am to 6pm headlands and the beach is split into three areas: South sand three-mile beaches, while St Ives features Fistral, the main beach and North Fistral. Surfing conditions sandy shores with turquoise ocean waters. are generally great throughout the year and the , GODREVY Cornwall’s spectacular wave break, can be found in front of . Facilities include a café, toilets, showers, Surfing shops, car park, restaurant and surfboard/wetsuit hire. This gorgeous long and wide beach is a Mecca for Lifeguards are present during peak holidays periods and watersports enthusiasts with perfect ocean conditions dogs are allowed during the winter months. for surfing, kite boarding, kayaking, windsurfing, stand- Lifeguard up paddle boarding, and wave-skiing. Located three miles CRANTOCK from Newquay, the golden sand beach stretches two miles along the coast and is backed by steep cliffs. Lifeguards are present in the summer and facilities include a car park, the Blue Extreme Academy for watersports, a shop, café, toilets and Beach the Jamie Oliver’s renowned Fifteen Restaurant. Dogs are Dogs not allowed on the beach all year round. allowed mid May LUSTY GLAZE to end of Sept Located at the northern end of Hayle’s three-mile beaches, Godrevy receives the full powerful Atlantic swell resulting This beach is perfect for families and surfers and boasts in excellent surfing condition. The beach has toilets, a car powder soft golden sands, high grassy sand dunes, cliffs, park and a café where visitors can sit and admire views of rock pools, caves and the tidal Gannel River. The long and Godrevy Lighthouse which sits on an island about 50 metres very wide beach is located just two miles from the centre out to sea. Lifeguards are present during summer months of Newquay and during the summer months, a ferry service and dogs are not allowed on the beach during peak season. operates between the beach and the charming Fern Pit café HAYLE TOWANS on Pentire headland. Lifeguards operate during summer months and facilities include a car park, toilets and a beach kiosk that serves refreshments. Surfing conditions are good and dogs are permitted throughout the year.

PERRANPORTH

Lusty Glaze is a fantastic family-friendly privately-owned Hayle Towans is a two-mile-long beach that stretches from beach sheltered by tall cliffs. Home to the National Hayle town to the . The beach features sand Lifeguard Training Centre, the sandy horseshoe-shaped dunes and is so big that families can enjoy uncrowded cove offers excellent facilities including a café, shop, areas while sand yachts and kite buggies whizz across the restaurant, bar, toilets, crèche, the Adventure centre, and shoreline. The “Site” area of the beach is great for surfing the hire of watersports and beach huts. Access to the beach with the best conditions at high tide. Lifeguards are present is via steps leading down from the top of the cliff or via during summer months and facilities include toilets, a Towan Beach at low tide. Lifeguards are present during peak car park, a shop and a café. Dogs are only allowed during periods and dogs are allowed during winter months. winter months.

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CARBIS BAY LAND’S END AND ST JUST MOUSEHOLE Land’s End is the westernmost point of the United Kingdom located on the Café peninsula, eight miles south west of Penzance. The coastline is mostly made up of rocky jagged cliffs and beaches are sparse but the few that do exist in the area are beautiful. Toilets

SENNEN BEACH

Parking

Mousehole is better known for its charming town and decorative Christmas lights but there are two small beaches Dogs not in the area. One of the beaches is a pebbly rocky beach with allowed a small pool on the side of town and the other is July & This mile-long sandy beach is located on the outskirts of a small sandy beach which is enclosed within the scenic August St Ives and can be mistaken for an idyllic Caribbean spot 10am to harbour. The town has several cafes, bars, restaurants and because of its clear turquoise calm waters and pristine soft 6pm shops nearby. Dogs are banned all year round. light golden coloured sands. The beach is protected from prevailing winds by high tree-covered cliffs and facilities MARAZION include a beach shop, café, toilets, a lost child centre, and first aid post. Lifeguards are present during summer months Surfing and dogs not permitted between Easter and October. Located two miles from Land’s End, Sennen is a favourite PORTHMINSTER surfing beach that stretches over a mile and is backed by green headlands. The crescent-shaped beach has easy access for disabled visitors and pushchairs and facilities Lifeguard include toilets, a beach cafe/restaurant, shop and car park. Surfers of all levels can enjoy the swells coming from both the north and south coasts. Lifeguards patrol the beach during the peak season and dogs are not permitted Blue between Easter and October. Beach Dogs not PORTHCURNO allowed mid May to end of Sept Porthminster is a 2011 Blue Flag family-friendly beach and can be reached in a short walk from St Ives town centre. This mile-long beach is conveniently located to the nearby The crescent-shaped beach has disabled access and offers town and is a great spot for families with flat shores and excellent facilities including a beach café, toilets, beach clean waters. The beach has an array of series of small huts and mini-golf. Visitors can enjoy calm, clear waters rocky coves and during low tide, visitors walk across the which are perfect for safe swimming and water activities. stone causeway that leads to St Michael’s Mount on a rocky Lifeguards patrol the beach during summer months and island off the mainland. Facilities include toilets, cafes, dogs are not permitted between Easter and October. parking and a children’s playground on the green behind PORTHMEOR BEACH the beach. Lifeguards are present during peak periods and dogs are not permitted between Easter and October.

