With hundreds of beautiful beaches all around Cornwall's incredible coastline, it can sometimes be quite a challenge to choose which ones you want to visit. I mean, we really are spoilt for choice with so many world-class spots! But, as challenging as it was, in this blog post I've narrowed down the best beaches in Cornwall!
Here's a list of my top five favourite beaches to visit in Cornwall that are absolutely not to be missed, how to get there and what you need to know!
1) Kynance Cove
Kynance Cove is located on The Lizard Peninsula and is sure to leave you speechless when you see it! With astonishing islands, astounding sea stacks and crystal clear water, there are very few places that can even come close.
Getting there: Driving towards Lizard Village on the A3083, the National Trust car park is signposted on the right roughly three miles after the Mullion turn off. Postcode TR12 7PJ.
2) Gwithian/Godrevy
Gwithian sits in the stunning St Ives Bay. The consistent surf, stretching sand dunes and vast sandy beach make it a favourite for holiday makers and locals alike. What's more is the unbelievable view of Godrevy Lighthouse and the walk round to Godrevy Beach is well worth it!
Getting there: Driving north-east from Hayle on the B3301, take a left turn off just before the town of Gwithian for Gwithian Towans long stay car park. Postcode TR27 5BT. Alternatively, Godrevy National Trust car park is on the left shortly after the town of Gwithian. Postcode TR27 5ED.
3) Trevone Bay
As you make your way down to Trevone Bay, you're sure to see the large round hole in the cliffside, which was the result of erosion and a collapsed sea cave. That alone makes this place quite compelling, but the beach also offers safe swimming, stunning cliff top walks and even cliff jumping when the tide's right. Plus, there's a tidal pool just a short walk away!
Getting there: Driving towards Padstow on the A389, turn left just before Padstow towards St Merryn on the B3276. Roughly 1 mile later, turn right at the town of Windmill (speed limit 30mph) and follow the road down the hill, with the car park being on your right at the bottom. Postcode PL28 8QY.
4) Porthcurno
Porthcurno is located roughly four miles south from Land's End. With it's white sand beach, turquoise coloured water and sheltering granite cliffs, it's considered a paradise and a perfect spot for families. Be sure to see if anything's showing at the world famous Minnack Theatre just up the road as well!
Getting there: Driving from Penzance on the A30 towards Sennen Beach and Land's End, take the signposted left turn onto the B3283. At the town of Trethewey, take a left turn onto "The Valley" Road, with the car park being on your left shortly after. Postcode TR19 6JX.
5) Chapel Porth
Honestly, at high tide, Chapel Porth might not seem like much. But, at low tide, there's miles of beach, plenty of surf and even some pretty impressive caves in the cliff. Also, the UNESCO world heritage site of Wheal Coates is definitely worth the walk up to!
Getting there: From the A30 Chiverton Cross roundabout, drive towards St Agnes on the B3277. After reaching St Agnes, take a left (first exit) at the mini roundabout, following Goonvrea Road and bearing left when the road begins to veer right until arriving at the car park at the bottom of the valley. Postcode TR5 0NS.
Bonus Beaches:
Narrowing down the hundreds of beautiful beaches in Cornwall really was quite the challenge! So, I thought that it wouldn't hurt to include some honourable mentions for good measure! Perranporth, Crantock, Bedruthan Steps, Holywell Bay and Sennen Cove. There's five bonus beaches that definitely would've made my top ten list (which, now that I think of it, is pretty much what I've just gone and done anyway!)
What's your favourite beach in Cornwall? Leave a comment below to let us know!