The best beaches in Cornwall: a round up of must visit spots
In case you're eyeing up a staycation this year
Whatever your reasons for a staycation this year, the UK is full of incredible places to explore during your annual leave. Whether you're after somewhere on the British coastline or a weekend break in Wales, we've got you covered with UK-based suggestions. If you're planning on heading down south this Summer, Cornwall has some brilliant beaches for catching some rays. We can almost picture it now - body board in one hand and ice-cream in the other (before quickly running inside to shelter from some great British rain!) Here's our pick of the 12 best beaches in Cornwall.
The best beaches in Cornwall - Gwenver
Sandy and about 150 metres long, Gwenver Beach is located near Penzance, West Cornwall. At low tide it joins up with Sennen beach, while at high tide it feels secluded and rural enough not to get crowded. Gorgeous.
The best beaches in Cornwall - Porth Joke Beach
Situated in a deep cove between headlands, Porth Joke is as unspoiled as they come. The narrow beach here is deeper than it is wide and backs onto a shallow valley with a stream running down, meaning it's perfect for sitting back against the rocks for a bit of shelter.
The best beaches in Cornwall - Kingsand Beach
Have you seen aynthing more quaint and beautiful? Kinsand is a secluded corner of South East Cornwall, offering an east-facing shingly sheltered beach, backed by cute pastel coloured holiday cottages.
The best beaches in Cornwall - Perranporth, Penhale Sands
Located on the north coast of Cornwall, the stunning three miles of sand at Perranporth beach is backed by extensive sand dunes. Easily accessible by car and ideal for surfers, thanks to the crashing waves.
The best beaches in Cornwall - Fistral Beach, Newquay
If you've thought about holidaying in Cornwall, the chances are you've heard of Fistral Beach. Located in Newquay, the iconic beach is known as one of the best surfing beaches in the UK. It's also great for dog walking, bodyboarding and ice-cream eating too, if that's more your thing.
The best beaches in Cornwall - Kynance Cove
Try and tell us that picture doesn't look like it was taken in the Caribbean. Situated on the eastern side of Mount's Bay, approximately two miles north of Lizard Point, the beach is famous for its white sand beach and the dark red and green serpentine rock - as well as turquoise sea.
The best beaches in Cornwall - Porthcurno beach
Thanks to the fine soft white sand washed and turquoise blue water, surrounded by high cliffs on either side, it's not hard to see why Porthcurno - located on the west coast of Cornwall - is such a favourite. Adding to our bucket list as we speak.
The best beaches in Cornwall - Watergate Bay
Watergate Bay, one of Cornwall's most famous beaches, is about 3 miles from Newquay on the North Cornwall coast. The large, open bay is popular with surfers, thanks to the swell from the Atlantic, and is two miles long for avid walkers.
The best beaches in Cornwall - Polzeath beach
Located near Wadebridge, Polzeath beach is a highly popular surf spot with an easily accessible location and long slow breaking consistent waves. Apparently, occasional dolphins and seals that ride the swell sometimes, too!
The best beaches in Cornwall - Gwithian beach
Gwithian beach is known for attracting everyone from windsurfers to sunbathers. At low tide the vast beach reveals rock pools aplenty, while picnics and deckchairs are encouraged.
The best beaches in Cornwall - Porthgwarra beach
A picturesque fishing location in West Cornwall, Porthgwarra has a small secluded beach just around the corner from Porthcurno (which was named earlier up this list). While this beach might be tiny, it's highly pictuesque, and is likely to be less popular than some of Cornwall's other destinations.
The best beaches in Cornwall - Gyllngvase beach
Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth, on the South Cornwall coast, is located 10 minutes from the town centre, and promises to be good for watersports such as kayaking and stand up paddleboarding. Great for those wanting to explore the sea without surfing!
Dusty Baxter-Wright is an award-winning journalist and the Entertainment and Lifestyle Director at Cosmopolitan, having previously worked at Sugarscape. She was named one of PPA’s 30 Under 30 for her work covering pop culture, careers, interiors and travel, and oversees the site’s Entertainment and Lifestyle strategy across print, digital and video. As a journalist for the best part of a decade, she has interviewed everyone from Louis Theroux and Channing Tatum to Margot Robbie and Ncuti Gatwa, while she has also spoken on Times Radio and BBC Radio. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram here.
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