PRAA SANDS

This beach features stunning soft white sands and clear blue green ocean waters and its easy access makes it a hit with families. Overlooked by the open-air Minack Theatre which lies nestled in the cliffs, the sheltered beach has a stream which is perfect for paddling. Facilities include a car park, toilets and a café at the top of the beach path. Lifeguards are present during summer months and dogs are not permitted between Easter and October.

PENZANCE, AND Penzance is famous for its legendary pirate Porthmeor is St Ives’ largest beach and a favourite for and smugglers’ tales. Its coastline boasts a families and surfers thanks to the soft golden sands and cornucopia of beautiful sandy coves, majestic This beach is great for families and surfers and offers one Atlantic swells. The long beach is overlooked by the famous cliffs, granite headlands and cobalt ocean mile of golden sands. The surfing conditions are good Tate St Ives gallery and facilities include cafés, shops, waters. The west coastline of Cornwall is all year round and facilities include a car park, toilets, beach huts and toilets. Lifeguards are present during peak perfect for sailing, surfing and windsurfing and refreshments kiosk, and café. Lifeguards are present during season months and dogs are not permitted between Easter the area has a wide collection of family and summer months and dogs are not permitted between and October. dog-friendly beaches. Easter and October.

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PORTHLEVEN This is a pebble beach with a strip of sand at low water. SWANPOOL There are no facilities but you can park at the NT car Café park for Kynance Cove half a mile away. There are never many people here as it is a scramble down to it but if you are looking for an uncrowded beach then you should be happy here. Toilets KENNACK SANDS

Parking ©Tim Green ©Tim

Dogs not allowed July & August Porthleven beach features a three-mile stretch of sandy Swanpool is an east-facing sheltered sandy beach 10am to shingly expanse on the west coast of the Lizard Peninsula, 6pm located next to a nature reserve and Swanpool Lake one mile away from Helston. Visitors can walk along the which is a popular setting for bird watchers. The waters cliffs to the nearby Loe Beach but swimming is not advisable are relatively calm and good for swimming and pleasure due to offshore currents. The beach is a good spot for boats can be hired. Facilities include a car park, toilets, a experienced surfers and lifeguards patrol the beach during This beach is owned by Estate and boasts a vast café, watersports equipment hire, crazy golf and a nearby Surfing peak seasons. A granite pier separates the beach from sandy and fine shingle area with numerous rock pools and restaurant which has magnificent views. Dogs are not Porthleven harbour and nearby facilities include toilets, a grassy banks on the Lizard Peninsula. The beach is accessed permitted between Easter and October. car park and restaurants. Dogs are not permitted on the from the car park and facilities include toilets, a café and western end of the beach between Easter and October but GYLLYNGVASE beach shop and is a good spot for families. Lifeguards Lifeguard they are allowed on the rest of the beach all year round. patrol the beach during the summer and dogs are permitted KYNANCE COVE all year round on the east side of the beach only.

Blue Beach FALMOUTH AND ROSELAND Dogs not allowed PENINSULA mid May Falmouth is famous for its natural harbour and to end is often used as the starting or finishing point of Sept for round-the-world sailing trips. The is perfect for yachting and watersports and the southern coastline features secluded inlets, sandy shingly beaches and a backdrop of dense green woods and calm clear waters. The Roseland Peninsula stretches from Tolverne along the River Fal to the traditional fishing and harbour towns of and Portloe. This is Falmouth’s largest beach and is fantastic for The coastline is dotted with hidden creeks, families due to its flat crescent shape, white sand and calm Porthleven beach features a three-mile stretch of sandy sandy quiet beaches and crystal clear estuaries azure waters. Gyllyngvase is a 2011 Blue Flag beach and a shingly expanse on the west coast of the Lizard Peninsula, including the famous Tolverne shingly beach popular spot for sun-bathing, swimming, sailing, canoeing one mile away from Helston. Visitors can walk along the which was used as the embarkation point for and windsurfing activities. Facilities include a car park, cliffs to the nearby Loe Beach but swimming is not advisable D-day landings during World War II. café/ restaurant and toilets. There is disabled access and due to offshore currents. The beach is a good spot for Lifeguards are present during summer months. Dogs are experienced surfers and lifeguards patrol the beach during MAENPORTH not permitted between Easter and October. peak seasons. A granite pier separates the beach from Porthleven harbour and nearby facilities include toilets, a PORTHCURNICK car park and restaurants. Dogs are not permitted on the western end of the beach between Easter and October but they are allowed on the rest of the beach all year round.

