Looking for the best beaches in Cornwall? The Cornish coast is dramatic, with hidden coves and turquoise bays, and there’s never been a better time to explore them. Whether you’re chasing secret stretches of sand or postcard-perfect surf towns, this guide rounds up the most beautiful beaches in Cornwall you absolutely need to visit this year.
Where are the best beaches in Cornwall?
This question is subjective, Cornwall is undoubtedly home to some of the best beaches in the UK, but it really depends what you're after.
The north coast of Cornwall is more wild and rugged, it's extremely popular with surfers and is home to dramatic cliffs that look more suited to a painting. South Cornwall, on the other hand, is where things slow down. The beaches here are softer, often more sheltered, with calmer waters and picturesque harbours nearby. It’s ideal for families, swimmers and anyone after that classic, postcard-pretty coastal feel.
🏖️ Quick Summary: Best Beaches in Cornwall
| Beach | Best For | Facilities | Dog-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pedn Vounder | Wild beauty, clear waters | None – remote access only | ✅ Yes – all year round |
| Kynance Cove | Photography, dramatic cliffs | National Trust car park, café | ✅ Yes - Restricted to before 10am and after 6pm in July & August |
| Porthcurno | Families, calm water | Toilets, café, lifeguards (summer) | ✅ Yes - Restricted to before 10am and after 6pm in July & August |
| Holywell Bay | Coastal walks, dramatic views | Car park nearby, pub in village, lifeguards mid-May-September | ✅ Yes – all year round |
| Polly Joke | Hidden gem, tranquillity | None – bring your own supplies | ✅ Yes – all year round |
| Perranporth | Surfing, beach bars | Toilets, cafés, tidal pool, lifeguards from April-October | ✅ Yes – Dogs must be on a lead between 10am & 5pm in July & August |
| Carbis Bay | Easy beach days, swimming | Café, toilets, loungers, hotel, lifeguards during school summer holidays | ✅ Yes - Restricted to before 10am and after 6pm in May-September |
Pedn Vounder Beach: Best for Wild Beauty
Tucked away beneath towering cliffs near Porthcurno, Pedn Vounder is often considered the most beautiful beach in Cornwall.
With crystal-clear water, soft white sand and a dramatic clifftop backdrop, it looks like something from the Caribbean.
Less of a family beach and more for those wanting to go off the beaten track, the walk down to the beach itself is a little tretcherous and only for those with good fitness.
Is Pedn Vounder dog friendly? Yes - there are no restrictions on dogs at any part of the year.
Top tip: Visit at low tide when a sandbar appears. Access involves a steep path and a bit of scrambling, so wear good shoes. You can check the high and low tide at Pedn Vounder here.
Check out my full guide - 'How to get to Pedn Vounder Beach'.
Kynance Cove: Best for Photographers
Kynance Cove is one of the most photographed spots in Cornwall thanks to its otherworldly rock formations, pure white sand, and impossibly turquoise waters.
Located on the Lizard Peninsula, Kynance Cove looks to be straight out of a Mediterranean postcard. The views from the surrounding cliff paths are breathtaking, with plenty of vantage points that are perfect for golden hour shots or long-exposure photography.
There’s a National Trust car park a short walk away, although the path down to the beach is steep in places and can be slippery when wet.
Try to arrive early in the morning or later in the day to avoid the crowds, particularly in summer. There’s a lovely little café down by the cove serving pasties, cakes and cream teas, and the tide dramatically changes the shape of the beach, so check times if you want to explore the rock pools or stay dry.
There is no way to reach the beach other than down a slope and rocky steps.
Porthcurno Beach: The top Cornwall Beach for Families
With its soft white sand, gentle turquoise waves and easy access, Porthcurno is one of the best beaches in Cornwall for families looking for a safe and beautiful day at the beach.
Located in far west Cornwall, just below the famous Minack Theatre, this sheltered bay is ideal for paddling and sandcastle-building, and there's usually lifeguard cover in the summer months for peace of mind.
