Top Things to do in Cornwall
What to do and see in Cornwall, England: The Best Beaches
Cornwall is the extreme southwestern peninsula of England. It has the longest stretch of continuous coastline in Britain and it is one of the sunniest areas in the UK. With picturesque villages, Celtic ruins, light blue waters, gardens and parks and unique architecture it certainly is among the most scenic areas of England. Home of many events and festivals and the land of Cornish pasty, it is definitely worth visiting.
Restaurants in Cornwall
1. Porthminster Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,569 reviews
A favorite place for a family outing, this lovely stretch of beach overlooks Godrevy Lighthouse in the distance.
Reviewed By BO88INS
Excellent beach with a weekly (Tuesday) open air cinema across summer, we watched an afternoon showing of The Greatest Showman - thoroughly enjoyed it. Showings sell out quickly so book in advance to avoid disappointment. VIP tickets best, include popcorn, Gin or soft drink and deck chairs at the front. However, seating was provided for standard tickets and you could get pretty near the front if you arrived early.
2. Porthcurno Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 612 reviews
Reviewed By rsg1525 - Plymouth, United Kingdom
This is a fantastic beach set in a stunning location and a must visit in this part of Cornwall...golden sand with crystal clear shallow water...set at the base of cliffs and a valley leading to the car park with cafe and pub nearby. The Minnack Theatre is set above the beach with views beyond to Lizard point, which can be enjoyed whist having a refreshing ice cream after climbing up the steep steps if you dare from the beach!
3. Gwithian Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 471 reviews
Reviewed By OldBear - Wigan, United Kingdom
A safe beach with RNLI Beach patrols on this and Godrevy Beach. It’s ideal for swimmers but more of a magnet for surfers and body boarders. Surf hire and surf lessons are also available. There are a few car parks, the closest being a National Trust which is free to NT members but the vehicles are crammed in with very little to to maneuver in parts. The beach is a five minute walk. There is also a grassed car park further up the hill which ideal for picnics , both locations provide nice views of St Ives Bay and nearby Godrevy Lighthouse and St Ives.
4. Hayle Towans Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 627 reviews
Reviewed By 464charliep - Walkern, United Kingdom
This really has to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Britain.. The beach is really long and very flat with clear water - so great for walking when the tide is out... and the tide went out far .. it took me three hours to do the full length and back with a 6 year old ... At most times the drop to the water is not steep - so nice and safe for the kids to play in ... the sand is so soft that it makes great sand castles .. There are not too many facilities around the beach that I could find.. one local bar (The Bluff) which I reviewed separately...if you want more then there are nearby beaches in St Ives that are fully catered ... Life guards are patrolling the beach regularly - there was at least 6 of them stationed along the beach with jet ski, surf board and quad bikes for fast reaction... We stayed at the Haven caravan park - which due to Covid was mostly closed - but despite that and a few days of dull weather we really enjoyed our week away ...
5. Poldhu Cove
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By L8953EYandym - Staffordshire, United Kingdom
Second time we've stayed at Trewoon in Poldhu cove. Lovely spot to relax on the beach, grab a drink or bite to eat from the friendly beach cafe or book a surf lesson. The coastal path goes up either side of the beach for those seeking a bit more adventure. Already booked to return next year.
6. Fistral Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,365 reviews
This splendid beach offers excellent water for surfing and body boarding.
Reviewed By mummatash73
Love love this beach ... The facilities are fab.The Life Guards are highly trained & observant ..We are generally here most weekends .And while Covid has played havoc this season in Cornwall & UK .. Procedures are mainly respected with a one way system in place for restaurants /toilets ... Although it is a dog friendly beach.You wouldn’t know it the owners are in a huge majority of cases respectful
7. Polzeath Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 403 reviews
Only a ten-minute walk along a coastal path to Old Polzeath, the beach is well known for its surf, which makes it ideal for Malibu and body surfing.
Reviewed By TheNextDay - Sydney, Australia
Polzeath beach brought back many memories during our North Cornwall stay. It has that special place in my heart of windbreaks, beach cricket and Cornish ice-cream. Doesn’t seem to have changed much over the decades and the tide still goes out miles leaving a huge sandy beach. Easy to climb down to the sand or back up to the cliffs on the west side of the beach. Stunning properties adorn the other side with unrivalled views. Very picturesque surrounds which enhance its natural beauty. The town has your basic amenities, surf shops and cafes. Stay away!!
8. Porthmeor Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,174 reviews
This half-mile-long beach with firm sands is a popular recreational area around St. Ives, where all amenities are available, including beach chalets.
Reviewed By P5169HXdavidr
Great beach with good amenities and a great surf school easy access and very clean well worth a visit
9. Sennen Cove Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 533 reviews
Just north of Land's End is England's most westerly beach, with good breaking surf for beginners.
Reviewed By Biggusrachus
We spent a day at Sennen Cove and the whole family caught some brilliant waves on our bodyboards. A really stunning location, great for surfing/bodyboarding or just playing on the beach. The RNLI Lifeguards were particularly helpful and active throughout the day and spent a lot of time in the water looking out for people and helping to keep them within the flagged areas as the wind kept blowing people too far across. Probably now my favourite beach so far in Cornwall!
10. Watergate Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 815 reviews
Reviewed By JimB3453 - Lyndhurst, United Kingdom
I have been visiting Watergate Bay for 25 years. It’s a glorious beach, with miles to explore, great waves for surfing or body boarding, attentive and helpful lifeguards, a shop, a cafe, a restaurant and three good car parks. I would recommend the car park on the cliff top, which is reasonably priced and it’s not really a long walk, I did it daily with a rucksack and longboard. I can think of nowhere else I would rather be ❤️
