Sandy Beaches in Cornwall
64 sandy beaches in Cornwall - golden sands, white shell beaches, and broad sweeps of sand for building castles and soaking up the sun.
Cornwall has more sandy beaches per mile of coastline than almost anywhere in Britain. The north coast tends toward broad, open sandy bays backed by dunes, while the south coast hides smaller sandy coves between headlands. Sand colour varies from golden to white depending on the local geology - the shell sand beaches around St Ives and Hayle are particularly fine. At low tide, many of these beaches extend significantly, giving you acres of space even in peak summer.
Bedruthan Steps Beach
wadebridge
Dramatic sea stacks at low tide between Newquay and Padstow. Steep cliff steps lead to golden sand and wild spring flowers. Check tides before visiting.
Bossiney Cove Beach
tintagel
Secluded sandy cove near Tintagel accessible only at low tide. Turquoise water, Elephant Rock, and caves make this quieter than Tintagel Castle nearby.
Carbis Bay
st ives
Blue Flag sandy beach a mile from St Ives with calm, sheltered water. Good for kayaking and paddleboarding. Quieter than St Ives, with subtropical planting on the hillside above.
Carlyon Bay
st austell
Long sandy beach near St Austell with gently sloping seabed ideal for families. Championship golf course overlooks the bay; watersports hire available.
Carne Beach
truro
Mile-long sheltered beach on the Roseland Heritage Coast near Veryan. Calm swimming water and gradual sand slope; the Nare Hotel sits on the clifftop.
Crantock Beach
newquay
Wide sandy beach near Newquay where the Gannel estuary meets the sea. Backed by dunes, quieter than Fistral. Good surf and rock pools at low tide. Parking, dog info, map, and holiday cottages nearby.
Crooklets Beach
bude
Bude's main surf beach with golden sands and one of the UK's oldest surf lifesaving clubs. Annual contests, lifeguards May-Sep, and facilities on site.
East Looe Beach
looe
Golden sand beach in central Looe with rock pools at low tide. Fishing harbour, cafes, and restaurants within minutes' walk. Sheltered within the bay.
Fistral Beach
newquay
The UK's most famous surf beach - consistent Atlantic swells and a buzzing beach scene in Newquay.
Gorran Haven Beach
st austell
Crescent-shaped sandy beach in a small fishing village between Mevagissey and St Austell. Harbour walls keep the bay calm. Parking, toilets, café, and a pub in the village.
Great Western Beach
newquay
Named after the Great Western Railway, this Newquay beach first introduced the town to surfing. Rock pools and sea caves at the base of the cliffs. Dogs welcome year-round.
Greenaway Beach
wadebridge
Quiet cove between Polzeath and Daymer Bay, accessible only on foot from nearby car parks. Rock pools rich in marine life. Less visited than its neighbours on the north Cornish coast.
Gwithian Towans
hayle
Miles of dune-backed golden sand at the west end of St Ives Bay. Left and right-hand surf breaks for all levels, plus kiteboarding and windsurfing. Surf schools and hire nearby.
Gwynver Beach
penzance
Surf beach near Sennen with powerful Atlantic swells and fewer crowds than its neighbour. Steep cliff path to access the sand. No facilities on the beach - Sennen Cove is a short walk away.
Gyllyngvase Beach
falmouth
Blue Flag beach in Falmouth - known locally as Gylly - with fine sand and a popular beachside café. Panoramic views across Falmouth Bay. Starting point for the coastal walk to Swanpool.
Harlyn Bay Beach
harlyn
Family surf beach near Padstow with consistent waves and a gentle gradient. Dog friendly year-round - no seasonal ban. Surf school on site, lifeguarded in summer. Car park, map, and cottages nearby.
Holywell Bay
holywell bay
Over a mile of dune-backed sand near Newquay, with sea stacks called Gull Rocks rising from the water. Surf, bodyboarding, and tidal pools. Lifeguarded in summer, café and car park on site.
Kynance Cove
helston
Turquoise water and serpentine rock formations at the tip of the Lizard, one of the most photographed spots in Cornwall. Beach only accessible for a few hours around low tide. Clifftop café above.
Little & Great Molunan Beach
truro
Twin coves at St Anthony Head on the Roseland with views across Carrick Roads. Steep footpath access, rock pools at low tide, no facilities.
Lusty Glaze
newquay
Privately owned Newquay cove enclosed by 200ft cliffs, accessed by 133 steep steps only. Adventure centre, beachside restaurant and bar on sand.
