As summer approaches, it’s time to start looking out for your next getaway – and what better place to explore than the beautiful beaches around Cornwall? The county is famous for the variety and quality of its beaches.
Whether you’re looking for popular family beaches, secluded coves hidden away from the buzz of the crowd, or the best surfing havens in the UK, Cornwall has something for everyone.
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Surfers’ paradise
Perranporth, Godrevy and Fistral beaches are famous for attracting surfers from all over the UK and beyond.
A typical seaside holiday resort, but with the feel of a village, rather than the sprawl of a busy town; Perranporth hosts friendly shops, cafes and pubs. The two-mile beach is popular with surfers and sunseekers alike. A natural outdoor swimming pool is filled by the seawater at high tide.
At the northern tip of a three-mile beach, Godrevy stretches from Hayle to Godrevy Head. It is exposed to the Atlantic swell and has perfect surfing conditions as a result. The coastline features a rugged splendour that is popular among walkers too. It offers some spectacular views, with a rocky headland overlooking the landmark, Godrevy lighthouse.
Fistral Beach in Newquay is known as the home of British surfing, thanks to the quality and consistency of the surf. To the surfing community, the location is well-known across the globe. On calm days, everyone can enjoy the ocean swell, but only the experts will brave Cornwall’s biggest wave, the Cribbar.
Bustling beaches
If you’re looking for bustling town beaches where you can spend the whole day, with lots of cafes, restaurants and things to do, check out the golden sands of Marazion and Porthmeor.
Against a backdrop of picturesque dunes, Marazion beach is at the end of a long expanse of sand, stretching all the way to Penzance. The iconic St Michael’s Mount can be accessed via the causeway at low tide. Perfect for families who wish to spend a day relaxing, the south-facing beach is calm and sheltered. Steeped in culture, the surrounding town is one of the oldest in England.
Porthmeor is St Ives’ most westerly beach and features a curved, sandy bay. Overlooked by the imposing Tate gallery, the artistic theme continues with former art studios converted into holiday flats backing on to the beach. It has beach huts, a cafe and car park and is just a short distance from St Ives’ centre.
Hidden secrets
The more sheltered beaches of the south coast, such as Praa Sands and Porthcurno, offer great swimming opportunities, as the coves are protected from the northerly winds.
Praa Sands is located between Perranuthnoe and Porthleven. In the summer, it’s a sheltered area to relax – the sea is often calm and flat, making it an excellent choice for casual swimmers and kids. There are plenty of cafes, shops, public toilets and campsites within walking distance of the beach.
Porthcurno nestles among spectacular granite cliffs. The beach is part of the larger bay, opening up at low tide to reveal golden sands that stretch to Logan Rock on the cliffs – the site of an Iron Age castle.
There are even more remote beaches, including Kynance and Harlyn, where you can really get away from it all, if that’s your ideal holiday.
Kynance Cove is a haven of white sand, turquoise water, caves, islands and breathtaking rock formations, making it one of the prettiest beaches in Cornwall since Victorian times.
On Cornwall’s north coast, near Padstow, Harlyn Bay is a large beach, where the coastal path winds across the sands on its way to the legendary Bedruthan Steps. A great place to swim, the only facilities at this hidden gem are some toilets and a carpark, so it never becomes too busy, as most people tend to flock to the beaches where there’s more to do.
If you’re planning a Cornish adventure, such as a road trip in a motorhome, you could take in more than one beach during your holiday – and they are all certainly worth some of your time! There are all sorts of interesting and fun activities you can enjoy from a motorhome base – have a late-night barbecue under the stars or watch the early morning sunrise. Sit and chat with friends on the beach, while having breakfast al fresco on a summer’s morning. What’s not to love?
Driveline provides a range of modern vehicles for hire for your summer holiday. Our quality motorhomes are ideal for getting away to the seaside with family and friends. For details of our comfortable, reliable vehicles, please contact us.
