Beaches

A sandy beach backed by high dunes at the north-east end and by steep cliffs at the south-west end. There is a large expanse of mostly tide swept golden sand and the River Gannel enters the sea at the northern edge. The beach is popular with surfers, dog walkers and families, and bathers should be aware that there are rip currents associated with the surf and particularly the river outflow. There are also currents associated with the tide and rocky headlands to the north and south.The Cornish coastal path runs along the dunes connecting Newquay to west Pentire and the West. There is a small colony of seals nearby and occasional sightings of dolphins in the area. The Gannel estuary to the north east is a site of great scientific interest and supports a range of roosting seabirds.

Access: Access is through Crantock village, just south of Newquay. The car park rests behind the dunes.
Character: sandy, cliffs.
Leisure facilities: surfing, canoeing, windsurfing, snorkelling and fishing.
Beach facilities: toilets, cafe, first aid, lifeguards (seasonal), surfboard hire, canoe hire, disabled visitors' facilities, dog-restricted area.
Car parking: pay.
Surrounding area: village, camp site, caravan park, soastal walks.
Awards: MCS recommended.

View all holiday accommodation in Newquay and Perranporth

At low tide, Watergate Bay, near Newquay, turns into a two-mile long stretch of sandy beach. If there are any waves around, this beach will pick them up and serve them for surfers’ enjoyment. It works at all tide stages, but it's very popular at high tide as it is one of only a few beaches that gets good at high tide. A favourite with Newquay locals in the summer who seek to escape crowds. Good for surfing beginners, but watch for incoming tide as you risk being cut off.
Access: Follow B3276 from Newquay to Padstow and signs for Watergate Bay will lead you to it.
Character: sandy.
Leisure facilities: surfing.
Beach facilities: lifeguards, cafe, restaurant, surfboard hire, toilets.
Car parking: pay.
Surrounding area: town.
Awards: none.

View all holiday accommodation in Newquay and Perranporth

This is a large expanse of sand at low tide, giving way to idyllic coves at high tide.
Access: main road A30 down to east end of Hayle. Access via coastal road to Portreath, the B330.
Character: sand, rocky.
Leisure facilities: windsurfing, surfing, canoeing.
Beach facilities: cafe/restaurant, toilets, surfboard hire, first aid, lifeguards, dog-restricted area, dog exercise area, lost child centre.
Car parking: pay.
Surrounding area: village, shops, camp site, wildlife reserve, historic attratcitons.
Awards: Blue Flag award, MCS recommended, Seaside award 2004 (rural).

View all holiday accommodation in St Ives and West Cornwall

A small pebble beach on The Lizard, backed by low green cliffs. The beach is close to the famous Mannacles rocks and a working gravel pit.

Access: Follow the B3293 to St Keverne. Signposted to Porthoustock. Access to beach is via steep roads.

Character: rocky, shingle, cliffs.
Leisure facilities: scuba diving.
Beach facilities: toilets.
Car parking: free.
Surrounding area: village.
Awards: MCS recommended.

View all holiday accommodation in Helford River and Helston

A small, fine, sandy beach next to an abandoned quarry. The beach looks out over Falmouth to which a regular ferry runs from Flushing Quay.

Access: take the A30 and then the A39 to Truro. Flushing is signposted from Falmouth Road. Flushing can also be reached from Falmouth via the ferry. To reach the beach drive through Flushing village. It is then an easy walk to the beach.

Character: sandy, rocky, shingle, cliffs.
Leisure facilities: sailing, walking.
Beach facilities: toilet, restaurants.
Car parking: roadside.
Surrounding area: village, town.
Awards: MCS recommended.

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A wide sandy beach on the Camel estuary backed by sand dunes and a golf course. The beach has rock pools and is on the southern edge of the Polzeath Voluntary Marine Nature Reserve. The water at the beach is shallow and ideal for bathing.

Access: Take the Wadebridge to Polzeath road and turn left to Rock, then right for Daymer. Access to the beach is good but requires the use of some steps.

Character: sandy, rocky.
Leisure facilities: windsurfing, rock pooling.
Beach facilities: toilets, cafe, shop.
Car parking: pay.
Surrounding area: nature reserve, village, golf.
Awards: MCS recommended.

View all holiday accommodation in Padstow, Port Isaac and Wadebridge

At high tide there is room for lazing on the grass, but at low water a fine stretch of clean golden sand opens up, interspersed with rocks and you can lose yourself without too much difficulty.

Access: Take the minor roads at Westdowns, near Delabole, towards Treligga then down the lane on the left which leads to the farm at Tregardock, then follow the path indicated to the beach.

Character: sandy, rocky.
Leisure facilities: none.
Beach facilities: none.
Car parking: on the road.
Surrounding area: farmland.
Awards: none.

View all holiday accommodation in Tintagel and Bodmin Moor