The Best Beaches in Cornwall

From endless sweeps of golden sand to picture perfect hidden coves Cornwall has some of the most beautiful beaches anywhere. But with around 200 to choose from which are the best beaches in Cornwall?

• Pedn Vounder Beach » West Cornwall

  

  One of Cornwall's lovliest beaches, set among the stunning cliffs of Treryn Dinas with crystal clear turquoise water and a beautiful white sand beach. The name Pedn Vounder translates from the Cornish 'pedn', meaning head or end and 'vounder', meaning lane - so, 'end of lane', which could be used to describe most beaches! 'Pedn' is pronounced 'pednee' and this…

• Great Bay Beach » Isles of Scilly

  

  Considered by some as the finest beach on the Scillies, Great Bay is a fantastic stretch of white sand on the remote northern shore of St Martin's. This is one of the most exposed and undeveloped stretches of coast on the inhabited islands.

• Porthcurno Beach » West Cornwall

  

  If there was an 'A List' of Cornish beaches then Porthcurno would be on there without question. In terms of raw beauty few beaches anywhere can match it; near white sand, crystal clear turquoise water and an amphitheatre of rugged granite cliffs as a backdrop.Not only does the sand here look special - it is special. Made up of seashells…

• Sennen Beach » West Cornwall

  

  Sennen beach is situated just around the corner from Land's End, the most westerly point in mainland Britain. Whilst the village sits in the lee of the mighty Pedn-men-du headland the large crescent of sandy beach faces the full force of the Atlantic Ocean making it a popular spot for surfers. A well equipped lifeguard service operates in the summer…

• Kynance Cove Beach » The Lizard and Falmouth

  

  Popular since Victorian times, the brilliant turquoise water and white sand, with islands, caves and unexpected views are still a powerful draw today. It is difficult to overstate quite how stunning this unique cove is.The beach's defining features are the serpentine rock formations, including the  distinctive pinnacle to the north of the beach. This red and green stone, which is…

• Gwithian Beach » North Cornish Coast

  

  Gwithian was where it all started for me. All those years back when I first began going to the beach with my family this is where we came - and I loved it. What's not to love; miles of golden sand in every direction, shelter from the wind near the cliffs and the best rock pool ever."Sheep Dips" as the…

• Great Par Beach » Isles of Scilly

  

  This wonderful semi-circular stretch of beach is situated on the western side of Bryher giving it a more rugged, remote feel than other beaches on the island.  Great Par beach consists of two sandy sweeps separated by the rocky outcrop of Great Carn. To one side the beach slopes up into dunes; to the other there are downs overlooked by Heathy…

• Trebarwith Strand Beach » North Cornwall

  

  The ever popular beach of Trebarwith Strand is located around two miles south of Tintagel. It is one of the few easily accessible beaches along this stretch of North Cornwall coast. Now owned by the National Trust the name comes from the Cornish 'Trebervedh Sian'.The beach at Trebarwith Strand is a long stretch of golden sand backed by flat rocks…

• Bedruthan Steps Beach » North Cornish Coast

  

  Please note: access to the beach is currently severely restricted due to a landslide.One of the county's more dramatic beaches. It gets its name from the huge slate outcrops scattered along the beach and not the inordinate number of steps you need to go down to get to the beach. It is said that the outcrops were put there by…

• Praa Sands Beach » West Cornwall

  

  Located on the south coast between Penzance and Helston, Praa Sands is a large beach of fine golden sand. Praa is a great family beach with plenty of facilities and a seasonal lifeguard service. Right on the beach is a surf/beach shop and with great views over the surf is the Sandbar. Praa Sands is one of the best known sur…

• Mawgan Porth Beach » North Cornish Coast

  

  Mawgan Porth beach is just far enough from Newquay (4 miles) to avoid the crowds and summer excesses, yet benefit from the same golden sands and beautiful coastline. The beach here is sheltered by high cliffs to each side and at low tide there is ample sand for everyone, even on the busiest of days. Mawgan Porth is a great…

• Perranporth Beach » North Cornish Coast

  

  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. At one end is Perranporth, the archetypal beach town with the high street backing on to the sand. Progressing towards Penhale Point an extensive network of sand dunes rise behind the beach. This is a…

• Treyarnon Bay Beach » North Cornish Coast

  

  A short walk from Constantine sits Treyarnon Bay, a clean and sandy north west facing beach backed by sand dunes and surrounded by low cliffs. To the north is Treyarnon Point and the south, Trethias Island, both of which provide some shelter. It is one of the most popular beaches in the area, especially with families because the expanse of…

• Samson Beach » Isles of Scilly

  

  Samson is the largest uninhabited island in the Scillies so it feels like something of an adventure when you set foot on it after the short boat ride. Consisting of two hills joined by a thin strip of land Samson was once inhabited and the remains of old cottages dot the hillsides. The island features in the Michael Morpurgo book…

• Porthpean Beach » The Cornish Riviera

  

  Porthpean is probably the best of St Austell's beaches, although a little on the small side. Backed by steep tree-topped cliffs and with clear, azure water this sandy beach can have a feel of the Mediterranean on the right day.Being relatively sheltered and easy to get to Porthpean beach is popular with families. During the summer there is a cafe…

• Porthmeor Beach » West Cornwall

  

  Porthmeor is arguably St Ives' premier beach and as such one of Cornwall's finest. The beach consists of a long stretch of golden sand overlooked by numerous artists' studios and the Tate Gallery. Porthmeor is also St Ives' most dramatic beach facing the full force of the Atlantic Ocean and flanked by rugged headlands. As a consistent winner of the…