Beaches near Falmouth

Map featuring Falmouth beaches. Click on pins to view beach details

Looking for a beach near me? The Cornwall Beaches guide has 20 listed in and close to Falmouth to choose from. We've put the beaches in order of nearest first, but none are more than a few miles from Falmouth.

  • Located just a stone's throw from Falmouth town centre Gyllyngvase is widely considered the best beach in the area. A wide crescent of soft, pale sand lapped by the calm clear waters of Falmouth Bay, what's not to like? Not a lot if the Blue Flag award is anything to go by.Gyllyngvase beach is great…

  • This popular cove is located on the outskirts of Falmouth, around a mile and a half from the town centre. Swanpool is a beach with something for everyone from families to naturalists (but possibly not naturists!).Swanpool beach itself is sheltered and reasonably safe for swimming although, somewhat surprisingly, there is no lifeguard cover. Comprising mainly…

  • Swimming is best around high tide, but not so good when the water is low due to jagged pieces of a wartime wreck which become exposed. One of the less sheltered and child friendly beaches in Falmouth although there are many good rock pools to explore. At times, if the tide is very high the…

  • Situated below the coast path between Swanpool beach in Falmouth and Maenporth Beach is this small sandy cove. Whilst this cove probably isn't any sunnier than anywhere else it does have a southerly aspect and is sheltered by cliffs behind, all of which could give the impression of it having a more agreeable climate than…

  • The gently sloping beach has shallow water and rockpools with plenty of marine life to explore making it a good choice for families with children. At low water the ship wreck of the Ben Asdale can be seen, while marine activities such as sailing, kayaking, diving and sea safaris are available for the more adventurous.…

  • The series of coves that are the Molunans are tucked away in the shelter of St Anthony Head with its lighthouse standing guard over the entrance to the Carrick Roads. Across the water are views to Pendennis Castle and Falmouth docks beyond. On the water there is always plenty of activity with yachts setting out…

  • Sheltered sand and shingle beach which is fairly safe for swimming although the beach is better known for watersports. Good fishing can be had from off the rocks particularly at dawn and dusk and small boats can also be launched here. Loe Beach Boat Hire hires out motor boats, kayaks, sailing dinghies and rowing boats…

  • Nare Point stands guard to the mouth of the Helford River with views out towards Falmouth Bay and back along the Lizard Peninsula. Tucked away on the eastern side of the point is Polnare Cove, a tiny sand and shingle beach. The beach is backed by low cliffs and the sand gives way to a…

  • Positioned about half a mile east of Gillan and running to Parbean, Men-aver Beach is part of a series of small coves and beaches and is set beneath Lestwoder Cliff. Made up of sand and shingle with rocky ledges at low tide, it is a quiet beach that never gets busy, but makes a great…

  • Porthallack is the situated on the northern banks of the Helford River. It is the closest beach to the river mouth, which also possibly qualifies it as being one of the remotest spots on the river. Access is only possible via the coast path or by walking around a mile from the village of Mawnan…

  • Porth Sawsen is a little known beach on the northern shore of the picturesque Helford River. A backdrop of trees and fields lead down to this sheltered cove with its boathouse. The beach itself consists of small flat slate pebbles above the high water mark and fine grey sand below. Being on the river the…

  • Located a short woodland walk away from the village of Durgan is the secluded Grebe beach. Access is via a fairly steep path and the beach is a little out of the way so there is rarely a crowd at Grebe.  Grebe beach is a lovely spot backed by woodland and looking out onto the stunning…

  • Set at the foot of the valley containing the sub-tropical gardens of Glendurgan is the tiny village of Durgan. Consisting of a clutch of cottages (mostly owned by the National Trust) Durgan overlooks the Helford river with stunning vistas in all directions.  The beach at Durgan is a pleasant mix of grey sand and shingle with…

  • Small beach on Gillan Creek. Good centre for boating and both sail and motor boats can be hired from the shop above the beach.

  • Small sandy cove. Popular place for small boats and yachts. Close to the Helford Estuary.

  • This small sand and shingle cove on Gillan Creek has wonderful views out towards the sea beyond. Fringed by the mature woodland of the Helford and with no parking nearby Flushing Cove has a rather secluded feel. If you see anyone else on the beach it is most likely they are launching a boat or…

  • The secluded little cove of Ponsence is hidden away on the most remote southern banks of the Helford estuary. Backed by the ancient woodlands of the Bosahan estate this is the most easterly of a trio of beautiful little beaches along this hidden stretch of coast. The other two equally lovely coves are Bosahan and…

  • This secluded little cove backs on to the ancient woodlands of the Bosahan estate on the southern banks of the Helford River.  Whilst the phrase 'hidden gem' is bandied around quite frequently, Bosahan Cove truly fits the bill. There are three ways to reach this idyllic little sandy beach and none of them involve a car.…

  • Polgwidden Cove is situated at the foot of the valley in which Trebah Gardens lie. The beach is privately owned but open to the public. However, access is somewhat convoluted unless entering through Trebah Gardens. It is a small shingle beach with a cafe at the top. There are still some reminders of Polgwidden's role…

  • Situated on northern shore of the picturesque Helford Estuary is the pleasant sand and shingle beach of Helford Passage. The backdrop is the 300 year old Ferry Boat Inn, a huddle of cottages and dinghies and boats of all shapes and sizes pulled up on the beachside. If you fancy it you can hire a…