PENTREATH

Maenporth has shallow waters that are suitable for swimming and the low cliffs provide shelter for the sandy beach. The beach is great for activities such as wind surfing, diving, sailing and kayaking and at low tide the Ben Asdale shipwreck can be seen. Facilities include parking, toilet facilities, beach café and there is disable access. Dogs are not permitted between Easter and October.

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This wide and sandy beach is owned by the National Trust Charlestown had made many appearances in TV series and WHITSAND BAY and is backed by high cliffs. Access is via a footpath through films and is home to some spectacular tall ships. The beach fields and down steep steps and there are many rock pools is pebbly and has a number of small caves but visitors Café to explore. Swimmers should be aware of rip currents and should be careful as rock can fall from the cliffs. The waters dolphins and basking sharks can often be sighted from the are calm and the beach is great for sunbathing, sailing and shores. Facilities include a car park, toilets and a café. Dogs swimming. The beach is very close to the town and its cafes, are permitted all year round. toilets, pubs and shops. Dogs are banned all year round. Toilets

CARNE

Parking

Whitsand Bay is made up of several beaches that stretch four miles from to . The area features sand and rocks with plenty of rock pools to explore Dogs not and the ocean waters offer good conditions for surfers and allowed divers. Access is via uneven pathways and steps and there July & August are no facilities. The western end of Tregantle Beach is used 10am to by the MOD as a firing range at Tregantle Fort, and a red flag 6pm is placed on the beach when firing is taking place. Beach is in the middle of Whitsand Bay and has a café A peaceful dog and family friendly beach, one of Cornwall’s located above it. Lifeguards are present during summer hidden gems, which is away from the crowds and months and dogs are allowed on the beach all year round. undiscovered by many. The gently sloping sand and soft This coarse sand beach is located on the outskirts of St. Surfing waves of the south coast, mean the beach is particularly Austell and stretches over two miles. Access is via steep Keeping safe in, safe for swimming and for children. Also, dogs are allowed steps and the beach is currently undergoing work as a new on the beach between Easter and October, but they must resort is built behind it. Facilities include public toilets and a and on, the water be on a lead. nearby car park. Dogs are banned all year round. Lifeguard It is a good idea to think about how to stay safe when visiting the beach or going out to sea. Every year there are tragic accidents which if they don’t ST. AUSTELL LOOE AND POLPERRO ruin people’s lives certainly ruin people’s holidays. The southern coastline of St Austell is Looe’s rocky coastline is made up of wooded Who better to get advice from than the RNLI whose Blue Beach sheltered and has plenty of bays, headlands estuaries and rivers, sheltered sandy beaches volunteer lifeboat crews are on-call 24/7, ready to launch and rescue those in danger at sea, while the Dogs not and estuaries. Beaches are generally small and steep valleys. Fishing is still a main allowed charity’s lifeguards will be patrolling beaches over and shingly with picturesque fishing ports in feature of the town and there are plenty of mid May the school holidays. The RNLI gave us the following opportunities for shark fishing, diving or to end Mevagissey and Fowey are dotted along important beach and sea safety tips for anyone of Sept the shores. sightseeing on boat trips around the shores. planning a trip to the coast.

PORTHPEAN POLPERRO For those heading to the beach, the RNLI’s top five beach safety tips are: 1. Swim at a lifeguarded beach, between the Polperro is a quaint working fishing village with a small, red and yellow flags sandy beach that sits outside the harbour walls and is 2. Never use inflatables in strong winds or accessible during low tide. Nearby facilities include cafés, rough seas restaurants, pubs, art galleries, shops, a museum and public 3. Check tide times before you go toilets in the village, and dogs are allowed on the beach all (see next page) year round. 4. If you get into trouble, stick your hand in the air and shout for help EAST LOOE BEACH 5. If you see someone else in trouble, tell a lifeguard. If you can’t see a lifeguard, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. Within a short walk over the cliffs to Charlestown this is For those going out to sea, the RNLI’s top sea safety a safe sandy beach with rock pools that is popular with tips are: families and thus gets very busy during July and August. 1. Wear a lifejacket The beach faces south-east and is cleaned daily during the season. 2. Get relevant training 3. Carry a means of calling for help CHARLESTOWN 4. Check engine and fuel 5. Tell others where you are going 6. Check weather and tides

This beach offers a superb environment for families with easy access from Looe town centre, a large expanse of sand and shallow waters. The Banjo pier is located at the west side of the beach and the east side has more rocks. Boat trips can be taken from the working harbour and there is disabled access. Facilities include toilets, a small car park and a café. Dogs are not permitted between Easter and October.

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