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Beacon Cove is a semi-circular small sandy cove set between high cliffs north of Watergate Bay and just south of Mawgan Porth.

Beacon Cove

One of the county's more dramatic beaches which gets its name from the huge slate outcrops scattered along the beach and not the 149 steps you need to...

Bedruthan Steps

Bream Cove is a small, sheltered beach overlooking Falmouth Bay, just north of the Helford River.

Bream Cove

The smallest of the Scilly Isles five inhabited islands, wild and natural Bryher is home to around only 80 inhabitants.

Bryher

Bude is located on the far north Cornish coast. A popular seaside town with stunning beaches and offering plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants and hote...

Bude

Caerhays beach tucked away on the peaceful south coast is very popular with families, and its secluded location offers a quiet, relaxing day beside th...

Caerhays Beach

The Camel Estuary on Cornwall's north coast is a much-loved destination for good reason. There's plenty of beaches along the estuary, stunning coast p...

Camel Estuary

Facing northeast and just one mile east of St Ives is the sheltered Carbis Bay.

Carbis Bay

Set at the heart of St Austell Bay, Carlyon Bay is a stretch of almost 2 miles of coarse sand.

Carlyon Bay

A short boat-hop across the channel from St Mary’s brings you to Tresco, the second-largest island in the Scilly archipelago. Once owned by the monk...

Carn Near Quay

Facing south and sheltered by Nare Head rising to 300ft over the bay, Carne Beach is situated on the beautiful Roseland Peninsula and is a favourite s...

Carne Beach

Castle Beach is Falmouth's most northerly and quietest beach situated halfway between Pendennis Point and the popular Gyllyngvase Beach.

Castle Beach

Cawsand is a small fishing village, which, along with its neighbour Kingsand, was once known for smuggling. Both villages are now part of Mount Edgcum...

Cawsand

Set in a mining valley between high cliffs, the first view of the cove is quite dramatic. The impression you will get of Chapel Porth depends on when ...

Chapel Porth

This narrow little rocky cove set between the cliffs on the eastern side of the Lizard Point is a real gem.

Church Cove

Constantine Bay offers a sweeping arc of gently shelving soft pale sands. This west-facing beach has numerous rock pools to explore and is very popula...

Constantine Bay

Coverack is a quiet fishing village on the Lizard Peninsula. The harbour is the centre point of the village where fisherman still operate daily, it's ...

Coverack

Set between imposing cliffs at the end of a narrow valley and backing right onto the village, is Crackington Haven beach.

Crackington Haven

Crantock Beach is a popular location for summer visitors offering a stunning sandy beach backed by dunes.

Crantock Beach

One of the few surviving Cromwellian fortifications in the British Isles, Cromwell’s Castle was once used to guard the stretch of water between Bryh...

Cromwell’s Castle

Daymer Bay is a stunning beach on the east side of the Camel Estuary. At low tide it forms long stretches of golden sand backed by dunes from Daymer B...

Daymer Bay

Duporth is situated near Charlestown within the south west of Cornwall. The picturesque beach is a pleasant long sand and pebble beach with rock pools...

Duporth

Fisherman's Cove is situated on a stretch of coast running between Godrevy and Portreath known as North Cliffs.

Fisherman’s Cove

Fistral is one of Cornwall's most famous and popular beaches, a renowned surfing destination, stretching from Pentire Headland and Towan Headland in N...

Fistral Beach

Situated on a quiet stretch of the Lizard Peninsula, not to be confused with Godrevy on the north coast, this little cove is a true hidden gem. The on...

Godrevy Cove

Sitting in a valley well off the beaten track, Gorran Haven is an unspoilt coastal village at the heart of which is a cluster of fishermen’s cottage...

Gorran Haven

Known for being the quietest of Newquay’s four main beaches, Great Western is only a short two minute walk from the town centre.

Great Western Beach

Greenaway beach’s location, tucked away along the coastal path between the popular beaches of Polzeath and Daymer Bay means it stays relatively quie...

Greenaway Beach

Heading towards Lizard Point from Helston, Gunwalloe is a small fishing cove with a small but charming beach. The local church of St Winwaloe stands a...

Gunwalloe

Blasted by the breeze off the Atlantic, the magnificent beach at Gwithian Towans is a classic British summer holiday beach. Backed by sand dunes tufte...

