Cornwall’s Best Beaches: Surf and Sandcastles, or Smugglers and Shipwrecks?

There can’t be many people who come to Cornwall without planning to see at least a little of our coastline. Some seek sandcastles and miles of smooth sandy beaches. Others prefer the thrill of a precarious scramble down to somewhere more remote.

We’ll take a whistle-stop tour of a few of Cornwall’s best beaches.

Whether you want a family-friendly beach to occupy toddlers and teens alike or a romantic trip to a tucked-away cove, there’s something here for you.

Sunset at Fistral Image by charliehobby1 from Pixabay

Sun, Sand, and Smiles: Best Cornish Beaches for Families

When travelling with children you need to prioritise safe swimming conditions. You want to look for shallow waters, lifeguard patrols, and plenty of sand for sandcastles and the obligatory game of beach boules.

Here are three of our favourites:

Fistral Beach

Newquay has long been a favourite of holidaymakers. If you’ve got keen surfers in your party, then Fistral’s a great option with lots of choices when it comes to surf lessons and equipment hire. It also has lifeguards from April through to October, making it a great choice for safe swimming and surfing.

Swanpool

The Falmouth beaches are perfect for little ones. Crystal-clear water, gentle waves, and a shallow-sloped beach. You’ll find plenty of rock-pooling opportunities at low tide, and little ones can splash in the shallows. There’s a big car park right across the road, so you won’t have too far to carry all your stuff.

Polkerris Beach

Tucked away in southeast Cornwall, Polkerris is another beautiful beach that’s perfect for families. It’s sheltered from the wind, and usually flat-calm and safe for swimming. Teens will enjoy the jumping opportunities provided by the harbour wall. There’s no lifeguard cover here, so visitors should always assess conditions for themselves before entering the water.

Unveiling Cornwall’s Secrets: Exploring Hidden Coves

If you don’t need to worry about lugging a windbreak and a family-sized picnic to the beach with you, you might be up for a little more adventure. On the right kind of day, you can find yourself completely alone on some of these beaches, and it’s easy to imagine the smuggling history of the county.

Prussia Cove

On the Mounts Bay coast, Prussia Cove is steeped in smuggling history. You’ll find a series of several small coves here, the largest being Bessie’s Cove. You’ll need to be prepared to navigate some steep steps, but it’s well worth it. No lifeguard cover here, but stunning swimming opportunities if the conditions are right.

Pentreath Beach

The Lizard coastline is sometimes referred to as the Graveyard of Ships. The steam trawler ‘Maud’ is just one of many ships that met their end here, wrecked at Pentreath in 1912. It’s a steep scramble to get down to the beach – not for young families, the faint of heart, or the weak of knees. At low tide, you can still see what’s left of the Maud.

Nanjizal Beach

This one’s no real secret. It’s a favourite for wild swimmers because of the incredible Song of the Sea cave with its beautiful twin tidal pools. It’s well worth a visit though, and it’s another beach with smuggling woven throughout its history.

Staying Safe

Any time you’re exploring near the coast, it’s important to do your own due diligence. Check tide times carefully, as well as weather conditions. If you’re planning to swim, research the beach ahead of time to learn about any likely hazards. Always take time to observe the conditions once you’re there, and make a final decision at that point. Don’t rely on what you’ve read on a surf app or the weather forecast.

If you’re rock-pooling, or scrambling down paths to less accessible beaches, wear sensible footwear, and use a rucksack to keep your hands free.

Your safety is always your own responsibility.

      • Know how to tell someone your location in an emergency – What3Words is my top recommendation for this.

      • Know how to contact the emergency services – dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you’re by the sea in the UK.

      • Don’t do anything that puts you or others at risk, no matter how perfect the photo opportunity, or how desperate you are for a dip in a particular place.

    The Many Personalities of Cornish Beaches

    If your experience of beaches in Cornwall has been limited to a single childhood holiday in Newquay, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve seen it all. In reality, there are many different types of beaches. From remote, inhospitable beaches linked to smugglers and wreckers, to gentle waves and ice creams.

    Whether you’re looking for family fun, historical exploration, or simply a walk to somewhere beautiful, you’ll find a Cornish beach to fit the bill.

    And of course, what better way to explore Cornwall’s best beaches, than by choosing a self-catering cottage as your base?