Maenporth Beach
falmouth
Sheltered south-facing cove just south of Falmouth. Sandy beach, calm water for swimming and kayaking, plus a café and restaurant on site.
Marazion Beach
marazion
Golden sands on Mount's Bay with direct views of St Michael's Mount. A causeway to the island opens at low tide. Calm water, paddleboarding, wildlife.
Mawgan Porth
newquay
Wide north coast bay between Newquay and Padstow with rock pools at low tide and reliable surf. Surf schools, cafés, and dog-friendly year-round.
Mother's Ivey Bay
padstow
On Trevose Head Heritage Coast near Padstow, with views of Trevose Head Lighthouse. Long sandy bay, shallow calm water, minimal facilities - bring your own supplies.
Nanjizal Beach
penzance
Remote cove near Land's End with the 'Song of the Sea' rock arch. 45-min walk via the Coast Path - no road access. No facilities, but golden sand and clear water reward the effort. Dog friendly, map and directions.
Pedn Vounder
penzance
Cliff-backed cove near Porthcurno with natural tidal lagoons and turquoise water. Steep scramble access keeps crowds low. No facilities. Clothing-optional tradition.
Pendower Beach
truro
On the Roseland Heritage Coast, Pendower stretches over a mile at low tide on Gerrans Bay. Calm water, limited facilities, and very few crowds.
Pentewan Beach
st austell
Almost a mile of golden sand near St Austell on the south coast. Lifeguarded in summer, kayaking and sailing available. Former port village with cycle trails through the valley.
Perranporth Beach
perranporth
3 miles of golden sand with The Watering Hole - a pub built right on the beach. Consistent surf, surf schools, lifeguarded in summer. Parking, dog info, map, and places to stay nearby.
Perranuthnoe Beach
penzance
Dog-friendly year-round beach east of Penzance with views across Mount's Bay. Sandy at low tide with rock pools, good for beginner surfers, café on site.
Poldhu Cove Beach
mullion
Sandy family beach on the Lizard where Marconi sent the first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901. Gentle waves, café, and parking.
Polurrian Beach
helston
Surf-friendly beach under Lizard cliffs near Mullion with golden sand and nesting seabirds. No facilities, bring your own supplies.
Polzeath Beach
wadebridge
Half-mile north coast surf beach near Wadebridge with left and right-hand breaks for all abilities. Dunes, cliffs, and multiple surf schools.
Ponsence Cove
helston
Remote sandy cove on the Lizard in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Steep access path, no facilities. Near Kynance Cove and Lizard Point.
Porth Beach
newquay
Family-friendly bay north of Newquay with flat sand, a stream for paddling, and Iron Age cliff castle. Lifeguarded May-Sep, dog-free in summer.
Porth Joke (Polly Joke) Beach
newquay
Car-free cove between Crantock and Holywell Bay. Foot access only keeps it quieter than neighbours. Golden sand, wild cliffs, good surf.
Porthcew (Rinsey Cove)
helston
National Trust cove near Helston with mining heritage visible in the cliffs. Steep path from the car park, no facilities, clear water, dramatic setting.
Porthchapel Beach
st levan
Small, quiet cove below the Minack Theatre near St Levan with turquoise water. Steep path access, no facilities, calm at low tide.
Porthcothan Bay Beach
padstow
Sandy bay between Newquay and Padstow with dramatic sea stacks at high tide. Dog-friendly year-round, parking, toilets, and beach shop.
Porthcurnick Beach
truro
Fine sandy cove on the Roseland with calm waters and The Hidden Hut, a rustic beach café famous for ticketed feast nights. Quiet and family-friendly.
Porthcurno Beach
penzance
A wedge of white sand framed by dramatic granite cliffs - one of Cornwall's most photographed beaches.
Porthkidney Beach
hayle
Wide dune-backed strand in Hayle Estuary SSSI with golden sands and excellent birdwatching. Peaceful, uncrowded beach with minimal facilities.
Porthleven Beach
porthleven
Cornwall's most exposed south-facing surf break with powerful winter waves. Harbour-backed with restaurants, dog-friendly year-round, free parking.
Porthluney Bay
st austell
South coast bay on Caerhays Estate with castle and gardens as backdrop. Wide sandy beach, lifeguarded in summer, ideal for families near Mevagissey.