Gwithian Beach

Gwynver Beach is very picturesque and almost tropical looking when the conditions are favourable. With its white sands and blue water it's a popular s...

Gwynver Beach

Gyllyngvase Beach is Falmouth’s largest beach. Nestled between Swanpool Beach and Castle Beach, Gyllyngvase or “Gylly” to the locals (Gyllyngvas...

Gyllyngvase Beach

Harbour Cove is located near the mouth of the Camel Estuary. It is isolated and relatively quiet all year round, with most visitors staying nearby in ...

Harbour Cove

Harlyn Bay is renowned for its expansive sandy beach, crystal-clear waters, and excellent conditions for surfing and family beach days.

Harlyn Bay

Hayle Beach is a stunning tidal beach is on the northern side of Hayle Estuary. 

Hayle Beach

Hayle is beautifully positioned by the sea with a full three miles of golden sandy beaches which have helped it to become a popular holiday destinatio...

Hayle Estuary

Hayle Towans Beach is located just outside Hayle Estuary and has a spectacular stretch of golden sands.

Hayle Towans

One of the finest beaches on the north coast; Holywell Bay is a huge expanse of golden sand backed by grass-tufted dunes, a prime example of the wide ...

Holywell Bay

Kennack Sands is a superb family beach, with a large expanse of sand at low tide, a stream and plenty of rock pools. Facilities include a large carpar...

Kennack Sands

Kynance Cove is arguably one of Cornwall's best know beaches; located on the west side of the Lizard Peninsula and probably the most photographed and ...

Kynance Cove

Lantic Bay is a hidden gem of a beach near to Polruan on the South coast of Cornwall.

Lantic Bay

The Molunans are a series of coves tucked away in the shelter of St Anthony Head, with its lighthouse standing guard over the entrance to the Carrick ...

Little Great Molunan Beaches

Loe Bar beach is a half-mile shingle bank which separates the Loe, the largest natural fresh water lake in Cornwall, from the sea. A popular route for...

Loe Bar

The Logan Rock (Men Omborth in Cornish) means 'balanced stone'.

Logan Rock

The seaside town of Looe offers plenty of things to do for visitors and locals all year round whilst still retaining a working fishing port. The town ...

Looe

Maenporth Beach, set between Falmouth and the Helford River, is a popular sheltered location, perfect for all activities. Its large expanse of sand is...

Maenporth Beach

Mawgan Porth is a small village with a large beach on the north coast situated between Newquay and Padstow.

Mawgan Porth

Nanjizal is unknown by many but is one of the picturesque coves in West Cornwall. The secluded location means it's often quiet, and this is likely due...

Nanjizal

The small settlement of New Grimsby on Tresco is a popular place for family holidays. A quay, cafes, a pub and a small art gallery are all within clos...

New Grimsby

Newquay’s historic harbour is actually where the town got its modern name; its former title of Towan Blystra was forgotten by many when the town got...

Newquay

Old Grimsby is the elder of two principle settlements on Tresco Island - the other being its more recent sibling of ‘New Grimsby’.

Old Grimsby

Nestled on the southern coast of St Mary’s - the largest of the Isles of Scilly - Old Town Bay is thought to be the oldest settlement on the island ...

Old Town Bay

Par Beach, also known as Higher Town Bay is a sheltered sandy beach on St Martin's, and the third largest beach on the Scillies. It's position is clos...

Par Beach

Tucked away beneath the rugged, granite headland of Treryn Dinas, Pedn Vounder is arguably one of Cornwall’s finest beaches.

Pedn Vounder

This truly wild and untamed white-sand beach is located on the more remote eastern shore of St Mary’s Island. Offering an optimally remote beach ret...

Pelistry Bay

Pentewan Sands is a picturesque beach located on the southern coast of Cornwall. Situated near the village of Pentewan, this sandy cove boasts stunnin...

Pentewan Sands

At low tide Perranporth beach and neighbouring Penhale sands join together to form one of the largest stretches of unbroken sand on the North Coast. A...

Perranporth Beach

Perranuthnoe beach is located on the south coast around a mile to the east of Marazion, with fine views of Cornwall's jewel, St Michael's Mount.

Perranuthnoe

Poldhu Cove is a small west-facing beach on the Lizard peninsula. The first trans-Atlantic radio signal ever sent was from Poldhu, now in the hands of...

