The 10 Best Cornwall Beaches for Your Summer Holiday

The best Cornwall beaches are all here in one blog. If you haven’t been to Cornwall, then you are missing a lot. Cornwall is well-known for the variety and beauty of its shoreline. Whether surfing is your idea of fun or just a relaxing swim on the beach, Cornwall has something in store for everybody.

To help you find the perfect summer holiday destination, here are the top ten best beaches in Cornwall.

1. Porthtowan Beach, Porthtowan

Bordered by huge dunes and theatrical cliffs, Porthtowan Beach is one of the most famous surfing spots in Cornwall. This beach expands dramatically during low tide where you can explore the bordering beach, Chapel Porth.

This outstanding beach is a frequent awardee of Blue Flag which means that it has all the criteria of a good beach. If you are feeling hungry after a tiring surf session, you can always head to the Blue Bar which serves not only scrumptious food but also offers stunning views.

2. Polzeath Beach, Polzeath

Polzeath is another must-visit surfing beach in Cornwall. The huge golden sand, charming bars and cafes and the waves attract both avid surfers and beginners who are still learning the ropes of surfing. The place captures the North Cornish easy-going appeal that makes this expanse of coast very famous.

It may get busy in the peak of the summer but the vibe here is always relaxed and chilled. Take a walk along the shore, surf or just hang out at a coffee shop, Polzeath beach is truly one of the most captivating beaches in all of Cornwall.

3. Porthcurno Beach

Porthcurno Beach is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful beaches in Cornwall. The white-gold sand, the gem-blue water and the dramatic cliffs as a background make Porthcurno Beach stand out from other beach destinations.

Another spot that invites people here is the famous Minack Theater. It was created by Rowena Cade who decided to build a cliffside theatre below her garden. This open-air theatre is open for visitors when there are no performances. However, a staged show with the Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop is something you should experience.

4. Whitsand Bay, Torpoint

Located in the Southeast of Cornwall, Whitsand Bay is a hidden oasis depicted by long stretches of unspoilt sands, striking views and backed by high cliffs.

Whitsand Bay scampers from Rame Head, a tapering hill with the rubbles of a 14th-century chapel. After you have checked out the spectacular view from the hill, you can stroll down the coast towards Sharrow Point to take a glimpse of Lugger’s Cave. It is a tiny cave dug out by the hand of a hermit known as James Lugger in 1874. This man has engraved some perplexing verses on the ceiling to ease his boredom.

5. Best Cornwall Beaches: Summerleaze Beach, Bude

If you are looking for a more adventurous beach trip, Summerleaze Beach is perfect for you. The big waves are a delight for avid surfers and there are also other activities you can do such as coasteering, kayaking and climbing.

Summerleaze Beach is also known for being a family- and disability-friendly beach. It provides access to a sheltered pool called Bude Sea Pool which is perfect for the young and not-so-young ones. Enjoy swimming in the sea without being imperilled by the open ocean.

6. Sennen Cove, Land’s End

Sennen Cove is a tiny fishing village in Cornwall. It boasts crystal blue waters, sparkling white sands and gently sloped low hills. It is a popular surfing spot and can get very hectic during the summer. This beach is also near Land’s End which is famous for its breathtaking views.

You do not need to worry about parking here because there is a huge car park that also features some toilets. It’s just a few minutes away from the village centre where you can visit cafes, pubs and shops.

7. Best Beaches in Cornwall: Fistral Beach, Newquay

Fistral Beach is a popular surfing spot with extraordinary waves adorning the shore almost every day. This is not only a place for experienced surfers; beginners can also take surfing lessons at The Hotel & Extreme Academy located along the shore. It is also a favourite venue for UK’s biggest surfing competitions.

With exceptional waves, dramatic cliffs and stunning sunsets, Fistral Beach continues to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Cornwall.

8. Pendower Beach, The Roseland Peninsula

Pendower Beach is a beautiful sandy beach located in the centre of the Roseland Peninsula. It is a famous family-friendly beach surrounded by dunes, where you and your family can have a picnic under the sun. It’s also a favourite stopover point to see the panoramic views across the sea to Nare Point.

9. Kynance Cove

Kynance Cove is a lovely cove on the east side of Mount’s Bay. It is located on the Lizard Peninsula where it became very famous because of its many prominent visitors including Prince Albert and Queen Victoria. One rock was even named after Prince Albert when he and his children visited this place in 1846.

This cove is one of the most snapped, painted and filmed places in Cornwall because of its pearly white sand, beautiful rock piles, and clear turquoise waters.

10. Porth Joke Beach, Newquay

If you are looking for a quiet beach getaway even in the high summer season, Porth Joke Beach is the perfect place for you. Porth Joke, locally known as Polly Joke, is located in a locked-away cove between headlands. It is characterised by clear blue-green waters and beige sands.

Porth Joke has very few facilities but you can always rent cottages at nearby beaches. This beautiful place is also only accessible by foot, a minor sacrifice to enjoy a serene summer escape.

Cornwall is truly blessed with breathtaking beaches, each with its own appeal. So whether your idea of a beach getaway includes surfing and other outdoor activities or you just want to spend quiet time with your family, Cornwall beaches will not disappoint you. Come and visit the beautiful beaches of Cornwall and experience a memorable summer holiday with your loved ones.