| Beaches
- West Cornwall
PorthcurnoWithin
a stones throw of each other only 4 miles East of Lands End are two
of the most strikingly beautiful beaches in Cornwall. Nestling under
granite cliffs, themselves a mass of wildflowers in Spring. Both beaches
have a crystal clear sea and golden sand and are south facing sun
traps. Porthcurno, with the Minack Theatre to the West has a large
car park a short walk down a level path behind the beach, so is the
more accessible to families. In season life guards are on duty.
Pednvounder just around the corner from Treen Porthcurno with
Logans Rock as a backdrop is reached via a stiff mile and a half walk
from the nearest parking in Treen Village. The walk is 1 mile along
and then down a steep path. There even is a all hands and feet scramble
required just above the beach, hence not a beach suitable for young
children, or the unfit. Stout footwear is essential. You should also
check the state of the tide to avoid being cut off at high water.Both
beaches have undertows and rip tides in certain conditions , so take
heed of the warnings, and particularly at Pednvounder don't swim alone.
No lifeguard patrol at Pednvounder.
Beaches North Cornwall
The coast from Newquay and stretching as far as Bude and the County
border boasts some particularly fine beaches, offering huge expanses
often backed by sand dunes, many with easy parking nearby. Mawgan
Porth, Watergate Bay,Constantine, Trevone to name but a few.
Trebarwith Strand 3 miles from Tintagel. The beach has Gull
Rock as a backdrop, a huge expanse of sand at low water and lots of
rock pools for the kids to explore. Parking nearby, and life guards
on duty during the Season. Trebarwith bears witness to many spectacular
sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean, particularly on a high tide. Equally
impressive is a stroll along the beach at low water with a Winter
storm raging. Lovely food and great ale available overlooking the
beach.
Widemouth
4 miles along the Coast from Bude. A huge 2 mile long sandy beach,
with plenty of car parking right behind it. Popular with surfers and
families too. Tuition and board hire. A place for all the family.
Life guards on duty in Season. Please take heed of the warnings and
swim where indicated by the flags. Keep out of the water near the
rocks. Like Trebarwith scene of spectacular sunsets.
Duckpool
3 miles North of Bude, near to Kilkhamton. A large beach with some
small pebbles. In a beautiful setting. Like nearby Sandymouth reached
down narrow country lanes with high hedges. Rarely busy, hidden in
at the mouth of a deep valley, with a stream running down it. Lifegaurd
in Season but swimming advised only for the experienced. Well worth
a visit for the peace and quiet.
Watergate Bay 3
miles north of Newquay. One of Cornwall's more spectacular rural beaches
with 2 miles of golden sand at low tide backed by 300 foot cliffs.
There is car parking right behind the beach, shop facilities, food
is available too. One of Cornwall's gems. In Season Surfing Tuition
from qualified instructors is available from West Coast Surfari .
For beginners, intermediates and advanced surfers. Watergate Bay is
an excellent destination for a brisk walk with a purpose. It is about
an hour's walk along the Coastal Path north from Newquay. Life guards
on duty in Season.
Fistral Beach Newquay
is indeed spoilt with several of the best surfing beaches in Cornwall.
Fistral facing the Atlantic is very popular with surfers of all abilities.
Venue for International Surfing Competitions. Like Watergate Bay and
many other Cornish surf beaches surfing tuition is available from
Professional Coaches. Several areas are kept for swimmers alone. All
Newquay's beaches are popular with families. Most have nearby car
parking and life guards on duty in Season .
Beaches South East Cornwall
Mention must first be made of the unspoilt Rame Peninsula, that stretch
of Coast between Looe and Plymouth Sound. Some say the forgetten Corner
of Cornwall, with some wonderful beaches. Whitsands and Sharrow Bay
popular with surfers. Portwrinkle and Downderry hidden under cliffs.
Click here for pictures.
Lantivet Bay
Real gems, three south facing sandy beaches hidden in a Bay mid way
between Polperro and Fowey, reachable by a stiff 2 mile walk from
the nearest road, with lots of steps. The Bay is popular as a mooring
with yachts hopping along the Cornish Coast. South facing beaches
None are ever busy due to their inaccessibility. Well worth the walk
for the sheer beauty and isolation of the three beaches.
Gorran Haven
Near St Austell. Beautiful East facing beach sheltered by the Harbour
walls. A wide expanse of sand at low water. Often lots going on. Popular
as a launch for dive boats. If you are there at the right time of
year Gig Racing. Car Parking few minutes away in the village
Between St Mawes Castle at one end of this Cornish Riviera and Pencarrow Head
at the other there are many sandy beaches and coves. The following
represents a selection of these: Remember beach conditions vary considerably
according to wind and sea conditions. Always take care when bathing
in the sea
Readymoney Covesmall
sandy cove on Fowey Estuary. Car park 1/4 mile from beach. No dogs
allowed
Polkerr is a small, sandy harbour beach. Car park available
and cafe and pub next to the beach
Par Sandslarge flat sandy beach, with pub, cafe and sports
facilities at the rear. Dogs welcome.
Crinnis also known as Carlyon Bay, large, sandy, private beach,
excellent facilities, daily car park charge, popular for bathing and
watersports. At the far end of Crinnis is Shorthorn Cove which is
an Official Naturist Beach.
Porthpean St Austell s Town Beach . Small, sandy beach, popular
for bathing and watersports. Car park close by. Dog ban in operation
Pentewan wide, sandy beach, popular for bathing and watersports.
Pub, cafe, tea rooms and shops close by.
Portmellon next to Mevagissey, a small fairly sandy beach, good
for bathing with a small slipway for boat launching. Dogs welcome
Gorran Havensmall sandy cove, car park, shops and cafe in village
close by
Porthluney Cove(Caerhays) fairly wide, quite sandy beach. Car
park (daily charge) and cafe at back of beach.Caerhays Castle(limited
opening) forms a wonderful backdrop. Dogs welcome
There are tens if not hundreds of beaches in
Cornwall, only a few are mentioned here.
Part of the delight of a Cornish Holiday is
finding a beach to yourselves. |