Porthmeor Beach
st ives
Atlantic-facing surf beach in St Ives with consistent swell, surf hire and lessons. Below Tate St Ives, lifeguarded in season. Best town surf break.
Porthminster Beach
st ives
South-facing calm water beach in St Ives sheltered from Atlantic swell. Award-winning beachfront café, safe swimming for families, lifeguarded.
Porthpean Beach
st austell
Sheltered sandy cove near St Austell with safe swimming, large rock pools at low tide, and lifeguard cover in peak season. Family-friendly.
Portreath Beach
redruth
Sandy north coast beach backed by a historic harbour and rocky cliffs near Redruth. Reliable surf, lifeguarded in summer, rock pools at the western end, village shops close by.
Praa Sands
praa sands
Exposed south coast beach between Helston and Penzance with strong Atlantic surf. Wide golden sand, popular with bodyboarders and windsurfers. Lifeguarded in summer.
Readymoney Cove
fowey
Sandy cove below Fowey with Henry VIII's St Catherine's Castle on the headland. Sheltered, family-friendly, calm water. Short walk from Fowey town centre.
Sandymouth Beach
bude
National Trust beach north of Bude with 'Steeple Rock' rising from the sand. Wide golden strand at low tide, reliable surf, lifeguarded in summer, seasonal café.
Seaton Beach
seaton
Dog-friendly year-round beach on the southeast coast between Seaton and Downderry. Long sandy stretch, calm water, on-site café, cycle trails start here.
Sennen Cove
sennen
Crescent beach just a mile from Land's End with a working harbour and reliable surf. Cafés, a pub, surf schools. One of the most westerly beaches in England.
Summerleaze Beach
bude
Bude's main beach with the iconic Bude Sea Pool - a tidal seawater pool safe for swimming in any conditions. Year-round lifeguards and full amenities.
Swanpool Beach
falmouth
Crescent beach near Falmouth next to Swanpool Lake nature reserve - good for birdwatching alongside swimming. Mini-golf, café, lifeguards in summer, easy parking.
Tolcarne Beach
newquay
Cliff-sheltered crescent beach in Newquay that connects to neighbouring beaches at low tide. Dog-friendly year-round, café on the sand, lifeguarded May–Sep. Steep access.
Towan Beach
newquay
Newquay's town beach with the famous island house on its suspension bridge. Sheltered cove at high tide, links to Great Western Beach at low tide. Lifeguarded, cafes, 2 min from town. Map and nearby cottages.
Tregardock Beach
newquay
Remote north coast beach near Tintagel with powerful surf and dramatic rock formations. 15–20 min walk down steep path from car park. No facilities, not lifeguarded.
Trevone Bay
padstow
Sandy north coast bay near Padstow with a natural blowhole on the western cliffs. Lifeguarded in summer, rock pools, good for families. Surf schools and café on site.
Treyarnon Bay
padstow
Known for its natural rock swimming pool that forms at low tide - a unique sheltered spot for children. Sandy bay between Constantine Bay and Porthcothan, lifeguarded in summer.
Watergate Bay
watergate bay
2 miles of north coast sand north of Newquay with consistent surf and a strong food scene - The Beach Hut and Jamie Oliver's Fifteen Cornwall both above the shore.
Whipsiderry Beach
newquay
Sandy cove north of Newquay hemmed in by high cliffs with a quieter atmosphere than the main town beaches. No facilities, clifftop parking, turquoise water at low tide.
Whitsand Bay
torpoint
4 miles of golden sand on the Rame Peninsula, less visited than north coast beaches. Cliff-backed, great for surfing and bodyboarding, beach cafés scattered along the bay.
Widemouth Bay
bude
Over 2 miles of sand south of Bude with reliable surf for all abilities. Lifeguarded in summer, rock pools at low tide, surf schools, parking and cafés on site.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How many sandy beaches are there in Cornwall?
- We list 64 sandy beaches in Cornwall, out of 107 total beaches. Each beach page includes directions, a map, facilities information, and nearby accommodation.
- Which are the best sandy beaches in Cornwall?
- All 64 beaches on this page match the "sandy" criteria. 12 of them have lifeguard cover during summer. 43 have parking nearby. Browse the full list below - each beach page has detailed information, photos, and a map.
- Where can I stay near sandy beaches in Cornwall?
- Each beach page shows holiday cottages and properties within walking distance. You can also browse all places to stay in Cornwall to find the right base for your beach holiday.
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