Poldhu Cove

The small fishing village of Polkerris has a popular family beach on the south coast of Cornwall.

Polkerris

Polly Joke Beach, also known as Porth Joke Beach, is a serene and unspoiled cove located on the north coast of Cornwall.

Polly Joke

Poltesco is a secretive beach hidden down in the depths of the Lizard Peninsula.

Poltesco

Polurrian Cove lies close to the village of Mullion on the Lizard Peninsula and is a southwest-facing beach with golden sands and patches of fine shin...

Polurrian Bay

The popularity of Polzeath has grown over recent years, mainly due to the combination of its beautiful sandy beach, laid-back beach town vibe and idea...

Polzeath

Port Gaverne is a pretty, unspoilt cove around the corner from Port Isaac. There is a sheltered, sandy beach with rock pools. It is considered one of ...

Port Gaverne

Porth Beach is a popular beach for families, with plenty of sand, holiday parks in close proximity and parking available right on the beach.

Porth Beach

Porthallow is a small village whose pub’s name, The Five Pilchards, indicates the traditional occupation of its inhabitants. The old pilchard cellar...

Porthallow

Situated between Porthcurno and Porthgwarra and around three miles from Lands End on Cornwall's far south west coast is the south-facing Porthchapel B...

Porthchapel

Porthcothan is a northwest-facing cove backed by grassy dunes popular for sunbathing and a favourite with families.

Porthcothan Bay

Located at the back of Hugh Town, the main settlement on St Mary’s, Porthcressa is a golden sandy beach with tranquil turquoise-blue waters which ar...

Porthcressa Beach

With turquoise-blue waters and white-washed sandy shores, Porthcurno is a true Cornish delight. Located on the West Country’s far western tip, and a...

Porthcurno

Portheras Cove is a stunning hidden beach just around the corner from Pendeen Lighthouse.

Portheras Cove

A picturesque fishing hamlet in West Cornwall, with some boats still launching from here, Porthgwarra has a small secluded beach just around the corne...

Porthgwarra

The small beach of Porthgwidden in St Ives is a firm favourite, with far reaching views over St Ives Bay towards Godrevy Lighthouse. This small beach ...

Porthgwidden Beach

Porthkerris Cove is a large shingle beach near the village of St Keverne on the Lizard Peninsula. Porthkerris is very popular with scuba divers for bo...

Porthkerris

Porthkidney Sands is a breathtaking beach located near Hayle with stunning views of Hayle Estuary and St Ives. 

Porthkidney Sands

The popular seaside town of Porthleven is a fishing port, with a history of landing mackerel and pilchards. The town has excellent restaurants and caf...

Porthleven

Located just a short walk from Hugh Town on St Mary’s - the largest island in the Scilly Isles - the sandy shores of Porthmellon face north-west and...

Porthmellon Beach

Porthmeor is a popular beach for surfers and swimmers in an ideal location, just a stone’s throw from the centre of St Ives town. It's also situated...

Porthmeor Beach

Porthminster Beach on the edge of St Ives is a glorious cresent of golden sands with stunning views over St Ives Bay towards Godrevy Lighthouse.

Porthminster Beach

Portholland is in fact two beaches - East and West Portholland. At low tide they join up to form a wide stretch of sand. On higher tides they are two ...

Portholland Beach

Porthoustock is a small village on the eastern side of the Lizard Peninsula which is popular for fishing, kayaking and scuba diving.

Porthoustock

Porthpean is a popular sandy family beach near the historic village of Charlestown that offers swimming and space for various beach activities.

Porthpean

Located within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this Blue Flag award-winning beach is one of Cornwall’s most popular surfing beaches...

Porthtowan

The village of Portreath has a popular family-friendly beach which attracts surfers and bodyboarders. The beach backs onto the small town offering lot...

Portreath

Portscatho is a scenic village on the Roseland Peninsula overlooking Gerrans Bay. Portscatho Beach is mainly rocky, with sandy patches.

Portscatho

Located on the south coast between Penzance and Helston, Praa Sands is a large beach of fine golden sand.

Praa Sands

Readymoney Cove is a a small, sheltered and sandy beach on the edge of Fowey; a lovely place to sit and enjoy with the town just a few moments away. T...

Readymoney Cove

Rinsey Cove is a secluded beach just south of Praa Sands. Tucked away by Rinsey Head, this beach is easy to miss but well worth seeking out.