You can park in the nearby car park (around a 10-minute walk) and there are toilets and a small café close by.
Make sure to take a wander up to the Minack for a bird’s-eye view of the beach, it’s one of the best views in Cornwall. Don’t be surprised if you spot dolphins offshore either, they’re known to frequent the area.
The beach is dog friendly but times are restricted throughout July and August (10am-6pm).
Holywell Bay: Best for Coastal Walks
Holywell Bay offers that rugged, wind-in-your-hair kind of beauty that Cornwall does so well. It’s most famous for its twin Gull Rocks that sit just offshore, and for featuring in BBC’s Poldark.
The beach itself is long, sandy and backed by dramatic sand dunes. It’s also one of the few beaches that has no restrictions on dogs at any point throughout the year, making it one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall.
Whilst there is a National Trust car park a couple minutes from the beach, my favourite way to to reach Holywell is via the South West Coast Path from Crantock Beach, a 4.5-mile walk with breathtaking views and wildflowers in spring and summer.
Along the way, make sure to stop at Polly Joke Beach, a quiet, hidden cove with fields of poppies nearby. Once at Holywell, explore the cave at low tide to find the ‘holy well’ that gives the beach its name.
There are no facilities on the beach itself, but the Treguth Inn, a friendly pub nearby, is great for lunch or a post-walk pint.
Polly Joke Beach: Best Hidden Beach in Cornwall
Polly Joke is hands down one of my favourite beaches in Cornwall. It’s not big or famous, and that’s exactly why I love it, it is my favourite hidden beach in Cornwall
Tucked away between Crantock Beach and Holywell Bay, this quiet little cove, officially called Porth Joke Beach, though nobody really calls it that, feels like a secret spot or the locals.
To get there, I park at the National Trust car park at West Pentire, then follow the path through the fields. It takes about 15 minutes, and if you’re visiting in June, you’ll walk right past the Pentire poppies in full bloom.
Once you reach the sand, you’ll notice how peaceful it is compared to the bigger beaches nearby. There are no lifeguards or facilities, so come prepared with a picnic, a big bottle of water, and snacks for the day.
It’s one of those beaches where you can properly switch off, just lie back on the sand and listen to the waves. If the tide’s out, there are also a few little rock pools to explore.
Perranporth: The Beach with Serious Aussie Energy
If there’s one beach in Cornwall that really surprised me, it’s Perranporth. It’s got this laidback, surfy vibe that honestly reminds me of being in Australia.
It’s only 15 minutes from Newquay, so it’s super easy to reach, and it’s massive, like, three miles long kind of massive. What I love most is how much space you get. Even in the middle of summer, you can usually find a quiet patch.
If you’re visiting, make sure to check the tides. At low tide, you can walk the full stretch all the way to Ligger Point.
My favourite part of Perranporth Beach is the tidal pool around Chapel Rock, at high tide, it’s wild and splashy, but as the tide goes out, it turns into this calm, natural plunge pool surrounded by golden sand.
For food, stop at The Watering Hole, it’s the UK’s only bar right on the beach. If you’re staying for sunset (which you definitely should), grab a drink at Alcatraz, another beach bar perched right by the beach.
Carbis Bay: Best for an Easy Beach Day
I always tell people: if you want a beach that feels effortlessly beautiful and is super easy to access, head straight to Carbis Bay. It’s only a 20-minute walk (or 5-minute train) from St Ives, but it’s got a totally different vibe.
What I love most about Carbis Bay is that everything’s right there. You’ve got soft sand, crystal-clear water that’s usually pretty calm (great for swimming or paddleboarding), and a little café just off the beach where you can grab an iced coffee or a bite to eat.
It’s also got public loos and even beachside loungers in summer, so you can actually settle in for the whole day without needing to move.
If you’re after something a bit fancy, the Carbis Bay Hotel is perched just above the beach and does excellent lunch . And if you’ve got energy to burn, there’s a stunning coastal walk that connects Carbis Bay back to St Ives, super easy, mostly flat, and full of pinch-me views.