Rinsey Cove

The River Gannel separates Newquay from Crantock village and is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) long.

River Gannel

Rock is tucked away on the north side of the Camel Estuary opposite Padstow. A popular village with superb cafes, pubs and restaurants.

Rock

Sandymouth Bay is a captivating and relatively unspoiled beach located on the northern coast of Cornwall, near the town of Bude.

Sandymouth Bay

With turquoise blue waters sweeping across a mile of white sand beach, Sennen Cove is one of the Penwith Peninsula’s most spectacular bays.

Sennen Cove

Located along the south-westerly edge of the Isles of Scilly, St. Agnes sits at the very tip of the British Isles as the last occupied land before tho...

St Agnes

St Ives is one of Cornwall's most popular holiday destinations known for its superb beaches, food and famous art galleries.

St Ives

Located on the outskirts of Falmouth, Swanpool Beach is smaller than its neighbour Gyllyngvase Beach, but no less appealing.

Swanpool Beach

Teän is a uniquely shaped uninhabited island between St Martin's and Tresco. The island is mostly flat but features a series of granite tors with the...

Teän

The island of St Martin's is approximately 2.5 miles long and boasts some of the finest beaches and clearest seas in the British Isles.

The Flats

Harking back to the mid 17th century, the majestic Greenbank Hotel is almost as old as Falmouth itself. Gracefully nestled along the boat-filled estua...

The Greenbank Hotel

Towan Beach is at the heart of Newquay, one of the liveliest towns in Cornwall. The beach is bordered to the west by Newquay harbour and at the east b...

Towan Beach

Trebarwith Strand has a large beach at low tide backed by a network of rockpools

Trebarwith Strand

Trefusis Beach is a small rocky beach near Flushing that disappears at high tide and has some sand at low. There is a pier in the centre of the beach ...

Trefusis Beach

Trevaunance Cove is the main beach in St Agnes. The beach is dominated by the high cliffs to the north and there are plenty of reminders of the area's...

Trevaunance Cove

Trevellas Cove, also know as Blue Hills, is just around the corner from Trevaunance Cove and St Agnes. The valley here was once at the heart of a larg...

Trevellas Cove

Trevone Bay is a picturesque beach and sheltered cove located on Cornwall's North coast near Padstow.

Trevone Bay

Treyarnon Bay is a beautiful beach located on the North Cornwall coast, near the town of Padstow.

Treyarnon Bay

Watermill Cove is a remote, historic anchorage on the north-west side of St Mary’s island. Still used by passing yachts and other small vessels, the...

Watermill Cove

Widemouth Bay is a long and open beach situated just south of Bude. Popular with families and surfers and at low tide there are hundreds of rock pools...

Widemouth Bay

Take a 360° virtual tour of some of Cornwall’s most popular and picturesque beaches

Cornwall boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, if not the world, and its location at the south western tip of the UK means it has a diverse range of landscapes. From the rugged and wild north coast, to the more peaceful and calm south coast, many of the beaches and coves are famous landmarks in their own right, and recognisable sights for locals and visitors alike.

Unlike coves, which tend to be smaller and less accessible, most of Cornwall’s beaches are family-friendly with useful facilities such as toilets, carparking and a beach café selling hot and cold drink, snacks and ice creams.

360 Cornwall allows you to cruise around the county with ease, and our 360 degree panoramic aerial photos and videos offer a view like no other. Discover a new hidden beach to call your own, or join the surfers on the more well-known spots. Beaches of all shapes and sizes feature along every edge of this glorious county. Explore the seemingly endless stretch of sand at Perranporth, and marvel at the historic mining scars crisscrossing the lands above Chapel Porth, all from the comfort of your own home. Practical information is provided where possible, including information on facilities and carparking for those lucky enough to be able to visit the locations in person.

Many people wish to find a secluded secret gem of a beach and our comprehensive list provides just that. The geography and geology of each beach is different and each beach or ‘porth’ changes characteristics depending on the weather, tide and time of year. Always be sure to check the tide times when visiting a beach, as some can become cut-off from the access point, and always follow the advice of the RNLI lifeguards, if they are available. Not all beaches have lifeguard cover, and swimming is not recommended at certain beaches due to strong currents or steep, shingle banks which can make it extremely difficult and dangerous to get in or out of the water.